Film Release 2007
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March 26, 2007 |
Filming Has
Begun! |
Fulfilling a dream
first proposed nearly two years ago, filming for the
Society’s PBS documentary began on Saturday, March 24th.
Director Richard Luckin, writer Peter Hansen and
executive producer Bonnie Hansen arrived in Longview,
Washington and spent the succeeding three days on
location. The Longview Daily News noted of the
event with two newspaper articles (see
Area News and
Sunday
Program). After a tour of town, a production meeting was held at the home of Drs. Travis and Phyllis Cavens, who acted as hosts for the group and who are major benefactors for the film. |
Filming began early Sunday morning with an interview of Mayor Dennis Weber at the R. A. Long High School. Next up was Ruby West, whose mother was an early Longview resident and civil rights leader. Dr. Travis Cavens was interviewed about R. A. Long’s legacy, with Lake Sacajawea as a scenic backdrop. Afternoon interviews included former Community Church pastor Harland Gilliland and merchant Mary Chilson. Sunday evening Bonnie Hansen gave a talk and slide show on Loula Long Combs at the Cowlitz County Museum. A warm and welcoming audience later asked questions about the film. |
“My mission is to make an honest, truthful, interesting and entertaining film,” said Richard Luckin, who currently has seven documentaries on PBS, two of which have been nominated for regional Emmys. “A film this length is never going to give you every detail of a story. Its an overview,” he stressed. Nationally known history writer Peter Hansen assured the group that “your stories will advance the themes in the script.” |
Monday, Bill Kasch, instrumental in acquiring the new statue of R. A. Long for the downtown shopping district, gave his story. Later, Librarian Karen Dennis opened the doors of the R. A. Long Room at the Longview Public Library, providing stacks of historical photos and research materials. We finished up with an interview of David Freece, Director of the Cowlitz County Historical Museum. |
Longview
was in glorious springtime bloom with flowering trees
and masses of daffodils. It rained on arrival and
departure day, but the skies opened when the camera was
rolling, providing perfect conditions to do many of the
interviews outdoors. Longview, WA is a delightful
city which still maintains an exceptional quality of
life. The legacy of R. A. Long is alive and
thriving in this, unique community. Kansas City filming will take place in late May, with post-production and editing wrapping up in summer, 2007. The film will be released to PBS stations nationwide in the fall. We encourage and thank R. A. Long Historical Society members for continued support of this undertaking. Bonnie Hansen – Film Committee Chairperson |
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