“PHILLY’S MIGHTIEST UNDERDOGS”
After their beloved recreation center closes, a resilient Philadelphia gymnastics team continues to defy the odds. The team’s unwavering spirit and determination inspire their city to build a new state-of-the-art facility for the community in partnership with Make the World Better Foundation.
VARE GYMNASTICS TEAM
Underdogs tells the inspiring story of the Vare Gymnastics team, founded by Coach Kristin Smerker in 1997. Kristin has coached more than 500 gymnasts and is a pillar of the Grays Ferry community. Today, she continues to lead the team alongside fellow coaches Karin Smerker and Natasha Rogers.
“I knew I had to tell this story when I discovered the Vare Gymnastics team. It’s the story of strong women and Philly grit. ”
Maria Vattimo, Director
FILMMAKERS
CREW
Director: Maria Vattimo
Producers: Amanda McDonnell, Jo Shen
Executive Producers: Connor Barwin, Kris Mendoza
Dir. of Photography: Wren Rene
Story Producers: Maria Cantu, Mike Kaiser
Gaffers: Ed DiJoseph, Hai Nguyen
Key Grip: Jon Barden
Best Boy Grip: Raymond Ermel, Justin Tran
Location Sound: Patti McHugh, Alex Yaker
1st AC: Kyle Hamilton, Heather Treston, Cindy Pham
2nd AC: Raymond Ermel
Steadicam: Michael Thackray
Camera Operators: Raymond Ermel, Taj Devore-Bey, Tyler B. Nelson
Drone Operator: Ryan Navazio
Key Makeup Artist: Fre Howard
Makeup Assistant: Nyla Nolasco
Production Coordinator: Annie Bydlon
PAs: Sinead Doyle, Tara Heron
Set photography: Brandon Wyche
POST TEAM
Editor: Maria Cantu
Composer: Christian “Mountain” Mariano
Post Supervisor: Lexi Morrison
Colorist: Gavin Rosenberg
Colored at: Yeah Post
Sound Mix: Ben Wong
Assistant Mixer: Alex Daviau
Mixed at: Dragonfly Audio Post
VFX & Graphics: Emily Poppa
Post Coordinator: Danielle Moore
MAESTRO TEAM
Creative Team: Jo Shen, Maria Vattimo, Mike Kaiser
Production Team: Tim Spellman, Annie Bydlon, Raymond Ermel
Post Production Team: Lexi Morrison, Maria Cantu, Stephen Yia, Danielle Moore
Animation & VFX team: Emily Poppa, Austin Dean
Office & Studio Manager: Rylee Meyer-Evers
Business Development: Betsy Oliphant
GET INVOLVED
Make the World Better Foundation partnered with The City of Philadelphia’s Rebuild Initiative to lead the reconstruction of the Vare Recreation Center.
Learn more about the Make The World Better Foundation and support the great work they are doing in the community.
PRESS
“A STORY OF TRUE PHILLY GRIT.”
“UNDERFUNDED BUT UNDETERRED.”
“PHILLY’S MIGHTIEST UNDERDOGS”
MAESTRO FILMWORKS
Established in 2005, Maestro Filmworks was founded upon two principles: that our work should impact others and that we create a space where talent can thrive. Since then, Maestro Filmworks has grown into an Emmy Award winning production company with work spanning across commercial, narrative and documentary projects, leading with the mission of telling stories that need to be told and championing diversity both in front of and behind the camera.