Family Famine: Hunger for Love

Congrats on being chosen! That's so exciting.

2009-10-09T20:15:21.150-06:00

Congrats on being chosen! That's so exciting.

That's the beauty of email, Twitter, and Facebook,...

2009-10-02T00:16:48.109-06:00

That's the beauty of email, Twitter, and Facebook, not to mention your blog-- news can go out while folks are asleep!
(I know, it's not the same as a call, but you can (and did, I'll vouch for that) spread the news quickly)
Congrats!

Dear Tim:I gave this list of shots and let Gashler...

2009-03-01T19:21:07.055-07:00

Dear Tim:

I gave this list of shots and let Gashler Media decide what would work. Since I am an artist, I respect other artists and their choices.

However, Gashler Media did show me the video and asked if there were anything I wanted tweaked. Since there were three cameras, there were many choices for any one moment.

As far as I know, there is not a storytelling DVD that has closed captioning, audio commentary, and American Sign Language translation. I do love the filming of "The Call of Story" that was in partnership of PBS and Brigham Young University.

So instead of from storytelling DVDs, ideas for shots came from regular DVDs I see for movies. If actors can have special features on their films, why not storytellers?

As for the American Sign Language, Libby Tipton taught an hour of how storytellers can work better with interpreters during the Advanced Storytelling class at East Tennessee State University. Elizabeth Ellis allowed time in class to address such an important topic.

I wanted an interpreter at the premiere itself so that the storytelling could be more available to the deaf community, but I ran out of time to make it possible.

At least having the ASL translation is my part to open up storytelling to under-served groups.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Rachel,this is an impressive amount of planning. D...

2009-03-01T17:18:00.000-07:00

Rachel,
this is an impressive amount of planning. Did you actually storyboard the final movie, or just present this list of shots as a suggestion and leave it to Gashler to do the final edit?

Did you have a concert video from a specific performer in mind that you were working from as a reference, in visualizing the type of camera setup and shots you wanted?

Dear Nathan:I rarely play the radio in the car. I...

2009-01-20T00:02:43.731-07:00

Dear Nathan:

I rarely play the radio in the car. I prefer to limit the distractions, too.

Though, there is something about driving among mountains, trees, or other natural miracles that heightens the senses.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Behind the wheel of the car is almost my best plac...

2009-01-19T23:52:00.000-07:00

Behind the wheel of the car is almost my best place to come up with song and story ideas. The only place better is on a bicycle where the radio cannot interfere.

I got mine in Arizona. woo hoo!Sean

2009-01-19T18:51:00.000-07:00

I got mine in Arizona.

woo hoo!

Sean

I've used Vistaprint for several projects, based s...

2009-01-12T23:44:00.000-07:00

I've used Vistaprint for several projects, based solely on price. Silly me. Especially silly when I wasn't happy with the results and I think, "well, this time they won't screw it up."

Good for you for finding a recommended vendor... and a great price!

You've hit on something that few storytellers unde...

2009-01-08T20:44:00.000-07:00

You've hit on something that few storytellers understand: targeting different markets. Same show, same quality, different ways of moving people into the funnel.

I do still contend that we have lost the use of the word storytelling for all but a small segment of the population.

You're doing great.

Dear Sean:There are times I am immovable and stand...

2009-01-08T16:37:00.877-07:00

Dear Sean:

There are times I am immovable and stand up for something no matter what and then there are times I am heavily influenced by others.

The word "storytelling" worked for the Utah area, though I still printed the postcards and posters with "storytelling" despite the fact that they will be sent throughout the nation.

I sense the program will work for upper elementary to adult. Most of my initial mailings are to elementary, junior high, and high schools as well as libraries. "Storytelling" will probably work better for them.

However, I may keep "narrative production" or some other phrase for the college market. I could print off a different set after the premiere after I toss this around longer.

Thank you for your thoughts. They are always welcomed.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

"Narrative production" is right on target, imo. St...

2009-01-08T16:14:00.000-07:00

"Narrative production" is right on target, imo. Storytelling has lost its definition. We had a chance to save it and we didn't back in the late 80's early 90's. We spent too much time arguing and setting up tents while the rest of world moved on.

In your new production, you owe nothing to the world. Get them in the doors first and then tell them that they are about to experience storytelling. You can catch more butterlies with nectar of understanding than with your guilt-flavored tacit approval of the storytelling ancestors.

I am willing to be that your use of "narrative production" will intrigue people.

Dear Tim:"Solo performance" is a great word. Yet,...

2009-01-07T23:12:38.374-07:00

Dear Tim:

"Solo performance" is a great word.

Yet, this program has evolved so that one story involves guitarist Joshua Payne and upright bass player Geoff Rayback. The final story involves a duet with Holly Robison.

What do you call something where storytelling is the key art but music and song are mixed in it? That is what I will need to discover some day.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

One thought (which you may want to file away for f...

2009-01-07T22:54:00.000-07:00

One thought (which you may want to file away for future productions): in theatre circles, and fringe festivals, "solo performance" is a recognized catch phrase which applies here.

Thanks for the shoutout!A couple clarifications:1....

2008-12-29T17:25:27.767-07:00

Thanks for the shoutout!

A couple clarifications:

1.) The minimum for standard class mail is 200 pieces. The 500-piece
minimum is for first class presort.

2.) Postcards ARE allowed under standard class. In general, though, you get a better rate on postcards using first-class presort. That's assuming that by postcard you mean the little ones that you can mail with a 27 cent stamp. Anything bigger and you're better off with standard class.

Hope that's helpful.

Scott Hochberg
Postage $aver Software
savepostage.com

Dear Tim:You bet it is a relief!Though every story...

2008-12-23T17:51:05.017-07:00

Dear Tim:

You bet it is a relief!

Though every story in the program is important, the opening story has the most pressure. The audience makes their first judgments at that time (besides the walk to the microphone). Once they "approve" of you, then it is easier to take them on other story adventures.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

What a relief to know which story will open! It's ...

2008-12-23T17:25:00.000-07:00

What a relief to know which story will open! It's all coasting from here out, right? ;-)
Just kidding. Get to work!

Dear Br. Daniel:Thank you for your response. I am...

2008-11-17T16:48:25.100-07:00

Dear Br. Daniel:

Thank you for your response. I am pleased that you already think the title "Family Famine: Hunger for Love" is a "winner".

I recently reserved a venue and I had to put down a title with the contract. I did, in the end, go with "Family Famine: Hunger for Love".

Towards the end I received more affirmations for "Family Famine" and it gave the confidence to stick with the original title.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Hi Rachel,I remember my initial response to the ti...

2008-11-17T16:22:00.000-07:00

Hi Rachel,

I remember my initial response to the title "Family Famine:
Hunger for Love." It hit me square in the gut, exactly what I
want! The title is not sugar coated, but it doesn't sound
cynical either. In fact, it seems quite opaque, which is an
advantage, since it doesn't 'give away' the plot or punch-
line. But it's not superficial either. It seems you could tell a number of different kinds of stories and be true to the title. Personally, I think you've already got a winner!

Peace,
Dan

When I did a quick survey with the Utah Storytelli...

2008-11-13T11:50:31.688-07:00

When I did a quick survey with the Utah Storytelling Guild Olympus Chapter, almost all of them opted for "Family Famine: Hunger for Love".

They said it had a rhythm to the title. They may have also heard me talk about it so much that they may be attached to it even if others would vote another way with the title.

The guild members also said that if I wanted to add "hope" to the title, I could have a subheading.

I'm not sure what that subheading would be though maybe something like:
* After the famine comes the feast
* Come with an appetite for stories (this may be too cheezy)

In my description, my last line is "You are welcome to the table". That could work--maybe.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Dear Debra:Question for you then--which title woul...

2008-11-12T14:44:35.526-07:00

Dear Debra:

Question for you then--which title would you--personally--be more inclined to attend?

(not considering what I want from the program)

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Dear Debra:Perhaps that is part of the reason I am...

2008-11-12T14:42:20.132-07:00

Dear Debra:

Perhaps that is part of the reason I am having problems with the title. I will share stories that do not end happily, though they will be in the middle.

Yet, I would like the audience to leave with hope.

I understand the fear to use the word "message" as I hope the audience will take what they will from the program rather than some forced agenda on my part. Perhaps it is more "What feeling would you like the audience to go home with?"

Thanks!

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Hi Rachel,To me, "Family Famine: Hunger for Love" ...

2008-11-12T11:48:00.000-07:00

Hi Rachel,

To me, "Family Famine: Hunger for Love" indicates that we are hungry for love and our families don't always supply it. I would expect stories about families that fail at nurturing near the beginning of the program and stories about families that succeed (and provide inspiration) as the program ended.

When I think about "Family Feast: Hunger for Love" I envision a program about people looking for love and stories about finding it within their families.

So my question to you is, what's your overall "message" (I hesitate to use that term)?

Don't know if any of that helps . . . just my take on it!

Best wishes,
Debra

Dear Rivka:Thank you. I guess I didn't realize th...

2008-11-12T08:55:49.107-07:00

Dear Rivka:

Thank you. I guess I didn't realize the "darkness" of the title until Marsha asked me "why". It may have been my way of insuring the program would not be of fluff.

I enjoy your thoughts.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Rachel,I would most likely go to "Family Feast or ...

2008-11-12T08:18:00.000-07:00

Rachel,

I would most likely go to "Family Feast or Famine: Hunger for Love." Family Famine: Hunger for Love" would attract me if I was in a dark mood--or hungry for a Becket play. Family Feast or Famine....hints to rays of light. Rivka

Dear Laura:I can always count on you for your thou...

2008-11-11T21:57:18.189-07:00

Dear Laura:

I can always count on you for your thoughts. Thank you!

Remember that I want to hear your adventures, too. Will you have a blog dedicated to your project?

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman