Michael Daniel, a writer, director and adventurer, began his quest at the foot of the trail in Georgia just six months ago. The daunting journey of crossing 14 states on-foot with 80lbs of video gear almost didnt happen.
Millinocaek, ME (PRWEB) October 14, 2003 -– "I made it!" was the only thing Michael Daniel screamed over the phone to his producer back in Dallas, Texas. Daniel, a writer, director and adventurer, began his quest at the foot of the trail in Georgia just six months earlier. The daunting journey of crossing 14 states on-foot with 80lbs of video gear almost didn't happen. Just a few weeks into making the documentary "Walking with Freedom", he encountered numerous days of dreadful weather, a badly twisted ankle, missing overnight packages and a broken digital camera. Money was also an issue in completing the project as funds were quickly spent on emergency necessities and lodging. His producer, David Burrows, would FedEx or wire him money frequently. "One bank in a very small town, refused to accept a wire we had done", Burrows explained. "The reason: Recent terrorist issues and us not having a local account. We ended up using my Visa card to send funds to a wealthy individual in the town who wanted to help us out".
Working around all the obstacles, Daniel was able to capture beautiful footage of the mountain wilderness, local festivals and interviews with some fascinating people along the path. "One guy was hunting raccoons and possums; making their pelts into expensive bikinis which he sold to shops in Beverly Hills", Daniel laughed. He filmed another hiker who had tattooed a map of the entire Appalachian Trail along his back. After running from a bear during a downpour in Virginia, Daniel was picked up by a couple driving a truck. "They argued and yelled at each other as I sat quietly in the backseat wishing I would have stayed in the rain with the bear". A few more miles down the road, they decided to end their relationship as they dropped Daniel off at the next town. After filming every few weeks, Daniel would forward the tapes to his editor in Utah. Meanwhile, Burrows worked in Dallas on additional funding and distribution deals for the documentary. A PayPal account was set up and linked to Daniel's site where persons could sponsor each mile hiked for $3.00. Thanks to individuals and some members of the online film site Project Greenlight, enough money was raised to complete the movie. JanSport also donated hiking equipment and gear.
Daniel stopped at several points along the way to update his journal and website, http://www.walkingwithfreedom.com, where visitors kept track of his hike and could download unedited videos. Once all the editing is done, Daniel plans to submit his project to film festivals around the country. PBS has also expressed an interest in his completed work. A portion of the money received from distribution of the movie will be donated to the Appalachian Trail Conference (ATC), which works to preserve, manage and promote the historic trail.
Back on the phone, Daniel was trying to describe the beauty of Maine's Mt. Katahdin at the end of the trail. "Michael, did you know today is Columbus Day?" Burrows interrupted. "I guess today we're making history right along with Christopher" Daniel laughed.
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