A couple of the images that you'll see in the final film... Thanks, Joe!
03 January, 2008
A Plethora of Photographs!
Ah... the sweet feeling of accomplishment. With each moment of "oh, crap, how am I going to pull THIS one off?" comes the moment of "thank God somebody spent so much time doing this crazy stuff!".
I had posted a note on the Local 799 website forum asking for photo submissions for the documentary. Along comes Joe Arsenault, donating about 15 shots of a truck rollover at the Roger Williams Memorial. Fantastic shots... even shots of the poor schmuck's foot all bent up and stuck under the frame of the truck. No blood, no gore - just great, documentary-style stills of what occurred that day. Beautiful stuff for the Hazards segment. So I went to the Broad Street station and met Joe, had a nice talk with him and that led to him referring me to Lt. Eric Norberg of the West Warwick Fire Department. I was told that Eric had been photographing fireground images since the late '80's and had a ridiculous number of photographs. Hmmm...
So, I contacted Eric and found out that he and Dan Rinaldi of the PFD Hazards Unit had partnered up in taking all of these photographs. The guys generously offered to have me go to the Washington Street Station and review their collection - or at least part of it - then stay for a dinner cooked by the amazing chef himself, Danny. (What a treat THAT was!) So, I went to the station and met with Eric and Dan. They produced four albums chock-full of great images spanning several years up through the mid-nineties. Phenomenal stuff... and then they offered to let me use whatever I wanted to. I thought I was going to pass out. They had no idea how much work they had just eliminated for me! I had visions of sending myself into debt trying to buy images from the Providence Journal Bulletin. Well, that fear has been completely dispelled. For the simple act of giving them each a CD of the images that I scanned, they are donating whatever images I need for the film.
You know, life is tough sometimes and there have been times on this project when I thought that I would tear my hair out with frustration. Delays, scheduling issues, illnesses (on my part - not major, but enough to put me out of commission for a week or two here and there)... on occasion, it was enough to make me say I wanted to abandon the project all together. Then something like this happens... I post a note, someone responds and then they lead me to another who can help in the process. It all seems to come together just when I'm starting to believe that it's falling apart beyond repair.
So... my sincerest thanks to Joe, Eric and Dan for their incredible generosity. Bobby Alvarez has some images, too... I still need to talk with him. It's a beautiful thing, really, when it all seems to fall into place.
I had posted a note on the Local 799 website forum asking for photo submissions for the documentary. Along comes Joe Arsenault, donating about 15 shots of a truck rollover at the Roger Williams Memorial. Fantastic shots... even shots of the poor schmuck's foot all bent up and stuck under the frame of the truck. No blood, no gore - just great, documentary-style stills of what occurred that day. Beautiful stuff for the Hazards segment. So I went to the Broad Street station and met Joe, had a nice talk with him and that led to him referring me to Lt. Eric Norberg of the West Warwick Fire Department. I was told that Eric had been photographing fireground images since the late '80's and had a ridiculous number of photographs. Hmmm...
So, I contacted Eric and found out that he and Dan Rinaldi of the PFD Hazards Unit had partnered up in taking all of these photographs. The guys generously offered to have me go to the Washington Street Station and review their collection - or at least part of it - then stay for a dinner cooked by the amazing chef himself, Danny. (What a treat THAT was!) So, I went to the station and met with Eric and Dan. They produced four albums chock-full of great images spanning several years up through the mid-nineties. Phenomenal stuff... and then they offered to let me use whatever I wanted to. I thought I was going to pass out. They had no idea how much work they had just eliminated for me! I had visions of sending myself into debt trying to buy images from the Providence Journal Bulletin. Well, that fear has been completely dispelled. For the simple act of giving them each a CD of the images that I scanned, they are donating whatever images I need for the film.
You know, life is tough sometimes and there have been times on this project when I thought that I would tear my hair out with frustration. Delays, scheduling issues, illnesses (on my part - not major, but enough to put me out of commission for a week or two here and there)... on occasion, it was enough to make me say I wanted to abandon the project all together. Then something like this happens... I post a note, someone responds and then they lead me to another who can help in the process. It all seems to come together just when I'm starting to believe that it's falling apart beyond repair.
So... my sincerest thanks to Joe, Eric and Dan for their incredible generosity. Bobby Alvarez has some images, too... I still need to talk with him. It's a beautiful thing, really, when it all seems to fall into place.
Wonderful World of Ladder Companies...
Lou Sackal - God love him. He walked me around Ladder 4, answering questions, opening compartments, showing me what the Ladder trucks carry and telling me what all of it was for. Then, despite the fact that it was freezing cold outside, he offered to pull the truck out and raise the ladder up so I could get some footage. He's a sweetheart - and a life saver!
Lou and I had never met. Jay Fabrizio, my right-hand man, had spoken with him for me. I needed someone to do just what I described above. Jay had left it up to me to explain the project to Lou, which was cool. It seems to make things easier and make people feel a bit less nervous if they get to know me a little bit first. I know it was a bit of an awkward situation for him and I know that he was a bit nervous, but he did a beautiful job of explaining the purpose of the ladder company and the apparatus and equipment they use.
I am eternally grateful to Lou and Jay - my Ladder Segment is complete, now.
Honest, folks - we're chugging along and getting it done. Now that the holidays have passed, maybe I can get my butt in gear and get this film finished!
Lou and I had never met. Jay Fabrizio, my right-hand man, had spoken with him for me. I needed someone to do just what I described above. Jay had left it up to me to explain the project to Lou, which was cool. It seems to make things easier and make people feel a bit less nervous if they get to know me a little bit first. I know it was a bit of an awkward situation for him and I know that he was a bit nervous, but he did a beautiful job of explaining the purpose of the ladder company and the apparatus and equipment they use.
I am eternally grateful to Lou and Jay - my Ladder Segment is complete, now.
Honest, folks - we're chugging along and getting it done. Now that the holidays have passed, maybe I can get my butt in gear and get this film finished!
02 December, 2007
Status of the Film
02 Dec 07
I've had a great many people asking me when the film will be finished. So, here's an update on my progress thus far.
I have approximately 96% of the film shot. I still have to re-shoot one interview, get footage at Fire Alarm, finish up the Ladder segment, work on one segment about DAC Mike Day and some other filler-footage and introduction shooting to do. That, in the grand scheme of things, is only about 4% of the film.
Now, I know that I said the film would be done in the fall... which is almost over. Then I said the film would be done in the Winter, which is fast approaching. At this point in time, I am going to say that my intended time for completion of the project is late February of 2008. The problem is that it is difficult to stay on schedule when trying to work with a great many conflicting schedules. With me working a regular, 40-hour per week job and trying to jam in shooting on Fridays and Saturdays and sometimes after work during the week, it's been insane. However, I somehow managed most of it already and that in and of itself is amazing.
The largest portions of the film - those being the ride-alongs and the interviews - are now all complete (except for the re-shoot, which will take 30 minutes). Once those things are done, I can go to post-production. The good news about post is that I pretty much have the whole thing edited in my head. I've reviewed the footage on numerous occasions and now it's just a matter of cutting it together.
That's where we stand and once again, my eternal thanks to the members of the Providence Fire Department who have given so freely of themselves for this project. It's been an incredible ride. As always, my thanks to the Executive Board of Providence Firefighters' IAFF Local 799 for their unwavering support - you guys are awesome.
I've had a great many people asking me when the film will be finished. So, here's an update on my progress thus far.
I have approximately 96% of the film shot. I still have to re-shoot one interview, get footage at Fire Alarm, finish up the Ladder segment, work on one segment about DAC Mike Day and some other filler-footage and introduction shooting to do. That, in the grand scheme of things, is only about 4% of the film.
Now, I know that I said the film would be done in the fall... which is almost over. Then I said the film would be done in the Winter, which is fast approaching. At this point in time, I am going to say that my intended time for completion of the project is late February of 2008. The problem is that it is difficult to stay on schedule when trying to work with a great many conflicting schedules. With me working a regular, 40-hour per week job and trying to jam in shooting on Fridays and Saturdays and sometimes after work during the week, it's been insane. However, I somehow managed most of it already and that in and of itself is amazing.
The largest portions of the film - those being the ride-alongs and the interviews - are now all complete (except for the re-shoot, which will take 30 minutes). Once those things are done, I can go to post-production. The good news about post is that I pretty much have the whole thing edited in my head. I've reviewed the footage on numerous occasions and now it's just a matter of cutting it together.
That's where we stand and once again, my eternal thanks to the members of the Providence Fire Department who have given so freely of themselves for this project. It's been an incredible ride. As always, my thanks to the Executive Board of Providence Firefighters' IAFF Local 799 for their unwavering support - you guys are awesome.
Shooting the Stills
02 Dec 07
Poor Doughty... the things I put that man through! LOL I wouldn't necessarily say that he's camera shy, but I know it's not fun for him to pose for stills. Luckily, he and Fran have become friends and I'm sure that made it a little easier to deal with having to endure still shots.
So I made the guy get into his turnout gear and grab his helmet so we could take still shots of him on the Hazards. I could have gone over to Ladder 6 on Friday night and shot them there, but that just did not seem right to me. The guys who ride the Hazards ARE the Hazards. It would not have been an accurate depiction of him to shoot him at Ladder 6 and when I told that to Paul, he agreed. The Hazards is his home... just like the rest of the firefighters who are assigned to the truck. Most of the people on it have been there for years - because they love it. Okie, Chris Brown... it is WHO they are, not just their assigned truck.
Fran asked me what it was that I had in mind and I explained the shots that I was looking for. Of course, she got them right away (as always). Maybe my opinion is biased, but I'm sure I've got the best damned photographer on the planet for this job! Anyway, when we were through, the rest of the A-Group crew from the Hazards came down to the apparatus floor because they were getting ready for an air bag drill (practicing using special air bags that are used to lift heavy objects that people are pinned under). As we talked a little bit with Paul, he asked Fran if she would take a picture of the group together by the Hazards. Of course she said yes and they all gathered by the chauffer's side. Fran got a great shot of them and showed it to the guys - apparently they liked it very much.
Again, this is where something unexpected happened for me. As I watched these four men standing by the side of the Hazards and posing for Fran, I saw what Paul talked about during his interview. He told me about how the guys that he rides with are his brothers - "minus the blood bond", he told me. "We talk to each other pretty much every day, we live together at the station, we go to social functions, we even fight like brothers." I was able to see the bond between these Brothers and it was a wonderful thing to bear witness to. I'm proud that my best friend and photographer, Fran, was able to capture that moment.
Just another perk to taking on this incredible task of mine... gotta love it.
Poor Doughty... the things I put that man through! LOL I wouldn't necessarily say that he's camera shy, but I know it's not fun for him to pose for stills. Luckily, he and Fran have become friends and I'm sure that made it a little easier to deal with having to endure still shots.
So I made the guy get into his turnout gear and grab his helmet so we could take still shots of him on the Hazards. I could have gone over to Ladder 6 on Friday night and shot them there, but that just did not seem right to me. The guys who ride the Hazards ARE the Hazards. It would not have been an accurate depiction of him to shoot him at Ladder 6 and when I told that to Paul, he agreed. The Hazards is his home... just like the rest of the firefighters who are assigned to the truck. Most of the people on it have been there for years - because they love it. Okie, Chris Brown... it is WHO they are, not just their assigned truck.
Fran asked me what it was that I had in mind and I explained the shots that I was looking for. Of course, she got them right away (as always). Maybe my opinion is biased, but I'm sure I've got the best damned photographer on the planet for this job! Anyway, when we were through, the rest of the A-Group crew from the Hazards came down to the apparatus floor because they were getting ready for an air bag drill (practicing using special air bags that are used to lift heavy objects that people are pinned under). As we talked a little bit with Paul, he asked Fran if she would take a picture of the group together by the Hazards. Of course she said yes and they all gathered by the chauffer's side. Fran got a great shot of them and showed it to the guys - apparently they liked it very much.
Again, this is where something unexpected happened for me. As I watched these four men standing by the side of the Hazards and posing for Fran, I saw what Paul talked about during his interview. He told me about how the guys that he rides with are his brothers - "minus the blood bond", he told me. "We talk to each other pretty much every day, we live together at the station, we go to social functions, we even fight like brothers." I was able to see the bond between these Brothers and it was a wonderful thing to bear witness to. I'm proud that my best friend and photographer, Fran, was able to capture that moment.
Just another perk to taking on this incredible task of mine... gotta love it.
Finally!!! YAY!!!
30 Nov 07
I was finally able to shoot interviews with two Providence Firefighters today that I have very much been looking forward to - Paul Doughty and Kenny "Hoppy" Hoskin. Both are dear friends and both are guys whose stories I wanted to capture. I am absolutely elated about finally having the opportunity to shoot their interviews, both of which came out great.
I always enjoy the interview process, even though it can sometimes be emotionally draining. It amazes me every time I sit down and shoot an interview. It rarely goes as I anticipate it will... which is actually a good thing. It is especially interesting for me when I interview a person with whom I have become friendly and have a lot of interaction with. I don't always talk with them about their work, but during the interviews certain questions come up and they always answer - even if it is a touchy subject. It is those times when I usually see a side of my friends that I haven't seen before. So these interviews are always an opportunity for me to learn more about my friends - not just the acquaintances I've made along the way. That's ALWAYS a wonderful thing.
I'll meet with Paul again to take some stills of him - part of the Special Hazards segment filler. It's always difficult to be able to schedule with Paul because he is also the President of Local 799, the Providence Firefighters' Union. His schedule is insane and I have no idea when he finds time to sleep, let alone meet with me.
So, my thanks to Paul and Hoppy... I'm proud to have you both in the film and proud to call you my friends.
I was finally able to shoot interviews with two Providence Firefighters today that I have very much been looking forward to - Paul Doughty and Kenny "Hoppy" Hoskin. Both are dear friends and both are guys whose stories I wanted to capture. I am absolutely elated about finally having the opportunity to shoot their interviews, both of which came out great.
I always enjoy the interview process, even though it can sometimes be emotionally draining. It amazes me every time I sit down and shoot an interview. It rarely goes as I anticipate it will... which is actually a good thing. It is especially interesting for me when I interview a person with whom I have become friendly and have a lot of interaction with. I don't always talk with them about their work, but during the interviews certain questions come up and they always answer - even if it is a touchy subject. It is those times when I usually see a side of my friends that I haven't seen before. So these interviews are always an opportunity for me to learn more about my friends - not just the acquaintances I've made along the way. That's ALWAYS a wonderful thing.
I'll meet with Paul again to take some stills of him - part of the Special Hazards segment filler. It's always difficult to be able to schedule with Paul because he is also the President of Local 799, the Providence Firefighters' Union. His schedule is insane and I have no idea when he finds time to sleep, let alone meet with me.
So, my thanks to Paul and Hoppy... I'm proud to have you both in the film and proud to call you my friends.
05 November, 2007
Interviews
I would be remiss at this stage of the game if I did not thank the following people:
BC Dan Crowley
Capt. Ralph "Timebomb" DeAngelis (PFD Ret.)
Capt. Russ McDonald
Capt. Tim McDaniel
Capt. James "Doc" Potenza
Capt. Heidi Rivard
Lt. Tom Kenney
Lt. Michael Morse
Lt. Ernie Young, Jr.
FF Kevin M. Burns
FF Joseph Mellor
FF Joe Moreino
FF Jim "Okie" Okolowitcz
FF Wayne Oliveira
FF Dan Rinaldi
for sharing their stories with me for the documentary. I still have some interviews to shoot, but the footage I currently have is incredible. I know that in a few cases, it was very difficult to talk about the things that they talked about with me and I greatly appreciate each and every person's willingness to revisit things that were incredibly difficult to revisit - especially on camera.
Thanks to all!
BC Dan Crowley
Capt. Ralph "Timebomb" DeAngelis (PFD Ret.)
Capt. Russ McDonald
Capt. Tim McDaniel
Capt. James "Doc" Potenza
Capt. Heidi Rivard
Lt. Tom Kenney
Lt. Michael Morse
Lt. Ernie Young, Jr.
FF Kevin M. Burns
FF Joseph Mellor
FF Joe Moreino
FF Jim "Okie" Okolowitcz
FF Wayne Oliveira
FF Dan Rinaldi
for sharing their stories with me for the documentary. I still have some interviews to shoot, but the footage I currently have is incredible. I know that in a few cases, it was very difficult to talk about the things that they talked about with me and I greatly appreciate each and every person's willingness to revisit things that were incredibly difficult to revisit - especially on camera.
Thanks to all!
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