[Doetsch]

Hello Everyone

I want to ask everyone something. Those of you who have read my profile may know that I write (Screenplays in particular) I have written many movies and I have finally saved up enough to buy Editing Software, a New Computer and by next month I will have a Professional Camcorder. Now with my Question.

I am thinking of making a Documentary on Diabetes and would like everyones input. I am thinking of following a Child, a Pre-Teen, a Teenager, a College Student and an Adult who have Diabetes. I will travel with them through their daily routines through their individual lifestyles and show the world what Diabetes really is and break all of the Sterotypes.

I am thinking of hitting subjects like.

Misconception of Diabetes
Sterotypes of Diabetes
Research of Diabetes
Pharmacuetical Company involvement
Side effects of Diabetes and Complications

The film will transition with me and my experiences.

What I am asking of you ->

I would like your opinion on this project.

I would like to ask you all what you would like to see, What subjects you would like tackled, and what questions and answers to put on the big screen.

I would like to credit Diabetesforums.com and highlight this community in the project if that is okay with the moderators and runners of this great site.

If anyone lives in Texas and would like to be a part of this project just let me know. I won't be able to pay you but it would be a fun time.

Also, If anyone lives in the Texas area and would like to be one of the before mentioned Cast, let me know so I can get started on the project.

I really would like everyones input and suggestions on this. Don't be to nice, you can be as harsh as you would like and be honest. I want this to be great.

Thank's

[DaveC426913]

It would be amazing to have a documentary out there that debunked the various myths, misconceptions and stereotypes about Diabetes. I think this is one of the biggest enemies of Diabetics.

As for the other elements (Research, Pharmacuetical, Complications) - I don't know, that sounds like it might be directed more toward Diabetics (as oppossed to ignorant non-Diabetics) and might dilute the message.

[Doetsch]

Originally Posted by DaveC426913

It would be amazing to have a documentary out there that debunked the various myths, misconceptions and stereotypes about Diabetes. I think this is one of the biggest enemies of Diabetics.

As for the other elements (Research, Pharmacuetical, Complications) - I don't know, that sounds like it might be directed more toward Diabetics (as oppossed to ignorant non-Diabetics) and might dilute the message.

Good Point. I fiirst wanted to give people an understanding in Lamon(sp?) terms of what Diabetes is. Then I wanted to go into myths, sterotypes etc.

Do you have any suggestions?

[KickStart101]

That's a Terrific Idea. I hope it's a Success. I also hope
you don't make Diabetes look easy like other shows/commercials have,
'cuz it's not. There are so many problems that go hand- in-hand with Diabetes. Not to mention the other diseases/conditions that can occur
with many Diabetics.

Diabetics are mostly, enduring and determined people who usually
gain control over this insidious disease. What can I say, "We are Remarkable".

[Littlebit63_99]

Don't forget to find a dialysis center. And the statistics involved in that.

I think it is a great idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Doetsch]

In the intro I am thinking of having a very severe, hard core approach that will entangle viewers. I am going to show a small, innocent, fun loving child giving a shot and testing blood. Then it will cut to a person on Dialysis after renal failure, A blind person walking the streets and then an amputee in a wheelchair. All this will be shown while I will be giving dialogue in a voice over giving a brief history of the diesease and its side effects. I think this will set a good tone for things to come.

[JediSkipdogg]

Originally Posted by Doetsch

In the intro I am thinking of having a very severe, hard core approach that will entangle viewers. I am going to show a small, innocent, fun loving child giving a shot and testing blood. Then it will cut to a person on Dialysis after renal failure, A blind person walking the streets and then an amputee in a wheelchair. All this will be shown while I will be giving dialogue in a voice over giving a brief history of the diesease and its side effects. I think this will set a good tone for things to come.

Make sure that all of those complication victims are actual diabetics and included in the documentary. I have over 10 years of video production experience and so alot of mistakes made on documentaries drive me nuts. Especially when they show people that don't have the disease, and they use them only cause they have a possible complication of the disease.

If you need any help, let me know. 10+ years of hardcore video experience here, even 4 years of a college degree, now I just do it for fun, lol.

[Simon]

I think it's the hassle from insurance companies where there is most scope for "changing the world". Refused medical insurance, higher premiums on travel insurance or refused insurance all together. Some level of discrimination is acceptable but sometimes insurance companies just exploit the lack of competition for speciallist risks.

[Doetsch]

Originally Posted by Simon

I think it's the hassle from insurance companies where there is most scope for "changing the world". Refused medical insurance, higher premiums on travel insurance or refused insurance all together. Some level of discrimination is acceptable but sometimes insurance companies just exploit the lack of competition for speciallist risks.

I will research this in more detail and see if I can find a creative way to include these concerns.

Thanks for your interest and your suggestion!

[am1977]

:dito: I agree, I think it sounds like an interesting project. But I think it's important that you show this disease for what it is, and not sugar coat it.

It might be interesting to follow around a few people who have the disease and to record their experiences. In my opinion, I think "showing" the disease is better than just "telling" about it. Meaning, I wouldn't have someone just sitting there giving a lecture on the disease...I think it would be more interesting to have viewers learn about the experience through the Diabetic's eyes and perspective. Does that make sense?

Good luck and please keep us informed with your progress in making this documentary.

[Doetsch]

Originally Posted by JediSkipdogg

Make sure that all of those complication victims are actual diabetics and included in the documentary. I have over 10 years of video production experience and so alot of mistakes made on documentaries drive me nuts. Especially when they show people that don't have the disease, and they use them only cause they have a possible complication of the disease.

If you need any help, let me know. 10+ years of hardcore video experience here, even 4 years of a college degree, now I just do it for fun, lol.

I really appreciate that JEDI. I have been writing for quite some time and consider myself a Pro in that arena. I do have some friends that have been giving me some support on the actual filmmaking process. I will definetely take you up on your help if you are interested and I could send you ideas and shot footage via email or other means for your input.

I have already thought of going to a lawyer to get releases for individuals. I will also make sure that everyone featured will be diabetic. I live in a capital city so I have alot of different branches here at my disposal. The state school for the blind is right down the street and I am pretty sure I will find a diabetic that lives in Austin that is blind and willing to be a part of the film (Everyone that becomes blind comes to this school for training in real life situations and to learn how to read braille). I also know a homeless man who has lost a leg due to a Complication - He will definetely be a part of this for me. As for the Dialysis - My grandfather was on Dialysis for 4 years due to a non-diabetic complication. Needless to say I know all of the doctors and nurses at one facility. I will see if I can get permission to shoot and see if anybody there has Diabetes and would like to be a part of the film to talk about their complication.

[Doetsch]

Jedi,

I am in the process of getting the camera. I think I have narrowed it down to the DVXa, VX2100, DVC30 & GL2. May I ask you what you shoot with and your suggestion for a low-midline price range camcorder that has a decent picture with Manual controls.

Thank's

[JediSkipdogg]

Originally Posted by Doetsch

Jedi,

I am in the process of getting the camera. I think I have narrowed it down to the DVXa, VX2100, DVC30 & GL2. May I ask you what you shoot with and your suggestion for a low-midline price range camcorder that has a decent picture with Manual controls.

Thank's

I am a personal fan of the Panasonic cameras. I have not owned any of the above mentioned but of all of those I would choose the DVC30. My main reason is because the DVC30 has the optional (for $250) XLR mic input box. This will greatly help in the interviewing field area and allow you to plug any kind of microphone into it. The GL2 does not have that option and neither does the DVX, I'm not sure about the VX2100. I have worked with the Panasonic AG-DVX100B and that is a phenominal camera, however, quite expensive and probably more than you need.

EDIT ADDON: Another feature of the DVC30 is the LED light system. The output on that light is amazing and not blinding. It puts a good amount of light out but doesn't cause any problem with the eyes of the person you are taping.

Also, you will need an IMMENSE amount of mini-dv tapes. When you get to the point, I highly recommend ebay and buying a box of 50. Too bad we weren't closer then we could work together on this.

[Doetsch]

Originally Posted by JediSkipdogg

I am a personal fan of the Panasonic cameras. I have not owned any of the above mentioned but of all of those I would choose the DVC30. My main reason is because the DVC30 has the optional (for $250) XLR mic input box. This will greatly help in the interviewing field area and allow you to plug any kind of microphone into it. The GL2 does not have that option and neither does the DVX, I'm not sure about the VX2100. I have worked with the Panasonic AG-DVX100B and that is a phenominal camera, however, quite expensive and probably more than you need.

EDIT ADDON: Another feature of the DVC30 is the LED light system. The output on that light is amazing and not blinding. It puts a good amount of light out but doesn't cause any problem with the eyes of the person you are taping.

Also, you will need an IMMENSE amount of mini-dv tapes. When you get to the point, I highly recommend ebay and buying a box of 50. Too bad we weren't closer then we could work together on this.

Thank's for your suggestion. It is shame we don't live close together. What are the odds of 2 diabetics on a diabetic forum that both are filmmakers? By the way I am a huge Star Wars fan. I forgot to mention that to you when I first became a member. If you look at my profile picture you will see some of my geekiness in the background.

[JediSkipdogg]

Originally Posted by Doetsch

Thank's for your suggestion. It is shame we don't live close together. What are the odds of 2 diabetics on a diabetic forum that both are filmmakers? By the way I am a huge Star Wars fan. I forgot to mention that to you when I first became a member. If you look at my profile picture you will see some of my geekiness in the background.

NERD ALERT. LOL, j/k. I can't speak much considering I have every Star Wars lego (well, 90% of them.) But I'll do my best helping and reading the script and anything else you need. To bad transfering video over the internet wasn't possible. Well, transfering raw footage video at actual quality. What do you plan on using to edit it? Final Cut? Premier? Please oh please say at least on a Mac, lol.