3/2/2010 – 7:51a.m. I am still digitizing footage from the camera to the computer, and just completed Tape 1 a few moments ago. As I sit in front of my monitor, watching and listening to the interview – this time without the sharing of my attention to the details of focus, composition, and remaining tape time, I was able to listen completely.
Mr. Belton’s experiences, in and of themselves, could make an entire feature film, but more over, his experiences – that he relates in great detail, lead me to other questions and to anticipate what else is out there waiting for my lens, and my ear.
My biggest hurdle is in realizing that these are “real” stories, not stories from a movie or a book, or the figment of a screenwriter’s imagination. These are stories that were lived by those telling them – those, like Mr. Belton, who sit before my camera and openly share.
As he talks, there is no embellishment to the stories. If anything there is an air of modesty in his openness. But how do I engage my audience, so that they may feel the reality of these stories? How do I bring them in – close enough so that their hearts are touched? This is the challenge that lies before me.
Until next time….
