Monday, April 2, 2012

My 15 minutes of fame? - Part 2

I have a seven-person film crew at my house today. They arrived at 7:30 and, at 12:20 p.m., they're still here, filming me as I create this blog post. I'll be listing them individually, and their roles on this project, once the camera turns off.

It's odd to think that, after three or four hours of filming, they'll take all they've gathered and reduce it down to a couple of minutes of combined interview and visual shots. Seven people plus me and Art. Mostly they're here from L.A. Nice people, focused on a common goal. They're quiet and collaborative, courteous and friendly.

The company making the video is Participant Media. Jonathan Harris' title is "Digital Strategy Manager, Social Action and Advocacy"; he was the interviewer and producer. Jonathan already knew my story, so his questions led into what he wanted me to talk about. From the same company, Justin Simien will be doing the editing of the film. Topher Osborn was the director and the man with the camera; Jacki Moonves was the camera assistant. Local crew members Kevin Ely (gaffer) and Elijah Lawson (sound mixer) joined the others this morning.

I spent about an hour being interviewed, about two hours standing or moving around as instructed in the yard, in the woods across the street, in the house, and in our garden. And about six hours sitting or standing around and waiting. Art and I had set aside the day, so we were fine to participate and then watch the experience. Both days we were tired at the end. Good thing we're retired!

The end result of this effort will be about a two-minute video. It's scheduled for release by the end of April. Justin told me it will be available on UTube and other sites, so I'll be able to post it to a future blog.

I got to talk about my experience with Habitat for Humanity and Road Scholar and my determination to make a difference in this, my second half of life. Why I like to walk in the woods, and garden, and travel, and write. There was a short interview with me and Art together where we talked about our book. I know Topher shot way, way more on his camera that we will ever see. The crew seemed happy with what they'd gotten by the time they left at 5:30 p.m. They hope the video will encourage other "second halfers" to get out there.



14 comments:

Linda Reeder said...

Wow. That was a long day for 'two minutes'. It seems others have discovered what a remarkable person you are. The word is out! I'm glad you'll be able to post the video!

DJan said...

Glad to hear that two-minute video will be available for the rest of us admirers. So neat to know that you will be featured as a role model for other women our age. So cool!

Sandi said...

Amazing insider look into what it takes to put an interview together! It's wonderful that the video will be viewable later. That will be fun to see!

Out on the prairie said...

What a great experience to be part of.

Perpetua said...

Gosh, how exciting, Linda! Just catching up now we've arrived and this is so interesting. I look forward to seeing the finished video.

Travels with Emma said...

Interesting! Can I have your autograph?? :)

Nancy/BLissed-Out Grandma said...

Isn't it fun to be the center of attention for a while? (And to know that things will go back to normal once the crew leaves.) You've been very thoughtful and deliberate about your post-retirement choices, so I know you were a great subject for this video.

Jenn Flynn-Shon said...

Sounds like a really fun experience even though it wore you out at the end of it all. What fun though, seriously. Can't wait to see how it all turned out!

Is everyone in Hollywood named something funky these days like Topher or Elijah? I have to start using more creative character names I guess...haha

Barb said...

How fun. It always seem that they need to film so much to get a small presentation...........

Deb Shucka said...

What a wonderful experience for you both to have. Another adventure for you in this time full to overflowing with so many interesting ones. I look forward to seeing the finished product.

#1Nana said...

What a fun experience. Will we see you at the Osars next year?

Murr Brewster said...

Oh fun! I had the same experience (video on my blog). Three minutes, whacked back from several hours of footage. It's amazing. I can't wait to see yours. Start picking out your gown.

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Yep, that seems like allota work for a two minute video but I guess that's what it take in the production of such a thing.

What a wonderful experience it was for ya Miss Linda. Thanks for bein' such a great example and role model for us girl.

God bless and have yourself a spectacular day. :o)

I can't wait to see the video...I'm sure it's fantastic!

Jonathan said...

It was such a pleasure to meet you and Art and to film you at your home. The footage looks fantastic and I can't wait until we can show you the final product.

Thanks again for being a good sport, and walking, talking, standing around as much as we asked you to.

To all the commenters and readers of Linda's blog: we're doing all this in support of the "Marigold Ideas For Good" contest at http://www.takepart.com/marigold/contest. Anyone over 50 with an innovative idea for improving their community or the world can submit for a chance to win $5,000 and a Road Scholar educational adventure!