Every event of this sort has a recovery period. Both Marshall and Charlie finished their journeys and we have all started to return to our respective lives. The daily texts and phone calls from crew and runners have started to dwindle. It seems winter is almost here, and we’re all wondering where Fall went to, knowing that we were just too preoccupied to notice.
Both my producer, Kate, and I have begun the work of completing the film - budgets to go over, footage to review, and the all-consuming task of assembling a film from the 300+ hours of footage we’ve shot over the last 53 days. Thankfully, we have two amazing editors in Julie Snider and Rob Tortoriello of Madhouse Post in New York to help shape the film. A couple days before the finish, Kate told us of a dream she had where her entire body was a map - her veins were roads pulsing and vibrating, her arms were maps of states, she had clearly internalized the entire experience into her being. I had a dream that night where I loaned our two cameras to my college basketball team and entrusted them with completing the film. Wow. This was actually more like a nightmare…
For now, stay tuned for a final weeks wrap-up and more blog posts as we get into post-production. And my biggest thanks to the crew and all of their hard work…
Media Management Superstar, Shooter, Driver,
Assistant Camera, Impersonation Master: Cory Gegner
Director of Photography Extra-Ordinaire, Cat Lover, Pancake Aficionado: Andreas von Scheele
Superlative-Inspiring Sound Man, Spanish to English Translator,
Funk to English Translator, Proponent of the corn chip: Steve Clack
Deserving-of-Cult-Status Performance Driver,
Orienteering Master, Multi-Tasker,
Soon-To-Run-The-Entire-Film-Industry Production Assistant:
Amira Soliman
Tireless where-is-he-now rock-climbing running-down
2nd unit director of photography, special-needs food activist, master
of the Pittsburghese: Rick Baraff
Super-duper double super tireless organizer, mapper,
orientation specialist, information-gatherer, route-explorer, producer:
Kate O’Neil
Honorary crew member, soon-to-be director, master of
the film “frame”: Dr. Paul Longevin
The Crew
To all the production crew, runners crew, and N.Y. support team. I would like to thank you all for making Running America possible. Without all your help and support it would have been impossible for me to reach the end. You have all allowed me to explore my limits and to be humbled. I have learned much from this journey and have much more to learn. One thing is for sure, my appreciation for the little things in life have come to the forefront. And to Heather, the love of my life–you were always there for me and you never lost faith in me. When there was nothing left your undying faith carried me through. I love you all and for what you have given to me. Running America proved to me much more than I could have imagined.
Marshall
Comment by Marshall Ulrich — November 14, 2008 @ 1:50 pm
It was so gratifying to spend three days on Marshall’s running crew, to witness his extraordinary and historic feat. And, to see the energy and competence of Dr. Paul, Kate and the entire entourage in action under very difficult and fast-evolving circumstances made the experience for me all the more remarkable. The film will have its own particular purpose and perspective, but if it comes close to expressing the emotional impact and reflecting the immense difficulty of this adventure, a few people I know might just be taking a walk down a certain red carpet. Congratulations, Marshall and friends!
Comment by Bob Becker — November 26, 2008 @ 11:09 pm
My first book report was on Walk across America in 5th grade.
You are an inspiration and your passion and discipline is admired. The fast food generation has a gimme gimme attitude and no need for self control. Let this documentary inspire others to fight for something more. Battle the slothful, lazy, tv couch sitting demons in this world…get out and sweat. Feel the pride in a good run !!! It will be my goal to achieve your record within 3 years but for now - again thank you for your passion and inspiration to run AGAIN.
Todd D. Smith - North Carolina.
Comment by Todd Smith — December 23, 2008 @ 6:03 pm
Loved Running the Sahara, I didn’t see the results from Running America, who finished first??
Comment by Tom Melvin — January 29, 2009 @ 11:04 am