The Ducks Have Hatched
After two years of work by many extraordinarily talented people—such as Gabriel Judet- Weinshel, George Nicholas, Cob Carlson, Bharadwaj Ramani, and Bruce Roberts, my crew in India and the amazing Paul Williams—we have finished our documentary LUCKY DUCKS. For me it has been the experience of a lifetime, both professionally and personally. Aside from all the professional talent that made if possible, my daughter and star of the film, Taylor, went the distance and allowed herself to be filmed under really difficult situations. This is not easy for anyone, and even more so when you are at that age where others’ opinions of you mean so much. But, she was a grand solider and trundled on with me across the world, asking questions and seeking answers, all the while under a microscope ourselves.
We are now waiting to hear from the grand pooba of festivals, Sundance. We are blessed to have Rena Ronson of William Morris as our sales-rep and my executive producer and manager Richard Arlook is keeping all our ducks in a row. I do need to let the duck metaphor sink…sorry. Sadly, because Sundance requires you to be a world premiere we have had to turn down a few festivals already. One of them was Aroon Shivasdani’s MAHINDRA INDO-AMERICAN ARTS COUNCIL FESTIVAL, which was better than ever this year. I was so sorry to miss out on being in it, but I got to take part in a panel and felt like a real lucky duck (last one) as we got see Danny Boyle’s masterpiece SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE at its New York Premiere. All of you go out and see it…NOW!
We did have two friends and family screenings of LD at The SoHo House in October. The response was better than I could have dreamt. You have all been so generous in your comments and feedback. I have slipped the DVD to a few other friends to see, but now it’s locked up and we just have to see where it goes.
Like any project that has consumed you for so long, I miss so many of the quotidian details of our life while we were making it. I miss the “guys”: sometimes we forget Gabe isn’t there with his camera and George with his lights and too often we wish they still were—even Taylor misses them which is really saying something. I miss heading up to Providence, Rhode Island every other week, where I edited at Tango Pix under the expert eyes of Curt Worden and Gloria Bailen. And the control freak in me misses being in charge. But, like letting go of a child when it is grown, it is time to let LUCKY DUCKS go and see how it manages to survive on its own in the big world.
Posted in Tracey Talks
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Best movie I’ve seen in 5 years!
November 13th, 2008 at 11:29 amA romcom this isn’t! By far one of the better documentaries you will see about the state of our children today.
November 13th, 2008 at 3:24 pmGreat flick. Every parent should see it.
November 13th, 2008 at 4:02 pmMiss you guys, too! I was very happy with the final film. Good luck, kisses, etc.!
November 13th, 2008 at 5:06 pmJamie Johnson’s BORN RICH meets SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE with a dash of Edith Wharton. Brava!
November 13th, 2008 at 5:10 pmAn incredibly enlightening film which in turn is a cautionary tale, a window into contemporary family life and an uplifting coming-of- age story. Should be seen by anyone who has children or are thinking of becoming parents.
November 13th, 2008 at 5:35 pmPowerful, unsettling, poignant, heartfelt. The range of emotions in this film is vast, as are the efforts that went into making it. Bravo; well done!
November 13th, 2008 at 5:36 pmGreat film. Tells it like it is. Important film for parents to see. I loved it’s honesty and directness. Also beautifully shot. Bravo!
November 13th, 2008 at 6:02 pmThis documentary really made me closely examine my relationship with my child in new ways. It is a “must see experience” for all – parent or not. This movie is brilliant, it has guts, it’s beautiful to watch, it’s relevant but most importantly, it’s honest ! Kudos to Taylor Templeton for allowing herself to be so closely examined and kudos to her mother for caring to take the time to examine for all to see and all to wake up… I loved this movie, the Paul Williams song is so poinant. Okay, I cried throughout the entire 90 plus minutes. Run, don’t walk to catch the experience !
November 13th, 2008 at 7:47 pmIt took great courage to make this film and that courage sustains the film throughout. Congratulations.
November 14th, 2008 at 1:40 pmI have known Tracey through lots of things and times.
November 14th, 2008 at 8:01 pmShe is brave to put this on film and VERY lucky to have such a great daughter, Taylor, open to all this film shows.
Tracey has great support from husband and younger daughter.
Oh, Tracey, when you visit me ….please leave your camera at home.
Big smile to you
A beautiful love letter to your daughter. All parents should be so tenacious and generous on behalf of their children.
November 17th, 2008 at 3:21 pmLook forward to your outfits at the awards shows!
An amazing film. Intimate, brave, honest. It made me so thankful that I’m not an adolescent girl growing up in Manhattan.
November 17th, 2008 at 5:26 pmA wistful and wise film. I enjoyed every moment.
Louis
November 19th, 2008 at 5:20 pmthis is a film made by someone who has no fear of letting it all hang out. Tracey it took real courage to make this film, and i know in the footage, theres tremendous humor in all of it as well. its such a cathartic explanation of parenthood and a great film for anyone with toddlers who askes, “does it get any easier?”
September 22nd, 2009 at 3:23 pmthis film is a wonderful answer. bravo tracey
when does the reality show begin?????
I can’t begin to tell you how moved we were by your film. We watched it last night, and it took us over 3 hours, as we had to keep pressing pause – and have multiple discussions about it (and then look at our own parenting).
February 17th, 2010 at 11:30 amThe courage it took to do this, and put it out there…wow.
I hope this will be in our Film Festival, here in Traverse City (with Michael Moore). Thank you for creating something that has occupied my mind for the last 18 hours – straight!
Best to you and your family.
Meghan
HI Tracey,
I saw you and your daughter in Good Morning America and was deeply moved by the trailer. I would like to watch the documentary. Where can I get the dvd? Thanks so much and More power!
April 5th, 2010 at 8:19 amI am interested in where I can view the video. I am a school social worker and it is amazing the different levels of entitlement and how much children have today.
April 6th, 2010 at 1:37 pmI am an Indian. I appreciate your love for India, but I don’t find this documentary cool. I don’t think that it is cool to use some poor part of India to treat some bratty kids – and make it into a documentary. The Slumdog effect is being carried too far. I am not denying that India has poor people, but to use them in this way is very condescending. Western society has to stop doing this. This is where I love China – sure they have “in your face” poverty too, but nobody can say a word about that. India being a democratic and a tolerant society is a sitting duck ready to be raped by condescending rich westerners for their own selfish reasons. I don’t know how the Indian govt. even allows such pathetic ideas! I am very angry! I appreciate what you wanted to do with the spoiled kids and even your help to the poor, but IT IS NOT COOL TO STRIP INDIA NAKED EVERY TIME WESTERNERS WANT TO REMIND THEMSELVES OF THEIR MATERIAL EXCESS!
April 6th, 2010 at 8:09 pmHello Tracey,
July 21st, 2010 at 6:55 pmTrust you are doing well.Please tell me how and from where I can obtain this DVD ?? I must watch this documentry cause my daughter Shreena has worked with you in Mumbai.Wish you all the Best and Success.Many thanks!Regards….