1. A virtual reality website will be developed to provide policy makers with an opportunity to observe live health and education and quality of life of children in the colonias.
2. The award winning photographer, Alan Pogue, will be involved in teaching children to illustrate their current living conditions using photography.
3. A legislative summit for state and federal legislators will be held to educate and inform policy makers on the pertinent policy issues for children and families in the colonias.
4. Children of the Colonias is planned as a one-hour documentary to be aired on PBS prime time schedule. The program will be single episode filmed in broadcast quality Beta SP. Using a combination of stunning photography, enlightening interviews, rich archival footage and stills, and impressionistic filming, the film will document the life of children in the colonias
Within a period of eighteen months, the production of Children of the Colonias will be completed. The project will begin once funding for the project has been confirmed.
Implementation Schedule
September 1 - December 15, 1998 -- Pre Production
During the pre-production, the producer and Dr. Jaime Chahin will consult with scholars and other experts on the subject matter of the film to prepare a final shooting script. This period will also involve (1) researching additional individuals and scholars who may provide on camera interviews with key individuals and scholars who may provide on camera interviews: (2) conducting pre-interviews with key individuals; (3) planning for principal photography: (4) scouting a variety of locations: and (5) assembling the key field production team. Mr. Galan has a set crew form which he can select the appropriate personnel. A revised shooting script will be produced at the end of the pre-production phase and circulated to the project team for their review and comments. An extensive computer database will also be created to track of the archival materials which will be identified for use in the project.
The final logistic planning for all the principal photography will occur in January 1999, with filming occurring between mid-March through mid-May. The children, parents, and various witnesses will be interviewed to verify the personal experiences of families. During field production, a still photographer will document key scenes throughout the production process. Local media will also be contracted when filming on location for feature stories and interviews to create early awareness of and interest in the project. Throughout this phase, the production team will also continue to screen, catalogue, and organize materials when not shooting.
As production footage is received from the field, we will transfer the beta master to digital tape and edit off-line on a non-linear editing system. After the principal photography is completed, the editing team will be identified and hired. The producers will review the first assembly and rough cuts. The selected scholars will review the finished rough cut as soon as it is available. The post-production team will conduct any additional interviews and field shooting which could not be scheduled during the earlier production period. Once a near -final cut of the program is finished, the production team will review that cut, and video cassette copies of the version will be sent to scholars and other consultants for their final review. Once we receive the comments of the scholars, we will compete final adjustments in the show. We will secure all rights to the acquired materials during this period. The project logo, score, sound effects, and graphics will be produced. The narration and voice-overs will be recorded and edited on their appropriate sound tracks.
We will complete the final sound mix and in consultation with PBS, produce the master program on D2 or some other digital format. During this phase, the titles, production, and funding credits will be incorporated. A computer database will include music and visual cue sheets, releases, rights, and other documentation of the project. The press will receive screening dubs. During this phase, the promotional, publicity, educational, and ancillary materials will be produced. The appropriate member of the production team will complete the specific plans in each of the aforementioned areas.
The film will be presented at key conventions, including the National Education Association, the G.I. Forum, the National Association of Latino Elected Officials, the National Council of La Raza, the Public Broadcasting Services, and the regional organizations with an interest in the subject matter. The film will also be presented to the Los Angeles television critics' tour. Print press materials will be designed, researched, written and printed, in coordination with the PBS Scheduling and Publicity offices. A long-lead press event will be planned for several key cities. The premiere broadcast of the film will be on PBS.
Southwest Texas State University and Galan Productions will collaborate on this project. In addition, the project will involve Southwest Texas State University local social work and film students, community based councils, leaders from the colonias, and national Latino organizations that address policy issues, including the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, NALEO, G.I. Forum, and the National Council of La Raza.