This blog follows the journey of Sarah and Greg as they made their film. To see a trailer, read more, learn about the progress of the film or share your story visit AMERICANBEARFILM.COM


60 days. 25 States. 5 Bears.

Sarah and Greg are setting out on an adventure exploring American trust and fear through hospitality. Armed with their charm, courage, and a camera, they will rely on the kindness of strangers for a home each night, and if they're lucky, a few meals along the way.


The story began in summer 2009 when Greg exclaimed in his sleep, "We have to go to Bear, Colorado!" Unfortunately, no Bear actually exists in Colorado. However, there are five Bears in America, fortuitously located in a perfect a 'U' around the continental U.S. - in Washington, Idaho, Arizona, Arkansas, and Delaware. Following the trail of the Bears, Sarah and Greg will travel through 25 states of all different cultures, demographics, populations, and Americans.


Through conversations with locals, we will explore our themes on a personal level and embrace the stories that turn strangers into neighbors. Our discussions with scholars and professionals will dig into the philosophy and nature of a core aspect of what makes us human. We will understand why (or if) we let people into our hearts and our homes.

Check us out at: facebook.com/BearDocumentary

3.04.2010

The DP hunt is narrowing down.

So is the funding, unfortunately: Arizona Humanities Council determined that our production expenses weren't applicable to their funds, but they were very interested in our idea to have a screening tour in the states we shoot in, with Q&As and such.

But it's not all unfortunate! We still have plenty of ideas for funding. Plenty of film commissions to contact, private investors teeming with money, a couple grants we haven't heard back from, Sarah's meeting with the Bronfman Center tomorrow, and a forthcoming Kickstarter.com account.

Every now and then one of us looks at the other and just says, "This summer is going to be amazing." And it sure will be.

3.01.2010

Today I went uptown to W58th St and 6th Avenue to pitch our doc to the lovely people at Starry Night Entertainment.

Totally a positive experience. Didnt really use my notecards (which I had prepared just in case I got too nervous), but I had a really productive conversation with Neika and Michael about the film.

That conversation and one later in the day made me really excited at the prospect of purchasing (or perhaps someone will donate) a Canon 7D and a shoulder mount. We want our film to look amazing. So! Time to change our budget! Maybe I can convince the folks at Canon to donate one. Or I'll just get the people at RED to donate a Scarlet (pre-released of course). But seriously.

So the search for funding continues...
Today had such good energy.

Good energy in the air for American Bear!