A Big Week

A LOT has happened in this past week, aside from the AU profile published about me (see next posting).

I purchased the URL "zambianforge.com" which is currently re-directing here. However, I am starting to plan a non-blog oriented website for this film.

I upgraded from Final Cut Pro to the Apple Production Suite, so I now have access to Motion, and more importantly, DVD Studio Pro 3. I am now encoding mpegs directly from FCP with Compressor, and my rough DVDs are 24P. This has been an important step, as I am now getting a better feel for how the motion intensive scenes really look. Also, it will greatly decrease the amount of time I need to burn an extra copy of a footage disk. All around, this is a big step forward in my production process.


I've brought 2 more bodies on board.
The first, Hilary, will be interning for me, helping out with some of the last parts of the digitizing process, and making DVDs. She is also going to help manage the production of the promotional video I am about to create for the FORGE program.

The second person, Nadine, is going to cut together a trailer for "Zambian Forge" and work on creating a package that can be presented to acquire grants or other sources of finishing funds. I have already created a document to support this effort that outlines the scenes, characters, and interviews that will make up the film.


Digitizing (Yes, I am still digitizing!)
Footage ingested since the last update:
An early interview with Geno.
Interview with "Brown": the Zambian man who was appointed to head the Library by the Zambian government.
Interviews with students from Meheba High School: Victor, Bina, Prudence
A huge scene where the Forge volunteers ride together with Angolans as they repatriate to Angola.
Footage from our drive up to Meheba from Lusaka, our arrival at the settlement, introductions, moving in, and first reactions.


Also, in an earlier post I mentioned that I'm going to produce a side project: "Songs of Meheba" from the audio I recorded. The first Choir group has gone through the audio sweetening process, courtesy of Amit Shoham of Tarantic Records:
http://tarantic.com/

More updates to come soon!
David

American University Profile

My alma mater, American University, recently profiled me and this project. Check it out!
http://www.american.edu/newsletter/development/nov/mallin_nov04.htm

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!
David

Too Much to Do!

Well, production has reached the stage where I need to bring more people on board. I'm actively seeking potential editors and interns, and am already talking with a couple of people about joining the production team.

I spent last weekend in LA and stayed with Eric from FORGE, following on his and Brandon's trip to SF the week before. It's been good to continue the connection with the team face to face.

The new 1/2 Terabyte of storage is up and running. I've got enough to finish digitizing now.

Some additional footage brought in since the last update are:
Interviews:
Paul, the vice-headboy of the high school and a refugee from Sudan
Myself!

Scenes:
Arianna leading HIV instructional sessions with villagers outside the high school.
Unpacking books for the library.
Painting the library murals.
The women's group leading dancing.

FORGE is beginning it's web presence. Here is the url:
http://forgeprogram.org/

David

Four More Years

Well, the US election is over. Let us just take a moment to reflect on the awesome responsibility we have as the most powerful nation on the planet. The decisions we make echo throughout the world. We should be conscious of this. For all the people who supported Kerry - I hope they find other ways to make productive changes in the world. And those of you who wanted Bush in office.. now that you have the power, use it well and be responsible.


Some additional footage digitized includes:
Meheba Youth Sports League final tournament and planning meetings.
Interview: Stoic Shieku - Angolan Refugee, Meheba Zone D Chairman
A young Angolan bride preparing for her wedding day
Interview: Sisters of Charity - two Zambian "nuns"
Language lessons from Danny, one of our security staff
and more..

I've hit the limit with storage on my machine, but I have a 1/2 Terabyte firewire800 drive on its way.

I have about 10 people reviewing footage for me at the moment, and so far, feedback is positive.

Take care,
David