|
|
International Audiences to See Local Story
Cameraman Denis Abramsen (left) with writer/director Bill Stewart get ready to shoot part of the feature documentary story called “Pete” at the Western Ridge School at the Provost museum. The pair also shot footage at the rural St. Norbert’s Church and Rosenheim School where a snowball fight was recreated on Saturday using local people. Other footage was shot at the Sortland residence southwest of here. The true Canadian story is now being edited with music, sound and with so many different film formats it’s all “very complex stuff” says Stewart. He adds that his goal is to have the world premier shown in town with former resident Pete Friesen brought back from the U.S.A. for the showing. ©Provost News Photo. Inset photo (bottom right) is of Pete Friesen.
|
|
Writer, Cameraman in Town Finishing Story
Despite Beatings, Boy Developed Character Here,
Went on to Win Prestigious Awards, Set Records
A man who is now in his 80s but grew up on a farm south east of Provost overcame an unusual childhood, bullying and a Grade 8 education to become a world renowned name in the building moving industry.
The man with a fascinating history is Pete Friesen who after coming from Russia lived here from age 1 to age 12.
His story of growing up in the Rosenheim district is being told by North Vancouver writer, producer and director Bill Stewart who was in town recently with Denis Abramsen of Tripod Film and Video Productions who is director of photography and associate producer in pictures and supervisor, post-production for this television picture.
Stewart, who operates Red and Yellow, Black and White Productions Inc. told The Provost News that he is nearly done his show that will be offered for sale to audiences through the Discovery channel, CBS, CTV, CBC and so on. Counting commercials the life story will be about two hours long.
Friesen, who at 84 now lives in Linden, Washington, was born in the Ukraine in 1922 and was part of a Mennonite colony.
He faced adversity growing up in the area and, says Stewart became the “number one structural mover in the world.” He also set four Guinness World Records for moving buildings of various weights and methods and in 1955 at New Westminster, B.C., invented a hydraulic jacking system (under a Canadian patent) that is used by virtually every mover in the world today.
Rest of story in March 29 edition of The Provost News.
Want to Subscribe to The Provost News? Click here.
|
