Producing a documentary film is more than pointing a camera and shooting. It’s more than good writing, directing and editing. It’s much more than all of that – a fact that wasn’t lost on the producers, writers and directors when they embarked on a project to tell the story of changed lives.
REAL CHANGE not Spare Change is not just a documentary film; it captures the spirit of an organization and people.
The 30-minute production tells the story of the Boise Rescue Mission – in its 50th year – through the eyes of current staff, founding members and, most importantly, those whose lives have been changed by its programs and message of hope.
The 24/7 Newschannel (Cable Channel 28) showed the film eight times in July 2008.
“We knew what our goal was from the start,” said Producer Rich Granberry of RG Productions. “We wanted to raise awareness about the Boise Rescue Mission and increase participation through funding and volunteerism.”
“The best way to do that was to have an emotional connection.”
REAL CHANGE not Spare Change shows the struggle, redemption and hope of those who have been through the programs of the Boise Rescue Mission. The ministry does more than provide meals and beds; it provides a chance for a new life complete with job training and follow-up.
“Where the idea came to me was about three years ago,” Granberry said. “I was doing a video for the Boise Rescue Mission. I didn’t realize they did more than feed people and give them a place to sleep.”
“I thought, ‘if I’m unaware of everything they do, I bet the public doesn’t know either.’”
With the help of sponsors Norco, The Lyle Pearson Auto Group and Verdi Wealth Planning, the video was shot in 14 days and edited for premier in another three weeks.
“The biggest challenge was scheduling,” said Granberry. “The programs are working and the people are working. It was hard pulling them away for the interviews.”
Those interviews are the backbone of the film, which features people recovering from addictions ranging from alcohol to meth to LSD. Each person shares the lowest of lows in life along with their eventual recovery and accomplishments.
“There was so much to each story,” Granberry said. “It took all my years of experience to be able to get so much information into a concise format.”
The stories even raised the eyebrows of some seasoned professionals.
“My dad is a former Federal Adjudicator for the Veterans Administration, here in Boise,” said Eugene Boyle, a partner (with Granberry) in Viral Intermedia Productions, “and he didn’t know about all the things the Boise Rescue Mission did.”
The entire video, which can be seen as of July 10, 2008, on www.Viralintermedia.com, sports a PBS-quality look, far above what might be expected from a local production company.
Jon Duane and Chris Kelly, hosts of the Jon and Chris Show on All Talk 63 AM KFXD, are the hosts for the film, interviewing those currently involved with BRM programs. In addition, Jim and Jean Law, founding board members of the Boise Rescue Mission, are featured. REAL CHANGE not Spare Change, written by Cameron Ventura from Campfire Stories, also features City Light (for women), which opened in 2001.
Accurate facts, figures and illustrations are important, but REAL CHANGE not Spare Change goes a step further, showing the dignity and self-esteem of those who have been helped by the Boise Rescue Mission.
“Everything has got to be on the money,” said Boyle. “There is a maturity aspect of knowing exactly what needs to be shown. Rich (Granberry) has that.”
The film can be used for more than its television broadcasts. In addition, it can be used in part or in whole on the Boise Rescue Mission website as well as smaller promotional DVDs and commercials.
“It’s a way of leveraging the whole media,” Boyle said.
The project was a joint venture of Mission Media, Campfire Stories and RG Productions.
For more information on REAL CHANGE not Spare Change or any of the Viral Intermedia organizations – RG Productions, CyberSprockets HardDrive Shop, KayBird Photography and Digital Design or Website Design Center – log onto www.Viralintermedia.com. Or you can stop by and visit our office at 1121 N. Cole Road in Boise.