Our First All-Crew Meeting

So now we are wrapping with the "production phase" of our projects as we've gathered most of the footages needed. We held our first all-crew meeting yesterday inviting our postproduction crew, Cheth and Vince, to join us. They watched some of the footages and provided some helpful input. Cheth will be involved in creating original music/soundtrack while Vince will assist with technical and editorial assistance.

At this point, it appears to me that three distinct styles of digital storytelling are emerging. First, we have Scott's group-centered approach that is open-ended and consumer-artist oriented. Then we have the black/white photo-based slideshow of Sekyu. And finally, my approach is more documentary/video style. There is a lot of overlap among us, of course. While each of us are responsible for our own projects, we continue to learn from each other and to collaborate.  Soon, Cheth and Vince (our postproduction team) will play more prominent roles. Incidentally, I invited Chris Mergemekes to join us as a second musician. He recently moved to New York but is eager to part of our crew.

Nona and Robert Shockney

During the last two days, I filmed "Mona" and "Robert." I first noticed Mona through her short, figure drawings that were posted on the wall at our clinic. Sekyu and I spent an hour or so photographing and videotaping her drawing various figures. The drawings were simple line-drawings and resembled caricatures.

Today I went to "Robert's" SRO to videotape an interview. He talked about his photographs which documented the lifestyle of those living in the Tenderloin, particularly in relation to their health, eating habits, etc. After that, he turned on his karyoke machine and sang a beautiful song by the Beetles called "Blackbird." This particular piece will be a hit!

Weekly Summary/Update

Sekyu and I met with two of our clients last week (Debbie and Rene) to complete our video/photography shoots. We documented Rene painting two different styles (watercolor and chalk) from start to finish.     

We also visited Debbie's Coop to finish our second round of interviews. She talked about her inspirations behind her poems. Had a chance to see Sekyu's photographs afterwards. They were amazing. Sekyu will be in charge of putting together Debbie's story.

Scott Wallin met with a group of 3-4 clients last Thursday and Saturday. After reviewing the photos taken by the clients and providing feedback, Scott had them do a creative writing exercise which turned out to be very revealing and may serve as basis for their stories. Scott is doing a fabulous job with the clients. 

Finally, last Thursday, I went to Mt. Zion hospital to videotape Michael's radiation treatment. The hospital staff let us into the radiation room at Michael's inssistence. He told the staff how much he wanted to be videotaped. I had to leave during the actual radiation but was able to take away some good B-rolls.