Coldwater the Movie

[anon]

[ This Message was edited by: Anon on 2003-11-16 09:10 ]

[Carey]

Anon I wanted to address this:

"What's this stuff about attacking the Dundee's directors wife. If she had been a prostitute, then who better to support those girls that had sexual issues when they were admitted?"

When I first started trying to get information from Dundee I wanted information about the people who worked with my kids.  Dundee would not furnish me with that information.  Why?  I beleive it was because of the kinds of people they employed.  People just like Flori. People with shady a past.   You may think she is ok. You may not mind her having "total" influence and control over your child but when it comes to my child, I do mind.  The setting of Dundee and the characters who were in control were way to scary for me.  So I guess my attacking her as you see it, is my way of telling others these are the kind of people who are responsible for your children.

[Deborah]

This may address why the movie is classified Fiction. It appears the movie was in progress when Ryan became involved. It's not and never was intended to be specifically about "Ryan" and his experiences. He is a consultant.
I wish it were a documentary, but hey, its better than a sharp stick in the eye. A picture is worth a THOUSAND words. People are surprised and shocked when they learn what's happening in the industry. "Seeing" what happens has a much stronger impact.
Many true stories are classified fiction. Very frustrating but I think this has to do partly with legal considerations.
Deborah

http://www.coldwaterthemovie.com/ryan/index.html

When Ryan discovered that a feature film was in development which dealt with the very subject matter that he had lived first hand, he was determined to become involved and help reveal the story of what really goes on behind the barbed wire. The producers of the fictional drama COLDWATER were thrilled to meet with Ryan, have been touched by his story and look forward to his involvement with the film, both behind-the-scenes as a consultant and have offered him a cameo role in the film itself. A documentary telling Ryan's story and that of other victims has already begun production and will be released as a special feature supplement on the COLDWATER Home Video / DVD release.

A message from the Filmaker at NoSpank
http://www.nospank.net/coldwtr.htm

COLDWATER: "Sometimes the Punishment Doesn't Fit the Crime."
Seventeen-year-old BRAD LUNDERS is sentenced to the remote juvenile detention camp COLDWATER RANCH where REHABILITATION consists of PHYSICAL and MENTAL torture.

Greetings,

My name is Sean Michael Beyer and I am filmmaker living in Los Angeles. I want to tell you about my next film which is set at a juvenile detention ranch. The film is titled COLDWATER and tells the harrowing story of a troubled teenage boy that is sent away to a "juvie" ranch for rehabilitation, only to experience first hand the torturous treatment and horrible conditions that exist in many of these facilities.

While our story is fictional, it is based on real events. Our aim is to reveal the truth about these awful camps and to create a film that will also be a memorial to the many kids that have needlessly died in them. We want our movie to be both compelling and authentic. And, as Steven Spielberg did with SCHINDLER'S LIST and SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, we will do our utmost to honor the dignity of the lost children and the pain of those who love and miss them.

COLDWATER will not be some watered-down "Hollywood" treatment. What unfolds is very realistic and, hopefully, somewhat disturbing. Yes, the movie is entertainment as are all dramas, but revealing the truth is clearly on our mind. Personally, I hope it will show parents and local governments what really goes on in some of these places.

We are producing this movie with a very modest budget and are very close to having the funds needed for production. Happily, those that have expressed interest truly appreciate a compelling story and agree that the tragic subject matter needs to be exposed. I am very excited by the overwhelmingly positive responses we are receiving. Several name actors have expressed interest. The momentum is building.

We would like to reach out to parents and family members of the children who have died in the name of "rehabilitation" and ask permission to list their loved-one's name and age. This brief dedication would appear at the end of the film just before cast and crew credits scroll. Be assured, we will absolutely honor the confidentiality of any and all respondents.

To learn a little more about COLDWATER, please visit our website http://www.coldwaterthemovie.com. Also, feel free to contact us with any questions you might have. Email us at http://www.coldwaterthemovie.com
http://www.eyescreamfilms.com
******************************
And,
Loosely based on real-life events, COLDWATER takes you on a journey of emotions that will make you laugh, make you cry... And sure as hell make you think.

TOUGH LOVE? The Tragic Inspiration for Coldwater.

What REALLY goes on behind the barbed wire.
Real life juvenile detention center surviror, 16-year-old Ryan Fraidenburg will act as a consultant to the production.


The Boot Camp Boondoggle:
Torturing teenagers for fun and profit
This website is dedicated to documenting the horrific treatment of juveniles, a memoriam to those that have died, and the actions being taken to bring a stop to these places.

[Anonymous]

According to this information, Ryan is the lead plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit.  A lawsuit that as it turns out, has yet to be filed in spite of all the promotional hype. Sure makes one wonder what's really going on behind the scenes and who the key players are in this fiasco.

Movie Synopis:

Now, 16, Ryan lives with his mother in Sacramento, California, works part-time as a mobile disc jockey, and is doing well in school. More importantly, Ryan has become an advocate for teens who have been subjected to the same horrific treatment he experienced -- informing parents of the conditions in these camps and schools. He is the lead plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit against the Utah-based organization that runs the school he attended and many others across the United States and internationally.

[Carey]

I believe the press was brought in to help to sell this movie.

First they decided to make a movie.  
Then they picked the characters and the location.  
Then they bring as much attention to the players and to the topic as they can.

I do not believe for one minute that everything happened just as they would like for everyone to believe it happened.  There is way more to this story than mere coincedence.  Why do you think that there are anon's out there who are so angry with me for bringing this thought out in the open.  I have even been threatened by some who I beleive are involved.

You talk about sensationlism, this is it!  Is it about facts or is it about fiction?  What, if you can't make a case with facts then you make it with fiction?  No wonder it is so hard to get others to believe.

[ This Message was edited by: Carey on 2003-07-22 19:38 ]

[METALGOD8]

Carey, I would like to state my opinion about this fiction/real life thing. In order to have a movie that is not fiction, I believe ALL footage would have to take place inside one or more of these programs or camps. I think that any other form of filming would be considered fiction legally speaking. This film is based on a true story and actual events. I doubt if most people are too worried about fiction/non-fiction. When they hear about the movie, they will be interested in watching it. They will also be in shock when they leave the theater.


MG8 :smokin:

[Carey]

I, in some ways understand what you are trying to say and I respect your opinion.  But so you will know, it is more than just the fact that the story is being told as though it were fiction.  It is much, much more than that.  

Don't you wonder how the press was turned on to this topic.  Mere coincidence.  I don't think so.  I think that this movie was already in the works and the media was used to help to sell it.  

These are my thoughts and opinions and I have reasons for believing this is what happened.  Could I be wrong, maybe, but I don't think I am.

[spots]

I have had limited contact with Ryan, thanking him for appearing in the NYTimes article.  His personal response to me was surprisingly kind, adult, and grateful for my thanks.  His spelling was atrocious, but, whatever.  He is also quite religious...obviously comes from a religious family, which may have contributed to their exasperation with his "16-year-old-ism" (just a guess).  If his personal experience can enhance a movie made for entertainment, I feel it cannot hurt the cause.  To so many people who inquire about my grandaughter at Casa by the Sea, I usually say, "You know, the one in People magazine", since that is more effective to the majority of folks than "You know, the one on the front page of the New York Times".  The Times and other intellectual avenues have their powerful place; the mass media such as People and a movie can also enlighten.  

If it is fiction, so what?  In this case, the truth is so much stranger than fiction that I find it hard to convince people of what I know is really happening.  "Nahhh...that can't be".  But see it as a movie, and lots of "less-intense" folks will remember and bad-mouth the situation.  Can that be bad?

As for the class-action law suit, I don't believe Ryan is the principal (I know several others who are).  The delay has been navigating the Mafia-like webs of ownership and responsibility of WWASP.  The suit will file...trust me.  

As for supporting WWASP and Flori Alvarado, this is such a stupid line of reasoning from our local WWASP pundit that I don't bother responding.  Flori is evil, diamond ring or not.  Why bother defending a minor player who is currently indictable in the country of her origin for cruelty, abuse, and torture?  What does this supporter have to gain?

[Antigen]

On 2003-07-22 20:08:00, Carey wrote:

"
Don't you wonder how the press was turned on to this topic.  Mere coincidence.  I don't think so.  I think that this movie was already in the works and the media was used to help to sell it."  

Carey, it's my understanding that this is a teeny, tiny, independent filmmaker. I don't know that they have the kind of sway you're talking about here.

The media have been sniffing around the edges on this for a very long time. Rocky Mountain News has been on it for ages. Every year for the past 30 or so, these places crank out a few thousand more people who get it. Every year, there are more stories here and there. This went stellar, I think, because the NYT covered it prominently. If the movie producers were able to pique the interest of the NYT editors or just one journalist, I don't see a problem with that.

When an innocent Californian millionaire gets killed by a drug squad
trying to seize his house with a bogus search warrant, people better ask themselves if they really want to turn their cops into money-makers.
--Vancouver Police Const. Gil Puder

[Anonymous]

Spots - I'm not defending anyone, just looking at what's here and in the newspaper,etc. and stating my view.  I am an optimist, so that's where I come from.  I cannot overlook the fact that there are thousands of families that have been helped by what WWASP offers.  The few that haven't been helped also have my attention.  I see allegations of abuse, however, it comes from ex-students who didn't graduate.  I never hear these stories from graduates.  That means a lot to me personally. Your grandaughter's parents are not concerned and unless you raised an idiot, they have her best interests at heart. No child ever died in one of their schools from abuse, that also means a lot to me.  

Carey - everyone has a different view on who they are entrusting their kids to.  My personal view is that someone who has made poor life choices and then changes has a lot to offer.  I know many  former drug addicts (if that's the correct term) who are now helping kids in my community.  I know that's a good thing. If you are truly wanting to help from your own inside experience, great.  If it's heresay from your kids, I'm withholding my judgment as I don't know them.

I've read the stories in the NY Times, People and other articles and would like to hear more from those that were helped - which is the majority of families.  

I see all the views on the subject of boarding schools, not just WWASP, but they are the most visible and the most successful, so they are the easiest target.

I acknowledge all the views here. Everyone is entitled to make a movie - and I do agree with Carey about the intentions.  
 
As for Dundee Ranch.  The jury is still out and I'm not a judge.

[Anonymous]

Seems to me carey has a little to much time on her hands and is the only one posting comments that dont make sense. Ryan is doing good and us victims support him 100%. Ryan is a strong kid and his story is very creditable. Ryan is making a huge difference and the movie coldwater is something we have all been waiting for. Carey so what if he gets the spotlight, hes who deserves it and hes the one making the differnece!

Knowbody cares that your jelous and you realy are making a fool out of yourself by not supporting him and the rest of the victims.

Carey, you have made close to 100 posts now, get a life.

Your making a clown out of yourself on your own message board, know wondor Ryan is the leader and someone obvious is the follower.

Think about it, your negative comments arent helping save teens. The victims are exposing the truth while knowbody understands you.

Look at how much Ryan has done and look at what you have done, get real with yourself and realize Coldwater is a movie these teens need.

Theres thousands of victims out there, and your not even one of them. You have never experienced what these teens have and yet you dis-credit them?

As if its the kids fault he was abused?

You would have to support abuse if you didn't support Coldwater....

[Anonymous]

Seems to me carey has a little to much time on her hands and is the only one posting comments that dont make sense. Ryan is doing good and us victims support him 100%. Ryan is a strong kid and his story is very creditable. Ryan is making a huge difference and the movie coldwater is something we have all been waiting for. Carey so what if he gets the spotlight, hes who deserves it and hes the one making the differnece!

Knowbody cares that your jelous and you realy are making a fool out of yourself by not supporting him and the rest of the victims.

Carey, you have made close to 100 posts now, get a life.

Your making a clown out of yourself on your own message board, know wondor Ryan is the leader and someone obvious is the follower.

Think about it, your negative comments arent helping save teens. The victims are exposing the truth while knowbody understands you.

Look at how much Ryan has done and look at what you have done, get real with yourself and realize Coldwater is a movie these teens need.

Theres thousands of victims out there, and your not even one of them. You have never experienced what these teens have and yet you dis-credit them?

As if its the kids fault he was abused?

You would have to support abuse if you didn't support Coldwater

[Anonymous]

To the WWASP person who wonders why no graduates ever think was is abusive:

1)  Some do.  Look at the testimony in the Gini Farmer case.  At least one of the kids was a graduate.  There are also posts on this board which are negative from graduates.

2)  You *cannot* graduate until you say WWASP was good for you and you deserved it.  Kids aren't stupid-- they want to get out and will do what they have to do to get out.  Once they get out, they want to stay out.  So, why would it be surprising that they say what they are supposed to say if they have been terrorized and fear going back?

[Carey]

Wow, seems I have touched a nerve with Anon.  He/she is attacking me personally.  Why?  Because I have expressed a genuine concern about a FICTIONAL move and how it will be percieved.

I have never attacked Ryan personally.  I have only brought to the attention of others how I see that he, the movie and the media have come together at the time that they did. Personnally , I have lost faith in Ryan...but then I saw who he had been associated with in the past.

All I have done is to express my opinion.

Hey, my life is writing, your's anon must be reading.  I guess I am someone who takes action while you are someone who sits on the wayside and merely complains about the actions that others take.

[Anonymous]

Yeeesh!  Find a new hot topic already. This fight is war.  Like any other war,  you should all be guided by the maxim : "My enemy's enemy is my friend"  So lets recognize that by rights,  we are all friends.

Of course no one can make a "fact"  based movie without an infinite amount legal releases and waivers allowing rights to use names, likenesses, accounts and depictions, etc.  If someone is going to look bad -- factual though it may be-- you won't get a signed release, period.  Without the legal releases,  you can't marshall the capital to get the picture made; and if it is made,  you can't get the distributors and operators to actually promote it and show it, for risk of litigation.  

If a tree falls in the forest and no person is there to hear it,  then the only  remaining avenue to publicize the cause will be postings (like this one)  on obscure internet bulletin boards.  (Lets face it, reading about "trees falling in the forest"  doesn't carry a fraction of the emotional impact of actually seeing, hearing and experiencing it)

Obviously,  even a "fictionalized"  account THAT ACTUALLY GETS SEEN will do more to raise mass consciousness of this issue than working in the background.  The key to shutting down the behavior mod schools is to increase the level of public approbation -- if sending one's kid to such a place becomes seen as "child abuse by proxy" perhaps the supply of gullible parents will be curtailed.  Choke off the supply of inmates and you choke off the supply  of cash.