Slow Down : For A Healthier School Lunch System

Sunday, July 8th 2007

I left Jacksonville early this morning, and arrived in San Francisco later in the afternoon. I waited around the airport for Leni’s flight to arrive so that we could head to the hotel. After dinner we unpacked our equipment, and then went over the interview questions before we went to bed.

Saturday, July 7th 2007

Today I packed my suitcase for California. I also payed a visit to the Team Gaia office, and picked up the equipment that I needed.

Thursday, July 5th 2007

I was rather nervous today as I was preparing for my trip on Sunday to California. I charged the batteries, and made sure that we had tapes to bring along with us. I went over the interview questions, as well as checked off my equipment list of the items that need to be brought on the trip.

Thursday, June 28th 2007

Today I contacted Leni about our trip to San Francisco. She is still working on scheduling our trip, and told me that she would get back to me. Other than that, today was pretty laid back. I worked on my blogs the rest of the day, and worked on the grant.

Wednesday, June 27th 2007

When I came into the studio today I had already received a reply from Chef Ann saying that she could do 12:30 – 1:00. I contacted Leni and updated her on the interviews (Chef Ann’s and Alice Waters) She said that I should get back to Alice and confirm with her that the time and day is fine. Leni is looking into flight schedules at the moment. So I look forward to hearing back from her soon in that information.

I also, made a follow-up phone call to Joyce, and she confirmed that the 11th of July works for Ms. Waters, as well as for the School. She also made our dinner reservations at Chez Panisse on the 10th. She is very helpful, and understanding, and I am very thankful as well as grateful, to have her working with us.

Tuesday, June 26th 2007

I was a bit aggravated and stressed today. First being that I still have not received a confirmation date on Ms. Waters interview, due to her busy schedule. Although, yesterday when I spoke to Joyce, she said that she would be able to get back to me today with a definite date. I called Joyce’s office to follow-up, but there was no answer. I then proceeded to email her, explaining our limited budget and that it would be great if we could hear back from her with a date as soon as possible. So hopefully we will get an answer back soon. It will be awesome to get an interview with her. I as well sent a letter to Chef Ann Cooper, who said she would be able to be interviewed on the 9th of June. I then explained to her that the day works for us, and that I would get back to her this afternoon, to confirm.

Another reason I was a bit frustrated is because I was trying to get a hold of Ms. Sadler to ask if she could fill out a form of recommendation for Team Gaia, for the grant that we are applying for, that could help with our trip to San Francisco. I was not able to get a hold of her so I left a message on her answering machine, asking if she could please get back to me. In between tracking people down, making phone calls, and drafting emails, I worked on finalizing Chef Ann Coopers interview questions.

Once, I left the office at 5, I thought my day was done. However, I then received a phone call from Joyce. I was excited and thrilled to hear back from her. She gave me two dates to choose from for the interview, July 11th or July 12th. She also asked if we would like to have reservations made at Chez Panisse, and booked our tour at The Edible Schoolyard.

After my phone call with Joyce, I contacted Leni to share the good news. Although we then noticed that there would be some complication with Alice Waters and Chef Ann’s interview dates, since we were hoping to book them both on the same day. Leni and I discussed the dates and decided to contact Chef Ann to see if she would be willing to do the interview on the 11th or 12th.

Upon ending my conversation with Leni, I proceeded to then contact Chef Ann. We spoke briefly and she explained that she could not do those dates because she would be out of town.

After speaking with her I then called Leni back. We decided that we would try to schedule Chef Ann’s interview in the afternoon of the 9th, perhaps 2:00 – 2:30, since we would be arriving in Berkley that morning. We would then have our dinner plans at Chez Panisse on the 10th and do Alice Waters interview and the tour of The Edible Schoolyard on the morning of the 11th.

Once I got home I emailed Chef Ann, asking is she would be available to do an interview later in the afternoon.

What a day!

Monday, June 19th, 2007

Coming into the studio today, I was a little nervous, because today is the day that we had our casting calls scheduled, which I’ve never been exposed to before. Although they ran through pretty smoothly & I was able to cast my lead woman’s role (Alex), I am still in the process of casting the lead male role. However, Kathryn and I do have a few back-ups in mind, just in case we are unable to find anyone. I as well updated my shot list for the commercial since Leni had suggested that I do so. The remaining of the day I spent going through my old logs, and writing another letter for the grant application, in which I am to reflect on the project, and write about all the things that it took to put this project together, as well as what I would have done differently, if given the chance. It’s coming together rather well I would say. Briefly today, I also read through a few documents and websites that Kaz forwarded to me about our local environment and healthy eating.

Thursday, June 14th, 2007

While I was on my way to the studio today, I was thinking about my script. I thought of some revisions, so I added those in as soon as I got to work. I then also had to fix up my shot list, since I had changed my script up. I as well assisted Chase in looking up some pictures for his blog. After this, Kaz and I spoke about the grant letter. I then made my own screen name for the site, and am currently going through the steps of applying for the grant. In which Kaz and I met again, to discuss. Right now I just finished writing up the revision of the description for the grant profile, and we’ll send it to Leni, to look it over. Working on this is very exciting, because in a sense, it is sort of a documentary in its’ own, (like in the making).

Wednesday, June 13th, 2007

Today was a rather full day. My main priority when I came into Team Gaia was to write that letter to apply for the grant, since it is in our main interest to find out as soon as possible if we will be able to go to Berkeley for the interviews, possibly the second week of July. I completed a very, rough, rough draft that turned out to be perhaps a whole page’s worth of writing, when it should only be one paragraph. But I mean, how am I supposed to explain an entire show and it’s sole purpose in which I feel so passionately for in one paragraph? I sent what I came up with to Leni & Kaz. Hopefully they will have some suggestions on how to condense it (and what’s working and what’s not, etc.) After e-mailing this to them and as I waited for my reply, since our Final Scripts for the commercials are due Thursday (tomorrow) I worked on my script. I was able to complete it, and am satisfied with it. After doing this I then proceeded to complete my props list, and location’s list, along with my shot list. Completing my shot list is probably what was most difficult for me since I always contemplate on what would look best, and always unsure. Ha, oh can you imagine how irritated my cameraman will become with me, “No, I want this shot, or no, maybe this’ll look better… Hmmm, what do you think?”(:

Tuesday, June 12th, 2007

Today was a rather hectic day. It seemed as though every time I would try to start working on an assignment, another one would come up that had higher priority. I came into the studio and continued to work on my pieces with Alice Waters & Chef Ann Cooper. Then I spoke with Leni briefly about the possible Berkely trip. From there on I was assigned to write a letter requesting a grant. So as I began writing this, the office then had a meeting. So I stopped writing my letter to pay attention. We spoke about L’Oreal & possible adds. I went first because I had already thought of an idea the previous day when I visited the site. We all took our turns until everyone pitched an idea. After we all pitched our ideas Leni asked us to take an hour or so, and write a script for these adds. At first I had a bit of trouble explaining my idea, and after much brain storming and utter aggravation. I then came up with an idea that I was satisfied with.
When we all met again after lunch, we all read our scripts & then voted on three that we would like to produce within the next 2 weeks to submit into the competition. Mine was chosen, along with Val’s & Chase’s. Since ours were chosen we were then given the assignment to: Tighten Up or scripts (Final Copy), Meet with Kathryn about Casting, and complete a props list, along with a location list, and shot list. I spent the rest of the day, perhaps an hour meeting with Kathryn and going over possible casts, making phone calls and such. We decided that we would hold our Casting Calls on Monday.

Monday, June 11th, 2007

Today was a rather slow day. I came into the studio today hoping that I had some replies to my emails that I had sent out to Mr. Radcliffe & Ms. Knight, although I had no such luck =/ Since Chase was back in town and and back at Team Gaia, I took some time to update him and explain to him everything that was going on with his script. Along with this, I also gave him all his contacts that he needed. I as well drafted up a letter to send to Joyce (Alice Waters contact) & Ellen (Chef Ann Cooper’s contact) about our possible trip to Berkely. After doing so, I continued on with my research on Chef Ann Copper & as well refined my interview questions for her. I received no new replies.

Wednesday, June 6th, 2007

This morning started off rather exciting (: When I came into the studio I had two replies to my e-mails I sent out yesterday. I got one from Ellen Thomas (for Chef Ann Cooper) and one from Mr. Wagner (School Board Committee Member). The one from Ellen was pretty exciting, because she invited us to Berkley to conduct our interview with Chef Ann Cooper. Although as much as we would love to go, our reply is dependent on our budget, hopefully by Monday we should know if we would be able to make the trip or not.

My other e-mail, from Mr. Wagner was a bit unexpected, because we had been told that Aramark’s contract was not going to be renewed, although in his e-mail he apologized for the confusion and re-directed me towards Mr. Radcliffe, who he said would be of more assistance to me. From there I drafted a letter to Mr. Radcliffe, he supplied us with some interesting information as to how we may be able to take part in our public school food system. I replied back to him asking for an interview. I am still waiting for a reply.

I as well e-mailed Ms. Knight, asking for her assistance. Still waiting on a reply.

I then proceeded to contact Joyce, Alice Waters’ secretary. She confirmed that she had received my e-mail. At first she seemed a bit iffy about the interview. Although once I mentioned that I had a possible interview with Chef Ann Cooper and that I may be able do to an in person interview she was a bit more eager to help, but a bit reluctant with an ‘on camera’ interview. I explained to her that my segment was a video segment, so she said she would talk it over with Ms. Waters. We may possibly be able to receive an interview in the month of July, but again, she would have to talk it over with Ms. Waters, (who had not been into the office lately due to personal reasons). She also explained that if we were not able to get our interview with Alice, that she would be glad to help us get in contact with someone from the edible schoolyard. Although I really would love to get an interview with Ms. Waters because well, Hello! It’s Alice Waters (:

I researched a bit on Chef Ann Cooper and wrote some notes on her, as well as on the ‘District Wellness Committee’.

Then I and all the other Team Gaia members watched a piece on global warming. Today was a very productive day! Frustrating, exciting, stressful, and interesting, but still, what a day!

Tuesday, June 5th, 2007

Today was a rather successful day. I received a reply to the letter I sent out to King Middle School yesterday, regarding an interview with the principle. Today I was happily suprised, to recieve an interview with Chef Ann Cooper, who is an extrmely credible source.

Ann Cooper -
In October 2005, the Chez Panisse Foundation helped hire Ann Cooper, a chef and former Kellogg Food and Society Fellow, as the Director of Nutrition Services for the district. Through Cooper’s persistence we have eliminated nearly all processed foods in the district and introduced fresh and organic foods to the daily menu, while remaining within the district’s food service budget.

I look forward towards an interview with her, which will hopefully happen sometime next week. I have to wait for her office to get back to me with her schedule. But yes, success! Our upcoming show is coming together nicely, and seems very promising.

On another note, I as well followed up with Mr. Ganger (School Board Committee, Member) today. After calling his office and receiving his email address, I drafted up a letter to send to him, requesting an interview. Then after gaining approval from Leni, and some refining, the email was sent. I hope to hear from him soon, and plan for a follow up. I also finished up with the interview questions for Alice Waters. I added a few more specific questions as well as polished up the ones that needed it. With Leni’s approval I e-mailed them to Joyce. Afterwards I found it appropriate to follow up with a phone call since it had been a while since we had contact. Although there was no answer at her office, I did leave a message with my contact information. I plan to call again tomorrow if I do not hear from her today.

Monday, June 4th, 2007

Today I continued working towards getting my interview with Ms. Waters. The last time Leni & I spoke, I sent Leni the interview questions for review. She sent me a few more links to research so that I could come up with specific questions, pertaining to ’slow food’. Today I followed up on that. I also sent out my letter to King Middle School, asking for an interview, as well as worked and researched on a few more specific questions for the possible interview. I as well contacted Mr. Ganger, and asked the questions that Chase left for me. This made me a bit nervous because I wasn’t sure how far Chase had gotten with this, or specifically what I should ask, since I hadn’t had much research on his show. I got through the phone call alive, and Mr. Ganger was very sincere and knowledgeable. After the phone call, Kaz and I decided that we should pursue an interview with Mr. Ganger. Thus, we then had a brainstorm session for interview questions. I polished them up and sent them to Leni and Kaz for approval. I as well attempted to contact the school board to ask about the committee meeting tomorrow, and also researched the agenda for tomorrows meeting.

Tuesday, May 22nd, 2007

Today I prepared for tomorrow’s shoot, for the food segment.
I contacted Will.
Also, Chase, Jean Carlo and I set up the green screen.

Tuesday, May 15th, 2007

Today I made my follow up phone call with Tami, from the Chez Panisse Foundation. Upon introducing myself as Jackie from Team Gaia, she seemed very welcoming and indeed did recognize me, which is promising. I asked her if she had heard back from Ms. Waters, and although they had not replied to her e-mail yet, she said that she would make a phone call to her office, asking for the interview. I was very pleased, and am grateful that we have found someone who is willing to help us get in contact with Ms. Waters. Tami now has my number and said that she would call me when she hears back form them. After my phone call, there was not a computer available so that I could continue with my interview questions and re-writing the script. Therefore I went over my old script and made a props list for what I thought we would need for our green screen re-shoot. I then went through our stock footage logs, to see if there was any that I could use behind the green screen. I also went over historical landmarks with Shane that would help me success in my script.

Thursday, May 10th, 2007

I completed my research for Alice Waters today. I felt accomplished and gained a lot of knowledge on her and her subject, which will be very beneficial towards the interviewing process. Not only towards that or my segment, but also to me, because I am learning so much knowledge about healthy eating that I never knew before! Upon completion of this I began to brain storm and write my questions for the interview. Which I found a bit difficult because I didn’t want to ask some of the same questions that she had been asked before, or that I had learned from researching, but then I realized that not everyone knows all about Ms. Waters, and that it was ok, because it would be informational towards our viewers. But I still wanted to be unique with my questions… I am still in the process of coming up with questions and polishing them, however, I believe that it is going on along rather smoothly.

Wednesday, May 9th, 2007

Today at school I passed out Chase’s surveys for Segment 2. I was overwhelmed by the students’ reactions. Seeing how they shared the same opinions as ours and wanted to see a change, preferably to see more healthy food in the school. A lot of students complained about being tired after eating and complained about how there were little if any vegetarian choices. I was as well surprised by the students’ reactions to the survey, as they were eager to fill it out. It was exciting! Students, instead of me having to approach the students, approached me. There’s some spirit for you! I as well today at the studio, continued with my research on Ms. Waters. It is going along smoothly with no complications, and I am actually being educated in the subject of food. Tami from the Chez Panisse foundation replied to my email today. We are still trying to sort out how we are going to set up our possible interview with Ms. Waters, although it does seem promising.
Today was a very successful day

Tuesday, May 8th, 2007

Today I researched on Alice Waters in preparation for my next phone call and possible interview. I began putting together a bullet point on her history and facts, etc. All that Ms. Waters accomplished, and am very glad and fortunate to have been given this opportunity. It amazed me. Hopefully all works out as planned, as I will be making a follow up phone call in a week.

Monday, May 7th, 2007

Today I researched on sex education. I also found contact information for Ms. Waters. I followed that up with a phone call. In which I was successful reaching Ms. Waters for an interview.

Monday, April 30th, 2007

My contacts for the food segment have still not gotten back to me, so therefore my segment is still on hold. It’s a bit frustrating. So today I replied to some e-mails. As well as a lot of filing (=

Wednesday, April 25th, 2007

Today I was unable to come into the studio due to a film shoot, however I did receive Leni’s e-mail with her suggestions for the Alice Waters letter. I as well sent it to the e-mail provided, and tomorrow when I come in to the studio, will follow up with a phone call.

Tuesday, April 24th, 2007

Today I came in early, again, since I had to contact a few more companies before 5, when their business hours ended. I contacted a company ‘ Jacksonville Recycling Incorporated’, who do accept plastic. We decided that we would take our recyclables to their facility. I also finished typing up my letter to Alice Waters. After reading over it several times, (since I get nervous about these sorts of things) in the end I was satisfied with my overall product, confident in that I successfully said what needed to be said. I as well assisted Jean Carlo with some of his re-search, for a sex education show he is working on.

Monday, April 23rd, 2007

I did not physically come into the studio today, due to transportation purposes, but I did work from home. I continued calling Recycling companies, and although I was a bit shy about contacting these companies; after a few phone calls I became more relaxed, and confident in what I was doing. Once I was done with contacting all of the companies, Kaz and I came to the conclusion that we would use ‘Main Recycling Co.’ to take all of our cans to. I also continued to research on Alice Waters.

Wednesday, April 11th, 2007

Kaz & I conversed about the festival that we will be attending at the end of this month. We decided that I would be in-charge of contacting recycling companies & choosing the one that would offer us the best price. Likewise, I researched on recycling companies, gathering together means to contact them. I also spoke to Karis about e-mailing Kim Anderson, again. And I asked Val if she needed any assistance with her PSA, I believe I will be acting in it tomorrow. I helped with the wrapping of the red box for tomorrow’s shoot I also helped Chase with his editing.

Monday, April 9th, 2007

Today Jean Carlo came in and he was able to help me further edit my segment. He helped me clean it up a bit, as well as it some audio & green screen. I like working with Jean Carlo because of his experience with film, and was able to learn a few tips about editing; such as editing Green Screen, which I have never done before. I also replied to e-mails from Leni & spoke to Karis about e-mailing Kim Anderson.