Im approaching the finishing touches on this year's film "When I'm 64". The subject is aging. To vent somewhat, I had gone to a church to film a senior basketball league. The original intent was to film a friend put on his braces (four, two on each leg). It evolved as I also took footage of the group gathering at the circle for announcements and a devotion as well as them playing a game.
Two weeks later I go back to get signed releases and take a few more photos. As I got my signatures, it occurred to me that I since I was in the church gym, I should get permission to film from the office. When I approached the office, it was not too much of a surprise that they never had received such a request and didn't know how to approach it.
Later that afternoon, I received an email saying they did not feel comfortable with the request and denied permission. That put me in a panic as the last 4o seconds was on the group and the devotional on where we are going as old men. I appealed to the person giving the devotional that maybe we can re record the story outside the church. He decided to appeal to the church's pastor.
In the mean time I did what film makers should not do, is show him the film. He was not happy with my editing. Short story, his ending mentioned Billy Graham as the source of the story and he ended the story in prayer. I did not include the prayer in the film. I had originally had the part of where it was a story told by Rev. Graham. When I showed it to my DH class, when they heard Billy Graham, they made remarks and did not bother to hear the end message. At that time it was more important the message stay in and I took out the reference to Dr. Graham.
After viewing the film, he withdrew his appeal to the pastor as he did not like that I took out the reference to Dr. Graham and the prayer. End of story.
There are some issues here to consider.
Film makers point of view: They are the final editor, if they have the personal releases, they can do what they want.
Church point of view: They have the right to control what is recorded on their property. They should have a policy to deal with modern days technology.
Story teller point of view: Im unsure of this one, if he signs the release, he has no control.
Reality: There is a respect from me for the church and the storyteller on their representation. I will not go against their final decision.
Actuality: I made the revisions to the film removing pictures, video and voice from the game, pre game circle and devotion in the film. Including any references to the church. I also shredded the signed release forms. I did find and interesting quote from Dr. Graham that I did insert at the end of the film.
Old age may' have its limitations and challenges, but in spite of them,
our later years can be some of the most rewording and fulfilling of our lives.
Billy Graham
