BAD BLOOD - Wide Awake Films- "The Border War That Triggered The Civil War" -

[MO-Pard]

Wide Awake just posted this trailer on their website and it is a 'must see.' Very well done.

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=2002148572

'Bad Blood' is a co-production between Wide Awake Films and KCPT television (PBS). The 90 minute documentary has been in the works for two years, took a year to film and is shot entirely in high definition. This has emmy written all over it. See their site for more information and details.

The 90 minute documentary explores the events many laymen and even living historians don't realize. For all intents and purposes, the war began in 1854 as the 'North' and 'South' fought the war out on the Border, both directly by sending people and arms, and indirectly through an often exaggerated media campaign. (Some things never change.....) The film represents both sides and viewpoints in the conflict, from Missourians wanting to be left alone/status quo to John Brown's maniacal evolution leading to Harpers Ferry.

The film will premiere on KCPT in the Kansas City area on March 4th at 7 pm. It will then be made available to PBS affiliates nationally as well as dvd. If you would like it broadcast in your area it is suggested you start contacting your PBS station now and requesting it.

Best Regards

[John of the Skulkers Mess]

a semi-sorta AAR

Some hack attempted to detail his experiences as an extra.

- - -

A group of dangerous man moved toward a log cabin in
the middle of the night, intending to right what they
thought was a wrong. They burst in with guns and
knives, terrorizing the occupants and taking three men
out into the night. The captives are taken a short
distance away and brutally murdered in short order.

Cut!

The scene of the crime is a recreation of events from
the Missouri-Kansas border war during the 1850s. It is
being filmed for a PBS documentary to air in March.
And with sword in hand, I was there portraying one of
abolitionist John Brown's men.

The production, titled "Bad Blood," is a collaboration
of Kansas City Public Television and the production
company Wide Awake Films. The Kansas-City based
company is run by Ed Leydecker, Shane Seley and Rob
Hodge. Much of their work consists of historical
documentaries. All have been involved in Civil War
reenacting and historic preservation efforts.

I was fortunate to have been contacted when the call
went out for reenactors with the right look for 1850s.
It helps that I've been friends with the trio for
several years.

"Bad Blood" required several extras in authentic
clothing with 19th century firearms, experienced
horsemen and the use of recreated villages of Civil
War-era buildings.

The film shoot was fun as it was a reunion of sorts
for friends in the Missouri reenacting community. Most
of the scenes were filmed outside the Kansas City and
Weston area.

Extras were urged to bring as many different types of
clothing changes as possible. You can't be filmed one
day as a good guy, and then the next as a bad guy. We
frequently traded hats and coats if needed.

One day I would portray a Missouri border ruffian
toting a black powder musket, determined to make the
Kansas territory a slave state — the next I would be
part of John Brown's gang. Like the night at the
cabin, I was picked to be one of the invaders in the
night. I was armed with a sword. A real sword. It was
a original French copy of an 1830s short sword. Just
getting to wield that weapon was practically worth the
drive itself. That and being paid for three days' work
and well fed.

Sure we had to contend with rain, chiggers and poor
directions to the film site, but it was still a good
time. When else do I get the chance to break out the
window on a log cabin, sharpen a sword using a
grindstone or help roll a pre-Civil War-era cannon?

I didn't get any speaking parts but that suited me.
One role required me to listen. That's all, just
listen. Course, I had to endure my friend Shane, who
as controversial lawmaker and Kansas jayhawker Jim
Lane, shouted in my face like a maniac. Good acting.

Rolling the cannon around required some muscle but
putting up with the smell of 'smoke bombs' used to
create the scene of battle was a challenge. With women and children
running to and fro, my comrades and I pushed that
cannon to where we could get a good shot at the
Lawrence Hotel. Well, it wasn't really the hotel. It
was a large green screen that a computer-generated
image of the hotel will be projected upon.

The film shoot featured extras like myself, along with
professional actors who had to prepare for lengthy speaking
parts. Black extras portrayed slaves brought into the
territory. Horse-drawn wagons were brought in for
scenes of settlers crossing the plains.

During breaks in the filming the film crew would review the
script and historical documents. Is it pronounced
Missourah or Missouree? All the handstiched clothing
and leather horse tack would have been for nothing if
we weren't getting the story right. And by right, I
mean accurate. The unvarnished, dirty warfare that
erupted along the Missouri-Kansas border from 1854 to
1861.

The two-hour documentary is set to air March 4 on the
Kansas City Public Television channel. It is hoped
that other PBS stations will pick up the production.
It is also being pitched to the "American Experience"
program which would bring nationwide exposure to the
border conflict which preceded the Civil War.

- - - -


John Pillers

[MO-Pard]

So what did ya' think? BAD BLOOD

For those who had the opportunity to see the film on KCPT......... What did you think about it? (highlights, 'wish this had been part of it..", emmy material?, etc.)

[Eric Burke]

Re: So what did ya' think? BAD BLOOD

Would've given either of my kidneys to catch it, but obviously we don't have television out here, let alone PBS. Is there anywhere I can get my hands on a copy of the show that can ship to APO addresses? Dying to take a look!

[MO-Pard]

Re: So what did ya' think? BAD BLOOD

The best thing you can do is call or email your local pbs station and ask them to request it. It will be made available in markets this spring which request it here soon, but of course interest throught the 'squeaky wheel' axiom will get it there sooner.

It received rave reviews from the Kansas City Star as well, which is very surprising from a nationally known, very far left paper.

I think my highlights with the film were it actually came out and said, "the winners write the history books", and it captured the feel of the country on a collision course based on the events. It had in some ways a Ken Burn's feel to it as well. It is the first time I have actually seen the cases of both sides (North and South) represented and argued so well.


Best Regards

[lawson]

Re: So what did ya' think? BAD BLOOD

I thought there were too many of the same original photos in it, over and over. The narration was good, and the music superb! Not enough shots of the STAR though......

WAKE UP OLE BOY! I give it 4 stars out of a possible 5 , but, I'm a little biassed.

[Campjacksonboy]

Re: So what did ya' think? BAD BLOOD

I liked it over all. My face on a silver screen is the largest I have ever seen it. (Now for my plot to take over the world)
Music was good but was surprised that there wasn't any p.c. minstrel tunes.
Mr. Bruegger did very well in his parts as did the others.
Shane Seley has outdone himself and we can only wait with anticipation to see his future work.
Frank Aufmuth

[Spinster]

Re: So what did ya' think? BAD BLOOD

Jay,

One of you boys that has access needs to tape a copy, or CD a copy, or whatever the modern useage is, and send it to Mr. Burke at his APO address. Get up with him and see what sort of equipment they have to play stuff on.

That constitutes 'fair use' I believe, and its not like they have public TV where he is stationed.

[The Lonely Reenactor]

Re: So what did ya' think? BAD BLOOD

Eric,
Sent you a PM. I think I can fill your wish, you keep yer kidneys. My twin brother's in Iraq right now too. Anything I can do for you guys over there!

Best Regards,

Marty Rubin
Tater Mess

[MO-Pard]

Re: So what did ya' think? BAD BLOOD

We can get this to Eric and all the boys across the pond soon. It will be released on dvd and vhs shortly. This was just the local premiere.