It is here that the automotive industry was born, nurtured, and thrived. When artistry met automotive, magic happened.

American Dreaming is a documentary film about the men and women who dreamed and designed the iconic American cars that defined the mid-century. From 1946 to 1973 design studios assembled at General Motors, Ford, Packard, Chrysler, Studebaker, Nash, and Hudson created the stylish automobiles Americans fell in love with. Talented artists from around the country answered the call from magazines like Popular Mechanics to "Become a Highly Paid Auto Stylist in Detroit!" Their drawings, and the resulting cars that were built in this period, suggested limitless possilibities and reflected the optimism America that could conquer space and bring prosperity to the entire world.

The originality that these designers exhibited in their art was the mechanism by which they “pitched” their concepts. Many design concepts made it to production; other ideas were beyond the imagination of the top executives. Wary of competitors stealing concepts, companies prohibited the art from leaving the studios. Even before their designs were realized in steel and chrome, the artwork was destroyed to keep it out of the hands of the competition. Some designers saved their artwork from the shredders with a rarely issued permission via a "package pass," others devised ingenious ways to secret them out.  Only a small fraction of the concept drawings survive, but this body of work constitutes an unheralded chapter in American art history.

Robert Edwards and Greg Salustro, both native Detroiters, are producing American Dreaming, a full-length documentary which takes a reverent look at an unseen art form and recognizes these mid-century car designers and their artwork. Cinematographers Jim Toscano and Danny Gianino of Freeage Productions, known for their extensive commercial automotive film work, bring a rich, fluid beauty to this documentary.  This film highlights the golden age of automotive design when Detroit inspired the world.

From Robert and Greg:  "We can't wait to share this story, but we need your support! "

American Dreaming is an in-depth film with a budget of $100,000. The bulk of this budget is dedicated to filming the artists and their artwork, editing, and post-production. Additional expenses include marketing and distribution. Our budget reflects our commitment to the quality and expertise this story deserves.

To recognize your contributions, we have created a full range of giving levels to meet every interest and sponsor level. While our goal for this campaign is $20,000, we dream of shattering that goal and reaching our full project budget with your help!

We are offering several benefits at the Producers and Executive Producers levels. If you pledge at these levels, we will personally get in touch. We are pleased to be working with Chicago Filmmakers, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, which serves as our fiduciary and technical supporter. Thanks to Chicago filmmakers, all contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

The Impact

American Dreaming is the right project at the right time. Detroit's history has always been defined by using its unique creative energy in dynamic new ways, and so too will be its future. As this proud city reinvents itself today, we  draw insight from the futuristic ideas and unsurpassed visions that these designers dreamed. Here. In Detroit.

It is our privilege to share this important piece of our nation's history. It is also our mission to have the original artwork of these designers recognized as fine art and displayed in the world's great museums.

Risks and Challenges

Time is of the essence for American Dreaming. We need to capture the stories and insights from the aging designers from this golden age while we can. We also want to find and save more of these original design treasures.  Even the rare drawings that found their way out of the design studios are regularly lost as many people don't recognize the importance of these works. Your contributions assure that we will gather as much history and artwork as we can and share Detroit's story with the world.

• Help us spread the word about American Dreaming! Share this project with your fellow car lovers, design enthusiasts, and art buffs on your Facebook page, Twitter feed, personal blog, and other social media sites.
• Challenge your friends to match or beat your contribution to American Dreaming - the more the merrier, and every dollar counts!
• Tell us your classic car design story! Do you have a piece of this puzzle to share?
• Take up a collection from your car enthusiasts club, history club, arts club, etc. Your club's name will be listed in the credits!