Author, actress Danica McKellar narrates Imagination Library documentary
Danica McKellar, author of Imagination Library selection Goodnight, Numbers and actress most recognized for her critically-acclaimed roles on “The Wonder Years” and “The West Wing,” lent her voice to Land Grant Films’ upcoming documentary, The Library That Dolly Built.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Land Grant Films is proud to announce that author, actress Danica McKeller will serve as the narrator of The Library That Dolly Built, the first feature length documentary about Dolly Parton’s book gifting program, The Imagination Library.
“We are honored to have Ms. McKellar work with us on this important project,” said Prof. Nick Geidner, director of Land Grant Films and director/producer of The Library That Dolly Built. “She was a pleasure to work with and incredibly generous with her time and talent.”
McKellar is an actress, mathematics writer and education advocate. Her successful acting career includes her role as Winnie Cooper on “The Wonder Years,” several notable voiceovers for animated movies and a number of well-received movies on the Hallmark Channel.
“I’ve admired Dolly Parton since childhood,” McKellar said, “and even more so upon learning of her Imagination Library. I can’t wait for the world to learn more about the Imagination Library through this beautiful documentary, and I couldn’t be prouder to narrate it.”
In addition to her acting work, McKellar has written eight books, all encouraging children, especially young girls, to have confidence and success in mathematics. Her book, Goodnight, Numbers, is currently included in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Dolly Parton was also excited to have McKellar on board.
“I was thrilled that Danica agreed to narrate our documentary,” said Dolly Parton. “She is the perfect person to help us tell our story. She is very talented and she has such a giving heart.”
The Library That Dolly Built covers the history, impact and future of America’s largest non-governmental children’s literacy program, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. It features the music of Dolly Parton and includes original interviews with recipients of the books, parents, policy makers, authors, program organizers, and the legend herself, Dolly Parton.
The film is being produced by Land Grant Films, a documentary production program housed in the University of Tennessee’s School of Journalism and Electronic Media. Land Grant Film’s mission is to provide University of Tennessee students with real-world experience in documentary storytelling while providing local non-profit organizations with videos assets that can be used to raise awareness and funds.
The Library That Dolly Built was directed and produced by journalism professor Nick Geidner, edited by Land Grant Films assistant director Clinton Elmore, and crewed by 15 University of Tennessee students, including recent graduates Abby Bower (writer/producer), Brock Zych (director of photography), Lindsey Owen (associate producer/camera operator) and Story Sims (associate producer/camera operator).
Contact: Nick Geidner, ngeidner@utk.edu, 330–402–4920
