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Detroit Filmmaker's 'An Anthem Of Time' Showcases City's Beauty

Elliot Van Orman, a 26-year-old indie filmmaker, hopes his recent video project will help people think about the positive aspects of Detroit.

Originally from Rochester, Van Orman has been making films since he was ten years old. After graduating from Adams High School, he attended film school at Columbia College in Chicago. In 2008 he moved back to Detroit, got an apartment downtown and got to work. After some initial success in making and selling BMX videos at local shops as well as music video production Van Orman looked to take his business to the next level.

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In an effort to promote his production company and get more commercial video work, Van Orman created his video called "An Anthem Of Time." It's a stylish video set to the song "Classy Penguin" courtesy of NY band The Books. The video features cool time-lapse shots and quick cuts showcasing some of the classic as well as the lesser-known landmarks of Detroit. You'll see everything from the Joe Louis fist monument, Spirit Of Detroit statue and The People Mover to the Underground Railroad statues.

Van Orman shot the video with his father on location in Detroit in February and March of 2012. It was a labor of love as he walked more than 20 miles from location to location carrying his own equipment.

With a recent uptick in violent crime, major budget issues and worries over an emergency financial manager it's hard to ignore the city's woes, but Van Orman stresses the importance of telling the positive story. He explained that Detroit is getting better in spite of its problems.

When asked about his recommended Detroit spots Van Orman suggested visiting Hart Plaza, "In the summertime there's always lots going on."

Learn more about Elliot Van Orman Productions -- visit the official site, Facebook page or Vimeo channel.

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