Free Branching Out by Kerstin March Page B

we’ve already shot, and—I don’t know if it would even matter.”
    â€œYou can’t just go back to the original video and edit in new quotes?”
    â€œThe editor and I went over the B-roll thoroughly. I just don’t think it’s going to be there,” he said. “It’s fine, Shel. I’m sure we can figure something out. Let’s not worry about it now. As you said, right now we just need to focus on each other.”
    He set his hand over hers, but he was distracted; she wanted to help him find a solution.
    â€œI just can’t imagine that the film would lack an emotional connection. I mean, that’s what prompted this entire project. Your personal connection to the lake and the people whom you’ve met there. And talking to people comes so easily to you.”
    â€œIt’s my fault, really. I should have done a better job with the interviews in the front end. The truth is, I don’t think they really opened up to me. The people we spoke with didn’t open up in a way that is compelling enough. It’s missing that personal connection. That warmth,” he said, thinking back to the time he spent on the road visiting small towns along the Lake Superior shoreline. “I recognized it at the time, and I was naïve to think we could cover it up in the final edits. And now the board is seeing through that.”
    â€œI still think you’re being hard on yourself,” she said. “But I know you have to do what you think is right. So, what’s next?”
    â€œI think the only thing we can do is go back and redo some of the interviews.”
    â€œIs there time?”
    â€œMaybe, if we move quickly.”
    â€œWhen would you leave?”
    â€œAs soon as possible, I suppose. Early next week, if I can pull together the right people.”
    â€œSo much for adjusting to married life. . . .”
    â€œI know. This isn’t at all what I had planned,” he said. “It may take several weeks on the road. And then long hours editing in the studio.”
    â€œTake whatever time you need. You only get one shot at a debut—do whatever it takes to make it right.”
    When Ryan heard the ding on his phone’s in-box, he opened up his e-mail and read a new message from his friend Brad.

    From:   Brad Thorson
To:     Will Chambers
RE:    media
    Â 
    Will—
    I know you and Shelby are still traveling, and I don’t want to disturb you. But if you happen to check your messages, I wanted to give you a heads-up that there’s been a bit of news coverage building around your wedding. I know you anticipated that the news would get out eventually, and that it would be relatively light.
    Â 
    It’s not light.
    Â 
    There’s a bit of a shit storm brewing here. And your parents—especially your dad—are livid. It has something to do with Shelby’s mom and that guy she was with at the wedding. And since you guys have been out of the country, these damn reporters say no one is corroborating the stories coming out of Bayfield—and it’s sort of blown out of proportion.
    Â 
    So get ready to put out some fires when you get home. Or pray that something that’s actually “newsworthy” happens soon and pulls these guys off of your story.
    Â 
    â€”Brad

    â€œDo you have someone in mind to do the interviews?” Shelby asked, unaware of the second e-mail Ryan had just received. “You’d want someone who would come across easily to people—make them feel comfortable. Someone who would encourage them to open up, don’t you think?”
    â€œYes,” he replied, distracted by Brad’s warning.
    â€œWhat about that guy that I met in your office a while back, the one who worked on the Gateway Green project?”
    â€œJackson?”
    â€œRight. Jackson,” she said, nodding. “You told me that you loved his