Telling the Story

This expository documentary movie will draw from an extensive collection of black and white photographs, 8mm movies, and abundant newspaper clippings to become a visually rich historical journey through time documenting the McKenzie River Drift Boat’s evolution and national influence from its beginnings in the early 1920s to its induction into the Smithsonian Museum in 1976.

Interviews with historical experts will complement the archival film footage and photography to reveal the stories showcasing the risks of life on the river and immerse the viewer into history as it happened. Care will be taken to put into perspective the significant need for innovation in building methods and materials so these adventurers could accomplish dangerous navigation through shallow river rapids. 

The film will be edited in Final Cut ProX and color-graded in DaVinci Resolve. The final broadcast will be in HD and edited in two lengths for broadcast TV—a one-hour timeslot and a shorter version for a 1/2-hour timeslot. The full edit will include a theater-ready format.