Carole Dean from “From the Heart Productions” and our fiscal sponsor, had provided us this amazing opportunity to show our work in front of fellow filmmakers, producers, editors, and other industry pros. They gave us some amazing feedback that has helped us shape our final fundraising trailer, which we have finished today. We had a limited amount of invites- so we invited two industry friends, Craig Weinstein (a fellow filmmaker/director), Kimberly Irving (also working in the industry), and Jojo (one of the students from the film).

The experience was thrilling. We entered the Mary Pickford Theater (a small 33 seat theater) with everyone buzzing all around us. We were the first ones to have our trailer screened! As it started, my heart was beating so fast, I thought people could hear it! Then as it began I actually started getting teary and had to hold myself back from getting emotional, since we were about to literally speak in minutes!!! It was weird to see your work on the big screen from start to finish. It’s your whole heart, your hard work, sweat (literally) and tears! But there it was playing in front of all these important people.

I held myself back and pretended I was looking at someone else’s work. As the trailer continued, I realized how good it was! How, no matter what anyone said in the room, that it was an amazing trailer, an amazing story, and being that we only started in March, we had really come so far! I was proud of our work! I held Jimmy’s hand so tight and then it was done!

The lights came up and we stood for the first time, as directors of a documentary film. We introduced Jojo and she stood up. And that was amazing!

We got some amazing feedback and we have cut a new fundraising trailer that, I think is really much more impactful! We hope to get some donations and sponsors soon! Wish us luck! And if you have any info on some possible interested sponsors, please contact us @ baldyfortheblind@gmail.com

Jason was an incredible pilot! Thank you so much, Jason for contributing such a beautiful and visually memorable part in this film (and of course, hiking for 4 months every other Saturday –That too! haha)

All the hikers pretty much made it, except for Odet and Anet (Odet is in Australia at the moment-discovering the other side of the world).   Most of the family was together again after 4 months of seeing each other every week!  Certainly a wonderful time was had by all!  Thank you Kate, for throwing such an amazing party in her lovely home!

Here are the highlights:

August 9th, 2010—–Our first piece of press- Balita newspaper (Southern California’s #1 Filipino Newspaper), interviewed me about the film!  We will post the newspaper clipping as soon as we receive it from Ms. Antoinette Bueno.

August 12th, 2010—– Met with Carole Dean, the founder of From the Heart Productions and the Roy W. Dean Grant.  We had a very successful and productive one on one meeting with Carole.  She is a legend in this crazy world of funding films!  She is also the author of “The Art of Film Funding.”  After a great session of learning and soaking every piece of information like a sponge- we went home inspired and motivated!  Thank you Carole!!!!!!!!

August 12th, 2010——Found out that “Baldy for the Blind” is a finalist for the Roy W. Dean Grant!  Glad we made it THIS far and hope to make it to the next rounds!  We feel very lucky to have made it to the first cut!  Thank you “From the Heart Productions!!!!”

August 13th, 2010—– Our first talk show interview with “Kababayan LA” with Jannelle So!  We had the opportunity to have been invited on Jannelle’s show!  We were provided an opportunity to speak about the film.  I was kind of nervous at first but I think the passion of this project came through.  We will post the excerpt as soon as it is online.  Thanks Jannelle and the team at Kababayan LA.

August 14th—- The Baldy for the Blind Celebration Party is tomorrow!

What a wonderful week!  Wish all weeks were this amazing!

In the meantime, Drea and I have begun a grassroots publicity campaign. We started a Twitter and a Facebook account and we are working hard to get the word out about this film. The more people who show interest by subscribing to our Facebook fan-page or subscribing to our monthly newsletter, the closer we get to a finished product that can be seen by as many people as possible. Drea and I both feel very strongly about the message behind these stories, and more than anything else, we want to get it out there in a big way.

The good news is: you can help! Sign up for email updates (no more than once a month), check out (and subscribe) to that Facebook fan page, and sign up for our TWITTER!. We really appreciate it and the film depends on your support. I can’t thank you all enough

I know we were able to capture a once in a lifetime moment, and I just can’t wait to share it with the world.  There will be lots and lots of hard work to get there, but it will be worth it, just like the top of Mt. Baldy.

When we reached the top of the world, we could see forever!!! It was a remarkable experience, an emotional experience, one that would change our views of everything.  Mt. Baldy was a really difficult climb— My muscles still  feel the memory of the hike even now, 2 days later.  We didn’t finish until 7:30PM.   We were all exhausted and achy.  We all trudged to our cars and headed to Mt. Baldy lodge for a much needed supply of burgers and fries.  I sat there looking at everyone- laughing, tired, inspired,  accomplished, and hearts very full.   I personally have never climbed so high in my entire life.  So it was a personal achievement for me.  However, climbing with this group – was much more of an achievement!  I thank all the students, volunteers, and Chris Lynch for their commitment, their hard work, and their story.

Luckily, we will not be alone.  As the gravity and importance of this hike came into scope, I reached out to a good friend of mine, Gabe Goldstein, and asked if he might help out in some way.  In a show of amazing support, he got back to me pledging not only himself and his equipment, but also his lovely girlfriend Rena!!!  They will both come along, to hike Baldy with the group,  help shoot video, and record audio.  Without any doubt, the footage that we will have from the all important Mt. Baldy shoot day, will be stronger and more complete due to the efforts of these good friends.  Thanks guys!

For now, it’s after 1AM when Drea and I promised ourselves to be in bed by 10:30.  Haha, what else is new.  That’s what happens when you are trying to produce, direct, and shoot something as big and important as this film.  Good night

It’s been really hot this past week.  Finally, summer has really shown his fire breathing face to us.. beach weather has finally arrived.  I just hope hiking weather also arrives for our final push this Saturday.  Although, no matter what, we will make it and push along!  Weather is a little different up in the mountains, but I will be sure to wear my shorts anyway.