Transitions

Whew, it's been a while since I've written any updates on our film project. There are a few reasons for this, the biggest being the transition to post-production. We wrapped filming in January, and upon my return to Raleigh I immediately jumped into post-production. It's an exciting time--full of new challenges and lessons to learn.

The response to our inquiries about archived footage and images has been blissfully overwhelming. I have quite a wealth of visuals from which to choose, once we get the point of needing them (after creating the storyline, and before we start adding animated graphics and music). I cannot express how delighted I am by having so much to choose from; it has been a concern of mine for quite some time. To tell this story, we must have visuals to add to the interviews. I hope that I am not over-confident in what we have, though. It feels very similar to packing for a journey: where do you draw the line between being over-prepared and not prepared enough for your trip and the weather you'll encounter? (That analogy may be a stretch, but I'll let it rest there.)

So, what have I been doing with my time, you ask? Lots and lots and lots of planning and reviewing! I've been reading transcripts and watching footage, making notes of little "nuggets" of information that are important to the story. And similar to writing a term paper, I have been putting these bits of information on note cards.

Using real-life 3x5 note cards seems like an antiquated process, but it's the writer in me that needs the physical pieces of paper. Plus, by putting them on these tangible pieces of paper, I can reorganize them quickly as I see fit. And like Twitter's 140 character limit, the note cards limit me to very targeted thoughts and ideas. I can only fit so much on one of them, and that forces me to stay focused.

Right now I have about 100 cards that I carry with me, wrapped in a hair tie. No need to worry about batteries dying or loosing an internet connection--I have them right in front of me to organize and reorganize as I think through the story. Plus, people are less likely to look over my should when I feverishly scribble on pieces of paper versus an open laptop. It's not the most efficient process for the long haul, but right now it works beautifully. I can review them anywhere I go, and can post them on the wall at home if I need to stand in front of a linear view of the story. I like having them on a wall while at home. It makes it so real and personal, for whatever reason. (Much like sketching the design of a logo before sitting down to create it at a computer.)

This process may not be the best means of creating a story for everyone, so I'm not promoting it as a solution to your own challenges. It is simply working well for me right now, and that matters a lot to me. Identifying and then enlisting these processes is becoming second nature. Finding a way to make the work efficient, then testing them and trying them on is quite fun.

Surry and I had a great conversation yesterday about our plans for moving forward. We are both wrapping our heads around the process, focused on moving forward efficiently and in excellence. I am so honored to have such a fine partnership on my first film. He is setting the bar so high!

I feel like the work we're doing right now is very targeted and a little less blog-worthy because it's rather solitary work, but I'll do my best to keep you posted on our progress. Once we have our story outlined (like a recipie), we will jump head first into editing the 30+ hours of footage. Whew, it's going to be a long process!

A Week & A Day

Leaving MN/WI
How does a week go by so quickly?! It is hard to believe that just a week and a day ago, I was in the air returning from my MN/WI trip to interview John Plaster. The trip was just...unforgettable. In every way that a trip can be unforgettable: ease of flight/travel, kind people everywhere you go, delicious food, and of course two of the kindest hosts/tour guides to show you around.

I'm still on quite a natural high from the trip, and have been overjoyed when people ask me to tell them about it. It's probably impossible for me to hide my enthusiasm over such a successful filmmaking adventure. And I don't just mean the travel or the experience, I mean that the interview and the subsequent scanning of images were incredibly impressive. John has written a book about the SOG history, and has an amazing library of images that he so kindly shared with me. If you're interested in war history, go pick up a copy SOG: A Photo History of the Secret Wars. You won't regret it, and I'll thank you for supporting someone who's been so kind to me.

COLD, COLD, COLD
During my first few days up north, I kept thinking, "This weather isn't that bad, actually. I psyched myself up for it, and I haven't even needed a hat!" But, of course, I spoke too soon. Friday afternoon and Saturday morning were the most frigid temperatures I have ever experienced in my entire life!

I woke up that Saturday morning to -16F, with a wind chill that made it feel like -36F. YIKES! By the time I got to the airport around 1pm, it had warmed up to a cool zero degrees. While John and Gail have a lovely haven to call home in the MN/WI area, I do believe I headed South just in time. How lucky I was to have such great weather during my trip, though. John and his wife have convinced me to return after spring so that I can see even more of the beauty there. I do hope to make that happen.

Back in Raleigh, The Debrief
The Sunday following my departure was quite exciting, too. I got to catch up with my improv community over practice, and that evening filled Surry in on details of the trip. We talked about our next steps, and created a few action items for ourselves. It was incredibly exciting to talk about the coming months of work, and recognize that we had reached a significant milestone. We have concluded the interview process, now totaling 15 interviews!

Monday: Footage
On Monday, Surry did some searching and found some 8mm of archived footage from his time in Vietnam (as well as an 8mm film projector). That same day, I found a way to *finally* scan in the 35mm slides he shared with me so many months ago. While I haven't proven that this method of scanning the 35mm slides will work, I at least have a positive lead and that feels really great. What an exciting day!

Tuesday: Career Coach
Tuesday was equally thrilling, as I checked in with my career coach and told her about all of the exciting things happening at work and on my film. She's been instrumental in helping me stay balanced, focused and energized. The phone call with her was enough of a reason to be totally thrilled with the entire day.

She's giving me the tools I need to work more efficiently, something I really appreciate because I am trying to accomplish too much in too little time. (At least that is how it feels because I'm anxious to finish the film to share it, but I work full time as well) So, the more efficient I become, the more I can do, right? (OK, to a certain extent. You don't want to become too focused on efficient behavior because then you just work too much and have no time for important conversations and fun.)

One of the lessons she's helping me understand is how to more effectively deal with paper work. I've always been terrible about paper work. Mail piles up, and I can never find what I need because books are always stacked too high and falling over everywhere. Tax season makes me nauseous because I have to collect all of my paperwork I should have been organizing for a year. It's embarrasing to admit, so I'm dubmfounded as to why I'm writing about it openly. It's such an incredibly annoying habit of mine. But no more! Just like taking one's coat off and hanging it in the coat closet immediately, I am learning to touch paper only once and be done with it. Don't even let that task get on your to do list--just deal with it right then and there.

It's the same with Surry, I have noticed. When we chatted on Sunday about calling a few folks he knew, he immediately went to get the phone. Immediate action! Today, when we talked about looking for more prints and 35mm slides, he immediately went to go pick them up for me. Immediate action! It helps you become more efficient, and everyone loves to work with a person that can react so quickly. It's delightful, and I think I'm getting better at it.

Triangle Tweetup
Thursday was the Triangle Tweetup, where I met lots of my fellow Twitter folks (also known as Tweeps) in person. It was a packed house, with an estimated 100+ people there. There were presentations on what some of those in the Triangle Twitter community are working on, and I'm absolutely fascinated. So many great entrepreneurial projects are thriving here, even in a down economy. The Triangle Twitter community is absolutely amazing--so energetic, enthusiastic, intelligent and supportive--and I'm so lucky to keep meeting these impressive folks.

For the Twitter/social media doubters, I just wish you could have experienced it. The entire evening was like being surrounded by family, where everyone was curious about what you do and wants to help. I could harldy take one step without someone else introducing themselves! It was wonderful!

This part of the filmmaking process has often felt solitary because it requires a lot of reading, writing and research. It was rewarding to learn that people in the Triangle have been enjoying my writing about the filmmaking process, and are exciting to see the finished product. I feel like I've learned a lot from them. There was a lot of love in the room, for sure.

Here's a picture taking by Jeff Cohen, who is also on Twitter (@dgtlpapercuts, http://twitter.com/dgtlpapercuts). Edge Office was so packed! While I don't know the folks at Edge Office, I do most certainly appreciate their support by providing a place for us to gather--especially such a stylish place as theirs.

Meeting with Matthew
On Saturday, I met with one of my editors, Matthew. We had a long conversation about the film, creating the story, the filmmaking process, and what to expect in these next months. It was really great to sit with someone and tell the story: what do I want the audience to take away at the end of it? How do I want them to feel? It was unexpected, but not surprising, that I felt a rush of emotion wash over me as I talked about the Montagnards and how I want each person to feel a sense of honor and pride when they leave.

Matthew allowed me to explore this through comparison to other films, and I immediately thought of Braveheart. A story about a man who loves a woman he looses, but he stays incredibly strong in the face of adversity, and he leads his people to stand and fight for what's right. Although that film is quite long, you leave it feeling stronger and prouder. You feel the honor he felt in fighting for freedom.

Each time Matthew and I sit down to talk, I feel a sense of relief. He's been editing for about 10 years now, he said, and so he knows the process (both technically and emotionally) and gave me some serious insight and advice. I hold his words in such high regard, as he seems like a kindred spirit--someone willing to work on something because of the potential in the project. He helped me remember that I'm now entering uncharted territory again, and that it's OK to take small steps in order to learn how to walk again. We spent about 2.5 hours talking, and at the end of it I felt like a great weight had lifted. It was more therapeutic than he probably knows!

More Archived Footage
Today, Surry and I met to talk some more about where we are in the project, and where we need to go next. I filled him in on the things I had been doing all week, and he did the same. It's delighftul to have a partner in crime, someone there to help you work in the right direction. I feel like we make a pretty damn fine team, if ya don't mind me sayin' so!

Here's a picture of all the archived footage he has shared with me (both 35mm slides, printed images and 8mm films). Quite a collection!

I am overwhelmingly inundated with exactly the visuals I need--and from so many sources: Mike, Charlie, John, Surry and his contacts. Ask and you shall receive! There are still avenues to pursue for more archived visuals, and Surry and I are working on those diligently. I would much rather have too many images now, than get three or more months down the road and have to start the hunting process all over again. 'Tis better, in my opinion, to have too much good stuff from which to choose than not enough. The last thing anyone wants to watch is talking heads (improv taught me that).

The Website
We also talked about the website today. I've noticed that interest is growing in our project, and I have spent a fair amount of time explaining it to various folks in face to face conversations. That leads me to question how many others want to know more of this overview? And how many others are scanning the blog to hunt for information I should be putting on display?

The website, to me, was going to be a part of the post-production process--something to be completed when the film is finished so that the visuals are consistent with the branding of the movie. I'm quite a branding geek, and love to have all visuals consistent (DVD lables, cases, posters, website, and so on).

However, I now recognize the need for a website to pick up where this blog leaves off, something that can help introduce people to the movie even before it is completed. And now that I sit down to think on this, it seems like a natural step in Hollywood to build excitement about a film that has not yet been finished. So, it seems, we will have that project to work on while simultaneously writing the script (a blueprint for all volunteers to help build the same movie). The website may not look like the final brand, but I think that's alright. Right now, if we focus on creating the content and navigational architecture, that will make the work at the end of the project run so smoothly.

There is still much work to be done. All of it is exciting--never a dull moment!

This week has been one of the most amazing by far, though. I even went running on Saturday--for the first time in months because I was so sick with bronchitis. It feels amazing to be healthy and hustling towards our goal of completing the film in the coming months. I finally feel like the old Camden again. Ohhhh, and for that, I am so thankful!

In short, I feel like I am soaring--not because of what I have done, but because of the talent, passion, intelligence and dedication of those that surround me. Building a power team like this helps one be a true mover and a shaker, and I am starting to really understand that now. I always knew it, but had not really experienced it until now. I'm surrounded by greatness.

Another Recap to Come

Oh, my friends. I have been so spoiled over these past few days! The intelligent conversations over most delicious food, beautiful scenery and kind people--can a working weekend get any better?

Tomorrow I leave to return to North Carolina. Normally a very happy (and warm) Southerner, I find myself quite surprisingly at home here in the North! My hosts, John and Gail Plaster, have been treating my like royalty and showing me the haven they have here.

Much has happened since my last post, but I will capture it all as I wait for my plane tomorrow. Right now, my brain is a bit exhausted and ready for rest!

The Spot

As the Military Channel plays "Great Planes" in the background, I reflect on today. It was a very long and exciting day. I left RDU at 9am, surprisingly enough. With about 6" of snowfall in Raleigh yesterday, I honestly wasn't expecting to leave the city any time soon. Delightfully relieved that the flight wasn't delayed or canceled, I made it to Duluth on time!

Overweight, Again
Yep, my bags were over the weight limit again. Having to rearrange my checked baggage because it's over the weight limit is becoming routine. I thought I had it figured out this time, having kept my tripod in my hand as a carry on instead of packing it. The heaviest suitcase is virtually empty. I blame the lighting equipment. The Northwest Airlines check-in counter lady was very firm. It had to be less than 50lbs. By the third attempt, though, she kindly let me slip by with just 1.5lbs over the limit.

Eventually I was on the way to the gate.

Later I arrived in Detroit, made my connecting flight and then finally made it to Duluth.

Interesting People, Places
When I got to Duluth, I couldn't find my bags on the big metal baggage claim carousel. It wasn't moving. I looked left, looked right. Couldn't find my bags anywhere. I looked at a guy who had an official airport ID card hanging from his shirt. "Is this the only baggage claim area," I asked, rather confused because I had been getting misdirected all throughout the Detroit airport. He nodded. As I turned around, I saw my two bags sitting in a corner by a door. Whew, I had almost had a heart attack.

Seconds later, I was getting my rental car. The woman at the car rental counter in Duluth and I had an interesting conversation. This is why I love to travel. You meet the most interesting people in the most unexpected places. And if you're hip to it, you can learn a lot from a stranger fairly quickly. Hearing someone's story never ceases to fascinate me. People like to tell their story. You have to be patient and listen. But even at the rental car counter, you can learn part of someone's story.

She told me about her ex-husband, a Special Forces recon man who stood at a striking 6'7" tall. Now, 6'7" is tall in the States, but just imagine being that tall in the jungles of Vietnam being hunted by the VC--yikes. He was probably three feet taller than the locals around him, making him a prime shooting target. She told me how he learned to hide by leaning against trees because he was so skinny. And how he got wounded, shot in the head and thigh. She had married him after he returned from Vietnam, and on occassion would find him doing what she called "strange things" around the house. She said that the war really messed him up, and that she was glad they "deprogrammed him" when he got back, otherwise she could very well have been killed by him.

We didn't talk for a really long time, but we did cover a fair bit of details. She asked why I was there, and what the documentary was about. It made me wish I had business cards and a website up already so I share it easily when asked. She handed me the keys and directions, wishing me luck and a great trip.

On the Road East
Before I left the airport, I stopped to take this picture. I was finally on my way East on the last leg of the journey. It would be a fairly straight shot on the road, and I was told that I couldn't miss the Inn where I am staying over the next few nights. Before I knew it, I was crossing over Lake Superior and then quickly entering Wisconsin. And just as quickly, I was checked in and unpacking.

Meeting John and Gail
Around 5pm, as promised, John came to the Inn to pick me up for dinner. And over the next hours, John and his wife, Gail, would make me feel like visiting royalty! This is my first trip to Minnesota and Wisconsin, and I am quite taken with what I have seen today, thanks to them. It is easy to understand why they enjoy living here so much. While I had not planned on staying so long originally, I am quite happy that I will have more time to work remotely and get to know them.

They showed me around the area, and a few places I may need to know about over the coming days. We talked about what we enjoy (work, hobbies, recreational fun, etc.), travel, Vietnam, the Montagnards, Hollywood, writing and screenwriting, and even a little bit about blogging and social media! We eventually had dinner at a place called The Spot, on a lake where they pointed out people were ice fishing.

Ice fishing! How have I never seen anyone ice fishing in real life? Just as the darkness of evening set in, you could spot little shacks out on the frozen lake. Some had lights inside them. Then some times cars would come and go, driving slowly across the frozen water. I was fascinated and probably asked a lot of silly I'm-from-the-South questions. (But how will you learn if you don't ask?) We found common ground when comparing it to NCSU tailgating, as those little shacks have many of the comforts of home just like the good ole boys can swing together back home. Just like we tailgate in the heat and humidity in NC with tents and pig cookers and friends, the ice fishers stay out there and have a good time with their buddies in these rather comfy shacks on ice. I was so excited to learn more about it, having never really encountered the chance to even think on the topic.

The more we talked and dined, the more I got excited about our on camera interview. And with every bite of that amazing Steak Deburgo, I learned more about the two new friends sitting with me. I am sincerely excited about learning from them.

The Coming Days
Tonight we finalized our plans for filming: day, time, location, etc. I have a lot of exciting work ahead of me, for sure. With each step of this process, I grow more and more humbled and appreciative of such an opportunity.

Count Down Continues

As Wednesday grows near, my heart starts to beat faster at the thought of how much I have left to do in the coming days. There is so much to do before I leave for MN to interview Major John Plaster, one of the leading sniper experts and a supporter of the Montagnard people. To say that I'm looking forward to meeting and interviewing him would be an understatement. I have been enjoying his books so much over the past months, and I can't wait to hear his answers to my questions. An expert's undivided attention, recorded on film, is quite possibly one of the greatest nerve-racking and simultaneously exciting things I have experienced.

In other news, I had lunch with a potential new volunteer. A friend from my hometown connected us because of his interest in screenwriting and the Montagnards. He met one of the guys I interviewed for our film, who is incredibly knowledgeable about the Montagnard history and culture. Our conversation was great, and I am hoping he can help us make this film come together very soon. As I do for all of our volunteers, I asked him what would keep him interested/motivated and what he preferred to work on. I'm looking forward to getting to know him, and seeing what he can contribute!

While waiting for him to walk into our appointed meeting place, I spent a fair amount of time jotting down ideas: my to do list, the process we will follow in the coming months, and a letter to our filmmaking partners. My eye started to twitch as I thought of all that I wanted to do to make this project great. But it was very rewarding to have the few moments of silence to put all of those floating thoughts on paper.

It is also very rewarding to know that you have a team of volunteers available to help you get work done. I am looking forward to once again amping up our efforts over the coming months. But for now, I must focus on preparing for Wednesday's departure because it will be here before I know it!

Chicago Recap

It's Wednesday, and I returned from Chicago on Sunday. It's still hard to believe I was just up there, and what an incredible trip I had. The entire trip was just unforgettable. Here's a recap!

Thursday
On Thursday I left for RDU around 8am, thanks to my sister who gave me a ride to the airport. She saved us lots of money on parking, for which I am very thankful. When I got to the check-in counter, I was told that my large suitcase (carrying my camera, lights and tripod) was about five pounds overweight. So, in front of everyone in line I had to find a way to ditch some weight. Eventually my bags were checked and I was on the way to the security check point. There's something both degrading and equalizing about going through security.

A few hours later, I arrived in Chicago. The flight wasn't full and was thankfully uneventful. I casually gathered my bags, reorganized them a bit, and began transitioning to being in the big city! Katie had sent me directions via Facebook, which I had on my Blackberry. So taking public transportation to their place was a breeze (although pulling 100+ pounds of equipment through the snow and ice was tough!). By the time I got to Clayton and Katie's place, I was winded and freezing! I'm sure I was a site to see in my pitifully light peacoat.

Clayton and I spent some time catching up and playing some Wii games, then he walked me down to a place called Potbelly Sandwich Works. We had lunch/dinner there and then walked over to Uncle Dan's to buy some winter clothes, per Clayton's recommendation (for which I am incredibly grateful). I bought a knee-length down coat there (like this one shown), which helped me survive the frigid weather throughout the weekend.

We went back to their place and caught up with Katie later that evening. With lots of great conversations about their adventure moving from Raleigh to Chicago, the ease of travel and excitement/anticipation of the interview the next day, Thursday was just wonderful.

We went to iO Chicago that night to see some friends perform on a team called The Lindbergh Babies 2.0. It was so great to be in the theater again, especially to see so many familiar faces! On the way home that night, I don't think I could have been more grateful for that coat I bought and the journey I was taking.

Friday
By habit, I woke up fairly early Friday morning. Katie had already left for work, so I quietly packed and left for the interview so I wouldn't wake up Clayton. My phone didn't change to the new time (Chicago's an hour ahead of Raleigh), so all morning I was incredibly nervous about making it to the interview on time.

Since I'd left too early to go straight to Dr. Hickey's (on purpose) I spent a few hours at a small table at a dessert store, reading and preparing for the interview. The people running the store were so friendly and funny. They gave me a hard time about carrying so much luggage, and sternly told me I should move to Chicago as soon as possible!

While there, I reread key passages from Dr. Hickey's books, reviewed my notes and questions, and contemplated how the afternoon would pan out. I like to take the time to be sure I'm of the right mindset before I get started, so that AM prep time was critical. However, the time quickly passed and I found myself out on the sidewalk again, heading to a spot where I could find a cab a little easier. Dr. Hickey's place was only about five miles away from my present location, but my weak little arms were about to give out!

While walking down the street, a chilling wind stirred and I adjusted my coat and scarf to keep warm. Looking up again, I nodded at a gentleman doing the very same as if to say, "Yeah, it's cold out here!" We made eye contact, and he smiled as he passed. Then a second after he had passed, I thought to myself, "I know that smile. How do I know him?" It then hit me that I had just nodded and smiled at Tim Meadows. He's now performing at iO, which was just a few blocks away from where we were. Quite ironic that I should pass him on the street, no?!

I immediately turned around to see if it was him, in sort of a double take fashion. But, it being so cold outside, everyone starts to look the same from behind. Nothing but coats with hoods walking along the sidewalk, unless you see someone coming towards you as I just had.

When I got down the block a bit, I stopped at a fairly busy intersection, and within a few minutes a cab beeped at me to see if I wanted a ride. One great thing about lugging that bag? Cabbies spot you quickly because they think you're heading to the airport! I gratefully handed over the bag to let him put it in the trunk and sort of fell into the back seat, stripping off the extra layers that had just brought me so much warmth in the cold wind. Out of breath, I gave him the address and we were quickly on our way to the downtown Chicago apartment.

We had an interesting conversation en route about religion and the differences between Christian and Muslim beliefs. The Pakistani driver told me he was studying the Qur'an, and even cited some of what he had memorized. He was trying to memorize the entire thing, despite not being fluent in Arabic. I patiently and curiously listened as we steadily cruised down Lake Shore Drive. When we came to a stoplight, he stopped speaking and must have read my thoughts because he excitedly said, "It sounds more like singing, doesn't it?"

The conversation lasted all the way to the door of the apartment building, and continued even as he unpacked the car. I think the only pause was when he struggled to lift the bag from the trunk! (I was glad to know he struggled a bit, purely because it made me feel less like a weakling.) I paid him, and scurried up to the lobby, pressing the button for Dr. Hickey's room.

A man answered, and upon telling him that I was there the door buzzed and I went up a few stairs to the elevator to meet him. The second the elevator doors opened, I spotted him there waiting at the door in front of me with a kind, warm smile.

He let me in, and we chatted as I unpacked the film equipment. We spotted a corner of the room to use as a backdrop, and he kindly let me rearrange his living room to set up two chairs, two lights and the camera. He asked about the others we had interviewed, and what I had learned along the way.

I told him about Mike Benge, Greg Stock and Roger Donlon. I probably sounded like a groupie confessing how much I had enjoyed reading his books. Now that I think about it, I have been incredibly lucky to speak with so many published authors. So many of the people we have interviewed have written accounts of their adventures and what they have learned. Dr. Hickey is an anthropologist who has published his findings on the Montagnards, and the two books I have read are so eloquent and informative. Everyone with whom I have spoken on this subject identifies him as the expert I need to know. Because of the work Surry has done, people have been willing to speak with me. It is clear that the respect they have for him washes over on to me, which is much like an unexpected embrace.

It ocurred to me on Friday, as I knelt to plug in the lights and listened to Dr. Hickey sitting behind me, that some authors have a strong voice in print but not in real life. Dr. Hickey is the rare type of author who speaks as well as he writes. And when he speaks, you delight in hearing what wisdom he will impart upon you. Like so many of these experts, he kindly corrects me when I make a statement that could be misinterpreted! I feel so thankful to be surrounded by experts dedicated to making sure that what we share is factual.

The interview was just wonderful. Dr. Hickey was very hospitable, and even offered to serve me tea after the interview concluded. We sat and talked even more about the state of our nation, about all the talk of change and whether or not it will actually happen, and how many folks might be too focused on the economy to care about the war in Iraq, much less what's happening today in Vietnam. He understands the reality of asking DC to change. He's tried it for years, as have all of these others with whom I've spoken.

While I know this reality well, I find that the eternal optimist in me is defiant and difficult to quiet. In the past year, I have studied social media and I have heard people like Jim Tobin tell us that social media gives a voice to everyone. While I'm certainly not the social media expert like Tobin, I do know that this feels like a new era, where big companies can no longer ignore the individual. A time where the government absolutely must listen to each citizen who speaks up. A time where we--as a nation--can once again converse and move as a group. We're not just individuals, we can move together as one tribe like we did in the beginning. It is fascinating to me!

Dr. Hickey and I wrapped up our conversation, and then I began to pack up the equipment. He complimented my skills at fitting so much into one small bag. "It's a gift my grandfather gave me before he passed away," I told him. We then chatted about how so many people in my family served in WWII, a conversation that led to genealogy. He has been researching his family history, and told me that they had been in Chicago for quite some time. Once again, I was so thankful for my grandmother's hard work in discovering and recording our family history. It has become so much of who I am, knowing my family history.

Dr. Hickey helped me hail a cab, and before I knew it he was wishing me luck and I was on my way back to Clayton and Katie's apartment.

That evening we went out to dinner, and then went to see some more improv at the American Theater Company. We watched two teams perform that night, one of which was Pudding Thank You. Pictures I took are here if you wish to see them! The team consists of Jorin Garguilo, Louis Saunders, Adal Rifai, and Ryan Patrick Dolan.

Jorin is an old ComedyWorx player, who has worked hard to help bring Chicago folks to North Carolina. Because of Jorin's help in setting up an annual improv invitational here in Raleigh, I recognized so many familiar faces while I was in Chicago. I'm incredibly grateful for what he's done to strengthen the community. It's a great feeling to recognize so many faces when I visit, and I know that is because of him. Plus, he's a fun, generous improviser to watch, too. Jorin and Adal recently played with my team Temporary Tag, and it was an unforgettable night--they both are incredibly talented performers. (Hope they don't mind the shout out!)

More on the past weekend to come soon! I still have to tell you about Saturday and Sunday, and already I have rambled on long enough for one post. Stay tuned...

Final Call

Whew! The past few days have gone by too quickly. I've been preparing for tomorrow's departure with feverish efforts. Thankfully, Southwest Airlines does not charge for the first or second checked bag.

I'm finding it tough to pack for a flight with the equipment. Hopefully I won't get to the counter to find out that it's over the weight limit. This is the minutia we face to get things done, no!? I'm going to have to sacrifice on clothes in order to make sure the equipment gets there!

On a more serious note, this trip has helped me recognize many things:

• Filming locally has been a luxury, and is incredibly convenient
• Traveling to film (while I definitely enjoy it) requires more resources: vacation time from my full time job, funds to travel (or in this case, credit), energy to get to the location and set everything up, etc.
  
• Having a production assistant or director of photography is a luxury I hope to have on the next project
• Surry, family, friends, interviewees and the team of volunteers make up one incredible collaborative effort; there's not a day that goes by that I am not thankful for that help
  
• I'm growing more anxious to share the finished film, and check my patience regularly
• The need to be so familiar with your equipment that it is an extension of yourself is as true for moving pictures as it is for still photography; and mirrors that of a soldier and his equipment

There is little time to write a great deal of deep thoughts at the moment. I still have to get a few more affairs in order before I fly tomorrow. We are in the home stretch now, though, with this interview this week and hopefully another one in the coming month. I see the film playing in my mind regularly, and am desperate to see it come together.

Finalizing Plans

I just got off the phone with Dr. Hickey, and confirmed our interview time for this Friday afternoon. My flight plans are in order. And I'm staying with friends who just recently moved to Chicago. There's much more work to be done in the coming days, but things are shaping up quite nicely right now. I'm excited about the journey.

Final Plans Taking Shape

Well, final plans are coming together for my trip. I'm getting lots of contacts and information on where to go and what to do while I'm there. This will be a short trip, but I plan on squeezing as much out of it as I possibly can.

My friends laughingly call me a Planner, but I am flexible when things don't go according to plan. Perhaps, instead, I am a Preparer. Better to be prepared with all of the information than not when the opportunities arrive, I believe.

Anywhooo, I leave at 0-dark-thirty on Friday morning and have a full weekend of hustle and bustle when I arrive in VA/DC. Much to do, little time to do it. Maximum efficiency is a must for this trip. But I also have to remember to be kind to myself so I don't have a relapse...I think if I get sick one more time, I will not handle it with any patience.

Greg and Mike and I are all preparing for our interviews, a fact I am most excited about.

Keeping On, Keeping On

Had another training at the Apple store last night. Really enjoy working with Tom. He's got a great sense of humor and is teaching me not only about the editing software, but about the art of filmmaking, too. It's one thing to teach just the software as is required, but another to share years of experience beyond what is necessary. I like it when people go above and beyond, don't you? It's a lot of fun to go in there each week and work on making this project better and better. I think we're coming to the final weeks of working on the wedding video, which makes me happy.

I'm still reading and reading and reading the transcripts. It's incredibly helpful to have the interviews in print because it helps me ingrain the messages and piece them together. What message has to come first? How do you capture your audience in the first seconds of the film, keep them interested, and then hit a climax and a quick conclusion?

You, as the story teller, help the audience care about the characters and subject matter. You have to help them care, understand, and feel what you want them to feel. The psychology of story telling is fascinating to me. I feel this story taking shape in my mind, and am so excited about sharing it with the world when the time comes. We're scanning the transcripts for important facts and powerful statements. From there, I will piece together a screenplay and we will edit it all together based on that document.

We are coordinating a few more interviews in the mean time. As of right now, it looks like I will be heading to Virginia in November and again in December for three possible interviews and some B Roll footage of the nation's capitol and Vietnam War Memorial. We still hope to interview about two others outside of those two potential trips. Details are falling into place, and that is incredibly exciting.

Until then, I will continue reading and researching!