Ohio: Cradle of Astronauts

Watch the pain, trials, and glory of space history unfold through the lens of Bill Hinsch, a renowned artist known for his painted tribute to capturing the remarkable stories of Ohio’s most
notable astronauts. In the up-and-coming documentary, “Ohio: Cradle of Astronauts,” Loudkid
Films artfully delve into the stories of Hinsch and the heroes featured in his painting, “Ohioans
in Space,” which was recently unveiled at the Ohio Rotunda. 

Sitting on a wall just opposite a tribute to the notorious Wright Brothers, who invented the first
working aeroplane, “Ohioans in Space” represents the expansion of space history that followed
their early experimentation and pays homage to the astronauts who stopped at nothing to blaze
extraordinary trails all the way up to the moon.

The film not only captures the incredible paths forged by these cosmic paragons but also explores the
birthplace of each astronaut featured in the painting, showing that even the humblest of
also, beginnings can lead to boundless success tinged with riveting adventures. 

We have a unique and thrilling opportunity to visit the birthplaces of John Glenn in New
Concord, Jim Lovell in Cleveland, Judy Resnik in Akron, and Neil Armstrong in Wapakoneta,
which deepens the narrative to a place familiar to all who began their own stories in Ohio and
allows viewers to visualize where the “Mount Rushmore” of space heroes faced their early lives.
After all, every noteworthy story begins somewhere, with a person who refuses to limit their
dreams.

The Stories

This documentary journeys through the experiences of the featured heroes and those who
supported them here on Earth. Get a chance to reminisce with exclusive interviews with the
astronauts and other key figures from NASA who have been instrumental in Ohio’s contribution
to the space industry. 

We follow the stories of John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth; Neil Armstrong, the
Apollo 11 commander who took man’s first steps on the moon; Judy Resnick, who made history
as one of the first women astronauts during the shuttle era, working on the crew on the
Challenger where she spent the last day of her life; and Jim Lovell, the first astronaut to fly into
space four times and take two trips around the moon. 

NASA mission controller Jean Krantz is also featured in the lower left of the painting as he,
along with the rest of NASA’s team, played a crucial role in supporting these astronauts as they
made their way into space.

In addition to the astronauts, viewers will get to hear from visionaries like Elon Musk and Walter
Isaacson shed light on the origins of SpaceX and the future of space travel, with a special
emphasis on Mars missions.

Keep a Lookout for…

  • Rare archival footage that will broaden understanding of space exploration
  • A meticulously crafted audio landscape that enriches the viewing experience
  • The inclusion of special effects, such as rocket launches and aerial sequences, bridge gaps left by traditional filming methods
  • Inspiring animated sequences highlighting John Glenn’s early life

The filmmakers are dedicated to delivering a nuanced, visually captivating, and historically rich
depiction of Ohio’s astronauts, merging the realms of art, science and technology, eliciting a
a remarkable cinematic experience that is both enjoyable and raises enlightening discussion
concerning Ohio’s past and future impact on space history.

A key goal of the filmmakers and the artist is to inspire children’s interest in space, hoping an
Ohioans might be the first to step on Mars, furthering the legacy of space exploration at the heart
of the country’s efforts rooted in Ohio.

The film’s behind-the-scenes editing process is aimed at refining the narrative, ensuring a smooth
and cohesive viewing experience through post-production. A well-planned marketing strategy
and media interviews are set to enhance the documentary’s message and visibility.

Preview screenings at prestigious locations like the Great Lakes Science Center, Air Force
Museum, Armstrong Museum, and the Ohio Theater will offer audiences a sneak peek of the
remarkable story. These events, complemented by interviews with artists who crafted 3D models
and sculptures of the astronauts, provide insight into the detailed work behind the painting’s
physical elements—the door through which the story unfolds.

The first opportunity to preview the production will be at the Wapakoneta Summer Moon
Festival on July 15-21, 2024. This annual celebration commemorates the historic moon landing
in 1969, engaging attendees with all things related to Neil Armstrong, the first man on the Moon.
Alongside the film, the artist is involved in various activities including print signings and
presentations to promote a book featuring Ohio’s 31 astronauts and his masterpiece displayed in
the statehouse Rotunda. 

Play a part in the story that paves the way for the future by contributing to a funding campaign,
now underway to secure necessary resources, which will expand the documentary to feature
length and likely set it up to air on PBS, Netflix or the Smithsonian channel in 2025. This will
allow Ohio’s next generation of children to become enraptured in the workings of
space and the pivotal impact heroes who grew up just like them had on space exploration
history. 

Hinsch himself was inspired early on by the trailblazers who risked everything to impact the
world they lived in, which is something children in Ohio’s next generation can aspire to do, as no
dream is too great to accomplish. Just as Neil Armstrong left his footprints on the moon, so can
our children leave their footprints on Mars.