TV Crew and Anthropologist Visit to Denver

[Admin]

I thought you might be interested in some information about the recent visit to Denver by the Canadian Television company - and by the cultural anthropologist from Georgia State University.

I am going to leave surnames out of my report in consideration for the privacy of the individuals.

As most of you know, a Canadian TV company contacted me and asked for some assistance to identify people who would be willing to participate in the preparation of a 30-minute documentary program for broadcast TV in Canada.

Almost at the exact same time, and coincidentally, Jennifer, a cultural anthropologist from Georgia State University contacted me - joined RWD - and also expressed interest in meeting some of the same people.

After some exchange, we settled on the plan that I would help facilitate introduction of both the TV crew and Jen, to a group of 4 or 5 happily-married couples here in the Denver area - as well as 2 single guys here in Denver who are searching for a life partner in the FSU.

The dates for the interviews in Denver were established at August 2, 3, and 4 - with the following schedule being established:

* Thursday, August 2nd - TV crew and Jen arrive to Denver.
* 8/2, 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM - arranged for an introductory meeting and dinner. James and Irina hosted the gathering at their art gallery/wine bar which is under renovation. Judith and Jennifer both made introductions and explained their goals for the remaining time in Denver. Some filming was done. Present at the meeting were 5 couples (James/Irina, Dan/Olga, Clay/Tanya, Jeff/Olga, Mark/Marina) and 2 single men (Jim, Steve).
* 8/3, Morning. TV Crew interviewed Jen.
* 8/3 Afternoon. TV Crew interviewed Dan.
* 8/3 Morning. Jen interviewed Tanya.
* 8/3 Afternoon. Jen interviewed Olya (Dan's Wife).
* 8/3 Late Afternoon. Jen interviewed Jeff and Olga.
* 8/3 Evening. Jen interviewed Mark and Marina. Jen departs for Atlanta.
* 8/4 Morning. TV Crew interviews Steve at Palmer Lake.
* 8/4 Afternoon. TV Crew interviews Jim in downtown Denver.
* 8/4 Late Afternoon. TV Crew interviews Dan, Olya and Katya (daughter) at Greenwood Village park. Individual interview with Olya.
* 8/5 TV Crew interviews Jeff and Olga, and Clay and Tanya. TV Crew returns to Toronto.

Future plans for interviews:

TV Crew plans to accompany men to Ukraine in early September to interview several of their love interests, and the men with the women together.

They ultimately plan to have the finished product available before the end of this year.

Day 1 - Introductory Meeting.

5 couples and 2 single men were present - along with the 2-person TV Crew and Jen, the cultural anthropologist.

Dinner consisted of dishes prepared by the couples, and included the following:

* Ginger chicken w/rice
* Roasted chicken
* Russian salad (Olivia)
* Blinchiki
* Medovik (tort)
* Herbed potatos
* Kindzmaurali wine (Stalin's favorite)
* Home-made honey vodka - (THANKS MARK/MARINA!)
* Home-made pickles

The TV Crew included Judith (the producer) and Martin (the videographer).

I apologize, in advance, for the horrible quality of the photos I tool that first night. Guess I had too much of that sweet vodka !   

Anyway, here are some explanations of the attached photos:

DPP_0001 - Tanya is chatting with Jen in the foreground.
DPP_0002 - Clay, Jim, and Mark are visible in this photo.
DPP_0003 - Clay and Jim are enjoying the feast - with my wife's lovely shoulder in the foreground.
DPP_0004 - The ladies, left to right, are: Tanya, Jen, Olya (Dan's wife) - and Jeff in the foreground.
DPP_0005 - James (our host) with Nikita (Jeff and Olga's son)
DPP_0006 - Judith chatting with Steve
DPP_0007 - Left to right - Irina (our hostess), Marina, and Martin - all standing. Jeff is seated.
DPP_0008 - Judith chatting with Jeff.

I will post some much better photos in a follow-up to describe the meeting at the park.

Enjoy!

- Dan

[Admin]

I took no photos of the interviews on Friday, August 3rd - but I did manage to get some photos from our meeting with the TV crew on August 4th.

Here are a few of those.

DPP_0012 - my little angel.
DPP_0014 - the 3 of us, taken by the pro.
DPP_0022 - my bigger angel.
DPP_0030 - During the interview.
DPP_0043 - Judith and Martin, although you cannot see Martin well.
DPP_0050 - Martin and Judith removing the microphone from Olya.

And with that, the TV Crew was done with us.

- Dan

[I/O]

Dan:  It all seems very nice and I hope I am wrong, but as the original sceptic, I'd like to have a little $50 on the side with you that you end up getting your arse handed to you on this one in the final production.

I/O

[Admin]

Dan:  It all seems very nice and I hope I am wrong, but as the original sceptic, I'd like to have a little $50 on the side with you that you end up getting your arse handed to you on this one in the final production.

I/O

I/O,

I have a little trick up my sleeve that I think will prevent that - but we shall see.

That said, I too am sufficiently skeptical that I am not going to put $50 at risk. One just never knows.

- Dan

[Rvrwind]

That said, I too am sufficiently skeptical that I am not going to put $50 at risk. One just never knows.

Having BTDT I can understand your hesitation to do so, but at the same time I hope for the best.

[ScottinCrimea]

Dan, It's the first time I have seen you and your lady and I have to say that, like me, you have married way beyond yourself.

[TigerPaws]

Dan,

I will take that bet, who wants to be the bank I will put a $50.00 that the TV documentary/show will end up showing the men as exploiting losers (no offense Dan) and the women as poor desperate foreign girls.

Sorry but I would not trust any of these Dung Beetles with a moment of my time. Dan I am sorry and I hope I am wrong but I also believe you and you lovely family will be shown in a bad light.

TigerPaws   

[MaxxumUSA]

My spidey senses are tingling.  For your sake dan - I hope they are wrong.

[I/O]

Dung Beetles TigerPaws   

Dung beetles have a useful purpose, they feed on sh!t and turn it into something good.  These characters mostly do quite the opposite.

I/O

[Jet]

DPP_0014 - the 3 of us, taken by the pro.

Fantastic photo! You guys look great 

As for the final product, we'll wait and see, but they say there is no such thing as bad publicity  heh heh

Could you get a vibe from the questions being asked? Any answers that could be edited to reverse the intent of the interviewee? Just curious, as I've been present during some local "news" interviews, and I can usually pick out the lines the editors are going to use to spin the story in the direction they want it to go.

[Admin]

Dan, It's the first time I have seen you and your lady and I have to say that, like me, you have married way beyond yourself.

Scott - thanks, I *think*.  Actually, there are several photos of Olya and I in the Gallery. They were some of the first posted, so they may take some searching to find them now.

Dung beetles have a useful purpose, they feed on sh!t and turn it into something good.  These characters mostly do quite the opposite.

I/O

I don't deny the possibility of misrepresentation. I made quite a strong point of my concern about that in the email exchanges leading up to the interviews. There are a couple of things which make me hopeful they will be balanced. For one, they were not the only ones interviewing the same couples. It would look pretty strange if the TV Crew came away with a completely different presentation than Jen, who was interviewing the same people and asking quite similar questions. For another, it must be remembered that RWD is an 'outlet' to the public, just like the TV station is. Arguably, we have a broader reach then they do. Any misrepresentation would be met with a counterpoint replete with actual emails and interviewee reaction.

Having BTDT I can understand your hesitation to do so, but at the same time I hope for the best.

If it were to turn out negative, it is just another in a long string of negative media pieces. If, OTOH, it is balanced, it provides a useful reference.

Fantastic photo! You guys look great 

As for the final product, we'll wait and see, but they say there is no such thing as bad publicity  heh heh

Could you get a vibe from the questions being asked? Any answers that could be edited to reverse the intent of the interviewee? Just curious, as I've been present during some local "news" interviews, and I can usually pick out the lines the editors are going to use to spin the story in the direction they want it to go.

Most of the questions seemed benign, although I am aware they could twist the meaning of many of the responses through creative editing. They did not seem focused on any particular theme or angle. I have asked all the interviewees to provide their impressions of the interviews, and to specifically let me know if they have any concerns. Here are my comments about the interviews of my family:

* Friday, August 3, 2:00PM to 5:00PM. Judith interviewed Dan at James' home. Questions revolved around RWD (website), some about marriage agencies, some about IMBRA injustices, and some about the motives of men and women who seek international relations.

* Friday, August 3, 2:30PM to 3:30PM. Jennifer interviewed Olya at our home in Centennial. Questions revolved around motivations to seek international relationships, issues of adjusting to a new language and culture, difficulties encountered since arrival in the US.

* Saturday, August 4, 5:30PM to 6:30PM. Judith met with Olya, Katya (daughter) and me at a park in Greenwood Village. Took videos of the family walking in the gardens and at play. Interviewed Olya individually. Questions centered around individual experience when Olya and I first met - differences with Ukrainian men - motivations for her to be open to international marriage - problems which international marriage creates for the couple.

Like you said - we'll just have to wait and see.

- Dan

[TigerPaws]

Dan,

Sense this is a Canadian production will they be making this "documentary" available on the internet for those of us who might not otherwise be able to see it?

TigerPaws 

[Admin]

Dan,

Sense this is a Canadian production will they be making this "documentary" available on the internet for those of us who might not otherwise be able to see it?

TigerPaws

Tiger,

As I understand it, the program will be broadcast in Canada and some number of other countries have options to also broadcast the programming. They have also agreed to send copies of the finished product to those of us who participated - presumably on a DVD. I will check with them to see about making it available to RWD members.

- Dan

[Jack]

quote author=I/O link=topic=5550.msg98286#msg98286 date=1186287763]   Dan:  It all seems very nice and I hope I am wrong, but as the original sceptic, I'd like to have a little $50 on the side with you that you end up getting your arse handed to you on this one in the final production. I/O [/quote]



I/O I would be happy to accept that bet if you will extend the offer to me.

[TigerPaws]

Jack,

If Dan is willing to be the banker I will submit my $50.00 for the show to have an anti-FSU bride bias. Then again who is going to believe enough that they would bet against us?
 
TigerPaws

[Jack]

Tiger I think anyone would be foolish to think that there would not be some form of anti-FSU bride bashing but my bet is (1) the amount of anti FSU bride bashing will be minimul compared to the overall production showing the pursuit from a more positive side and (2) Dan having his arse handed to him as a result of the production.

[TigerPaws]

Jack,

Maybe I am wrong but I believe the original intent of the comment "having his arse handed to him" was in reference to the spin and editing which will take place.

Additionally the production crew took on this project had already decided what the outcome will be, no production is written without a script and the author of the script has already determined what the ending will be.

This will be no different, it all depends on what the production people decided months ago when they pitched the idea to the TV people in Canada.

TigerPaws

[Jack]

Additionally the production crew took on this project had already decided what the outcome will be, no production is written without a script and the author of the script has already determined what the ending will be.

Tiger, so you know that the producers have already decided on a negative spin?



And I don't think your mistaken with I/O's original intent of comment.  This is what I am willing to bet $50 does not happen. 


I know we have all seen this type editing and spin before but I also look at the sources, interviewing men from and AFA or Anastasia social!  Come on, give me a break. Even I would not be so big a fool to bet against that. 

But based on my little knowledge of what I understand to be happening, as well what little I might have to do with what is filmed,  I stand my desire to accept I/O's $50 bet and Tiger, yea, I'll take your bet as well.

[TigerPaws]

Tiger, so you know that the producers have already decided on a negative spin? Jack, honestly the production people decided months ago when they pitched the idea to the TV people in Canada what the outcome will be, they already have a script and will produce and edit what they already have decided what they want to show.

And I don't think your mistaken with I/O's original intent of comment.  This is what I am willing to bet $50 does not happen. Maybe I am wrong, maybe Dan and his family will be shown in a good light, I hope that is the case. I still believe the overall tenure of the "documentary" will be to show men seeking ladies from the FSU in a bad light.


I know we have all seen this type editing and spin before but I also look at the sources, interviewing men from and AFA or Anastasia social!  Come on, give me a break. Even I would not be so big a fool to bet against that. 

But based on my little knowledge of what I understand to be happening, as well what little I might have to do with what is filmed,  I stand my desire to accept I/O's $50 bet and Tiger, yea, I'll take your bet as well.

Jack,

My bet would be on the overall program not a specific segment. if you are willing to take that bet then we only need to find a banker.

TigerPaws

[Gator]

Regarding the $50 bet, if CTV does a good journalistic piece, it should be balanced rather than have an anti-FSU bride spin.   Would a balanced perspective win $50 from I/O and Tiger Paws?  If so, I would join with Jack.  

For the piece to have an anti-FSU bride bias, there would need to be interviews with divorced couples, sex tourists at a social, American feminists, trashy FSU women, etc.  and those juxtaposed with happy interviews.  Are these additional interviews planned?  Even if done, these interviews would add balance, unless overweighted.

The title "Canadian Television Company" seems like PBS; however, on first glance it seems to be more private than public.  That has some implications.

[Jack]

Tiger, your word is gold to me. If you say we have a bet, we have a bet.

My bet is the overall production is going to show the pursuit in a positive light. Yes there could be, should be, some minimal negative footage and narrative but I'm saying the production will be an overall higher positive percentage than negative.  And I would have no problem with if we were to disagree to run a poll and let the members here vote as to if the overall production showed the pursuit in a positive light, or a negative light.

[Admin]

Guys,

Just relax and let's see what develops.

- Dan

[Admin]

Regarding the $50 bet, if CTV does a good journalistic piece, it should be balanced rather than have an anti-FSU bride spin.   Would a balanced perspective win $50 from I/O and Tiger Paws?  If so, I would join with Jack. 

For the piece to have an anti-FSU bride bias, there would need to be interviews with divorced couples, sex tourists at a social, American feminists, trashy FSU women, etc.  and those juxtaposed with happy interviews.  Are these additional interviews planned?  Even if done, these interviews would add balance, unless overweighted.

The title "Canadian Television Company" seems like PBS; however, on first glance it seems to be more private than public.  That has some implications.

It is my understanding that the only interviews are those which have been conducted - and a few interviews with the single guy's love interests. Possibly an agency owner or two in Ukraine - and that is it.

They are NOT public TV, like PBS - but they are award-winning, and have been publicly-praised by the subjects of their documentaries in the past.

Like I said -we shall just have to wait and see the end product.

- Dan

[MaxxumUSA]

Like other mentioned - I am most certainly interested in seeing the final production.

[Rvrwind]

CTV is owned by the Canadian Government but they are one of the better owned government stations. If it were CBC well I would be much more concerned about the outcome. CTV  & CBC both owned by the government but not controlled by government policy but CTV is more likely to give a fairer appraisal & unbiased report than CBC, which likes the trash news.