Has it been a challenge getting this project up, Rob?
It has been a tremendous challenge. Replan It began as a feature documentary about Jock Brandis and his groundbreaking work in appropriate technology. Jock invented a manual operated peanut sheller in 2002 for people in developing countries where they spend an enormous amount of time shelling nuts by hand to deliver them to market. I knew Jock from his work in the film industry, in 2006 Jock walk so I asked him if I could do documentary about him and his work. He agreed, and I began following him around the world. After about two years of traveling with Jock, the project hit a wall. I didn’t know how to end the story, and one of the greatest challenges of making a documentary is when to stop filming. I wanted this project to be about global sustainability. That progressed into the idea for a documentary series and we began pitching cable channels,distributors, networks and production companies. We've now partnered with KCET/Link TV, the counties largest public television broadcaster.
Read entire interview after the Jump...
Why do you feel so passionate about it?
My grandfather was an agriculturalist and began working in Africa in the mid-1950's and he was a founding member of USAID (United States Agency for International Development). As a child I spent time with him traveling in Africa and that was huge influence on my life. When I was introduced to Jock's work with the peanut sheller it really struck a cord with me and I was compelled to begin documenting the process.
How did you meet Jock Brandis initially?
I initially meet Jock working in various departments in the film industry. Jock technical back ground come from is work over the last three decades as a lighting director and gaffer.
You direct, but do you also help Jock and his team build their machines?
Yes, I have help the team build and prototype. Several of the technologies that we've developed for the program have come from our internal conversions and identifying some of corporate sponsors immediate needs. For Herman Miller we developed and designed adaptable school desk and for Sealed Air/Diversey we created a recycled soap machine. Mainly my work with Jock is more that of a “project manager” rather than a producer/director.
What are some of the places you’ve visited for the series?
We've traveled to Uganda, Kenya, Haiti, India, the Philippines and Cambodia. Not all of our projects are designed for far off developing countries, we've had great success with sustainable technologies in rural North Carolina as well.
How can the public help with RePlan It?
We have crowdfunding campaign going on now. People can find it on Indiegogo at
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/replan-it--2
There’s incentives for those that do invest, I believe?
Some of our reward perks help the Full Belly Project send sustainable technologies to communities in need. Backers are not just helping produce a documentary series, they can also help create sustainable development around the world.
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