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June 3 / 2010 - Letter of Support from Minister of National Defence |
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I greatly admire and appreciate your intention to keep alive the memories of our personnel, and I share your feeling that all Canadians who serve their nation deserve recognition for their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice. ... Thank you again for writing. Your interest in the Canadian Forces is very much appreciated, and I wish you every success in your endeavour.
Peter MacKay
Minister of National Defence |
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March 31, 2010 - St. Albert Gazette Feature |
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A special thank you to The St. Albert Gazette for supporting our film, Paratroopers - The Canadian Story. The St. Albert Gazette spent the afternoon with myself and Co-Producer Captain (Ret'd) Bill Dickson observing the filming process as we interviewed more veterans for the film. After speaking with the production crew and interviewees on Sunday, March 21st an article was printed in todays St. Albert Gazette newspaper. We appreciate the continued support of The St. Albert Gazette throughout the production of our documentary. View the article in our "Media Articles" section or click here for the original St. Albert Gazette feature. |
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March 5, 2010 - Letter of Support, Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach |
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Message from Honourable Ed Stelmach, Premier of Alberta
As Premier of Alberta, I am proud of the work that has gone into the making of "Paratroopers - The Canadian Story."
This project will help to ensure that the stories of Canada's soldiers, both past and present, will not be forgotten. As the 21st century unfolds, it is vital that our nation's military history continues to be preserved, honoured and respected. Through films such as "Paratroopers - The Canadian Story," these important historical accounts will be remembered.
Special thanks to the crew and participants who contributed to this fascinating journey. Your work will inform viewers for years to come.
Ed Stelmach
March 2010
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March 2, 2010 - Letter of Support, Mayor Stephen Mandel |
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March 2, 2010
Dear Mr. Christie
Thank you for the opportunity to provide a letter in support of your documentaryParatroopers - The Canadian Story.
I commend your dedicated efforts to share the compelling story of our parachute soldiers. you have taken on the important task of preserving these valuable memories, and have done so with the utmost thoughtfulness and respect. The end result truly honors our paratroopers' significant legacy.
Thank you for sharing this project with me. I wish you the best going forward.
Yours Truly,
Stephen Mandel
Mayor
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February 17 2010 - Our New Financial Milestones |
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We now have powerful new Financial Milestones that allow sponsors to donate money towards any movie that we have in production. Sponsors will be able to have their money used in the SPECIFIC segment that they choose. Also, they’ll get special mention in the movie and some nice goodies from the movie crew...
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Read more...
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February 6-7 2010 - CHAS & 180 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Support |
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 On the 6-7 February, we attended the 46th Annual Canadian Historical Arms Society Gun Show at the Agricom here in Edmonton. The annual show is one of the finest gun/sporting shows held in Western Canada and this year was no exception. The exhibits were top rate and attendance matched the dedication and work put into the event by its members...
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Read more...
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January 17 2010 - Interview Sessions |
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 Once again our production team held an important interview session here at the lines of the 3rd Bn PPCLI, Garrison Edmonton. Our success would not have been possible without the excellent cooperation and support of LCol Peter Dawe, Commanding Officer 3PPCLI, authorizing our use of his lines; Capt Jon Hamilton, Ops O and QMSI Hessell who assisted in coordinating personnel for the interviews and organized the setup and construction of the back drop for the interview session. Without this support, the quality and perception of our end product would not be the same. We could not ask for better cooperation...
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Read more...
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January 17 - Media Response To Productions At CFB Edmonton |
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We had a great production day at the base thanks to the PA Wright Eurebi and the people at 3PPCLI. We've been across the country a few times and the media reception has always been great so after 14 months, we figured it was time to tell Alberta about our movie. I had no idea that we'd receive the support of 10 radio, television and newspaper outlets. To be so warmly reported on in Alberta is really great.
Special thanks to: CTV Edmonton, City TV Edmonton, CBC Radio Edmonton, Global TV Edmonton, iNews 800AM (1), iNews 880 AM (2), Army News, CBC TV Edmonton, Edmonton Journal and Saint City News. |
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D-Day Airborne Ceremony - Part 1 of 2 |
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FSSF Visit with the PPCLI |
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December 20 - 3PPCLI Interview Shoot |
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We’ve scheduled our first shoot with the serving soldiers of the 3PPCLI out at the base. More on that to follow... We've changed the date to Sunday January 17. Contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
if you have ideas or want to be interviewed.
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December 13 - Phil Anley’s Wake |
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We were joined by about 30 people to remember the life of Phil Anley who also bought us all a beer and a nice lunch. There have been many wonderful benefits to making this movie and that includes having interviewed Phil and subsequently being able to edit together a nice segment to be played at his wake.
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December 12 - Airborne Christmas Party |
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We attended the Airborne Social Club Christmas Party with about 100 others and had a nice time with Gary Hodge as the emcee. We were invited to present our D-Day segment and it was well received. It was really nice for me to see all the men but especially our friends Gord Carter and Bruce Edey. Bill Johnston and the committee did a tremendous job of collecting door prizes as there was many to go around including a great emergency vehicle kit for yours truly. Bill’s wife Uschi won a candle package from Party Lite and Bob Copeland won a Leather jacket. The 3PPCLI QMSI’s table cleaned up with multiple prizes all around – we think the fix was IN! There was a draw for a movie print – 8 Minutes After Midnight that was purchased by the Social Club. It was won by Grant McLean, congrats.
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December 9 - PPCLI Soldier’s Christmas Dinner |
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We were invited to attend by Lt Colonel Peter Dawe, Commanding Officer of 3PPCLI. The event was my first mess hall tradition and it was quite an experience dining along with what seemed to be 500 soldiers. We presented the 3rd Battalion with a framed copy of a Remarque Print of Paratrooper’s “Eight Minutes After Midnight” in appreciation of their support of our Paratroopers movie project over the past 13 months. Significant in attendance at the dinner were BGen (Ret’d) J.E.L. Gollner, OMM, CD and others to be listed soon... (Coming)
  
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December 5 - Al Shamal Shriners Support the Movie! |
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We would like to thank our Al Shamal Shriners for providing a sponsorship for the Paratroopers movie. Here is a photo with the movie producer and 2 of the Al Shamal Directors Bob Thachuk and Ian Skogstad.
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December 1 – D-Day Ceremony Edits are 75% Complete |
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One of the greatest challenges in making this movie and the 10 (of 25) additional segments that we have currently in production is the incredible amount of editing and production that is required. Each segment requires hundreds of assets that can include photos, video, graphics, titles, credits and more. Every segment is planned and cut to a timeline or story treatment. Following that, we add all of the basic assets to create a skeleton of the final story. This is where we discuss the philosophy and intention of the segment, and really plan out all of the materials that we will be adding. Next we add the narrative and commission the various post work including music, titles, graphics, color and more. Finally, we have a version that tells the story but will be pretty rough. The real work begins in adding all of the assets that include photo and video archives. Getting photo and video archives has been a particular challenge to date because it is very important to us that all aspects be new to us and exciting, as well as historically accurate as possible. The D-Day Ceremony has taken 6 months and about 20 versions, and as of December 1, we finally feel that it is about 75% complete. We owe it to our veterans to make the very best that we are capable of and we don’t take this charge lightly. |
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November 11 - Remembrance Day |
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We'd like to take this opportunity to remember the sacrifices that Canadian soldiers have made for us and to remember and mourn the men that we lost. We especially send our very best wishes and prayers to our brave men serving in Afghanistan today. Thank you. |
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November 10 – Alberta Provincial Pipe Trades Association Became Bronze Sponsors Today |
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We would like to welcome The Alberta Provincial Pipe Trades Association as the newest members of our sponsorship team. A special thanks to their role in supporting “Paratroopers – A Canadian Story”. You can learn more about APPTA, our latest bronze sponsors, and others under the OUR SPONSORS page. |
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List of Quebec City Interviewees |
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Special thanks to the following men for their time this past week:
Adjutant MWO Jean-Marc Morin, Sgt (Ret'd) Jean Toupin, Adjutant WO J. S. Roy, L. Col Andre Demers, Major (Ret'd) Lionel Lafaul, Captain Robert Colbourne, Adjutant WO Pierre Proulx, Adjutant WO Christopher Robin, Sergeant (Ret'd) Jean Rene Decary, MWO (Ret'd) Merv Jones - 1 Can Para, Captain Michael Faber, CWO Roger Charest, Captain Chad Hauser, Master Corporal (Ret'd) Claude Gratton, MWO (Ret'd) Dan Michaud, Sergeant (Ret'd) Albert Duperre, WO (Ret'd) Fernand Bourget, Corporal Phil Chaine, and Major (Ret'd) Normand Blaquiere.
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Sept. 2 - Our trip to Quebec City Was a Success! |
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Hello all, your director Dixon here. In case you wondered where we have been, we went to the bathroom and the Van Doos got us! This is an old joke and underlines the humorous rivalry between the PPCLI from the west and the french speaking R22eR (Van Doos) from the East. Thanks to the support of the Commanding Officer L. Col Andre Demers and our contacts Captain Garneau, and Adjutant MWO Jim Morin, our first Van Doo trip was a great success. We did our interviews on the base in the 3 Van Doo building and got to meet many of the men and watch and shoot their para exercises as well. Although the Captain Dickson had us working from early to late, we did have time to get out and see the city and Quebec City is one of the nicest cities that Canada has, it was just beautiful. Jim Morin took a day off to personally tour us around the city through over the Plains of Abraham to The Pointe to the Citadel where we watched and filmed the formal Van Doo Regimental march, awesome! Thanks to our new friends the Van Doos for such a successful trip! |
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August 3 - Prints Are Released Today! |
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ROBERT
BAILEY PRINTS for the PARATROOPERS MOVIE ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE
Four Different print versions of “Eight Minutes to Midnight” by Robert Bailey are
now available for sale in very limited quantities of just 15 – 50 hand-numbered
prints. Check the link on the right navigation of this site, or the Movie Products section for more information. These prints are available in very limited quantities, order soon to avoid disappointment. |
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July 29 - International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Support the Movie Project |
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The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers became a Gold Sponsor today.
As with all of our sponsors, check out the OUR SPONSORS page to learn
more about them.
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Quality Control Council of Canada Comes Through |
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Special thanks to our new Gold Sponsors at the Quality Control Council of Canada!
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July 27 - DND Approval Comes Through |
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Bill and I pleased to announce that as of today, following our meetings in Ottawa with the Department of National Defence, we are now officially approved to make this movie. As you all know that we have tried to follow the protocols to the benefit of the veterans and their story, this milestone means a lot to us. Special thanks to the officials that have supported this project from the start. This approval means that we'll have the support to interview current serving men so if you are a paratrooper and still serving, we can work to schedule your interview! |
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July 24 - Piles of Emails |
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I apologize to those of you that took the time to email us while we were away, we've been working on the 150 plus emails and will get back to you as soon as we can! |
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While in Ottawa we were welcomed by maverick publisher Scott Taylor who took the time to meet us for a refreshment. Scott is the founder of Esprit de Corps magazine and has a wealth of knowledge about the Airborne and our military from all over the globe. It was a great meeting and we hope to feature an interview with Scott in our movie or bonus DVD. Thanks Scott! |
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July 21 - Return to Edmonton |
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Whew, it was a great trip but it is so great to be back home! Thanks to everyone that helped us along the way - stay tuned! |
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We had a meeting at the National Department Headquarters with Senior
Project Manager/Consultant, ADM (PA) Tom Pepin. (this article is being edited) |
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This article is being edited. |
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July 19 - Ottawa Interviews |
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Interviewed: General
(ret’d) Bob Goudreau, Lt. Col. (ret’d) Stuart Northrup, Lt. Col. (ret’d) Ron
Bragnon, Cap. (ret’d) Ian Hetman, MWO (ret’d) Brad Mills, Harry Dzeoba (1 Can
Para), Major Gen. (ret’d) Guy Lessard, and L Col (ret’d) Jay Lapeyre. |
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July 18 - Canadian War Museum - Cyprus Exhibit is Opened |
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This article is being edited.
Thanks to Andrew Burtch.
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July 18 - Cyprus Ceremony - Berger and Peron Remembered |
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This article is being edited. |
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July 18 - The DAILY Ottawa Citizen Interviews Us! |
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July 18 - The Daily Observer Interviews Us! |
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July 17 - Bornewest in the House! |
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Now I have no idea why I have been so well received by the BC Airborne crew from the far Canadian west, but evidently my money is no good around our Bornewest members and my drinking prowess was truly put to the test thanks to Jimmy Ogden, Tom Walton, and of course, Gord Hockridge - Thanks Guys! |
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July 17 - Arrive in Ottawa - Cyprus Ceremony |
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We arrived at the luxurious Crowne Plaza and after sleeping in barracks alongside or across the hall from notorious roof raising snorer, Bill Dickson, our suite was about the very best that we had ever seen. The Crowne Plaza upgraded our stay to include 2 deluxe rooms sandwiched around a living area suite large enough to hold our considerable lighting equipment. We set up our interview studio and as we had not confirmed any interviews leading into the Cyprus reunion ceremony, we both set forth to shake hands and shake free the people we'd hoped to interview. Joe Drouin, whom you may know has provided an advisory role for this movie, greeted us warmly and opened all doors for us. Did I say how nice it was to NOT bunk in the same room as Bill Dickson? :-P |
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July 16 - Petawawa Remembers |
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Dennis Stow shared his thoughts about the monument and the soldiers that we lost in 1968. We had hoped to attend the 2009 Petawawa ceremony to remember our 7 lost soldiers that drowned in the Ottawa River during what was supposed to be a routine para exercise but were not able. It is known as the "Wegner Point Disaster" and this is another example of a story that reveals itself to a director during the course of his research. Bill and I were able to visit the monument during this trip and are planning to work with Dennis and local reporters to build a segment to remember our lost soldiers; Master Warrant Officer Reginald Riddell, Warrant Officer Michael McDonnell, Cpl. Hugh Fields, Cpl. Bob Knight, Cpl. Dennis Clements, Cpl. Jim Misner and Cpl. Bruce Chiswell. Rest in Peace. |
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July 16 - Petawawa Interviews |
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We
got to talk with 1 Can Para veteran Emmett Ethier, M Cpl (ret’d) Bob Harnish, Capt. (ret’d) Chuck Collicutt, Sgt. (ret’d) Bud Richardson, CWO
(ret’d) George Tompkins, CWO (ret’d) Dennis Stow, MWO (ret’d) Tomas
Murphy, Tpr (ret’d) Tiny Morin, Col. (ret’d) Al Peterson, CWO (ret’d) Trevor
Bador, CWO (ret’d) Gerry Raymond, Ralph Storey and Lawrence Hierlahy.
Thanks to John Clarke, Dennis Stow and Public
Affairs contact Captain Andrew Hennesey. |
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July 14 - Paratroopers Feature in Kingston Whig-Standard Newspaper |
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July 15 - Petawawa Airborne Museum |
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We were granted full access to this musuem and held all of our interviews in the Airborne Chapel which was a perfect setting. I've taken a number of photos of the museum that you'll be able to see in our photos section shortly. I sincerely encourage you all to take in the museum at some point because it really is quite amazing. Failing that, our photos will give you a good indication of what you can see there. Special thanks to the Museum and especially Dennis Stowe for his 2 day commitment to staffing our interviews and making our stay so comfortable, thanks Dennis!
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July 13 and 14 - Kingston Interviews |
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In Kingston we interviewed Gen Don (ret'd) Banks, Colonel (ret'd) Mike Barr, Lt. Col Clay Samis, MWO (ret'd) Ed
Tyerman, MWO (Ret’d) Ross McKenzie, Gen (ret'd) Walt Holmes, Gen (ret'd) Ernest Beno, MWO (ret'd) Mel Douglas, Pentney, L Col (ret'd) Saint-Eves, Lapayre, Gen (ret'd) Mel Price, Lt. (Ret’d) Al Itinson, B. General (ret'd) Ian Douglas, Lt. (ret'd) Alex Itenson, Major (ret'd) Lou Grimshaw, Sgt. (ret'd) Bob Foster, L Col Dave Pentney, Col. (ret'd) Herb
Norris, Al Toth, and Don Halcrow. Thanks
to: Sub-Lt. Sylvain Larousseau, Bob Janik, Mike DeNoble, Annette Gillis and
Staff of The Airborne Museum |
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July 13 - Royal Canadian Corps of Signals |
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One of the things that makes this movie making process so exciting is getting to meet the soldiers that believe so passionately in their trade, regiment or particular area of interest. I feel grateful that people entrust me with their hopes that we include their passions in this movie... So it is in this spirit that we were so nicely welcomed to the Military Communications and Electronics Museum. Not only did they warmly welcome us, but they granted us the generous usage of their fine museum where we held the interviews. We had a personal tour by the curator Annette Gillis and along with our interviews with General (ret'd) Don Banks, MWO (ret'd) Ed Tyerman, L Col (ret'd) Clay Samis, CWO (ret'd) Mel Douglas, we were able to get the full "Signals" experience. Next time you are in Kingston, I suggest you check out the museum or check it out online at: www.C-and-E-Museum.org.
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July 12 - Off to Kingston |
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We're got into Kingston today, Bill's driving and the car is loaded down with about 700 pounds of camera gear and luggage! Thank God for Pelican cases! We were greeted by Bob Janik and checked into the barracks.
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July 11 - Toronto Interviews at QOR |
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We
were invited to do our interviews at the Officer's Mess for the Queen's Own
Regiment again and that room makes for a perfect make-shift studio! We
interviewed Frank West from 1 Can Para, Sgt Craig Hood, WO Ignasio Kim, Sgt Bill Peyton and CWO
Scott Patterson. We are hoping to attend the 150th anniversary ceremony for
the QOR next year. Jan de Vries joined us at the regiment for a chat; he’s been
rallying the troops out in Ontario and is also a source of wisdom and
inspiration. Thanks Jan! Special thanks again also to John Fotheringham and
Private Samuel for their assistance. |
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July 10 - Port Credit Interviews |
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We
were invited to visit the Airborne Room at the Port Credit Legion thanks to
Bill talbot and Norm Lacasse. The room was well appointed with hand carved "Airborne tables" that would look great in any dining room! We interviewed Bill
Talbot, Norm Lacasse, Edward Borkowski and Bill Candy.
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We are off to Ontario today! Bill had been hard at work staffing all of the interview dates for Ontario and I am looking forward to this trip so much! |
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July 1 - New Blog Format and Photos! |
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Welcome to the new website design for our Director's Blog... This new blog format allows me to add articles and photos much faster! Also, make sure to check out the NEW PHOTO TOURS from D-Day and back to December 2008. Thanks for your support! EDITED
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I did my first jump and it was amazing! (full details coming soon) Thanks to Edmonton Skydive Centre! |
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I was invited to present our movie to the Edmonton Salutes at City Hall today. |
Chinatown meeting with Bill Dickson, Bill Johnston and John Johnston, brainstormed ideas on how to get the word out there and complete this movie.
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Invited to attend the PPCLI and FSSF event where4 original members of the First Special Service Force were in attendance. We got to see our men jumping out of the mock tower and interviewed the 4 men for a short segment. |
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Special thanks to the Al Shamal Shriners of Edmonton and Judge Russ Dixon for their sponsorship! |
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Uploaded the new promo video v6. |
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June 6 - D-Day Ceremony in Siffleur Falls |
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Our crew was on hand at the D-Day ceremony at Siffleur Falls to film the ceremony and interview our soldiers. The event was well attended and our own Captain and coordinator Bill Dickson did an excellent job of bringing it all together... More soon...
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May 27 - Producers Announce Our New MILITARY BONUS DVD(s) |
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Our Bonus DVD will celebrate many aspects of Canadian Military including our Regiments, Museums, People and Places that are so important to our soldiers and Canada. These military segments are NOT specific to para activities and the BONUS DVD(s) will be included with our movie that will be available for sale at fine stores everywhere in 2010. |
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Read more...
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May 23 and 24 - "Bornewest" to Present Paratroopers Movie Trailer Promo |
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Greetings again to our friends in Chilliwack and BC who will be attending their annual reunion out there. We will not be able to attend but are sending the latest version of our promo trailer along with a greeting to the men. Thank you for your continued support. |
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May 20 - Para Jump Filming at the Base in Wainwright |
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Thanks to the approval to shoot from DND, we were allowed to film a para jump out at the base in Wainwright. Amidst strong wind conditions, the men showcased their outstanding skills from the jump that appeared to be from around 1000 feet. Also in attendance were US Jumpers and Marines from Holland. Thanks to everyone that helped make this happen for us!
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May 17 - Circa 1980 Airborne Photo and Video Shoot |
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 Our uniform consultant Rob Patterson rallied the troops for what became an outstanding photo and video shoot. The theme was based around creating Airborne circa 1980 poster artwork for the movie. As well, we rented a RED ONE 4k high def video camera to capture footage for our promo trailer. Thanks to our movie crew including DP Brett Manyluk, Chris Chow, Vincent Smuda. Photographers include myself, Billie Fleming, and Michelle Boorse. Assistants included Ashley Fortier and of course, Bobbi Jo Erichsen. Soldier models for this event were Doug Zbetnoff, Steve Forth and yours truly. |
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Read more...
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May 14 - Paratroopers Chooses a Distributor! |
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We are proud to announce that we have a firm letter of intent from a reputable Canadian distribution company. We have been assured that they share our vision of a 2 DVD set packaged in a deluxe tin set for sale at Wal-Mart, Costco, Zellers and all other fine stores across Canada! |
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May 10 - PPCLI Reunion in Edmonton! |
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We were honored to be invited to present at the annual PPCLI reunion event held in edmonton. Bill presented an early draft of our movie promo to 300 of our PPCLI and received a good number of positive comments. |
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May 8 - 13 - Hot Docs in Toronto! |
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We enjoyed a wonderful time in Toronto meeting other filmmakers and industry people. hot Docs is a great place to network and to learn about the intricacies of the industry. |
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April 26 - Production Meeting |
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Thanks to Uschi Dickson for hosting an amazing Production meeting at her house. The Rouladen and Spaetzle were top shelf! (Along with the Armagnac) We are working on a name for the movie print, which Robert Bailey tells us will be completed soon. |
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April 20 - Distributor meetings in Toronto |
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Amongst other things, I spent this week meeting with potential distributors. We had some great success and hope to have a major announcement soon.
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April 18 and 19 - Queen's Own Rifles and Interviews |
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 On these days we held interviews at the Queen's Own Rifles Officer's Mess at the Moss Park Armouries in Toronto, Ontario. What a rich heritage the QOR have had in Canada! |
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Read more...
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April 17 - 21st Annual Airborne Luncheon |
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I was honoured to be able to address so many distriguished guests at the event held in the Military Institute. We were able to show for the first time ever, the first draft of our movie promo. Many men personally expressed their approval of the promo so far and thanked me for telling their story - thank YOU for serving our country so proudly, it is MY distinct pleasure. Also, I had lunch with fine men from the 1 Van Doos who invited me to come to Quebec to interview their men and see them. I would be honoured! |
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April 15 - Production in Toronto! |
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The last 2 weeks has been just a whirlwind. I will get caught up with the day to day very shortly. I am just getting ready to leave for the airport for our first visit to Toronto. Special thanks to John Fotheringham and Jan de Vries for rallying the troops out in Ontario. |
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Brigadier-General, Retired, Ernest B. Beno has kindly suggested that we be sure to include the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery in our production and of course, we will be delighted. Our goal is to invite gunners from across Canada to send us their photos and video for use in a BONUS DVD segment. It's always been our goal to include all of the people and places related to Canada's Paratroopers in our accompanying Bonus DVD and the gunners are a superb story segment idea. |
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Rosslyn Hotel is a proud supporter of the Paratroopers movie. Be sure to check out the beautiful NEW Rosslyn Hotel! |
UA Support! Special thanks to the Unionized Plumbers and Pipe Fitters.
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March 25 - Featured in the Ottawa Citizen! Thanks to Dave Pugliese! |
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Featured in the Ottawa Citizen! Thanks to Dave Pugliese!
http://communities.canada.com/ottawacitizen/blogs/defencewatch/default.aspx |
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3PPCLI invited us to come out to watch their Para Drop at DZ Torri, St. Albert. We watched the rigging and dressing at Jefferson Armoury and got some great footage of the men. We navigated our way to the DZ and watched the para drop on a beautiful sunny day and minus 20 degree weather. Had the pleasure of meeting and talking to Brigade Commander Colonel K.A. Corbould, CD. Thanks to our new friends at 3PPCLI for their support and co-operation. Then we had a producer's lunch and I was stuck with the check. |
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I am looking forward to meeting many of the Eastern members of the Airborne Brotherhood and 1CanPara Veterans at the Opp Varsity Luncheon as I travel to Hamilton and Toronto later this week. Special thanks to 1CanPara vet Jan de Vries for assisting in the planning and coordination of this task. Believe me, Associate Producer Bill Dickson will be sorely missed as I will be "winging it" alone. Of course, I won't miss his monstrous propensity for magnificent snoring! |
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Another day of many interviews thanks to the branch 271 St. Albert Legion, Melanie Grove and Scott Laird. Interviews today included 1CanPara Phil Ainley (WWII, Korea), Ed Morley (Korea, PPCLI), Bill Tremain (Artillery, Airborne Regiment), Bruce Edey (Ordnance Corps, CFPMD, Bruce taught me a thing or two about packers and riggers!) and Ken Jobin (PPCLI and our first Metis representative from the Aboriginal Veterans Association). |
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St. Albert's own Saint City News sent out reporter Phillip Wollgar to interview our crew. Watch here for the article. |
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Thanks to Bruce Edey (Service Corps, Ordnance Corps) for his support of the movie. |
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Received a supportive email from Committee Member, Monty Marsden (1CanPara) who has been sick with the flu for a while now. We wish him the very best. Monty brings us the following news as a reminder of the importance of our task: "The 1st Can Para Bn was known to us as the "Sometimes Forgotten Battalion" because the Bn was with the 6th British Airborne Div. for all purposes except pay, out of sight ,out of mind. The Bn was never acknowledged as being the first Canadian Army Unit on the ground on " D Day " at about 12.30 a.m. about 6 hrs. before the land invasion of France. Secondly, it was the only Canadian Army Unit in the Battle of the Bulge in 44/45. Thirdly, it was the only Canadian Unit to meet the Russians in the Baltic in their race to capture Denmark for Russia. Fourthly, the 1st Can Para Bn was the only Unit in the British 6th Airborne Division with a paratrooper to win the Victory Cross. I do believe the 1st Brit. A/B div. had 5." Thanks for the info, Monty! |
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We'd like to extend our sincerest condolences to the friends, family and Airborne Brothers to the infamous John Clee who passed away recently. It is a tremendous misfortune that we were not able to reach him prior to his untimely passing. |
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We were invited onto the Para Refresher Training Course at 3PPCLI thanks to the proud support of Major Bob Ritchie. After interviewing 45 men and hearing about their training, this is the first time I experienced it firsthand. I pretty much stood there slack jawed and awestruck as the soldiers were put through their considerable paces. Deputy Commanding Officer David Proctor and the Regimental Sargeant Major Pete Leger even came out to shake our hands. We are hoping to meet LCol Peter Dawe, CO of 3PPCLI the next time we visit. We enjoyed a lunch on the base with Army News Reporter Dan Milburn. Brigade Public Affairs Officer Lt. Wright Eruebi also joined us and we thank both men for their support and encouragement. We await approvals to cover the upcoming Practical Parachute Exercise - I am ecstatic about the prospect of getting onto a C-130 Hercules Aircraft to watch the jump but Bill says we'll have to keep a tie down strap on him instead of a static line! |
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Special Thanks to Pierre Racine (Airborne Regiment) from P & C Electrical in St. Albert for their sponsorship and support. (www.PCElectrical.ca) |
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February 24 - We Were Featured on the Front Page of the Chilliwack Times! |
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We Were Featured on the Front Page of the Chilliwack Times!
We were interviewed by reporter Paul Henderson while doing our research in Chillwack and our interview featured ended up on their FRONT PAGE! Thanks to the Chilliwack Times and Paul Henderson. Check it out by clicking >>>here. |
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February 24 - Paratroopers Movie Director Honoured with an Airborne Ring. |
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 Paratroopers Movie Director Honoured with an Airborne Ring.
We were very well received in BC and for our last night, we were joined by many of the men from Bornewest. Not only did we have a terrific time at the Jolly Miller Pub, but your director was inadvertently indoctrinated into one of the Airborne rites of passage; a lively debate on politics and religion. |
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Read more...
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February 23 - Local 170 Union from Vancouver to Become Movie Sponsor |
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Local 170 Union from Vancouver to Become Movie Sponsor
We just received word today that Local Union 170 of Vancouver - The United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters will be helping to support our movie.Thanks to all of the people at the Local 170. |
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February 22 - Victoria, BC |
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 Victoria, BC
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting with Major General (ret'd) Herb Pitts and Major General (ret'd) Brian Vernon. The generals were both very generous with their time, their suggestions for the movie and their interview comments. I also chatted with 1CanPara Vet Fred Stokes, LCol (ret'd) Gordon Gedge, Maj (ret'd) Brian Munro, Cap (ret'd) Padre Tom Hassett. Special thanks to CWO (ret'd) Harry Stinson for co-ordinating on behalf of DZ VI at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 91. Thanks also to the Legion for hosting us and finding a place for us to conduct our interviews. |
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February 21 - Chilliwack BC |
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Chilliwack BC
We were honoured at a special luncheon at the Legion and had the pleasure of speaking to and meeting many of the members from the Paratrooper Association, "Bornewest". We did interviews with Harry Chatry, George Ahm, Bud Britton, and Jack Novak. Thanks to Mister Bud Britton for the suggestion that I follow in the steps of Edmonton's own Nick "Danger" Lees and pursue an opportunity in going through Para training myself. It would be a long and difficult process to get this body of mine ready for training. I feel that the endeavor would help me to understand first had what the men go through, if only for a very small fraction of the actual time that they spend training. |
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February 20 - Chilliwack BC |
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 Chilliwack BC
Did research interviews with many great men including Rollie Keith, 1CanPara Vet Ray Ward, 1CanPara Vet Peter Braidwood, Roger St. John, Bud Macleod, Bob Foster, 1CanPara Vet George Whateley, 1CanPara Vet Joe Pringle, Doc Grainger, Harold "Grouch" Grouette, Ken Sisson, Jim Ogden, Ed Dobson, Wayne Newcombe.
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Read more...
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February 18 - North Vancouver |
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 North Vancouver, BC
Bill and I drove from Edmonton to North Vancouver for our meeting with 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion Veterans at the 118 Legion. Met with 1CanPara vets Monty Marsden, Darrell "Ducky" Harris, George Siggs, John Butchart, Gerald D Walker. Special thanks to Marcel Duhamel, President of Vancouver Legion 118. |
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February 11 - Planning for BC trip. |
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Planning for BC trip.
We are looking forward to meeting with the BC paratroopers for the weekend of the 19th. The trip will likely take 5 - 7 days in total and we hope to speak to many veterans. |
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February 9 - Airborne Social Club Presentation |
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Airborne Social Club Presentation
I had the opportunity to speak in front of the Airborne Social Club on the base out at Namao. The group seemed receptive to hearing about the progress of our movie and had a number of great questions and some suggestions as well. |
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February 3 - Local 488 Becomes a Sponsor of the movie. |
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Local 488 Becomes a Sponsor of the movie.
Edmonton's own Local 488 of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters became a Silver Sponsor of the movie.
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February 1 - The Movie Sponsorship Package is Complete |
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 The Movie Sponsorship Package is Complete
Our movie is funded in part by the private support of fine companies and individuals that want to help us to make this movie a reality, and of course, to remember our veterans. Private and business donations are used to trigger the public monies and support that will make this movie happen.
Please email us through the site to receive your own 12 page copy of the final Movie Sponsorship Package.
Alternately, you can view our "Become A Sponsor" Section.
Also available in PDF format via download here >>> (*click here) |
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January 29, 30, 31 - Southern Alberta |
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 We spent this weekend traveling to Southern Alberta and had a great meeting with 1CanPara veteran John Ross on Friday and General Ray Romses on Saturday in Lethbridge. Following that, we drop up to Calgary and thanks to Sgt. Bruce Graham, Museum Director Tom Doucet and Maj. Liebert, RM for the PPCLI, we were able to shoot research interview footage with many veterans. Thanks to Judge Russ Dixon, Art Fleming, Vic Ramsbottom, and George Little.
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January 19 - Rob Patterson agrees to be our Military Consultant for Uniforms. |
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 Had a tremendous meeting with Rob Patterson of G-Max. he's a wealth of knowledge regarding period uniforms and has agreed to provide men and uniforms for most of our segment photo shoots. |
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January 18 - Veterans provide research input in St. Albert! |
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 We had a great session with 8 of our veterans today at the St. Albert Legion.Thanks to Scott Laird for allowing us access to the Legion on a Sunday! Veterans that we met with for research interviews included Chris Smith, Gord Carter, Don Collier, Graham Olmstead, Walter Romanow, Herbert Martineau, Marty Clavette and Bob Bell. Special thanks to all of you for helping out and serving so proudly for our country. |
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December 31 - Interviews Announced! |
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We will be shooting our Alberta interviews in January starting with John Ross in Lethbridge. John Ross jumped at Normandy and has quite a few stories of his own to share. If you know any Paratroopers living here in Alberta, please contact us with their names and details. In February we'll be in BC with Monty Marsden and Darrel "Bucky" Harris. Monty jumped at Varsity and "Bucky" was one of the original Jump Masters at Camp Shiloh. |
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January 18 - Veterans provide research input in St. Albert! |
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We had a great session with 8 of our veterans today at the St. Albert Legion.Thanks to Scott Laird for allowing us access to the Legion on a Sunday! Veterans that we met with for research interviews included Chris Smith, Gord Carter, Don Collier, Graham Olmstead, Walter Romanow, Herbert Martineau, Marty Clavette and Bob Bell. Special thanks to all of you for helping out and serving so proudly for our country. |
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 Photo Shoot for Artwork was a Success!
We got some great photos of our men in authentic period uniforms and are now working on designing some of the poster movie art. We spent the weekend updating and improving the website that you see here. Bill and I wanted to give special thanks to all of the great men that helped at the shoot; Slade, Joe, Earl and Doug, and special thanks to Rob Patterson who provided the uniforms and invaluable input!
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 We went to Robert Bailey's studio to shoot the principal photography for the movie artwork. Rob Patterson of G-Max has donated the use of authentic World War II Para uniforms complete with all of the details intact. We'll have four strapping young lads who'll be modeling the uniforms and providing visual inspiration for the movie poster artwork. As well, Robert Bailey is meticulous in his approach to his paintings, and generally uses models and photography as a means to recreate and capture historical events.
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 We shot the DVD segment today with world famous aviation artist Robert Bailey. It went amazingly well. Robert is quite passionate about his work and shares our commitment to integrity, respect and accuracy in everything that he does. Working with him on the commissioned painting of the D-Day drop into Normandy will be a pleasure. *Please reserve your copy today as supplies are extremely limited. You can email us using the contact form. |
The first formal meeting of the advisory committee was held at the St. Albert Legion chaired by Bill Dickson. Bill Johnston has begun his fund raising efforts and our advisory group provided some solid feedback regarding the movie time line and other key details. |
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