Mines Advisory Group (MAG), is a nonprofit organization that seeks to locate and destroy the remnants of war in post-conflict countries. Heavily dependent on local agriculture for survival and income, Laos nationals are in constant danger of encountering bombs dropped during WWII, that remain scattered throughout their farmland.

Directors of Photography Rick Gershon and Nathan Golon were commissioned by MAG to travel to Laos to document the work of the organization, and to create a compelling narrative to spur conversation and promote awareness of the issue.

Surviving the Peace documents the story of a farmer, who was badly injured by an exploded bomb, and his young family, as they continue to live their lives.

This educational module invites you to learn about the decisions, both in the field, and within the editing suite, that went into the making of Surviving the Peace. Join a conversation between Director of Photography and Producer, Rick Gershon, and MediaStorm Executive Producer, Brian Storm, as they discuss the development of this story through a scene-by-scene break down of the piece.

The Making Of provides more than an hour and a half of discussion and exposition on the process and multitude of decisions that went into the editing and shooting of Surviving the Peace.

Topics covered include:

Chapter 1: Interacting with clients
Chapter 2: Finding a Character
Chapter 3: The Opening Sequence
Chapter 4: Leading with Character
Chapter 5: Working with a Translator
Chapter 6: Scene construction
Chapter 7: Equipment
Chapter 8: Shooting for continuity
Chapter 9: Translator as a Character
Chapter 10: Archival Footage
Chapter 11: Delivering the issue
Chapter 12: Using Neutral Density Filter
Chapter 13: The NGO’s mission
Chapter 14: Connecting with your Subjects
Chapter 15: Showing hope
Chapter 16: Call to action
Chapter 17: Educational examples
Chapter 18: Closing thoughts