American Storyboard
American Storyboard is best known for two award-winning features: Gloucester’s Adventure: An American Story and Women in American Horse Racing.
In Memoriam
A 501(c)(3) non-profit, American Storyboard was dedicated to producing high quality documentaries. AS was dissolved in 2023 following the death of board member Arthur Ryan. A Gloucester native, Arthur was a vice president of Paramount Pictures and later President of Technicolor. Back home after retirement, Arthur was gracious in supporting this small, local non-profit and generous with his Hollywood expertise. This page is preserved in his memory.
Gloucester's Adventure
Storyboard’s inaugural project, Gloucester’s Adventure: An American Story, won prestigious Aurora Gold and a Telly Awards in the historical documentary categories.
The hour-long feature, which chronicles the journey of the schooner, its city, and the sea, premiered at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA, on March 1, 2002, and was broadcast on WGBH-TV, Boston’s flagship PBS station, in August 2002. The production was made possible through over $45,000 in grants and more than $30,000 in in-kind contributions.
"One of the last Gloucestermen to fish under sail, Adventure is a cornerstone of America’s maritime heritage. Now we can all share the saga of this fabled schooner, from fishing to windjamming and now to teaching the history and ecology of the sea. This is a wonderful story."
– Dennis Connor, America's Cup Captain
Women in American
Horse Racing
Women in American Horse Racing was a finalist for a 2008 Billie Award, a series started by Billy Jean King to recognize excellence in media portrayals of girls and women in sports. The film, co-produced by John and Sandy Ronan, examines the roles of women in the thoroughbred racing industry, from trainers and veterinarians to grooms, jockeys, and owners. It highlights their ongoing struggle and achievements in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Premiering on June 16, 2007, the documentary was supported by private sponsorship, corporate underwriting, and institutional grants. Key sponsors included Autotote Corporation and The Daily Racing Form. The film has appeared on PBS stations across Kentucky (KET) and Arkansas (AETN).
