Based on Kurt Rosenberg’s Original Song “Highland Home”
Directed and Story by Dan Schaefer

A poignant tale of longing and loss is revealed when a timeworn journal transports a young girl to a place of enchanting wonders

Thank you to Our Team

Deepest thanks to our fantastic team whose collaborative spirit, creative contributions, and irreplaceable roles are helping propel Kurt Rosenberg’s music and lyrics to a worldwide audience

Director and Writer Dan Schaefer for his spellbinding storytelling

Vocalist Karen Johnson-Miller for transporting us into the captivating beauty of “Highland Home”

Music Arranger Tim Gorman for his Midas Touch in creating a luscious soundtrack

Producer Brent Rogers for his affable leadership and technical expertise

Producer Zach Stevens for keeping the team on track and his steadfast attention to detail

Wardrobe Designer Leslie Gilbertson for bringing the film’s characters to life through her award-winning artistry and creative vision

The Inspiration Behind the Music

Some 40 years ago, Kurt first visited Scotland. It was early spring and snow started to fall as Kurt and his companions drove through The Highlands, heading for Portree on the ruggedly beautiful Isle of Skye. He vividly remembers looking out the car window and thinking to himself, “This country is truly magical”.

During that visit, and the many visits to follow, Kurt fell in love with Scotland’s music (he’s gaga for the pipes), The Highlands and Islands, its charming cities and towns, its mysterious lochs, lively pubs, single malt whiskies, and welcoming people.

Twenty-five years later, Kurt and his brother visited the stunning Brodick Castle, located on the breathtaking Scottish Isle of Arran. As they went from room to room, Kurt stopped to chat with one of the guides in the castle’s ornate Drawing Room. The room is magnificent with its heraldic ceiling, historic family portraits, priceless furnishings, and its glorious grand piano. As the brothers were heading into the next room, the guide asked one of the tourists in the group if she played piano, and she said she did not, at which point his brother proclaimed loudly while pointing at Kurt, “He does!”

So, Kurt was invited to play the piano in what was to become a spontaneous mini-concert. He played two of his own original compositions, both Celtic in nature. As he finished and got up to proceed with the tour, the guide and the other visitors all gave him a boisterous round of applause that rang throughout the castle. That wonderful experience of playing his own music in a Scottish castle became the inspiration for Highland Home’s melody.

Later, when he added lyrics and was having the song professionally recorded, it sounded so good that he asked the musical arranger, the audio engineer, and the vocalist if they might want to make a music video. The answer was a resounding “Yes.” And the rest is history!

The original song, Highland Home, is Kurt Rosenberg’s ode to Bonnie Scotland and captures the magic he felt that day, playing his own compositions inside that magnificent, historic castle.

The People Behind the Story

Dan Schaefer

DIRECTOR & WRITER

Inspired by Highland Home, Kurt Rosenberg’s original song, award-winning filmmaker, Dan Schaefer, makes his narrative directorial debut by creating a world of magical wonders in this internationally acclaimed music video / short film. Dan has seamlessly intertwined his moving storyline with scenes of discovery, a cherished romance, razor-edged peaks, and spectacular seaside vistas. Previously, Dan has directed several documentaries including popular sports doc “Mania”, about the Portland Trailblazers, and “Figaro! Living in the Moment of a Character,” about two music schools brought together for Amadeus Mozart's comic opera.

Kurt Rosenberg

ORIGINAL SONG

Kurt Rosenberg’s original song, Highland Home, like all of his compositions, can find its genesis in his musical upbringing. Inheriting a love of music from his parents, Kurt taught himself how to play piano at 12-years-old, and started writing songs with lyrics in high school. He also started listening to Celtic Music from Scotland and Ireland. This growing exposure to Celtic Music ended up having a profound influence on Kurt's compositions and lead to the inspiration for his song “Highland Home,” Kurt’s ode to Scotland.

Brent Rogers

PRODUCER

With over 25 years of experience working as an engineer and producer in both music and commercial studios in Dallas, Texas and Portland, Oregon, while at the same time performing and playing (even now) as a professional musician, Brent Rogers brings original music creation and Sound Effects Orchestration to the forefront in all of his projects.