The first is Miriam Avins, who founded Baltimore Green Space, a nonprofit committed to preserving and maintaining green spaces in Baltimore city. Having lived near Baltimore all of my life, I think it's a really interesting idea and I think that it could provide a number of photo, audio and video opportunities. I would interview Miriam Avins, other members of the organization (including partners/funders), and most importantly, the neighbors who live near these green spaces.
The second is Robert Pruitt, a local motivational speaker. I interviewed him briefly for a different story this summer, and thought he might be someone to follow up with. I like the angle of A) what motivates a motivational speaker, or B) in these uncertain economic times, are people more likely to see out life coaching and motivation? Possible photo, audio and video opportunities could include clips of him speaking to an audience, or interacting with a group of people, as well as interviews of him and the people he has coached.
I like the first idea a little better because of the visual interest--garden plots in the middle of Baltimore--but if Ms. Avins does not agree to the project then I could fall back on the second idea.
Tiffany,
ReplyDeleteI like the first idea better too -- about the Baltimore Green Space group. Seems timely with all the interest in sustainability and local foods. I think the challenge of this project, though, will be making a piece that is not just a PR film. Just saying the group exists is not a gripping story, so maybe do an initial interview now with the organizer to get a sense for what you could focus on. As you talk to the leader, think, what will the headline of this piece be. Try to see what their biggest challenges are, or if there is a particular garden they've had to fight to get built. Maybe talk to someone who doesn't think this is the best use of urban space, or someone who is trying to do other things with the same plots. I think there's a way to find a story here, and it does promise some good interviews and visuals.
-Jeff