Documentary Filmakers Thread

[believe09]

This thread is for any requests, suggestions, ideas FROM the folks who will be creating a documentary on Mr. Kyle and his quest for his identity.

Sleuthers, please use the other threads for any general discussion etc outside the creation of this film. Let's devote this thread to the needs of those who are creating the movie....

:blowkiss:

[JamesSmith]

Thank you Believe09! My crew and I are excited to be apart of this community now and will check and respond to this thread often. Please leave suggestions, questions, comments etc. The current topic is:

Hello Websleuths.com Community!

I'd like to formally introduce myself. My name is James Smith and I am one of the filmmakers who are working on a feature documentary about Benjaman Kyle. I used to work in Hollywood where I first contacted Benjaman while working at a popular daytime talk show. Ever since then I have been in contact with Mr. Kyle and am excited to begin work on a documentary that will raise awareness about Mr. Kyle and also hopefully contribute to his identification. We have been in preproduction planning for about two months now and we will begin shooting initial interviews in August.

We'd like to welcome the Websleuths.com community to help in different ways throughout the process. So please check back often for ways you can help.

First, we'd like to ask for your help naming the documentary. Several names have been tossed around in preproduction meetings, but we thought it would be fun to ask you for help. So, please reply with any names you can think of for the documentary on Mr. Kyle. We look forward to seeing what the community comes up with!

Legal: If we select your name it will become property of the documentary and no compensation will be made for its use.

[carolwood]

Welcome JAMESSMITH!

I'm one of the amateur genealogists here, and I am presently working the genealogy of the JOSEPH POWELL line. I have quite a bit of information on this line.
I had to literally go thru several hundred pages of the 1870 census, which I just finished to correct mistakes that is on the web. If this is some interest to you, please let me know. I do have one family that left Kentucky and went to Indiana (so far, from the above line).

As for the naming....

AM I A POWELL?

A MAN WITH AMNESIA, RECOGNIZE HIM?

OR MAN WITH AMNESIA, RECOGNIZE HIM?

A MAN WITHOUT A NAME

[dreamweaver]

'brought over from other thread:'

Welcome JAMESSMITH:

Ideas for name of documentary:
Mr K goes to Georgia.
Real Amnesia, Real Loss.
The Strangest Amnesia Case.
Man Without a Country.
August 31, 2004 Mystery.
The Real Mystery of the Crime:
Appeared from Thin Air.
Mr. Kyle. Mr Powell. Which One is He?
The Mystery Starts Here.
Found. Without A Trace.
One Hot Summer Night.

That's a start.

[believe09]

I think his own words say it best:
"A Real Live Nobody"

Barring that I think his FBI/NCIC classification would be cool as well:
"Living-EUL"

[SeriouslySearching]

Welcome to WS, James Smith and Crew! This project could prove to be one of your most rewarding challenges. To give BK a chance to reclaim his past and possibly allow the man to find his real place in this world is commendable. Thank you for taking an interest in a man no one really knows including himself. I hope after years of searching for an identity that Mr. Kyle will be able to one day be called by his given name and be surrounded by people who know him, love him, and have missed him. It would be giving the true gift of life back to this man. Memories make us who we are and we rely on the past to dictate our futures. I want his future to reflect his past and give him the peace we all take for granted. Thank you for finding this man's story of interest and picking up the ball to run with it. Godspeed.

I have a few titles for you to consider:

The Unknown Face Of Benjaman Kyle

Identity Theft: Amnesia Steals Man's Past

Benjaman's Piece Of Mind

[Cubby]

I like 'A Real Live Nobody' too.

I'd add to it:
"A Real Live Nobody": The mystery of amnesia victims true identity
-or-
"A Real Live Nobody": The search for amnesia victims true identity


I'm very curious about this documentary. Has it been determined how long it will be in length? (I'd like to see a 2 hour documentary if that's possible). Where it might air, if that is possible to share at this time? Will it be on a basic cable station? or one of the main stream channels such as ABC, NBC or CBS?

How will it be segmented? I have to admit I was pretty disappointed with the approach the Dr. Phil show took. There seemed to be so little information about Mr. Kyles memories, and the approach was more, imo, to assist him living with his condition as opposed to assisting in identifying him.

For myself, some of Mr. Kyles memories fascinate me. His earlier memories of the restaurant industry, particularly of Burger Chef and the (forget the name) company that made shake machines. I'd like to see a little bit of research, and information on the companies & restaurants he remembers. Reason being, it might attract former employees who worked for or with those companies/restaurants - thus assisting in his identification.

I'd also like to know more about the police report, what the police did and didn't do. Did they even investigate if there were similiar crimes anywhere in the country to assist in the investigation of the crime against and identity of Mr. Kyle?

[:+:MrTT:+:]

I am
Who I am
Whom am I

[christine2448]

JamesSmith,

Thanks and


http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/christine2448/WELCOMETOWSBLUE.gif

IMHO, there needs to be a 24/7 hour network on those that are missing and UID.. I pray your time here at WS will show you the need we have for such. Maybe you could be the one thats make this come into reality?

Thank you for concentrating on this one case.


Here is a thread at WS relating, never seems to go anywhere :(
http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26445&highlight=network

[Animal04216]

Welcome James. If you think that a live chat would help at any time in getting to know us better please let me know and I will set it up! It may actually help to find out what some of the thought processes were in the beginning of our involvement in this case.

[Benjaman]

I think his own words say it best:
"A Real Live Nobody"

Barring that I think his FBI/NCIC classification would be cool as well:
"Living-EUL"
A Real live Nobody was used by the Savannah News-Press when they ran the first newspaper article about Benjaman. The newspaper editor chose that title.

[dreamweaver]

Name of the documentary:
We need something that the public would look at and be intrigued by.
I know when I watch 48 Hours Mystery or Dateline or Snapped or The First 48, I look at the title of that show.
Okay, I watch them all anyway. But most people do not.

[believe09]

A Real live Nobody was used by the Savannah News-Press when they ran the first newspaper article about Benjaman. The newspaper editor chose that title.

I wonder if they would mind the title being lifted for a greater purpose? Welcome to WS, Benjaman :blowkiss:

[dreamweaver]

I wonder if they would mind the title being lifted for a greater purpose? Welcome to WS, Benjaman :blowkiss:
----------------------------------------------

Are headlines or titles copyrighted?

[Cubby]

----------------------------------------------

Are headlines or titles copyrighted?


I wondered the same thing, especially if it was Mr. Kyle being quoted.
Perhaps the journalist who wrote the article would give permission for it to be used in the title of the documentary, if it is chosen as a title.

[DotsEyes]

Without Memories.

Lost in Amnesia.

Blank Slate.

The Curious Case of Benjaman Kyle. LOL j/k

When Can I Go Home?

[SeriouslySearching]

----------------------------------------------

Are headlines or titles copyrighted?Yes. No one would want to use someone else's title or headline anyway. Originality is part of the draw when choosing a title.

[dreamweaver]

Without Memories.

Lost in Amnesia.

Blank Slate.

The Curious Case of Benjaman Kyle. LOL j/k

When Can I Go Home?
======================================

I like the Curious Case of Benjaman Kyle one.

[dreamweaver]

Titles:
Memory: In Shadow
Memories of Shadows.
No Man is an Island.

Amnesia: When it is the Truth.

Lost and Found ad:
Lost: Aug. 31, 2004: any memory of his life.

Amnesia: A Patchwork of the Mind.

Amnesia, Patchwork and Guesswork.

[carolwood]

JamesSmith, when can we expect the documentary to air? I don't mind getting on the forum boards and posting about it coming out on air, when it's getting close.

[JamesSmith]

Hi everyone!

So sorry I haven't been able to check this thread in a few days, but thank you for all of your wonderful suggestions. I sent them all to the production team. We have been busy planning our first trip out to interview Benjaman and are actually about 40 minutes out from meeting with him right now. We are shooting initial interviews with him this week.

I will keep you all posted on progress throughout. Please keep in mind that documentaries take time to produce, especially one thats ending has yet to be written. Trust that we will update the community and involve you often during production.

Keep the titles/suggestions/ideas coming. To answer your question, no network has been selected yet. Typically documentaries are sold to networks after production is complete.

Thanks!
James

[Shutterfly]

From (or 'out of') Nowhere: The Benjaman Kyle Story

Who I Used To Be (or 'once was'): The Benjaman Kyle Story

In The Years That I Forgot: Benjaman Kyle's Reality

In Search Of Me (or 'myself'): The Benjaman Kyle Story

[SeriouslySearching]

The Unknown Face in My Unfamiliar Life

The Off Switch

Waking Up Southern

The Amnesiac's America: Invisible Without Liberty Or Justice At All

[Cubby]

Forgotten Yellow Ribbons and Yellow Roses- Life in America with Amnesia, no place to call home.

"I've done my time, I'd like to be home..... "

Mr Kyle deserves to be home, in the home he chooses for his own, with his name, and every opportunity we have as American Citizens.

[JamesSmith]

Hello WS Community -

Just a quick update from the production team to let you know that the filming with Benjaman went very well last week. We are currently planning several trips for the documentary to interview key individuals. We are also hard at work putting together a website for the documentary. I'll keep you posted on the progress. You can also expect to see some quick snippets from the interviews online sometime soon. Lots of exciting developments.

- James & The Team

[SeriouslySearching]

Thank you for the update, James. It is good news the filming went well and things are beginning to really happen on the documentary. I look forward to seeing the website and the "snippets" will be an added bonus.

I like the sound of exciting developments! Those two words always capture my interest. On this site, it is what we live for concerning most cases we follow!

[carolwood]

Hello WS Community -

Just a quick update from the production team to let you know that the filming with Benjaman went very well last week. We are currently planning several trips for the documentary to interview key individuals. We are also hard at work putting together a website for the documentary. I'll keep you posted on the progress. You can also expect to see some quick snippets from the interviews online sometime soon. Lots of exciting developments.

- James & The TeamI am so glad everything went well. I look forward to the website and quick snips.

[SeriouslySearching]

I don't know how much of our input is needed here, but I know there were comments after they aired the Dr. Phil show about things we felt his show and staff did not address. I thought maybe we could go through the old threads to see what we felt at the time should have been asked or done to further his case unless this is inappropriate or unneccesary for this documentary.

[believe09]

Hello WS Community -

Just a quick update from the production team to let you know that the filming with Benjaman went very well last week. We are currently planning several trips for the documentary to interview key individuals. We are also hard at work putting together a website for the documentary. I'll keep you posted on the progress. You can also expect to see some quick snippets from the interviews online sometime soon. Lots of exciting developments.

- James & The Team

Hi James and the Team!!!

Glad to hear Mr. Kyle was ready for his close up, lol...can you share who the key individuals are??

[JamesSmith]

Hello WebSleuths Community -

Thought it was about time to give you a quick update on the documentary. Currently we have been editing down footage from the shoot with Benjaman and working on a website for the documentary which we will launch soon.
We have also been busy planning several interviews in L.A. and also beginning to plan another visit out to Georgia. Lots of exciting media coverage is in the works and we are hopeful this coverage will help lead Benjaman to his past.
That's it for now. Thanks for your continued support.

- The Producers

[dreamweaver]

Hello WebSleuths Community -

Thought it was about time to give you a quick update on the documentary. Currently we have been editing down footage from the shoot with Benjaman and working on a website for the documentary which we will launch soon.
We have also been busy planning several interviews in L.A. and also beginning to plan another visit out to Georgia. Lots of exciting media coverage is in the works and we are hopeful this coverage will help lead Benjaman to his past.
That's it for now. Thanks for your continued support.

- The Producers
------------------------------------
Good to hear from you and good to know so much coverage is coming soon.

[carolwood]

Hello WebSleuths Community -

Thought it was about time to give you a quick update on the documentary. Currently we have been editing down footage from the shoot with Benjaman and working on a website for the documentary which we will launch soon.
We have also been busy planning several interviews in L.A. and also beginning to plan another visit out to Georgia. Lots of exciting media coverage is in the works and we are hopeful this coverage will help lead Benjaman to his past.
That's it for now. Thanks for your continued support.

- The ProducersOn the edge of my seat, I can't wait! Thanks!

[JamesSmith]

KMGH/Denver is featuring Benjaman and the documentary right now on their 10 o'clock news. KRDO/Colorado Springs and KJCT/Grand Junction should be doing the same tonight or in the next few days. Their broadcasts will feature a short clip of Benjaman from the documentary footage.

Sorry not to give any notice, we just found out a few hours ago.

This Colorado evening coverage is great and we're hoping it will lead to some useful tips.

- James

[Boyz_Mum]

KMGH/Denver is featuring Benjaman and the documentary right now on their 10 o'clock news. KRDO/Colorado Springs and KJCT/Grand Junction should be doing the same tonight or in the next few days. Their broadcasts will feature a short clip of Benjaman from the documentary footage.

Sorry not to give any notice, we just found out a few hours ago.

This Colorado evening coverage is great and we're hoping it will lead to some useful tips.

- James

I'm sure we can all look, but do you know if these stations have online viewing (so we can see the broadcasts you speak of?)

ETA:

Link to KMGH (The Denver Channel): http://www.thedenverchannel.com/family/20691550/detail.html (This link goes to an article about BK, I haven't found video.)

Can't find info about BK on KRDO- perhaps in the next few days?

KJCT- not getting results using the search term "amnesia".

Thankfully, The Denver Channel is getting the info out there now, hopefully the others will follow in the upcoming days!

Thanks again James!

[SuziQ]

Here is the link to the video. I hope BK can find who he is soon.

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/video/20718145/

[Cubby]

KMGH/Denver is featuring Benjaman and the documentary right now on their 10 o'clock news. KRDO/Colorado Springs and KJCT/Grand Junction should be doing the same tonight or in the next few days. Their broadcasts will feature a short clip of Benjaman from the documentary footage.

Sorry not to give any notice, we just found out a few hours ago.

This Colorado evening coverage is great and we're hoping it will lead to some useful tips.

- James


This is fantastic news James! Is it possible to get some clips of the documentary aired in the Indy news area as well? That would be fantastic!

Thanks for the update!

[believe09]

KMGH/Denver is featuring Benjaman and the documentary right now on their 10 o'clock news. KRDO/Colorado Springs and KJCT/Grand Junction should be doing the same tonight or in the next few days. Their broadcasts will feature a short clip of Benjaman from the documentary footage.

Sorry not to give any notice, we just found out a few hours ago.

This Colorado evening coverage is great and we're hoping it will lead to some useful tips.

- James


OK-I am the weak link here. I fell asleep before I could get this information posted for you guys-I also have a flyer that was created and distributed by a Director of Criminal Justice in the GA area. It has generated a number of phone calls, interview requests and leads. The raw leads are being sent directly to NB and BK. I will get the flyer posted on the 5 year media thread...it went out on Tuesday.

[believe09]

Thank you very much for providing footage to Denver ABC for their story on Mr. Kyle.

You are WONDERFUL!!!

[JamesSmith]

Glad to see you found the link to the video. I was just about to post it.

Grand Junction and Colorado Springs should be following shortly. I'll let you know when I hear anything else. We are working on Indiana and so is everyone else involved. I'll keep you posted.

The documentary's website will be http://www.WhoIsBenjamanKyle.com

It will be launching soon, however there is a simple placeholder on the site now. When launched, it will be filled with video clips, photos, information, theories, etc you name it. Tons of ways to help, get involved, and get others involved. We're hoping it will be a great tool.

[JamesSmith]

Thank you very much for providing footage to Denver ABC for their story on Mr. Kyle.

You are WONDERFUL!!!

You bet. We're doing everything we can to help Mr. Kyle. If anyone has ideas, tips, or connections you can email: tips@whoisbenjamankyle.com (mailto:tips@whoisbenjamankyle.com)

More way to get involved coming soon.

[Boyz_Mum]

Thank you JamesSmith! :blowkiss:

(Believe, you are not a 'weak link', you've been so great throughout these threads! :blowkiss:)

[dreamweaver]

Glad to see you found the link to the video. I was just about to post it.

Grand Junction and Colorado Springs should be following shortly. I'll let you know when I hear anything else. We are working on Indiana and so is everyone else involved. I'll keep you posted.

The documentary's website will be http://www.WhoIsBenjamanKyle.com

It will be launching soon, however there is a simple placeholder on the site now. When launched, it will be filled with video clips, photos, information, theories, etc you name it. Tons of ways to help, get involved, and get others involved. We're hoping it will be a great tool.
======================================
I took a sneak peek at the website.
It looks good. Can hardly wait for the rest.

[Cubby]

bump. Is there any new news regarding the documentary?

[Roselvr]

KMGH/Denver is featuring Benjaman and the documentary right now on their 10 o'clock news. KRDO/Colorado Springs and KJCT/Grand Junction should be doing the same tonight or in the next few days. Their broadcasts will feature a short clip of Benjaman from the documentary footage.

Sorry not to give any notice, we just found out a few hours ago.

This Colorado evening coverage is great and we're hoping it will lead to some useful tips.

- James

For what it's worth, nothing hit google. I'm signed up to get alerts for Benjaman.

[dreamweaver]

I am signed up to get alerts for Benjaman and amnesia and dna.
I have nothing.
Do you think it will be posted on line?

[Roselvr]

Have you decided on the name? Will it be "Who is Benjaman Kyle"?

I was thinking something along the lines of "the face of amnesia, BK Doe"
You need something to draw people in. Something like "Who is Benjaman Kyle" may not get the interest you're looking for.

People needing to be identified is getting to be a problem..
I'd also try to raise awareness on how to do things to protect yourself & loved ones. Things like current pictures (cell phones) dental, tattoo scars - how to report someone missing and how to search for a missing loved one.

[Roselvr]

I just looked at the documentary page, there are no meta tags on the page source.. someone needs to add that. You need to code it with as many words as you can that apply to him.

[JamesSmith]

Hi everyone.

Thanks for all the suggestions. As you can tell the webpage is not up yet and there is just a place holder on the site. As such, we are not trying to attract people to a site that has no content on it yet. The documentary is still in the works and will not be released for at least several months. Producing a documentary takes a lot of time, patience, and money. Most documentaries 'document' something that has already happened. However, because of Benjaman's situation the story is still being written and we are, like everyone else, hoping and praying for resolution to be the happy ending. As such, we will have a hard time knowing when filming for the documentary is 'complete' and when we should wrap and distribute the film. Thanks for your continued support, I will keep this community posted on progress.

Thanks,
James

P.S. I promise the completed website will have meta tagging and proper SEO.

[JamesSmith]

The producers will also be utilizing:

http://www.twitter.com/WhoIsBK

[Roselvr]

Have you decided on the name? Will it be "Who is Benjaman Kyle"?

I was thinking something along the lines of "the face of amnesia, BK Doe"
You need something to draw people in. Something like "Who is Benjaman Kyle" may not get the interest you're looking for.

People needing to be identified is getting to be a problem..
I'd also try to raise awareness on how to do things to protect yourself & loved ones. Things like current pictures (cell phones) dental, tattoo scars - how to report someone missing and how to search for a missing loved one.

To elaborate more on what I was thinking yesterday..
Benjaman has scars on his body from what appears to be major surgery.
I share the same as I've had 2 back surgeries.
There are Doe's that were found dead; they also have had major surgeries; yet, no one can ID them.

How would I feel going in for surgery if I was told I was going to be added to a major medical database? I think I'd be ok with it as long as it wasn't abused.

I have a 16 year old; I keep a fingerprint card on her. I try to take pictures of her when she changes her hair (cut/color). I try to know what piercings she has. She recently lost 80 pounds. When I take her to the Dr, she & I argue about her height.. I was right last time she was measured. Would I be totally prepared if she went missing? Probably not; but I feel I have a better start then some parents.

I'm getting to the point of thinking that we need a better program to keep track of people. Something along the lines of the chip people are putting in their pets.

Hi everyone.

Thanks for all the suggestions. As you can tell the webpage is not up yet and there is just a place holder on the site. As such, we are not trying to attract people to a site that has no content on it yet. The documentary is still in the works and will not be released for at least several months. Producing a documentary takes a lot of time, patience, and money. Most documentaries 'document' something that has already happened. However, because of Benjaman's situation the story is still being written and we are, like everyone else, hoping and praying for resolution to be the happy ending. As such, we will have a hard time knowing when filming for the documentary is 'complete' and when we should wrap and distribute the film. Thanks for your continued support, I will keep this community posted on progress.

Thanks,
James

P.S. I promise the completed website will have meta tagging and proper SEO.

The way I see it, doing it now will build up the release. People will start following Benjaman and your documentary. :twocents:

[JamesSmith]

The way I see it, doing it now will build up the release. People will start following Benjaman and your documentary. :twocents:

We definitely agree. We're hard at work making designing. We just want it to be as useful as possible when we finally do launch it. However, we may be releasing a light version of the site before hand. I'll keep you posted.

In the meantime, we've set up a fan page for Benjaman on Facebook. Facebook is a HUGE promotional tool. Please 'fan' Benjaman's page and invite all of your friends to do the same.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Benjaman-Kyle/280796710044

[Roselvr]

We definitely agree. We're hard at work making designing. We just want it to be as useful as possible when we finally do launch it. However, we may be releasing a light version of the site before hand. I'll keep you posted.

In the meantime, we've set up a fan page for Benjaman on Facebook. Facebook is a HUGE promotional tool. Please 'fan' Benjaman's page and invite all of your friends to do the same.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Benjaman-Kyle/280796710044

Thanks James; I'm a member of the Facebook group already.
If you need any help with the web page, let me know.

[Cubby]

bump. Any new news regarding the documentary?

[believe09]

http://twitter.com/j2s/status/8485427248

James Smith indicates that the Newsweek article is being released on Mr. Kyle AND that there is a snip from the documentary on their webpage!!! I will put this in a few places...hopefully Mr. Smith will let us know more.

[Cubby]

Any idea on a date for the newsweek article?

[believe09]

Any idea on a date for the newsweek article?

I just searched the site and couldnt find anything....

[believe09]

I received an email from Mr. Smith-he will post an update as soon as he gets the timeframes for the article release etc....

[JamesSmith]

Hello Websleuths Community,

Brief update: Newsweek has indicated that they are planning to do a story on Mr. Kyle. In addition, we have reached an agreement with Newsweek to license some of the documentary's footage for use in conjunction with the story. I do not have a time frame for when the article will be published. However, it appears very likely that they will do an article on Mr. Kyle and when they do, Newsweek will offer an exclusive first peek at some of the documentary footage.

So in review, two points of excitement. 1. Likely exposure for Mr. Kyle in Newsweek and 2. a first look at some of the footage from the upcoming documentary. Please pray that this exposure will help bring closure to Mr. Kyle's search. Here's to hoping that 2010 will be the year we crack this mystery and give Benjaman back his past.

Keep an eye on WhoIsBenjamanKyle.com in the coming weeks as the site goes live. We have acquired more financing and are beginning to plan more trips to film interviews with key people in Benjaman's story.

- James

[Cubby]

bump any news? This seems to be moving about as fast as waiting on DNA testing between Christina Carter and Sharon Marshall. Is this going to happen in 2010 or am I gonna be singing the Cub fan blues wait until next year with this too. ;)

tia!