Sound Stories“Creating Digital Legends”

A proposal from a partnership with Alaska Ocean Observing System,Gulf Watch Alaska and Affinityfilms, Inc.

Sound Stories

ContentsConcepts 2

Goals 3

Reasons 4

Plan 5

Partners 6

Budget 7

Bios 8

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Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember.

Involve me and I learn.

Benjamin Franklin

Concept

2

Next year, March 24, 2014, will mark the 25th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Most of today’s youth have no rec-ollection of the spill or its clean up. As a means of educating the youth of Prince William Sound and lower Cook Inlet about the 1989 oil spill and to invigorate their support for keeping the land and waters affected by the spill healthy, we propose to engage them in a modern day method of storytelling.

We are at a pivotal time in our ocean and coast’s history in the spill-affected region of the Gulf of Alaska – now even more so with tsunami debris, ocean acidification, cli-mate change and severe salmon declines being raised. We must use tools of engage-ment relevant to today’s youth.

We propose to do this by guiding and mentoring youth in digital storytelling using cameras and new QR coding tech-nology as well as social media to show-case their work. We will take the lessons learned from a similar project in Bristol Bay – www.DayinourBay.org – and apply that to the spill-impacted region of the 1989

oil spill. We propose to use its same media professionals as mentors.

We will work with community liaisons be-side youth to gather digital footage and still photos of residents of Prince William Sound (Valdez, Cordova, Tatitlek, Chenega) and lower Cook Inlet (Port Graham, Seldo-via and Nanwalek) with an ear to the past experiences of the 1989 oil spill and an eye to the future – inspiring youth to cher-ish and protect Prince William Sound and Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay. The prod-ucts will be created by young residents using the tools of their time and edited into a working film with ancillary educational and archival uses of the footage. We will do a “first time ever” QR encoding (digital chipping of the stories-in their wild settings) which can be read by smart phones and linked to audio and web caches of these stories. We will also use social media in every venue and create media attention during and after the project is underway.

Filming will take place in Summer, 2013 us-ing two boats for one week each, carrying 4 video mentors each.

GoalsBy deploying professional videographers to the listed 8 primary locations to work with youth to capture and share stories from their elders, and parents about EVOS, we will ensure a high level of production so that gathered materials will compete with today’s media.

We will nurture a respect for the unique pu-rity and beauty of their home by portraying the beauty and bounty of their land and water today using tools of our time.

We will do this through:

1. Education – teaching hands on day long film workshops, training commu-nity members to use the digital video cameras working beside and with everyone who is interested in partici-pating in the project.

2. Documentation – film short interviews, B-roll footage and stills photos while in the villages.

3. Retrieval – bring back memory cards from participating community mem-bers, catalog, edit, organize and repli-cate raw footage for archival value.

4. Reach out - create social media components which will be kept active throughout the project

5. Film making - gathered clips from par-ticipants into a working documentary film of 20-28 minutes in length and by creating public awareness media.

6. Technology - use of QR chip technol-ogy which can be scanned by smart phones to web caches of the material directly from the places where filmed (whenever possible) and in public ven-ues when not.

Those who canot

remember the past are condemned to repeat it.

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ReasonsTARGETED PARTICIPANTS and BENEFICIARIES:

1. We want to engage today’s youth (residents of the spill-impacted region of Lower Cook Inlet and Prince William Sound) with hands-on activities so they will become more invested in concepts about consider their environment which currently may seem abstract to them.

2. Alaskans who may not live in the area but enjoy it recreationally and may have forgotten the impact of the spill, or who may not have been alive at the time of the spill.

3. Media in Alaska- to give content to media for publicity surrounding the anniversary of the oil spill.

4. Media- National and International- to provide positive content to balance the old footage of the spill that will no doubt be used at the time of the anni-versary.

GAINS:

Youth will appreciate their history, place, and elders who experienced the oil spill while documenting their unique region of the world on an international scale in social and other forms of media.

The project will generate awareness and appreciation for the region.

There is historical value in archival gath-ering before we lose many of the people who experienced the spill, and in logging and storing the footage the youth and professional mentors will gather during this project.

There are future educational uses of the footage that exceed the one time short documentary. This will include: science and social studies course work from elementary through college level schooling; short web-eos can be used on Internet venues;

There will be social media assets to lever-age for the year following the event.

The project will have a Facebook presence and links to increase awareness with a broader, younger audience.

Community activities and outreach events can be created both during and after the project.

Participating community members will receive HDV video/still/cameras to keep for future use.

We will raise visibility of our partner organi-zations and their missions.

We will get people talking about the issues in unexpected ways. The bigger conversa-tion is about responsible resource devel-opment and protection of our oceans and why it matters.

We will be able to use footage for Public Service Announcements to be used by sponsors.

We will increase interest by other people in the affected region and issues – by hear-ing from people both inside and outside the region.

Youth will learn skills to combine tradition with current technology to share their com-munity’s experience.

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Plan

Begin media push

FULL ON MEDIA PUSH ending with a premiere of the compiled documentary at a major venue on March 24, 2014.

From Anniversary forwardBRANDING – we will continue to use the name and messaging across all media.TECHNOLOGY – we will determine how to use this new chip technology in the environment without creating impact issues.SOCIAL MEDIA – build infrastructure for building awareness, creating excitement, informing youth and the public about the issues and why they matter, ongoing reports on progress, final film promotion, etc.PR for SPONSORS – opportunity to be included in the print newsletter and to use elements for their own PR and social media. Opportunity to sponsor QR tiles/placement/markers. We will feature significant moments throughout the initiative to garner media attention. Alaska, national, international – all eyes on keeping the pristine waters pure.

March 2014

April 2013

June 2013

September 2013

November 2013

January 2014

Secure and begin to build website, begin social media development, begin local

liaison contact and planning, reserve boats, design branding.

(Shoot Choice #1) While shooting, a QR tile placement style and plan will be drafted.

Engage media as we go out.

(Shoot Choice #4)

Editing/Packaging/Cataloging

Trailer release/encoding tiles

Reserve Mentors, make schedule for shoot-ing, start to plan shot lists, storylines, and interviewees, create release and contract templates.

Create Electronic Press Kit, begin PR - con-tinue cataloging and begin film festival submissions.

Replication of media and distribution/placement of tiles as weather permits

(Shoot Choice #2)

(Shoot Choice #3)

Editing/Organizing/Cataloging

May 2013

December 2013

February 2014

July 2013

August 2013

October 2013

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Partners

Photo by Chris Scarafile, Mentor on “Day in Our Bay”6

BudgetStarting in March 2013- March

2014- MediaEgg

Admin Assistance - Office, Coordination, Errands, Reporting, Media mgt, etc. Greta Artman

Supervising Editor and Editing Assistant- for composite film and 12 “webeos” Taylor Segrest?

QR Coding Consultants/Codes/Placement Design and Devices QR CODES ALASKA

Site fees for Registration,

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$Composer - for original music for this film (that is not copyrighted) - allow $ Brian Satterwhite

$

Alaska Ocean Observing System Coordinator portion of salary $

Webmaster/Graphic Artist AOOS $

Social Media and Technical Infrastructure -

PR Consultant - NTE $ - TBD $

$

$

$

$

Post-Production Sound Mix, Color Correction, Outputs Frostline Productions $

$

Travel from Outside - two mentors will come in, as well as editor $

$Housing for Outsiders- 4 nights for camera mentors ($), 6 weeks for editor ($)

show to housing, and recruit local participants, etc.) 7 locations

Travel from Anchorage to Boats $

Boats- Two at $ per day x 14 shoot days $

Local Contact/Liaison - $ X 7 - (person to pick up, escort around village, $

Cameras and Data Cards for Students - $ x 30 $

$Extra shipping- this could be for travel costs if sleeping gear is required- NTE

Camera Card Attachment - instructional - write,

familiar with project/cameras

DropBox Pro or USendIt fees - $ $

laminate, attach $ $

Meals- Preproduction meeting $ and Post-production late night meals $

SUBTOTAL $

Indirect-10 % $

TOTAL $

Video Mentors- for 8 media professionals one week travel/work plus one half day briefing day prior to departure; $ per

Project Producer - NTE $ (part time for duration, plus full time for two months of shooting and editing) Mary Katzke

Insurance $

Satellite Phones NTE - allow for field communication, one way or another $

PSA Production - $ $

YouTube Instructional $ to help village liaisons and students become $

Bios Executive Producer of Alaska Ocean Observing System, Molly McCammon

mccammon@aoos.orgWork Telephone: (907) 644-6703 or Mobile Telephone: (907) 227-76341007 West Third Avenue, Suite 100, Anchorage, Alaska 99501

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

July 2003 – PresentAlaska Ocean Observing System (AOOS). Executive Director.• Developing the Alaska regional component of the national Inte-

grated Ocean Observation System (IOOS), guided by a board made up of federal and state resource agencies and marine research entities.

• Represent Alaska interests in IOOS Association and further development of national IOOS.• Work with Alaska members to establish an integrated system of ocean observations for Alaska to meet the needs

of a wide variety of users.

Other current projectsCo-PI for COSEE Alaska, funded by NSFLead PI, Ocean planning tools project, funded by NOAALead PI, Long-term monitoring program, funded by Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council

1993 - 2003Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council. Executive Director. • Implemented policies and direction of six-member, joint federal-state Trustee Council with requirement of una-

nimity for all decisions. • Administered programs funded by $900 million trust fund established by settlement of government claims

against Exxon Corporation following 1989 oil spill, including annual research and monitoring work plans ranging in size from $6 million - $25 million a year.

• Developed oil spill restoration program now viewed as international model.• Guided planning and successful review by National Academy of Sciences of groundbreaking long-term environ-

mental monitoring program.• Negotiated and implemented one of largest habitat acquisition programs in nation.

Recent Professional Activities• 2011-2012, writing team Alaska Regional Climate Assessment and Alaska chapter of national Climate Assess-

ment.• 2005 – 2011, national chair, IOOS Association (formerly known as National Federation of Regional Associations

of Coastal and Ocean Observing – NFRA); 2003- present, Alaska representative to IOOS Association & member, Executive Committee.

• 2011 – present and 2006-2009, member national Ocean Research Advisory Panel.• 2008 – present, member, National Academy of Sciences Polar Research Board.• 2004 - present, Board member representing city of Anchorage and past President, Cook Inlet Regional Citizens’

Advisory Council.• 2004 – present, Alaska Sea Grant Program, Advisory Group member.• 2005 – present, Fellow, Cooperative Institute for Arctic Research, University of Alaska Fairbanks.• 2004 – 2006, member, National Research Council Committee to Establish an Arctic Observing Network.

Past Experience 1984-1993Ten years experience in Alaska public policy, specializing in natural resources, fisheries and Alaska Native issues, working for Alaska Governor Bill Sheffield, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Chief of Staff for Senate Finance Committee Chair John Binkley, and Senate Fisheries Committee aide.

Past Experience 1973-1984Reporter/writer for various news media and organizations.

Other1975-1984. Homesteaded in the western Brooks Range. Co-owner and operator, recreational guiding service.

EducationB.A. in Journalism, University of California, Berkeley, 1973. Phi Beta Kappa.

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Bios Project Producer and Director, Mary Katzke

Resume for Project Producer/DirectorMary R. Katzke

SUMMARY• More than thirty years of progressive media creation, production, direc-

tion, marketing, writing and distribution • Founder of Affinityfilms, Inc., a educational media production company• Freelance Writer/Director/Producer of over 30 films• Adjunct Professor at University of Alaska and Alaska Pacific University• Staff and Crew supervisor for over thirty years

EDUCATION • Bachelor of Science in School of Communications, • University of Texas at Austin, 1978• Master of Fine Arts from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts Graduate Film Program/Graduated Magna

Cum Laude, 1992 EXPERIENCE CurrentlyExecutive Director of Affinityfilms, Inc. a media company since 1982. Responsible for marketing, production supervision, hiring and supervision of crew and volunteers, budget adherence on small to mid-range productions, script breakdown, casting, locations, media campaign creation, and community outreach. Reports to Board of Directors

RecentDay in Our Bay ($200K) production involving the conceptualization and execution of the distribution of 60 video cameras and 11 video mentors to cover the Bristol Bay region of SW Alaska in one day. View at:http://www.vimeo.com/dayinourbay/bbnc

Babies on Track for Best Beginnings/United Way15 minute educational film about infant and toddler communication2 photo booksView Trailer at:https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=2068926972052&set=vb.124935797589475&type=2&theater

Feature Length Documentary Film- About Face: The Story of Gwendellin BradshawView Trailer at:http://www.aboutfacefilm.org/

Survive and Thrive: Hope, Truth and Laughter about breast cancerhttp://www.affinityfilms.org/our_work/survive_thrive/

IN PRODUCTIONParenting 102- the Sandwiched Generation Speaks Out (about babyboomers caring for their parents)Alaska Pilot Project- Developing Potential TV series set in AlaskaFifth Grade Around the World- personal doc on taking my son around the world in a Family Gap Year Other highlights: Guest of Sundance Film Festival/Recipient of American Film Institute Award; Author of over 100 suc-cessful grant proposals, Rasmuson Film Fellow in 2004, National Winner of IDA/A & E Indiefilm Post-production award in 2005. National winner of NFPW Award with co-created statewide women’s health poster campaign for State of Alaska’s Office of Breast and Cervical Health, winner of Best Alaskan Film 2009 of Anchorage International Film Festival.

Workshop Producer for Alaskan film workshop events: John Sayles (screenwriting); Sandra Ruch, Director of IDFA (mar-keting); Dave Hunsaker (screenwriting); Chat Gunther (production sound)

ORGANIZATIONSMember of Alaska Film Group; member of New York Women in Film and Television, AIVF, Rotary Club Downtown An-chorage

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Bios Video Mentors

Todd HardestyTodd Hardesty is an Emmy winning videographer based in Anchorage. For the past 25 years Todd has captured Alaska’s wilderness, wildlife, scenic wonders and profiled the fascinating people of the Last Frontier. His work has been seen worldwide on cable and television and distributed across Alaska on DVD. Prior to founding Alaska Video Postcards in 1987 Todd spent a decade in radio and television news. Among the highlights of his news career were interviews with Presidents Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter. Todd has also recently filmed and produced “The Village” about the work of Bethel doctor Jill Seaman in the Southern Sudanese village of Old Fangak.

Laura GanisLaura Ganis was a video mentor for seven high school kids from across the country on PBS’s The Ride. She traveled in a Winnebago with them across the country, while the kids, armed with video cameras, shot stories about kids their own age-from an aspiring writer on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota to kids trying to escape the gang life in Chicago. It was Laura’s job to form these into cohesive sto-ries and guide the kids on what to shoot next to get full story potential. She shot an award-winning documentary called POWARS, about an organization that provides resource services for pets of people with AIDS in New York City. Working for three years on MTV’s The Real World, and Disney Channel’s Bug Juice, Laura has shot in places as diverse as Tijuana, Mexico and a summer camp in Maine.

Carl Battreall2013 marks Carl Battreall’s twenty-second year as a professional outdoor photogra-pher and cinematographer. Carl’s photography has been published in books, mag-azines and calendars throughout the world. His cinematography has been used in documentaries that have been screened in North America, Europe and Australia. Carl is the winner of the 2007 Daniel Housberg Wilderness Image Award and the2008 Rasmuson Artist Fellowship

Beth SkabarBeth Skabar is currently pursuing an MFA in cinematography at the American Film Institute. Skabar graduated from Ohio University with a BS in Visual Communications. After teaching spoken English in rural India for 6 months, Skabar moved to Alaska and has been telling visual stories since. She worked with Alaska Newspapers as a designer and photojournalist, and has since embraced cinematography as a new way to tell stories. Skabar has been the Director of Photography on several features, commercials, and shorts, including “Day in our Bay.”

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Bios Video Mentors

Chris ScarafileChris Scarafile is a Brooklyn-based cinematographer specializing in non-fiction and nature photography. His documentary work has taken him from the jungles of India (‘Sahaka Ramu’) to the Syrian desert (‘Mourning in the Garden of Eden’) and peaks of Alaska (‘Day in Our Bay’, ‘Survive & Thrive’). In 2006, Chris signed on with Getty Images to represent his extensive library of nature photography.

Nara GarberNara Garber is a documentary filmmaker with a background in education who divides her time between directing, shooting, and editing. She has directed and produced short-form documentaries for Carnegie Hall since 2007, and is co-director, producer, and cinematographer of Flat Daddy (2011), the award-winning feature documentary about military families and the impact of deployment. Nara’s work as a director of photography will be featured in several documentaries premiering on the festival circuit this year: Best Kept Secret, Southmost, and Reject. Past camera work has appeared on HBO (Making the Crooked Straight) and PBS (NOW with Bill Moyers) and on the closing night of the 2005 Genova Film Festival (After Roberto), and in 2008 Nara received the Best Cinematography award in the Asian American Film Lab’s 72 Hour Film Shootout. Nara has appeared on cinematography panels assembled by New York Women in Film & Television and the Borough of Manhattan Community College, and she has guest lectured at several CUNY campuses and at Hollins University in Roanoake, VA. Nara has filmed in Alaska almost every year since first collaborating with Mark Katzke and Affinityfilms in 2001, and she very much looks forward to being a part of this important project!

Tom TrainorTom Trainor grew up in Unalakleet, Alaska and attended UAA and the Seattle Film Institute. In ten years in the film and televison industry, he has worked out of Seat-tle, Los Angeles, New York City and Anchorage and his cinematography has been featured on CNN Presents, Dateline NBC, National Geographic Specials, and other nationally aired programs as well as several short films.

Zak MelmsZak first picked up a camera in elementary school. Following this passion, he went on to graduate with a degree in Film and Photography from Montana State Uni-versity in Bozeman. Zak has shot documentaries and films in some of Alaska’s most remote locations. He’s hung out of airplanes at minus 50 degrees, endured all-night-ers in the rain in late November, managed gear shipments to and from villages, and shot more commercials than he can count. Most recently, Zak worked on a docu-mentary about the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge, spending months getting to know the residents of villages in the area.

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Contact Project Director Mary Katzke at marykatzke@gci.net/907-250-6897 or Executive Producer Molly McCammon/907-644-6704 at mccammon@aoos.org

Sound Stories“Creating Digital Legends”