Upcoming Museum Events

The Blue Notebooks Exhibition (September 18 - December 4). Reception October 9, 1- 4 p.m.

Japanese Tea Ceremony (September 25 at 2 p.m.)

Shtrykov-Tanaka Piano and Clarinet Concert (October 2 at 4 p.m.)

Rotations: That 70s Print Show (September 18 - March 12, 2023)

Reception: October 9, 1 - 4 p.m.

Sarah Meyers Brent: Out Growth Exhibition (September 25November 27

Reception: October 9, 1 - 4 p.m.

Zefira Trio Violin, Cello, Piano Concert (Sunday, November 6 at 4 p.m.)

Woodblock Printing Workshop with BIG INK (November 12 and 13, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

Annual Duxbury Art Association Juried Art Show (December 18 – March 12, 2023) Reception: December 18, 1 - 4 p.m.

For more information about the Art Complex Museum, visit artcomplex.org.

Hingham’s Marina Cappi is transforming New England’s film industry one film studio at a time—and making history in the process.

Written by JULIET PENNINGTON

Photography by DERRICK ZELLMANN

When Marina Cappi was a little girl, her grandfather told her that she could be whatever she wanted to be, and do whatever she wanted to do. Clearly, the founder of Quincy’s Marina Studios took those words of encouragement to heart, as she is now not only a film producer, but at the helm of one of the country’s only woman-owned movie studios–with a production schedule booked several years out.

A 33-year-old mother of 3-year-old twins, Cappi’s rocketing career trajectory may at first sound surprising. But if you ask the Hingham resident about her transition into the film industry, she’ll tell you that it just made good business sense.

“My background is in construction, commercial real estate and finance,” says Cappi, a Rochester, N.Y., native, who moved to Boston 16 years ago to attend Suffolk University. Aside from a year when she moved home to care for her ailing grandfather, she has remained in the greater Boston area ever since.

“If you look at what I have built, it’s kind of a mix of all three of the things I was doing before,” she says. “Making a movie is actually a lot like running a large construction project. It was a smooth transition for me once I met and partnered with my production company [Compelling Pictures, cofounded by Denis O’Sullivan and East Boston native Jeff Kalligheri].”

Cappi recognized that there was a growing need for studio space in Massachusetts, due in large part to a 2005 tax incentive program that was originally scheduled to expire in January 2023, which was made permanent by the Massachusetts Legislature last year. The exponential growth of streaming services in recent years has also led to increased interest in filming in the Bay State. “The need for content is enormous,” says Cappi.

When she first saw the former Marina Bay Sportsplex, which had closed during the pandemic, she envisioned it as an opportunity to make a big splash in the New England film industry. Cappi purchased the Victory Road campus in 2021 and proceeded to have the facility transformed into a modern, 26,000-square-foot soundstage with a 14,000-square-foot production office and a 3-acre backlot.

“I noticed that there weren’t any soundstages close to the city. Quincy is 8 miles away from the airport, which makes it very convenient to fly people in and out,” says Cappi, who notes that the Marina Bay location also had a lot of other things going for it.

“It’s very much a live/work/play environment. It’s on the water, there are plenty of restaurants and short-term housing and apartments... you don’t have to leave for any reason.”

Now fully invested in her career change, Cappi recently had another 32,000-square-foot soundstage constructed in Canton, which opened in early July. She notes that there’s enough work to go around and looks forward to collaborating with New England Studios, a large facility that opened in Devens in 2014.

“There’s plenty of work for all,” concurs Gary Crossen, general manager of New England Studios. “This is a great opportunity for additional jobs, and a woman opening a business here is only a plus to the Massachusetts economy and to Massachusetts society.”

The first production to use the space at Marina Studios was the Whitney Houston biopic “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” (scheduled to release in December), which was directed by Kasi Lemmons, written by Anthony McCarten, and for which Cappi was an executive producer. “The team that I worked with on “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” was so talented and the strong friendships that came from this production are very special to me,” says Cappi.

I have found an amazing community with the number of women that are in the film industry. In addition, I have a strong support system from the Women in Film and Video in New England organization and I have participated as a keynote speaker discussing the roles of female storytellers.

— MARINA CAPPI

Upcoming projects at Marina Studios include “The Collaboration,” a film about the complicated relationship between artists Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat, and “The Blur,” a horror film centered around a same-sex couple that is directed by Joe Miale. Cappi is currently producing “Daddy Issues,” a coming-of-age story about three adult women that is being directed by Katie Cassidy (who is also making her directorial debut), which will begin filming at Marina Studios in October. Cappi said she isn’t at liberty to talk about some of the other projects in which she/her studio is involved, “So many nondisclosure agreements,” she quips.

Cappi admits to daily “pinch me” moments, and says that being in the movie industry uses her background in a very practical way, but also allows her to be creative at the same time. She likens her excitement for her newfound career to the feeling of satisfaction she would experience when visualizing a construction project before it was built and then seeing it come to fruition. “You’re visualizing a story and seeing it come to life on the screen,” she says.

“I have found an amazing and supportive community with the amount of women that are in the film industry,” says Cappi. “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” was directed by Kasi Lemmons and it was such a joy being able to collaborate with her on that incredible film. In addition, I have a strong support system from the local Women in Film and Video in New England organization and I have participated as a keynote speaker discussing the roles of female storytellers.”

Ever since Marina Studios got off the ground, Cappi has been traveling more for work, but says she’s fortunate that her daughter and son are young enough to be able to accompany her. When she’s not on the road, she makes time to go to the beach with her kids and in her limited free time, she enjoys playing golf and practicing yoga. “Half of the reason I moved to Hingham is because of Krigsman Yoga,” says Cappi. “It’s my favorite yoga studio on the planet!”

Cappi readily admits that juggling a demanding career and parenting is not always easy. “There are not enough hours in a day so I just finish as much as possible and I prioritize,” she says. “I do put the kids first, and then I just make it work.” Cappi says she believes her grandfather, who died in 2013, would be proud of her. “I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be – but I’m just getting started.”

For more information on Marina Studios, visit marinastudios.com.

Written

STEPHANIE

hen most people think of The Pinehills, they think about beautiful homes, miles of walking trails, award-winning golf courses, and convenient shops, services and restaurants.

However, some of the greatest (and often-overlooked) features of this charming New England village are the wonderful people who contribute to the Pinehills lifestyle in unique and inspiring ways. From hair stylists and sushi chefs to the president and general counsel, these inspiring women make The Pinehills a special place to live and visit.

Trinh Vo

General Dentist, Beacon Dental Health

If you tell Trinh Vo she can’t do something, she’ll show you how she can. Someone once suggested she marry a dentist, but instead, she became one. She spent five years in the army, as a dentist, before joining the Beacon Dental Health practice at The Pinehills. Born in Vietnam, Dr.Vo moved to this country at age 11. Her strong work ethic has led to many accomplishments, and she will teach her two young girls how to do the same, noting: “They will be bilingual and grow up to be strong, independent women.” Indeed, they will—just like their mom.

KRISTEN WHITE Sales Director Whitman Homes

not just a house,” says White. “It’s their life.”

MELISSA COLANGELO Director

Farmer’s Market at Rye Tavern

Melissa Colangelo is a locavore who’s passionate about farming, food security and supporting small business. In addition to sourcing local foods for the restaurant, she started the Farmer’s Market at Rye Tavern last year as a safe, outdoor space to shop. It has grown to over 40 vendors and is now situated on the lawn by the tavern’s outdoor bar. Colangelo has a half-acre of farmland behind the restaurant where she grows vegetables that are featured on the Rye Tavern menu, and three more acres at her home to support the local food movement. She enjoys promoting farm-to-table fare and educating the community about where their food comes from and encourages everyone to “get to know your farmer!”

Executive Director Pinehills Landowners Association

Judith Froman is motivated to make things happen, which she does with her uncanny ability to connect the dots, be it people or situations. It’s a good skill to have as the executive director of the Pinehills Landowners Association where she oversees the bylaws of the community, much like a town manager. But Froman expanded her role to be a facilitator of fun, creating a campus-like environment at the clubhouse where discussion groups and classes can gather. The programming is based on the interests and expertise of the residents of The Pinehills—all of whom Froman naturally connects.

Deborah Sedares is proof the world is a small place. She grew up in Worcester, graduated law school, worked as general counsel for the Worcester Redevelopment Authority, Providence and Worcester Railroad, and the Mass Turnpike Authority before joining land development company Pinehills, LLC in 2000. Earlier this year she was promoted to President, overseeing the master plan for the 3,243acre property. But there’s serendipity here: Her great uncle Arthur Lamb was the first professional fire chief of Plymouth. His safety plan included building a station on the undeveloped land where The Pinehills is located. And the town fire station that now operates at The Pinehills and protects the forest and countless homes, is dedicated to her uncle.

Jessica Childers

Chef de Cuisine at Mirbeau Inn & Spa

As a chef who loves cooking both the sweet and the savory, Jessica Childers is a bit of a unicorn in the kitchen. She’s constantly crossing barriers with her menus, incorporating molecular gastronomy and modern techniques meant to impress her guests, which she does consistently. As the Chef de Cuisine at Mirbeau, Childers designs original dishes for the restaurant, working with local purveyors procuring fresh ingredients, which feeds her creative passion for cooking. When she’s not at Mirbeau, she may be competing in charity-based cooking competitions, or focusing on her other love—spending time with her two horses.

Ruyi Feng is a people-pleaser. And she’s found her niche making people happy by introducing them to different kinds of cuisine. Originally from China, Feng lived in Japan for seven years, which is where she learned the art of sushi-making. She brought that craft with her to Boston when she moved here 30 years ago. Fourteen years ago, she was recruited to work at The Market at Pinehills. She was nervous, she admits, but the community embraced her, and she returned the kindness by serving Market customers authentic Chinese and Japanese dishes, made with love.

If you took a drink from the faucet today, you can thank Marisa PiconeDevine, who operates the drinking water services at The Pinehills. Her company, Sarian, is a certified woman business enterprise in a male-dominated industry, which she got involved in because she’s always been interested in water and public health. It’s an ever-changing industry as different contaminants and treatments emerge, as do regulations. But she’s a person who likes to learn both on the job and off. Every year she acquires a new skill. One year it was beekeeping. This year, she’s still considering. But one thing is for sure, The Pinehills water system is in excellent hands.

JULIE CADOSE Manager, Charles David Salon & Spa at The Pinehills

There’s nothing better than the Charles David Salon & Spa experience —from the smell of fresh baked cookies when you enter, to the clean, bright, cheerful atmosphere. At The Pinehills location, the woman responsible for that experience is salon manager Julie Cadose. She’ll greet you by name and give you the VIP treatment because hospitality is the most important part of her job. The salon is an extension of the close-knit Pinehills community, which is why she works hard to make sure clients enjoy their visit from the very first moment they walk in.

CHRISTINE FRAZIER HAGOPIAN Director of sales and marketing The

Pinehills Golf Club

As the sales and marketing director of The Pinehills Golf Club, Christine Frazier Hagopian’s job is to monetize the two premier 18-hole courses. She oversees 75 high-profile events in the six-month season, which have included multiple U.S. Open qualifiers and New England PGA Championships. As a golfer herself, Hagopian can explain the nuances of the courses to clients, resulting in many events returning each year to experience the consistency of the 5-star facility. Hagopian, who is also a Pinehills resident, helped build the nationally recognized brand through continuous outreach. But it’s the local play, welcoming the public to be a member for a day, that grows this golf club.