
Twenty four hours after I launched upariver.net I received an email that said my website had been viewed 835 times already. 835 times in the first 24 hours! I know that’s not a record breaking number but it is still amazing. We will say 825 views because 10 of those website views were me, triple checking to make sure everything looked good.
The website has garnered a lot of intrigue and excitement about this documentary project. More than I expected. I know it is because this subject is close to so many hearts in this area of the U.P. I’ve been asked what the purpose of this website is for the film. I could have produced a documentary without a website but I thought it would be the best way to spread the word about it to potential interviewees and provide an easy way to contact me. As well as to get this subject to the forefront again and get people talking about it. For 24 hours straight after I started the site my phone alerted me of new emails coming in with messages of support, ideas and people willing to speak on camera.
I met with two camp leaseholders today who are willing to let me interview them at their camps and show the world what keeping the tradition of these camps means to them and their attachment to the river. I believe both will be great additions to the film. So far I know I have at least ten camps on board.
I also plan to interview the Ottawa National Forest Supervisor and possibly past supervisors and local lawmakers. A great idea from a couple emails I received is to interview private property camp owners along the river and get their perspective on the removal of leased land camps.
For the past week I’ve been jotting down ideas as they come and questions to ask during interviews with the leaseholders (aka camp dwellers or river rats as some people have called themselves). Not only do I plan on interviewing them, I plan to hang out for a day at their camp with a video camera and follow them fishing, hunting, relaxing, canoeing, playing cards, spending time with family and friends and just doing what you do at camp. I want to show that there can be a balance between preserving the river and keeping these traditions alive.
If you have any questions, comments or ideas for me please feel free to share!
The website has garnered a lot of intrigue and excitement about this documentary project. More than I expected. I know it is because this subject is close to so many hearts in this area of the U.P. I’ve been asked what the purpose of this website is for the film. I could have produced a documentary without a website but I thought it would be the best way to spread the word about it to potential interviewees and provide an easy way to contact me. As well as to get this subject to the forefront again and get people talking about it. For 24 hours straight after I started the site my phone alerted me of new emails coming in with messages of support, ideas and people willing to speak on camera.
I met with two camp leaseholders today who are willing to let me interview them at their camps and show the world what keeping the tradition of these camps means to them and their attachment to the river. I believe both will be great additions to the film. So far I know I have at least ten camps on board.
I also plan to interview the Ottawa National Forest Supervisor and possibly past supervisors and local lawmakers. A great idea from a couple emails I received is to interview private property camp owners along the river and get their perspective on the removal of leased land camps.
For the past week I’ve been jotting down ideas as they come and questions to ask during interviews with the leaseholders (aka camp dwellers or river rats as some people have called themselves). Not only do I plan on interviewing them, I plan to hang out for a day at their camp with a video camera and follow them fishing, hunting, relaxing, canoeing, playing cards, spending time with family and friends and just doing what you do at camp. I want to show that there can be a balance between preserving the river and keeping these traditions alive.
If you have any questions, comments or ideas for me please feel free to share!