Todays Wall Street Journal cites the family of Ed Mitchell in a story about baby boomers, faced with aging parents, scrambling against time to make a permanent record of the family lore.
But instead of picking up a video camera and firing off a list of questions, the newspaper says some boomers are hiring production companies to turn these tales into glossy documentaries.
Excerpt: ғEd Mitchell, who started a clothing store in Westport, Conn., back in the 1958, just finished appearing in the movie version of his life, Second to None: We Started with Three Suits; The Ed Mitchell Story.ђ
His family hired Reel Biography to make the film, as a tribute to the 98-year-old family patriarch.
ӓA crew of four spent two days taking footage of the shop and interviewing Mr. Mitchell’s family, friends and customers. The result was two videos, 10-minute and 30-minute versions.
Filming for the ӑSecond to None had some of the trappings of a Hollywood shoot, from the makeup and hair touchups to the tedious set arranging.
ғAt one session, Mr. Mitchell’s two sons, Bill and Jack, redo again and again what will be the introduction to the film.
Take one: Bill stumbles over his words. Take 2: The cameraman tells Bill he is smacking the microphone with his gesticulations, ruining the sound.
ӓTake 3: The more gregarious Bill hogs the spotlight. We want Jack to say something too,Ғ the producer says. Take 4: They nail it. It is beyond words and my capacity to thank you, Dad,ђ Bill begins.
