Kanaka video production just about wrapped up

Friday was a busy day for the FVM project. Videographer Troy Wayrynen and I shot the final round of footage for the Kanaka module version that is scheduled for a full release (the interactive narrative already has been through proof-of-concept and prototyping stages, and is being beta tested now). We plan to edit that footage and integrate it with another session of media production from a few months ago, that one focused on recreation, such as hula dancing, at the site. The goal is to create a video that illustrates the conflict Hawaiians had (and many people still do today) between spending Sunday as a day off for recreation, or for spiritual pursuits. Letters from various sources in the 1840s noted that the protagonist of the Kanaka module, William Kaulehelehe, had a tough time convincing his fellow "Sandwich Islanders" to spend their lone day off each week in his makeshift place of worship. So we are reflecting that piece of history with this segment. Chief Ranger Greg Shine once again gave the FVM project all of the support it needed, including the help of many other National Park Service staff members at the Fort Vancouver National Historic site. All of the on-screen talent came from the ranks of the Ke Kukui Foundation, the region's top Hawaiian/Polynesian arts and culture organization, led by Deva Yamashiro. Visitors to the set this time included the Fort Vancouver Superintendent, Tracy Fortmann, and a team of Columbian news reporters, led by veteran writer Tom Vogt.