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

3.19.2010

Today I called the nine state humanities councils along our northern route. Got very positive vibes from Iowa and South Dakota, but grants are so darn hard. I'm not really complaining -- it's pretty thrilling to think someone might give us money -- but there's so much going on, writing grants doesn't sound like the most fun thing to do. We've got the full Maryland Humanities Council grant to apply for too!

The prospectus is one page away from being finished. It now features beautiful pictures in the background of most pages, plus a page with our route and a map.

After spending several days in Colorado with Sarah, I'm feeling more excited than ever about the landscape of America. There is so much diversity in the land, and combined with the infinite intrigue of the people, our summer should be pretty fascinating. And yet, I've already made plans for the sequel, "Canadian Bear."
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3.17.2010

Welcome to Nate!

American Bear has finally found it's Director of Photography; Welcome to Nate Hurtsellers!  We are super excited, he will hopefully soon be posting on the blog as well.

Yay!

This week we are in Colorado for Spring Break but we've been working hard on the film. We have put together a new list of grant opportunities and been talking with Sarah's Mom about fundraising strategies. Today we shot a short film to advocate for our project. It will be edited and uploaded soon! We have revised our prospectus (Greg did it and it looks beautiful!); We are trying to come up with a new subtitle that feels more adventurous and exciting! Because that's what this film is going to be... ideas welcome.

Speaking of ideas --> If you have any ideas, comments, or questions that you don't feel like posting on the blog, please email us at beardocumentary@gmail.com. You could also just write us a letter; we like those.

As you have been reading about our film, if you are interested in donating - please click the link to the left - it goes directly to our page at Fractured Atlas - all donations are tax deductible.

Happy Spring!
Sarah and Greg
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