"Korea Dreambus" Pilgrimage and Documentary Film

I'm over the moon that L.A.-based composer Terry Taegwoo has agreed to work with me on the score to Korea Dreambus! You can listen to some of his sample tracks on his website. Terry has composed for film and television, and he currently works for Bear McCreary's studio, Sparks and Shadows.  So far Terry and I seem to be on the same page regarding the use of Korean folk music -- specifically Arirang -- as well as choral music in the film. Some of the sections are more about the martyr saints, others are about my pilgrimage, and still others are pure reflections, so there will be a couple of themes to work through those sections. Ulsan's JinHa Beach area, Sept. 2024 Summer spins by so fast. I have, in fact, decided to move the screening date to Jan. 17, 2026. The film will still be finished by the end of this year, but I realized that a Nov. 1 screening date just wasn't feasible. If I didn't have two or three other jobs and was 100% focused on this film 100% of the ti...

I'm just about wrapped up at the high school where I teach. By this time next week, I'll be done, and that means that Korea Dreambus editing will be my main focus (after my job at the paper). The editor, Derrick, has the footage that I organized, so now I'll be diving into creating an assemble edit with some copious notes.  I'm also looking for a composer at the moment - someone who understands something about Korean culture and traditional music, even if the score isn't completely traditional-sounding. I'm hoping for a mix of traditional sounds and instrumentation (or approximation thereof) along with melodies that will resonate with the themes of the film, which revolve around the martyrs themselves and the personal reflections I'll be making. Speaking of which, writing the script for the narration will also be on my platter this summer.  I'm planning a small vacation to my homeland (Massachusetts) at the end of the month, otherwise, it's going to ...

Two weeks from today, I'll be on my way to Korea. I just met a co-worker (one of the generous donors  for this pilgrimage film) in the hallway a few minutes ago. He asked me what my current thoughts of hope and anxiety were leading up to the trip. I replied that everything is hopeful, actually, and I don't really carry any anxiety. I guess I hadn't thought about it until he asked.  Erie Canal, Fairport, NY In these two weeks before my departure, the school year is starting, which means my three classes of high school theology will be a prime focus for me, including devising three weeks of lesson plans for my subs while I'm away. I also have early deadlines for my newspaper job since I'll be gone for production week. And I will be submitting my application to the GVCA for a grant to help make the film. It's a lot, to be honest.  But you know what? I'm not anxious. I feel grounded, capable, focused, and above all, hopeful.  This is a new experience for me. Fo...

 I've begun posting reels on Instagram! I've been doing it for work for several months (and even won a third place award for one of them from the Catholic Media Association!).   Here's my latest Instagram reel !  Please follow me and look for more reels and photos. I'll be posting from Korea, too! Make sure you unmute the Insta reels. 

The website has been up for about a month, which itself seems like a dream. May sifted through like fine flour without a trace. June has been more reasonable in the passage of days, but July is nevertheless coming up quickly on the horizon.  June strawberries! Delicious!  맛있다 Today is the longest day of the year, the first day of summer. At the next turning of seasons, I will be in Korea, making my pilgrimage and my film. Much of this month has been spent reading about the martyrs, going deeper into who they were and what they did. I continue to be impressed and humbled by the level of commitment and sacrifice they were willing to endure for Christ. In the coming weeks, I will be writing up some short bursts to lead you through the beginnings of the Church in Korea and the four major persecutions, as well as highlights of the martyrs we call on by name. There are now 103 canonized saints and 124 blessed who will be canonized -- but these are among the over 10,000 martyrs in Ko...