In-demand documentary: Example of a news release

NOTE: This news release generated a response in less than an hour. The documentary, howevery, took two years to complete. We did pre-interviews with over a dozen people and narrowed it nine for filmed interviews. We had to cut four interviews for length, and plan to create a second film utilizing the interviews from the original piece. All interviewees were from families where numerous drugs - including Meth - were used, sold or manufactured. It was an interesting yet heartbreaking project. I hope you'll take the time to view the first documentary on line. Sue



FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Susan Reetz, Writer/Producer
715-355-9159 (office)
715-212-6239 (mobile)
Reetz@RucinskiReetz.com


LOCALLY PRODUCED DOCUMENTARY IN DEMAND AROUND THE COUNTRY

Living in Shadows, a documentary about growing up with addicted parents



Living in Shadows - a documentary about drug endangered children who live or have lived in homes where drugs were used, sold, or manufactured - is in high demand across the U.S. The film was produced by Rucinski & Reetz Communication (Mosinee) and funded by Ministry Healthcare, the U.S. Attorney’s Office – Western District of Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Alliance for Drug Endangered Children. Since its release in September of 2008, more than 2000 DVD copies have been given away, and it is a frequent download on the Wisconsin Alliance for Drug Endangered Children website. Living in Shadows has also recently been listed on the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCIRS) resource page.


The documentary incorporates the reflections of individuals ranging from 11 years old to mid-thirties. Some talk about witnessing or being subjected to violence. Others talk about emotional and physical neglect, and sexual abuse. One man talked about growing up in a home where both parents used and dealt drugs. He began using pot himself at age 9, and by age 12 had advanced to Meth. He himself became a parent whose children suffered because of his addiction. A Native American woman talks about helping raise over a dozen nieces, nephews, and grandchildren because the drug addicted parents were unable to care for the children properly. A parent talks about numerous treatment attempts, and the struggle to regain her family.

The documentary is used in trainings for law enforcement, social service providers, medical professionals, attorneys, law makers, and others. It’s also used to raise awareness among the general public of the need to help drug endangered children. The video can be viewed free of charge by going to http://www.wisconsindec.org/, clicking on the resources button, and selecting Living in Shadows. DVD copies are also available free of charge by calling 1-888-415-9821.

Why is this important? Because kids who grow up in homes where drugs are used, sold, or manufactured not only face physical, psychological, and social trauma, but are also more likely to grow up to repeat their parents’ behavior. The best way for professionals and other community members to help interrupt the generational pattern of drug abuse is to understand the signs of adult addiction and recognize when children are at risk because of a caregiver’s drug activity. An educated population is better prepared to effectively intervene, thus reducing crime rates and individual suffering.
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