"The Price of Silence: The Forgotten Story of New Jersey's Enslaved People -Making the Documentary"

The Journey of Creating "The Price of Silence"

Introduction to the Documentary

• The speaker expresses gratitude for the audience's presence and introduces the topic: the success story behind producing the documentary.

• The title "The Price of Silence" was inspired during a drive, emphasizing its thought-provoking nature and potential impact on viewers.

Inspiration Behind the Documentary

• A personal anecdote about how inspiration can strike unexpectedly, referencing a documentary about "The Wizard of Oz."

• The book If These Stones Could Talk served as a significant source of inspiration, revealing slavery's existence in New Jersey—a fact unknown to many, including the speaker.

Development Process

• After learning about slavery in New Jersey, the speaker felt compelled to share this story due to concerns over racial relations and public awareness.

• Initial discussions with NJTV led to a short news broadcast featuring authors Beverly Mills and Lane Buck, which sparked interest in creating a more extensive documentary.

Challenges Faced

• The speaker emphasized that three minutes of coverage was insufficient; there was a need for deeper exploration into historical issues.

• Concerns regarding racial relations prompted an urgent need for discussion around slavery as foundational context for current societal issues.

Formation of Production Team

• The general manager encouraged pursuing a full documentary despite initial funding challenges; this led to forming a 501(c)(3) organization in 2019.

• Key trustees were assembled: Jay Watson (environmental professional), Karen Clark (former president at Horizon Blue Cross), and Rick Gefkin (historian).

Director Selection and Fundraising Challenges

• Andrew Schmertz was chosen as director due to his enthusiasm for the project despite financial constraints; he provided ongoing support throughout production.

• COVID posed significant fundraising challenges by limiting opportunities for outreach and research access due to closed libraries and archives.

Impact of COVID-19 on Fundraising and Production

Fundraising Efforts

• The speaker discusses the significant impact of COVID-19 on their budget, emphasizing the challenges faced during production.

• They successfully raised approximately $15,000 through grassroots fundraising on social media and private donations from friends and relatives.

• An additional $20,000 was secured via an incubation grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, which facilitated hiring a professional cameraman.

Importance of Promotional Film

• The funding allowed for the creation of a high-quality promotional film that significantly boosted their fundraising efforts.

• The professionalism of the film instilled credibility in their project, attracting more support from potential donors.

• The promotional film is accessible on their website, enhancing visibility and engagement with their audience.

Storyline Development Process

Evolution of Storyline

• Developing a concise storyline was crucial for effective fundraising; potential supporters needed to understand the project's narrative.

• The storyline has been continuously evolving throughout production, reflecting an artistic process that improves over time.

Focus on Broader Themes

• While inspired by a book's story, they aimed to present a broader narrative about slavery in New Jersey rather than focusing solely on one account.

• Three foundational stories were selected to explore specific details about enslaved people's lives while engaging a wider audience.

Anchor Story: Friday Trueheart

Emotional Impact

• The anchor story centers around Friday Trueheart, who was taken from his mother at age 13 and enslaved until he was 34 years old. This emotional narrative aims to resonate deeply with viewers.

Historical Context

• Locations relevant to Trueheart's story are preserved, allowing for authentic storytelling set in historical contexts important to the narrative.

Connection to Revolutionary War

Key Figures and Events

• Oliver Hart, who brought Trueheart to Hopewell as his ministerial role during the Revolutionary War adds depth to the documentary’s context.

Collaboration with Current Leaders

• Connections made by Bev Mills with current church leaders in South Carolina enabled interviews that enriched the documentary's content.

The Journey of Enslaved Individuals in New Jersey

The Story of Prime

• Prime was an enslaved person from Princeton, New Jersey, owned by a surgeon and Princeton University graduate, Absalom Bainbridge. His life was marked by continual setbacks due to his enslavement.

• Despite being freed, Prime faced ongoing challenges stemming from his past as an enslaved individual. His story is characterized by trials and eventual successes.

• During the American Revolution, Prime escaped to Long Island after Bainbridge sent him there. He later returned to Princeton and fought for the revolution as a Teamster for two years.

• After being honorably discharged, Prime found employment in Trenton but was re-enslaved by the state of New Jersey due to Bainbridge's debts incurred during the war.

Historical Context and Locations

• The documentary features historical locations significant to Prime's story, including Bainbridge's home near Nassau Street in Princeton.

• Filming took place at this historic site with contributions from Isabella Morales of the Princeton and Slavery Project, which documents slavery's history in the area.

Legislative Impact

• Assemblywoman Siobhan Sumpter discussed the legislative process that eventually led to Prime’s freedom; he was one of only three formerly enslaved individuals freed through legislation in New Jersey.

• The filming location for Sumpter’s interview was chosen for its historical significance as it used to be the Supreme Court Chambers from 1910.

The Van Wickle Scheme

Kidnapping and Reselling Enslaved People

• Another foundational story involves Judge Judd Van Wickle who devised a scheme to kidnap both enslaved individuals and those who were formerly enslaved under false pretenses of employment opportunities.

• Van Wickle successfully kidnapped approximately 137 individuals, including children, transporting them to Louisiana where they were resold into harsher conditions than they experienced in New Jersey.

The Impact of Slavery on the African-American Community

Overview of the Documentary Project

• The documentary focuses on the Van Winkle slave ring and includes a significant project called The Lost Souls Memorial, aimed at honoring 137 victims of slavery in New Jersey.

• Tony Hendricks, president of the Lost Souls Memorial project, emphasizes the importance of bringing these stories to light through community engagement and education.

Lasting Effects of Slavery

• The narrative transitions from historical accounts to contemporary issues, highlighting how slavery's legacy continues to affect African-Americans today.

• A stark statistic is presented comparing median net wealth between white residents and black individuals, underscoring systemic disparities rooted in slavery.

Structure and Themes of the Documentary

• Part two of the film shifts focus from foundational stories to their lasting impact on modern African-American communities.

• The documentary aims to conclude on an uplifting note by showcasing contributions made by the black community in arts and culture despite historical challenges.

Recent Developments in Production

• A recent shoot featured an accomplished musician from New Jersey, adding a positive element to the documentary's conclusion.

• Audience engagement includes questions about connections with other films like "12 Years a Slave" and inquiries regarding when part two will be televised.

Funding Challenges and Opportunities

• The project recently received $20,000 from the Council for Humanities, aiding in completing part two alongside other funding sources.

• An anecdote illustrates how networking during a gubernatorial debate led to securing additional funding for the documentary after discussing its relevance with NJ PBS executives.

Documentary Production Insights

Overview of Documentary Structure and Funding

• The documentary is designed to fit into a 30-minute classroom segment, making it adaptable for educational use. The decision to split the story into two parts was challenging but necessary.

• A co-production agreement with NJPBS provided $100,000 in funding, including distribution rights for educational purposes, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement.

• Part one aired on June 22nd and included stories about key figures like Friday Trueheart and Sylvia Dubois, serving as transitions between segments.

Development of Part Two

• Part two will focus on the lasting effects of slavery on the African-American community. Interest in developing this second part grew during production of part one.

• Secured an additional $64,000 from PBS for part two along with a $20,000 grant from the Council for the Humanities. This funding allows for efficient production by utilizing footage shot during part one.

Production Challenges and Timeline

• The final shoot for part two was completed recently; logistical challenges included securing locations and ensuring crew safety protocols were followed.

• The rough cut is due by August 1st, with the final cut expected by August 8th. Both episodes are anticipated to air consecutively around mid to late August.

Historical Context Covered in Documentary

• The time frame covered in part one spans from the mid to late 18th century through significant events like the Revolutionary War and Civil War.

• Discussion includes details about the Gradual Abolition Act of 1804, which allowed enslaved individuals limited freedom based on age and gender—a process criticized as inadequate.

Artistic Contributions and Educational Connections

• Efforts were made to include contributions from New Jersey artists; however, finding musical artists proved challenging until discovering local talent willing to participate.

• There’s interest in connecting with college film students for potential collaborations related to the project. Contact information sharing is encouraged to expand networks within educational contexts.

Viewer Engagement and Anticipation

• Feedback indicates that splitting the documentary into two parts effectively builds viewer anticipation for more content while remaining suitable for classroom settings.

• The structure aims not only to inform but also engage viewers' curiosity about historical narratives presented throughout both parts of the documentary.

Discussion on Collaborative Efforts and New Media

Introduction to the Collaboration

• The speaker expresses gratitude for the positive feedback received regarding their work, highlighting the support from partners Ridgely, Beverly, and Elaine.

• Beverly and Elaine are recognized as co-founders of the Sankofa Collaborative, serving as inspirations for the speaker's project.

Importance of Support in Creative Work

• The speaker emphasizes the value of having a supportive network, mentioning how Beverly and Elaine provided assistance during challenging moments.

• Acknowledges ongoing learning in their creative journey and appreciates the opportunity to present their work publicly.

Promotion and Public Engagement

• The speaker discusses the significance of promoting completed projects to educate the public and initiate conversations around them.

• Expresses excitement about being part of a community that fosters dialogue and engagement with new media.