Villages documentary
 

I've been seriously kicking around the idea of doing a documentary about The Villages, its people, its history and success. First things first, in no means is it a expose or an attempt to dig up or uncover dirt.

The film's direction will be focused on interviews of Villagers and exploring the various lifestyles in The Villages. I'll probably cover politics in brief (because that's always a fun subject.) Also, dissect various subgroups who live here, like adult children who live with their parents, caregivers, the oldtimers and workers. I'll probably end on what's in the future for retirees, and if The Villages mojo will remain sustainable or evolve for your kids and grandkids.

It'll take at least 50 one-on-one interviews, 14+ months and about $25,000, which would need to be crowdfunded through a site like Kickstarter or Indiegogo. My hope would be to have it premiered here, and possibly do a few film festivals.

My background is mostly marketing and online video learning. I'm also an amatuer historian, so I'm skilled in research and putting stuff together.

Interesting concept, but I would take a different approach. Why not try contacting several of the clubs, and have a group interview, IMHO, I think you would get more and better participation. For example, I would probably not be interested in a personal interview, but would probably participate in a group discussion type interview.

Good luck on your project.

You would have to get permission to use any of The Villages properties in a scene. Good luck with that.

or TOTV?

500 Villagers at $50 - and I'll be your first investor

The clubs could be part of the story, but it's the people, their journey, and attitudes that I'm more interested in to tell the story. I think it all weaves into the common enchantment of The Villages to retirees. Clubs and happenings also contribute to its success on a social level, and there's room for some of that as a cause.

I'm conscientious and savvy to PR, which is one reason I prefaced with this is not an investigative effort. Public relations is a dance, and I'll have to establish some trust and always play by the rules if I expect any cooperation.

Really, this is not only about The Villages and what makes it work, but also about getting older in America and showing a slice of that through examples.

Thank you. And that's what I'm hoping for. I still have a little more work to do before I solicit money.

Like with most crowdfunding efforts, there would be perks... like a screening, tshirts, producer credits, etc..

Not sure that 50 one-on-one interviews re life experiences/attitudes/opinions would be able to capture and adequately describe the history/successes - and don't forget failures/changes in direction of The Villages.

The Villages is mostly a binder, as it's part of everyone's story and their current setting. I probably will not use all 50 interviews, and there will be other footage too.

If I get into the pitfalls or failures, it'll be because someone experienced them directly.

Overall, The Villages is a success, and there's reasons people keep coming.

Hi. My parents are "Village People " since 1996, I moved here
In 2012 to care for them. We are 3 generations living together
In harmony ( most of the time��). Have a few stories to
Contribute if you like.

Connie, your story is the types I'm looking for. Message me, and I'll keep you in the loop as things start to materialize.

The different types of people who move to and live in The Villages is the focus. I'm in a similar situation as you, so I can relate. There are people who have been here for years, and have seen the changes. There are active and younger Villagers, while others are closer to end of life. Some people leave The Villages and going back to where they lived before, etc..

Really?

I would hope anyone investing in this would seriously vet the project and the developer, if those are accurate descriptions.

Crowdfunding isn't really investing. The return benefit is that the film gets completed. There will be perks, like having access to the end product online, ticket to an opening night, tshirts, producer credits and updates and raw footage along the way.

I'll lay out the project, tell you a little about my experience and offer various levels of support. But, I'm also happy to be vetted and will answer whatever questions I can.

I'll seek out whatever permissions or permits as necessary. It's like, I cannot just walk into the sales center and begin filming.

Now I understand what you are trying to do. And why you are trying to chat us up.

What I actually meant was, do you need permission to film in public spaces, like the squares?

If people can film the police doing their job, why couldn't you film outside?

My guess - if you are filming your home movies with which to entertain/bore friends and family - no problem...but to produce a film for any commercial/historical purpose from which money would/could be derived just might be a problem for those who own/manage any 'public' area.

If it's public property, some cities or counties will require some kind of a permit. If you are shooting crowds, or what they call b-roll, there should not be an issue. If someone doesn't want you to point the camera in their direction, you point it somewhere else. If it's private property, then you should get permission.

Most of the filming would be done in people's homes or private property with permission.

Usage of the film has a little something to do with it too. This would not be a for profit production, and would be made available online for free. It would be nice to arrange a showing when it's done. The logistics are to be determined as I flesh it all out.

More than likely I'd have to get a permit for public areas and written permission for private property.

That would be your intent, David. But what happens when someone takes a copy from the internet and dupes copies for sale; or the people they gave it to as a gift dupe it and sell it? Hoping you have good encryption! :)

Careful
 

I love your idea. Watch out for exposing the hate politics in The Villages. You will make lots of enemies.

We have a lot of new folks today. I wonder where everyone came from.
Do we have "hate" politics in The Villages? I know we are vastly one sided.

Personally I think it should be left alone. Almost scammy to me. (Scammy new word)

The Daily Sun runs articles on Villagers, where they're from, what they've done, on a regular basis. I've read stories about holocaust victims, WWII vets, Villagers falling in love and just about any other subject you'd want to read up.

Personally I wouldn't want "my story" on the internet for all to see.

There is something about a documentary done by a person younger than ourselves for profit that does make me feel like an " old timer" which is in fact the very words he used. Not sensitive or diplomatic and certainly of no interest to me.

I doubt there will be a black market for something you can watch over the Internet on various video sharing sites like YouTube and Vimeo for free.

Oldtimers, as in those who have been here 20 years or more.

Profit is not the goal.

I expect most people would not want to participate, but many that will.

I validate your feelings. Anything done over the Internet feels scammy.

The squares are private property I believe.

Thanks. If anything, individual political views might serve as a comic relief. :icon_wink: I doubt I'd move too much into that direction.

You can probably shoot from the easements. There might be a few shots for establishing the location, but I'm not going to following people around asking them questions, etc.

David, I would recommend that you put together a "sample" of what you are thinking. I'm sure that you could get a few Villagers who would participate. Let us get a feeling of what you are proposing, how well you can do it, and if we can trust you to tell our story

There are a lot of amazing life stories to be told here. You may be on to something!

That's exactly what I'm doing now. It's going to take a while and some sweat equity to get it all together.

I will not put the cart before the horse, and you'll know much more about me when it comes time.

[//

When someone from the populace you wish to document ask you for a title to a documentary on them and a summary of your focus, then that means it comes time.


I think the fact you aren't funded and call some of us "old timers" does not bode well for your readiness. It sort of hits some of us like someone calling YOU a snot nosed kid. It just isn't good journalism and funding yourself with your hat in hand doesn't show us you are well planned or that you have been previously successful.

I didn't say or allude to that opinion.

I'm not a black and white person, and I don't subscribe to stereotypes.

This post was not meant to be a solicitation of monies. It's an idea that I had, and I was looking for opinions and feedback. When and if I'm ready, I'll lay it all out on the table.

Crowdfunding is a quite common way to fund projects.

Again, "oldtimers" as in people who have lived in The Villages for a long time. At least that's what they've called themselves.