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.