Centering on the life of Gene Cernan, the film is not only a reminder of where we have gone, but
also a source of inspiration for where we’ve yet to journey. Credit: Mark Stewart Productions
“You have to have a
passion and a love for what
you are doing, otherwise
you shouldn’t be doing it.”
- Gene Cernan
Only now, in his 80’s does Cernan
entertain the notion of slowing down
as he steps into his grandfather
and family man role. Time with
friends and family is as important
as communicating his message. It
seems like Cernan’s experience is
a life well lived and spent, yet with
an eye on the future he wonders
how future generations will appraise
his life and that of his fellow
astronauts who went to the Moon.
Speaking with director Mark Craig
after the screening, he related his
At the time of going to press,
“The Last Man on the Moon” has
received preview screenings in the
UK and official release dates will
be forthcoming. Stay tuned to the
below links for further updates.
• The Last Man on The Moon:
http://thelastmanonthemoon.com/
• Join their Mailing List:
[email protected]
• Mark Stewart Productions:
http://markstewartproductions.com/
• Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/
thelastmanonthemoon
• Twitter: @LastManOnMoon
56
56
but masterful computer generated
visual effects also lend enhanced
authenticity and truth to the space
visuals on screen. Presented in the
IMAX format at London’s Science
Museum, the film held up very well
and was faultless in its presentation.
Self-belief, tenacity,
professionalism, verisimilitude and a
“right first time” approach are the
hallmarks behind this production,
which are also mirrored in Cernan’s
life. All of these qualities were
later recognised by Cernan as he
related how impressed he was with
this film, which is a fitting legacy.
Craig’s connection to the film
and this event is a very personal
one, as he remembers a childhood
visit to see the Apollo 10 Command
Module at London’s Science
Museum with his late father. To be
working with and documenting
the life of one of the men who flew
in that spacecraft is an honour.
Producer Mark Stewart also
reflected on the making of this
film and recognising its unique
experiences during the making
of this film. The lead time to build
relationships and connections
behind this documentary were key to
its success. It took seven years from
his first meeting with Gene Cernan
to finishing the making of this film.
Recognising that
the central theme
is the story not the
man, Craig was able
to convince Cernan
that this was a story
that needed to be
told so that the next
generation of children
know what they can
do based on what
Cernan accomplished
in his lifetime. It is a
testament to Craig’s
skill as a director
that his original
vision from seven
L-R Executive Producer Mark Stewart, Gene Cernan and Director Mark
years ago has not
Craig stand in front of Cernan’s Apollo 10 Command Module “Charlie
changed. The finished
Brown” at London’s Science Museum. Credit: Mark Stewart Productions
product has not
detoured from this central theme.
story. A huge team effort, from
the unseen archival footage,
This documentary has surpassed
to the backing of investors and
its high ambitions and judging
the space community, he also
by the warm reception received
singled out his father, legendary
by audiences so far, it is cutting
racing driver Sir Jackie Stewart for
across viewer demographics and
his support in completing the film
gaining much acclaim from critics.
and telling this distinctive story.
Lorne Balfe’s wistful soundtrack
whispers across the screen like
As the curtain came down on this
audio tumbleweeds as the camera
special preview screening, Gene
lingers on NASA history of years
Cernan stepped up to a standing
gone by. Penny Holton’s restricted
ovation and was moved by the
www.RocketSTEM .org