Director’s Statement
My parents and I have visited Chicago at least once a year ever since I can remember. One of the friends we always see is Ted, my parents have known Ted since they were in their early 20’s. I grew up with them telling drop dead funny stories about their old friends at Spiaggia, a fine dining swanky Italian restaurant on the famous corner of Michigan Ave & Oak St. (Michigan Ave known as the Magnificent Mile, and Oak St used to be filled with Salons, and Designer Stores. Spiaggia, literally means on the beach, from the windows you can see Oak St Beach.
Upon our last visit to Chicago, we found out that after 37 years of service, Spiaggia has closed their doors. I myself ate there at the café with my mom when I was younger overlooking Michigan Ave. A true legend, one I hate to see die. A part of me will always preserve the stories of the young optimistic and wacky people who worked there.
Director’s Biography
Ian Tompkins is a musician and sound designer first and foremost, who has found an interest in documentary film. Having been immersed within music from a young age, Ian has developed a unique skillset that lends itself to creative media making. Despite this, he has much to learn within the realm of filmmaking with Spiaggia being his first attempt at a short documentary. Ian, however, takes advantage of his creative skills for this project in order to create something engaging, unique, and entertaining.
My parents and I have visited Chicago at least once a year ever since I can remember. One of the friends we always see is Ted, my parents have known Ted since they were in their early 20’s. I grew up with them telling drop dead funny stories about their old friends at Spiaggia, a fine dining swanky Italian restaurant on the famous corner of Michigan Ave & Oak St. (Michigan Ave known as the Magnificent Mile, and Oak St used to be filled with Salons, and Designer Stores. Spiaggia, literally means on the beach, from the windows you can see Oak St Beach.
Upon our last visit to Chicago, we found out that after 37 years of service, Spiaggia has closed their doors. I myself ate there at the café with my mom when I was younger overlooking Michigan Ave. A true legend, one I hate to see die. A part of me will always preserve the stories of the young optimistic and wacky people who worked there.
Director’s Biography
Ian Tompkins is a musician and sound designer first and foremost, who has found an interest in documentary film. Having been immersed within music from a young age, Ian has developed a unique skillset that lends itself to creative media making. Despite this, he has much to learn within the realm of filmmaking with Spiaggia being his first attempt at a short documentary. Ian, however, takes advantage of his creative skills for this project in order to create something engaging, unique, and entertaining.