In this section, Derek Newman, the writer/director, will answer some of the questions and comments from the public. Of the over 600 reviews, many of the questions and comments are similar.

Most question the "pot" reference, film length, the pauses in between youth videos and wonder about the youth Areading" from a monitor or script. Below, the director answers those questions and more.

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Amy, 35 says: "I would take out the youth saying to smoke pot"

Director: We also struggled with this piece, but felt it was important to leave it in the video for several reasons. First, we didn't want to censor the youth's message. Every one of the youth in the video told their own, unscripted story. Second, we know there are youth who are using drugs who will be watching this video. We hope that all youth will not misuse drugs, but the reality is, some are. Following the philosophy of harm reduction, we want to reach these youth where they are in their addiction, and without judgment, provide the supports they need to reduce the potential harm to themselves and others. You may recall the youth in this video talking about how he doesn't do the hard drugs any more. This is a positive change in this young man's misuse of drugs. We also decided to leave this piece in the video because we felt it would generate a lively debate among the youth who view the video. There will be tips for instructors to accompany the video on our website, www.sacy.ca.

Andy, 48 says: "[I would add] where & how to get help"

Director: We wanted to keep the video about 30 minutes long so we can keep the interest of the audience and because we want to show the video in schools where periods are about 40 45 minutes along. We had always planned to include places to get help in the special features section of the DVD. Go there and you will get all the information you need or call us at the Action Centre.

Daniel, 19 says: "[I would add] more people saying their stories"

Director: See above answer. Making it an hour would lose an audience's interest. I do plan to push hard to make a sequel, one with adults, and one on another topic (top secret).

Dr. K. Jakelski, 54 says: "less scripting"

Director: Barely none of the documentary was scripted. The idea of the narrator's life arch may have been my idea but they are his words. We recorded for about an hour, me asking him questions, took the best parts, and re recorded. The last narrator sequence, in which he describes the struggle of being on drugs, was ALL his words. Besides the education sequence, which I wrote and story boarded, all the youth videos are their words and many of them made it up on the spot.

Nicholas, 11 says: "the best part of the video was the young man telling about his brain damage"

Director: Thank you very much for the nice comment Nicholas. That youth was very nervous about being on camera but put it all aside to try and help out. He did such a good job.

Kirsti, 26 says: "slow down the train shot"

Director: yeah, I agree that the train is a bit disorienting but I will try and defend myself. I was going for two things with the visuals of the narration: (1) a feel for a (busy) downtown area and I think trains, especially in downtown Sudbury, are accurate and (2) a disorienting feel like being on drugs. But I do agree that some people may not like it.

Anonymous, Female, 18 years old says: "the pauses (ie: the black screen w/ phrases) are good but a little too long."

Director: the length of the "Frasier-like" types was intentional for two reasons. First, the video might be showed to clients who have bad eye-sight and poor reading abilities. The second reason was to give the viewer a chance to absorb the previous youth video. For someone watching the video who has misused drugs or been around others who have misused drugs, they might have flashbacks from their past. The extra second gives the watcher a moment to reflect before the next video.

Anonymous Male, 19 years old says: "The intro credits are too long"

Director: You know, with projects like this, you need to make sure the people who helped make it happen get their acknowledgment. I also liked the music and visuals. Sets a tone for what is to come.

Anonymous Male, 20 years old says: "Putting in the bloopers was the stupidest thing you could do. Totally took away from the mood."

Director: In my experience, and many, many studies will tell you the same thing, recall works best with humor. We remember things better when we laugh. I put the bloopers in for that reason as well as to show that these youth are NOT reading and they are real people, making mistakes.

TR. 25 says "nothing, it's perfect"

Director: We had an overwhelmingly positive reaction and several comments like this and I would just like to say thanks to everyone who came to the premiere. I also agree with many of your comments about the youth in the video being courageous for sharing their lives and fighting their addictions. It is not perfect but we made something very positive with little resources, a hand held camera, a single microphone, last minute planning, a ton of delays, and the energy of a lot of youth and Peter Sinclair. Thank you very much.