Grand Rapids, MI (July 4, 2016) — Jason Ley, craft beer enthusiast and modest underdog from Grand Rapids, MI, has been quietly brewing an idea for a TV show for almost the last two years. Now, it’s ready to crack open.
The show, titled Modern Ahabs, explores the hunt for the world’s most elusive craft beer. With this generation’s boom in brewing, craft beer has become more than a casual pastime hobby. Like rookie cards in mint condition or vintage toys still in their original packaging, craft beer is a worldwide phenomenon — a drinkable collector’s item. Modern Ahabs dives into the unique fanaticism that steers the pursuit for these highly sought-after, coveted trophies — known to enthusiasts as “whales.”
The pilot episode features Kentucky Breakfast Stout (KBS) by Founders Brewing Co., of Grand Rapids, MI.
Ley, who created the show, wrote and produced the episode. He enlisted the help of director, Ben Wilke and his video production company, Deep End Films, to film and edit Modern Ahabs. Modern Ahabs is a non-staged, realitystyle episodic series.
Filming took place in Grand Rapids, MI in March 2016 during KBS’s citywide release festivities, KBS Week. Locations featured in the pilot episode include HopCat, Derby Station, The Winchester, The Meanwhile, and Founders Brewing Co.
Ley will host the premiere of the pilot episode of Modern Ahabs on Thursday, July 21, 2016. It will take place at Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., with a surprise, episodethemed Founders draft tapped at that time to celebrate the occasion. This free event is open to the public. General admission seating will be first-come, first-served. *Membership to Wealthy Theatre is not required to enjoy what will be on tap for this special event.
Ley’s ultimate goal for Modern Ahabs is to partner with a major TV, cable or streaming network — to develop a series of multi-episode seasons, with each episode featuring a different national or international craft beer whale.
To watch the pilot episode teaser, for more information, and to join the hunt, please visit modernahabs.com. Full website presence will be revealed following the premiere. Download the Modern Ahabs logo and promo photos, here. Be social: @modernahabs, #modernahabs.
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About Jason Ley
Ley, pronounced [leɪ] (i.e. “lay”), is a Certified Beer Server, with his palate-in-training to become a Certified Cicerone®. As soon as he relocated from Detroit to Grand Rapids in 2010, Beer City USA’s craft beer scene captivated him. Ley works for BarFly Ventures at Grand Rapids Brewing Co., and is also the Marketing Manager and a staff writer at MittenBrew.com. When he’s not lusting after the next beer on his bucket list, he plays the drums, experiments in the kitchen, aspires to be a role model to his three nephews, and plots his next travel adventure to explore the world with his wife. Follow what moves him at jasonley.com and @jasonley.
About Deep End Films
A video production company from Grand Rapids, MI, capturing engaging visual content and helping tell compelling stories, Deep End Films said “Action!” for the first time in 2006. As 9-time Eclipse Award winners, their nationally recognized work includes commercials, corporate messaging, live events and independent films. Jump off the deep end at deependfilms.com.
About Founders Brewing Co.
Established in 1997 by two craft beer enthusiasts — Dave Engbers and Mike Stevens — with day jobs and a dream, Founders Brewing Co. brews complex, in-your-face ales, with huge aromatics and tons of flavor. Founders ranks among the top 20 largest craft breweries in the U.S. and is one of the fastest growing. The brewery has received numerous awards from the World Beer Cup and the Great American Beer Festival and RateBeer and BeerAdvocate users often rate its beers among the best in the world. Located in downtown Grand Rapids, MI, Founders is a proud member of the Michigan Brewers Guild. For more information, visit foundersbrewing.com.
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