As I begin creating my military brat documentary, I am very excited to share the process with you. I’ve only just begun filming, and already it has been incredible. As I mentioned in my earlier post, when I published this blog back in 2015, I never imagined I would even get 20 readers. But the support for both the blog and the documentary has been incredibly humbling.
One of my biggest worries about making a documentary on this topic was that getting approval to film would be a nightmare. On a military installation, you have to be approved to film everything from the airplanes to the gas station. Now add in the fact that I am making the documentary about children… Reasonably, getting permission to do this is difficult. But the people at the base were so enthusiastic and willing to help, that this was a really smooth process.
This kind of support, made me remember one of the things I loved so much about growing up military. Everything is done for a common good, and people genuinely want to help and get involved. The Public Affairs officer that helped me came in on her weekend off and shuttled me around the base to each filming location and interview. Three families invited me into their homes to share their stories. They spoke genuinely and openly about topics that are sometimes difficult, and they did it voluntarily. Remarkable. I only hope that this documentary will do an ounce of justice at showing how amazing these people are.
Along with the support, being on base made me feel right at home. Weird, considering we were never stationed at Lakenheath. But everything right down to the way my hotel room smelled brought back memories of living on base. I was even able to go to the commissary and get American products. Bonus: the challenge coin store had a Purdue coin!! (My fellow Boilers will appreciate that..) Needless to say, this weekend made me extremely nostalgic. This is what I imagine it feels like to go back to your hometown after college once all of your friends have moved away. Because even though things felt familiar, I did not know a single person.
This opportunity is a great blessing; being able to talk with these children and their parents about their personal experiences growing up military. The video I have added is just a short snapshot to keep your interest throughout the process. Stay updated, and please feel free to email me with questions, comments or suggestions!
One of my biggest worries about making a documentary on this topic was that getting approval to film would be a nightmare. On a military installation, you have to be approved to film everything from the airplanes to the gas station. Now add in the fact that I am making the documentary about children… Reasonably, getting permission to do this is difficult. But the people at the base were so enthusiastic and willing to help, that this was a really smooth process.
This kind of support, made me remember one of the things I loved so much about growing up military. Everything is done for a common good, and people genuinely want to help and get involved. The Public Affairs officer that helped me came in on her weekend off and shuttled me around the base to each filming location and interview. Three families invited me into their homes to share their stories. They spoke genuinely and openly about topics that are sometimes difficult, and they did it voluntarily. Remarkable. I only hope that this documentary will do an ounce of justice at showing how amazing these people are.
Along with the support, being on base made me feel right at home. Weird, considering we were never stationed at Lakenheath. But everything right down to the way my hotel room smelled brought back memories of living on base. I was even able to go to the commissary and get American products. Bonus: the challenge coin store had a Purdue coin!! (My fellow Boilers will appreciate that..) Needless to say, this weekend made me extremely nostalgic. This is what I imagine it feels like to go back to your hometown after college once all of your friends have moved away. Because even though things felt familiar, I did not know a single person.
This opportunity is a great blessing; being able to talk with these children and their parents about their personal experiences growing up military. The video I have added is just a short snapshot to keep your interest throughout the process. Stay updated, and please feel free to email me with questions, comments or suggestions!