This installment is closer to what I'm going for. I have a lot of film to go through. This was one of the videos I put together from it. I already filmed enough for a couple more clips. The video editing takes quite a while however. The next video will likely be up later this week. I was invited to follow these construction workers as they went through the hoops to work in the Exclusion Zone. After what I filmed their general health is examined by multiple doctors and they have to give "bio-samples" for analysis. Then after the results come back, they are able to work in Chernobyl. I wish some of them would have agreed to talk on camera because that would have been much more powerful. I have much more footage of the equipment the measurements were taken with.
The next video will likely be devoted to the WBC (Whole Body Counter) and all it's equipment. One of the things I found the most interesting was how they created the phantoms to calibrate it. But I'll save that for next time. I also attended a NATO meeting about Chernobyl here in Kiev and finally got what I'd really been looking for: a book containing all the research that has been conducted regarding Chernobyl. Now I have a map and I can better plot a course for what to cover. Unfortunately I don't have it with me currently, but I will post an overview of the research in a blog either later today or tomorrow. Please let me know what seems interesting to you and what you feel would be a good direction to go with the documentary.
At this point it seems to me that perhaps the best thing to do will be to make two documentaries. One which does a comprehensive review of what we've learned from Chernobyl research, because most the documentaries about Chernobyl are not based in the actual research that's been done. They've either been unscientific and for shock value, or they've gotten all their facts from scientists who haven't even worked in the area with the people. I feel like there needs to be a documentary which accurately portrays the damage that's been done and doesn't downplay it or over-emphasize the problem. Then I could make another shorter documentary about a particular part of the research and go in depth. I'm very interested in the dosimetry. So please let me know what you find interesting and what you'd like to see happen.
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2 comments:
Wow, very intersting footage and commentary. Overall the quality of the footage is exceptional, which is important while attempting to make a documentary. The camera is relatively stable throughout the clip and my only complaint would be with regards to the audio. At some times the woman in the background giving the lecture on the safety procedures and samples is louder than your voice while narrating. This becomes irritating sometimes and there were a few points in the clip where I did not know what you were saying.
This is some very interesting information regarding the workers in the exclusion zone. It appears as though they are very detailed in the caution taken to ensure no worker receives more radiation than allowed. I find it quite interesting that the workers can find safer jobs that pay more money as well. The fact that they are willing to lie and produce false samples tells you alot about the economy and the overall employment availability of the area.
It would be nice to go into some more detail on the scanning aspect, which is what your next clip is about. As you mentioned two documentaries would be the way to go. This really is amazing information. Keep up the excellent work as more and more people become aware of the situation. I know I have learned quite a bit from your clips and there have been only two of them. Not to demean your efforts, but to point out the power of this documentary. Much can be gained from this experience...
This is amazing, Geoff. It's exactly what I'm interested in researching when I arrive in Ukraine (in less than 2 weeks!). I'd love to do the same thing you did, just talk to these people and try to understand what motivated them to choose this job. If you plan on trying to interview them again, I'd love to come with you.
I'm just curious - when you were there with the prospective Ark workers, was there any mention of the RCRM research study that is being done in parallel (ICARR)? I.e. were they offered to participate in it at that point?
BTW - I also have a big book that compiles all of the research done on Chernobyl. It was given to me by one of the researchers at RCRM when they came down to Durham last fall. It's red, hardcover, and I can't remember the exact title... but if it's a different book than yours, I'd be happy to bring it for you.
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