Jerusalem and the Holy Land are special, there is a spirit there that touches and changes those who have the opportunity to spend time in those places. I believe that it is because of this special spirit that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints decided to build a center on the Mount of Olives and send their young people to study there. I had the special opportunity to study in that center for four months, and it changed me. I know that others were touched like me and many were changed in ways I cannot know. There are thousands of students, faculty, and missionaries who have spent time in and around the Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies and their experiences and testimonies can give a glimpse to the rest of the world of what the Holy Land is really like and how it changes people. I am producing a documentary on the experiences and the effect of those experiences on those involved with the Center over the past 30 years. In this production I hope to highlight the way that Jerusalem and the BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies has changed those who have studied, taught, and served there.
Project Length:
The planned length for this documentary is approximately 30 minutes. This time could change to be longer depending on the pertinent information received in the interviews and the footage taken in the Holy Land. The length is also subject to broadcast requirements.
Project Timeline:
Production will start in the United States in January 2011. In that time the principle interviews will be completed and photos will be collected. Filming in the Holy Land will take place the second week of April. While in the Holy Land I will film primary sites mentioned at length in the interviews including the Jerusalem Center, film both the Jews and Palestinians going about their daily lives, capture the Christian pilgrims on the Via Dolorosa and in the respective churches: and interview local merchants, members, and BYU students. The final project will be edited and completed sometime in early 2012.
Presentation:
This documentary is designed as a program for BYU-TV. The length and cut of the program will be according to BYU-TV’s programming requirements. The documentary will however be additionally cut for DVD release. This cut will have additional interviews and may include photos and footage not used in the final product. DVD’s will be available for purchase via the Web. The final product will be copyrighted.
Proceeds:
The proceeds of the project will first and foremost go back to the donors up to the amount they originally donated. I will receive 10% of the proceeds for my time and efforts after the donors are compensated. 10% of the proceeds will go to help students at the BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies and the remaining proceeds will help fund my next project.
Quality of the project:
There is a saying that I live by: “There is no room for mediocrity in the Boren family.” I have several highly acclaimed and seasoned professionals assisting me with the project. They have agreed to mentor me throughout the entire project and will help make this a professional documentary. This documentary will be to the highest standard. I am, and will continue to consult with professionals in camera work, lighting, audio, and editing for the duration of the project. I guarantee a professional-grade documentary.
Budget:
The budget for the project is between $5,000-$10,000. This budget will cover the flight to the Holy Land, transportation from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and my daily expenses (food and lodging) for 8 days in Jerusalem. The budget also covers the cost of original music, color correcting costs, and some initial distribution costs. This sum is only a base amount, but I am confident that the documentary can be produced at a professional quality for this amount. Volunteers or myself will do the work of filming and editing.
BYU Endorsement:
The project has not received a BYU endorsement. The documentary is being done separate from and is not affiliated with BYU. I am however seeking to involve the various directors of the program in the interview process.
People Involved:
Many people have shown interest in the project including Ann Madsen, wife of the late Truman Madsen, Dan Hone, one of the men who started the Jerusalem Center and created it’s original curriculum, numerous professors of the BYU-Jerusalem Center, and many alumni of the program.
Equipment List:
Camera:
Canon t2i and or a Canon 60D DSLR
This camera shoots in full 1080p HD video. Being a Digital SLR gives this camera the ability to shoot both in HD video and still photography.
Lens’s:
Canon EFS 18-135mm
This is a wide-angle telephoto lens that gives me the flexibility of shooting up-close or distance.
Canon EFS 50mm
This is a fantastic interview lens that gives me great low-light options and a shallow depth of field.
Microphone:
Azden SGM 1X Shotgun Mic
I decided to go with a shotgun microphone for a number of reasons: the first is simply the versatility of a shotgun mic; I can mount it directly to the camera or mount it to a mic stand or boom pole for interviews.
External Audio Recorder:
ZOOM h4n
The ZOOM h4n allows me mobility. The device is small, light, and fits into my camera bag. It can record up to 4 different channels of audio and gives me multiple recording options. This is what experienced professionals are using in the field.
Lights:
I have a three-light interview kit including reflector umbrellas, gels, and a barn door. I also carry various reflectors
Editing Software:
Final Cut Pro