Initial interviews of youth

I was very tired on returning to Manhattan last Friday. Our Delta flight had to be canceled after the brakes failed on the tarmac and we had to stay an extra night to catch an early flight on Friday. I had an email from Ron who had been at a camp for National Guard kids at Rock Springs Ranch (about 45 minutes away). He encouraged me to get to the camp as fast as possible and to consider interviewing some of the youth. I found some clean clothes (no fun not having luggage when having to stay overnight) and went back to the university to get a state car.

I had a fantastic experience. I told stories around a campfire that night in a small amphitheater sunk into the ground in the middle of forested area. I interviewed many of the kids that day, on Saturday, and on Sunday morning. I can't wait to bring their thoughts and feelings to you. I want the public to hear what these young people are saying.

We have interviewed others before this, but this was the first time I had contact with National Guard youth. I felt so honored by their trust and openness.

I also had the opportunity to visit with several parents when they arrived at lunchtime to pick up their children. When they heard about the documentary, they were enthusiastic for what we are hoping to achieve. We need their support because we will need to interview many parents as well.

We are at the "discovery" phase of creating a documentary. I have open-ended questions that reveal their experiences without leading them. We don't know what the final documentary will look like because their stories create the tone, ideas, and feelings. I do not have an established point-of-view. As I visit with them, I am not leading or shoehorning them into a preconceived formula. This process of discovery is an exciting part of creating a documentary. The REALLY hard work will follow involving hundreds of hours of pouring over all the comments to allow the final story to reveal itself.