Week 5

This weekend we were finally able to go up and shoot at Carolina Tiger Rescue. We were able to test out our equipment in the rural rescue. Kevin luckily enough brought a wagon that allowed us to efficiently transport all of our equipment through the compound to the different animals. It made it easier and quicker to move through the compound with all of our equipment and we could easily set up in front of the animals enclosures. Most of the animals were fascinated by our equipment (especially the boom and mic with the dead cat on it) so we easily had the animals attention which made it easier to film them. We got multiple shots with direct eye contact from the big cats that look fantastic. We are going to have to work on capturing sound outside at the compound because there is a lot of movement and sounds coming from other employees/volunteers and their radios. The big cats, especially the tigers, make a lot of noise that I'd like to capture. We will just have to re-work how we are going to capture a quality recording of the animals. Also, we are hoping to get an interview next weekend.

Week 4

This week we have been working on setting dates for some interviews with some Carolina Tiger Rescue employees. We were going to go up this weekend and shoot some b-roll and maybe an interview, but unfortunately the rescue had two tragedies this past week. They had two sudden deaths of a serval and a tiger. The curator said it was the most stressful week she has ever had working there is 15 years. Soooo our luck wasn’t too good last week, but we have this upcoming weekend as our back up. So, we are planning on filming an interview and b-roll this upcoming weekend at the rescue. We are still working hard on finding someone in legislation to interview and a former wild cat owner. We have our work cut out for us, but I believe we can get it done. I am also looking into T.I.G.E.R at Myrtle Beach that was mentioned last class for some addidional b-roll.

Week 3

This week Kevin and I went up to the rescue on Saturday. We met with the Maryssa Hill, the volunteer coordinator of Carolina Tiger Rescue. She was kind enough to give us a private tour of the compound and show us some of the cats with interesting survival stories. Kevin was able to see the rescue for himself and plan accordingly of what type of lenses we will need to use to shoot the animals through the fence. We shared the goals we have for the film and she helped guide us on who to interview and what animals to focus on. We learned of a few more animals, other than the big cats, that will make very interesting stories and bring a new perspective to the documentary. Also, we were told that Kathryn Bertok (Assistant Director and Curator of CTR) is working directly with someone from the Humane Society of the United States on the "Predators not Pets" pledge and she is willing to do an interview with us. This upcoming week we are scheduling interviews and locking down dates to go up and film at the rescue. Also, by tomorrow (February 2nd) Nick will have the Indiegogo launched and Facebook page to start promoting the film and raising a little money for gas expenses, equipment, etc.

Kathryn Bertok

Curator and Assistant Director of Carolina Tiger Rescue

Kathryn Bertok has been a member of the Carolina Tiger Rescue staff since August of  1999. Her love of animals brought her to Carolina Tiger as an animal care intern. After completing her internship, she was offered an animal keeper position. From there she has worked her way up to Curator of Animals. During her time here she has been a part of many changes as Carolina Tiger continues to grow. She is working with the Humane Society of the United States to start the “Predators Not Pets” pledge.

1. How did you first hear of Carolina Tiger Rescue back in 1999?
2. What has kept you working at Carolina Tiger Rescue for so long?
3. What are your responsibilities as the Curator of Animals?
4. What is one of the biggest changes you have seen at the rescue?
5. How did you get involved with the “Predators Not Pets” pledge?
6. Is the “Predators not Pets” pledge for just big cats?
7. What else needs to be done to get a bill to protect the big cats passed?
8. How long do you think it will take to get the bill passed?
9. Do you see Carolina Tiger Rescue continuing to grow in the near future?
10. Who is your favorite animal at the rescue and why?

Pam Fulk

Executive Director of Carolina Tiger Rescue

Pam has worked in the nonprofit field for over 30 years, and has spent much of that time in resource development, program planning and evaluation, policy, and management. Along the way she has helped start 10 nonprofits, served on local and national boards of nonprofits, and done private consulting as well. Pam began her nonprofit education by working for John Carver, the "father" of the Policy Governance Model, and is an alumna of trainings through the Foundation Center, Stephen Covey, and the Center for Creative Leadership. Pam brought her "nonprofit building" skills to Carolina Tiger Rescue in 2003 for a more "joyful" experience in the animal care world.

1. How did you first hear of Carolina Tiger Rescue in 2003?
2. What made you decide to leave your former nonprofit organization to join the rescue?
3. What are your responsibilities as Executive Director?
4. How has Carolina Tiger Rescue changed since you started as the Director?
5. How are you involved in the “Predators not Pets” pledge?
6. As seen in Carolina Tiger Rescue’s mission, how does Carolina Tiger Rescue protect wild cats in both captivity and the wild?
7. In what other ways can awareness be raised about the welfare of wild cats?
8. What animal’s success story stands out to you the most? and why?
9. What is in store for Carolina Tiger Rescue’s future?
10. Who is your favorite animal at the rescue and why?