To Our Son the Filmmaker, With Love

Hello our filmmaker son!

Thanks so much for sending along a copy of your documentary, "Deadlines," where you depict a typical busy day at the Fox 2 television news station here in Detroit. As promised we (actually Dad) are sending along some observation and comments that should be useful in your continual development as a filmmaker and as a business man:

*like the fact that this is identified upfront as your own production company. I think this is what you need to keep growing and focusing on.

*As I mentioned to you, you need to use this video to help you break in to getting a position with one of the local television stations. And keep yourself open for all kinds of opportunities--including cable access.

*It is clear that you are both a journalist and a documentary filmmaker. That is your strength. You should grow your professional direction with this in mind.

*The establishing scene is just perfect. It is exciting and interesting. What better way to begin than in the control room.

*I liked the interviews of the lady anchor from Alaska and then the African American newscaster who had the artistic talent--but who are they? Their names needed to be provided as did the names of all who you feature along the way. A caption displaying their name would be helpful to the viewer. Still, the way you post the question and then go to the scene of them responding to the question was a nice touch, very professional.

*The initial Lee Thomas piece was interesting but the scene with him and the other guy leafing through reading material went a bit long. Who was that guy with Lee, anyway? Again, name captions would help here.

*The Charles Pugh stuff was very good. You have some really historic footage here since now he is the president of the Detroit City Council.

*But what happened in that moment when you and Charles were going out to the parking lot? Did you drop the camera?

*I really liked the way you took the viewer from inside to outside and showing, though Charles, the on-the-ground news gathering process. But, again, when you come back to the control room scene, this time with the lady newscaster, who was she?

Okay, that's it. Keep making these great creative products! Can't wait to see more!

Love,

Dad and Mom
(Robert and Carmela McTyre)