Media > Bilingual > Continuing Medical Education > Commercial > Documentary > K-12 > Non-Profit > Self-Published > Training
The film “Silent Eyes: World War I Balloonists” is an example of my love for storytelling, film making and capturing the human experience. While working for the PBS affiliate in Lincoln, Nebraska, I learned the Omaha US Army depot had been used to train balloonists for WWI reconnaissance missions. After doing initial research, I found an 87 year old veteran balloonist, Earle Reynolds, living in Omaha who was agreeable to being filmed. I pitched the idea to Marshall Jamison and received a modest budget to make the short film. In addition to the local historical society photographs of the balloonists training, I conducted research at the US National Archives and secured actual film footage of WWI balloonists at the front. The film validates my belief that “where there is a will, there is a way”. I was not yet a producer, had no budget, and no assignment to create a film, but what I did have was an enthusiastic desire to tell this story. Intrigued and amazed that balloonists took part in WWI, the audience praised the film for exposing this little known piece of local and national history. Most importantly, through Earle’s story, the contribution of his generation was once again appreciated in the public eye. Technology has revolutionized visual storytelling. Today, digital tools support increased human interaction; multiple perspectives of the same event can be shared and questions and answer sessions orchestrated, enabling viewers to engage in making meaning. Staying current with new development tools and delivery methods provides an opportunity for life-long learning. I enjoy learning new software and digital tools, especially when they enable new features that promote access, ease of use and rich authentic educational opportunities. |
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