Sunday, January 27, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
January 24, 2008
In the last three months a lot has happened regarding my documentary "America Speaks". As with any project, especially a dream, there are challenges, obstacles to over come, moments of joy combined with heart breaking disappointments. The determining factor in whether your dream becomes reality or remains a dream is what you are willing to do in order to achieve it, in the face of overwhelming odds against it. This project has tested me in ways I never thought possible. Seven months of working 24/7 under challenging circumstances with little knowledge, equipment or support and problems at nearly every turn. There are times you must look deep inside for the courage to continue against all odds with only the belief that it is your destiny. I believe in my heart, my destiny in life, is to give a voice to those who have none. That is why "America Speaks" has been completed and a copy of it was mailed 1-14th to every member of congress, the top presidential candidates and the president as promised. The press release to the press will be completed 1-28th. In the meantime, I am editing the journal I kept while doing the documentary as well as the pictures I took while filming. That book will be available for sale on the website where you can also order a copy of the documentary as well. The website is www.letamericaspeak.com.
The last few months have tested my resolve, faith, ability, determination, perseverance, mind and body. Making this documentary has been the single hardest thing I have ever done in my life, and the most rewarding. In the end, inspite of all that I faced and had to overcome, I knew in my heart that nothing, no matter how impossible, would prevent me from realizing my dream. Whatever happens with this documentary, I know that I kept my promise, reached my goal, obtained my dream, gave it 100% and did so with a pure heart, for the right reason, and I have peace leaving the outcome up to God.
The last few months have tested my resolve, faith, ability, determination, perseverance, mind and body. Making this documentary has been the single hardest thing I have ever done in my life, and the most rewarding. In the end, inspite of all that I faced and had to overcome, I knew in my heart that nothing, no matter how impossible, would prevent me from realizing my dream. Whatever happens with this documentary, I know that I kept my promise, reached my goal, obtained my dream, gave it 100% and did so with a pure heart, for the right reason, and I have peace leaving the outcome up to God.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Post for October 31, 2007
For the last 3 weeks I have spent all day, almost every day editing the 20 1-hour long tapes, while writing three books. The first book is the one I started on the trip about what it takes to do this documentary, the other is pictures of the prettiest places I saw while on this trip, and the last one is about some of my life experiences that I have wanted to write about for the last couple of years.
The initial editing of the tapes involves hooking the camera up to the TV., writing down the beginning and ending time codes of each survey, and whether I will use it or not. If I want to use it, I write it down on another sheet, and if I don’t, I mark it with an X. Not only am I looking for the quality of the survey, but the light, sound, and overall shot. Then I write down the race, gender and age of the person, as well as the number of the tape I am editing. I can only do 4-5 hours a day of editing because it is so hard on my eyes.
I have finished the first and second round of editing. And there will probably at least 3-4 other rounds of editing to get down to 1 hour from 20 hour of tape. I have already edite the 2000 pictures to 1200 or so and that must be edited to around 200. Once it down to 1 - 1/2 hours, I will take that along with the pictures and give to the film maker to make the final product, with my help. I really love the post production of the process which is so creative only limited by your imagination. It is a long, hard, and tiresome process but one that is well worth it. Hopefully I will have my website completed where you can download the books and documentary for a small fee to cover my costs. My goal is to be finished with everything my January of 2008 and the mail out to all members of congress (600+) and the president and presidential candidates as well, as promised. In the meantime, I am also starting a film production company entitled Macy Production, Inc., which will also publish real life stories of women who inspire others to be all they can be. Will keep you posted!!!
The initial editing of the tapes involves hooking the camera up to the TV., writing down the beginning and ending time codes of each survey, and whether I will use it or not. If I want to use it, I write it down on another sheet, and if I don’t, I mark it with an X. Not only am I looking for the quality of the survey, but the light, sound, and overall shot. Then I write down the race, gender and age of the person, as well as the number of the tape I am editing. I can only do 4-5 hours a day of editing because it is so hard on my eyes.
I have finished the first and second round of editing. And there will probably at least 3-4 other rounds of editing to get down to 1 hour from 20 hour of tape. I have already edite the 2000 pictures to 1200 or so and that must be edited to around 200. Once it down to 1 - 1/2 hours, I will take that along with the pictures and give to the film maker to make the final product, with my help. I really love the post production of the process which is so creative only limited by your imagination. It is a long, hard, and tiresome process but one that is well worth it. Hopefully I will have my website completed where you can download the books and documentary for a small fee to cover my costs. My goal is to be finished with everything my January of 2008 and the mail out to all members of congress (600+) and the president and presidential candidates as well, as promised. In the meantime, I am also starting a film production company entitled Macy Production, Inc., which will also publish real life stories of women who inspire others to be all they can be. Will keep you posted!!!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Post for Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Hey World!!!! GOOD NEWS!!!
I have been home for only 2 weeks and I have found a place to live, took care of all my errands and appointments and even found a film maker to help me. His name is Gabor and he has lived in Venezuela and France and speaks 4 languages. He has 30 years experience in film making and did his PhD in Paris, France, and also has a journalism background. After viewing one of his documentaries which was beautifully shot, I know that he is the one to do mine. The next couple of weeks, I will be editing the tapes down and when I am finished, I will turn it over to Gabor. Who will, with my help, take my footage and turn it into my vision for the documentary. After it has been completed, my desire is to have a showing of the film for all those who wish to see it, along with the press. Then I will enter it into national and international film festivals to see what happens. Also I have plans to talk to PBS to see if they will show it nationally so all you, who want to see it, can. Will keep you posted.
I have been home for only 2 weeks and I have found a place to live, took care of all my errands and appointments and even found a film maker to help me. His name is Gabor and he has lived in Venezuela and France and speaks 4 languages. He has 30 years experience in film making and did his PhD in Paris, France, and also has a journalism background. After viewing one of his documentaries which was beautifully shot, I know that he is the one to do mine. The next couple of weeks, I will be editing the tapes down and when I am finished, I will turn it over to Gabor. Who will, with my help, take my footage and turn it into my vision for the documentary. After it has been completed, my desire is to have a showing of the film for all those who wish to see it, along with the press. Then I will enter it into national and international film festivals to see what happens. Also I have plans to talk to PBS to see if they will show it nationally so all you, who want to see it, can. Will keep you posted.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Yesterday was Saturday and I left Fort Smith, Ok and headed to Houston by way of 69 to 59 but the going was so slow, I decided to head back and get on 40 and then 45 S instead. I could have made it to Houston but I didn’t want to drive in the dark (one of my rules since the beginning of this trip) and I was tired from the last 13,000 miles. I spend the night in Madisonville and had some great Mexican food, which I have missed on this trip. I also met some nice people and had great conversations. Thanks guys!!!
Today is Sunday and I am heading back to Houston. I can’t say home because I don’t have one. I sold my house, didn't renew my apartment lease, put everything I owned in storage and hit the road. So now I have no home to go back to. My plan is to stay in Houston for approximately 3 months until I have the documentary finished and then to move out of state. I will probably just stay with friends so I won’t have an apartment lease, or have to buy anything in Houston.
Thinking back on my trip… the mountains in Colorado, the rock formations in Arizona, the wine country in California, the big sky in Montana, the open plains in Ohio, the energy of New York, the leaves turning in Vermont, the lighthouses in Maine, the Amish in Pennsylvania, the beauty in West Virginia, the music and Smokey Mountains in Tennessee, and the hot springs in Arkansas; what memories I have. The people I met, the stories of sadness and joy I heard, the moments of past memories and dreams realized.
This will probably be my last post for awhile until I have caught up on the last 2 months (mail, doctor’s appointments and others) and until I find a place to live temporarily. Once the website is up and running, I will post the address and post any pertinent information regarding the documentary. Until then, remember this country is of the people, by the people and for the people; let your voice be heard.
Today is Sunday and I am heading back to Houston. I can’t say home because I don’t have one. I sold my house, didn't renew my apartment lease, put everything I owned in storage and hit the road. So now I have no home to go back to. My plan is to stay in Houston for approximately 3 months until I have the documentary finished and then to move out of state. I will probably just stay with friends so I won’t have an apartment lease, or have to buy anything in Houston.
Thinking back on my trip… the mountains in Colorado, the rock formations in Arizona, the wine country in California, the big sky in Montana, the open plains in Ohio, the energy of New York, the leaves turning in Vermont, the lighthouses in Maine, the Amish in Pennsylvania, the beauty in West Virginia, the music and Smokey Mountains in Tennessee, and the hot springs in Arkansas; what memories I have. The people I met, the stories of sadness and joy I heard, the moments of past memories and dreams realized.
This will probably be my last post for awhile until I have caught up on the last 2 months (mail, doctor’s appointments and others) and until I find a place to live temporarily. Once the website is up and running, I will post the address and post any pertinent information regarding the documentary. Until then, remember this country is of the people, by the people and for the people; let your voice be heard.
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