In brief, the National Geographic Channel contracted Towers Productions for a series of three one-hour television programs on the Vietnam War as told by the men and women who were there on the ground. The narrative portion of each hour serves as a road map of events that will then be highlighted by the individuals being interviewed.
We are trying to match up, whenever possible, photographs or archival footage with people who experienced what is captured in those images. The programs will not compare Vietnam to what’s going on today, nor provide analysis of what happened. The idea is to talk about Vietnam from the people who knew it best, those doing their jobs, carrying out their orders — whatever those might have been. We want to talk about perceptions, sensory experiences — what the air smelled like, cultural understandings, how the soldiers felt, knowledge about the overall operation, being wounded, media reports, camaraderie, etc.
I’m producing the second hour of the 3-part series, focusing on 1968 and the time just prior to and after Tet. While we are in touch with a couple of nurses, I’d be interested in locating a few more to talk about their assignments and the locations where they served.
I’m writing an outline that’s due at National Geographic in a week — deadline issues are always a problem — and if you’d be so kind, I’d appreciate you forwarding this email to put me in touch with a board member or anyone who might be interested. You or they can reach me by email or by phone at the number below.
Thanks in advance,
Judy
Judy Cole
Producer
National Geographic Channel
Towers Productions
549 W Randolph Street, Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60661
voice: 773-539-1408
http://www.towersproductions.com
judy.cole@towersproductions.com
If you wish more information, please, feel free to contact me in this regard.
Do you think there will be an audience interested enough in this subject? Or is this yet another diversionary documentary?
The subliminal “Rah, Rah for our military-industrial complex” meme immediately comes to mind and this might not play well in this current demographic.
Then again I’ve sent that final helicopter picture of the evacuation of Saigon to countless people when invoking the Iraqnam theme. Even Cindy Sheehan gave up and I will soon too. Time is better spent looking for that special David Koresh survivalist compound way back in the woods.
Even the grandmothers know.
http://www.grannywarriors.com/
What I can say to this is that the Vietnam Woman’s Memorial Foundation is always doing something to commemorate the veteran of said war. It was the Vietnam vet that brought lots out to the public eye and I am not (politically active) for this org. I am the coordinator for this state for this org. This is something that the National geographic mag is always doing at sometime or the other. Historical accounts of our past is always needed. They are not using this as a political statement, so the email states, it is with the sights, smells, etc, that they are looking for. Have you seen A Piece Of My Heart? If you haven’t, you need to. It addressed women’s issues during said wartime.
I threw this out for the vets to add their feelings, smells, etc for which they ask. If you have any questions get in touch with the address at the end of the context of said email. Thank you for addressing this piece. I do think this is important, FWIW…hugs
In addition to my post, I would like you to post a diary of your experiences for us to cherish, some day, if you want. I, for one, would be very interested in the story you could tell. After all, Man, it is history, straight from our mouths that matter, is it not? Your opinion is always desired.
I could but I will bow to your cause rather than usurping it for my agenda. My experiences during that era reflect things which are blatantly missing from our culture and society today and as such would require book research well beyond my financial means.
It is history, but then again I think WE are all history.
Brenda – I read A Piece of my Heart many years ago – I think of it every time I see your comments or diaries. It is a very powerful book, described in the Powell’s synopsis as:
Records the memories of a war in the words of those women courageous enough to walk into hell. –San Francisco Chronicle
You are absolutely correct. It is very compelling to watch being preformed, as well.
The first time I took my girls and oldest grand-daughter to see it done in Memphis, it still was difficult to sit through. Anyhow, a very good example of what they are asking for, IMHO.
I highly recommend it for reading or seeing. hugs
Wow, those grannywarriors hate just about everyone.
That sounds like a very interesting project.
It is interesting that during the course of the research involved, one might discover a single thought from one person, that could change just one person`e life. That`s why writing history is so important.
Important to who?
Important to those who are willing to learn about it.
Some don`t, so, wash & repeat.