Shooting the documentary of "Pete"

Peter D. Friesen is the world's foremost structural mover. In 1954 Pete invented and patented a unified hydraulic jacking system. Pete has moved the world's biggest buildings using the jacking system. Eminent engineers were proven wrong when Pete moved Lighthouses that "couldn't be moved". Pete proved he is capable of moving anything ... anywhere. Even moving and lifting a building over the Chicago (EL) elevated train line, 27 feet above the ground.

This documentary will follow Pete from his early life in the Ukraine and his immigration to Canada in 1923. The production will document many of the 5000 structures Pete has moved in his 55 year Career. Along with archival footage, Dominik Dlouhy, playing the role of Pete at 10 years old will narrate the documentary. With the use of digital chromakey effects, Pete as a boy will be inserted into the archive footage as he narrates his own life and the remarkable achievements in building moving. Pete's colourful story is the foundation for the screenplay Bill Stewart has written. Pete's many challenges during his life include religious persecution, jealousy and the drug related deaths of his children. Pete and his wife Edith have been married since 1947. His honors include a Hall of Fame award by the International Association Of Structural Movers, " To Pete Friesen who has spent a lifetime doing the impossible and helping others to do likewise".

Producer Bill Stewart has enlisted people from the BC Interior to help him realize his vision for the Pete documentary. As well, Bill is the owner, writer and promoter for The Ring, major theatrical film property bonded at $88,000,000 U.S. production. He is the successful negotiator of historic U.S./China co-production of The Ring: " first U.S. filmmaker to co produce with the Chinese on a movie that doesn't deal with a Chinese subject. " (Variety, 17 June 1985). Production suspended because of Tiananmen Square political fallout. Contract still valid; will be reactivated.

Director of Photography, Denis Abramsen, is using his studio space to setup a large chromakey environment for Bill to direct Dominik Dlouhy as the young Pete. Denis is the owner of Tripod Productions and the Interior Film & Television Training Centre in Kamloops, BC. Students will assist the setup and recording of Pete while utilizing a Panasonic Varicam System. Dominik is 10 years old and lives in Vernon BC. He enjoys Horseback Riding, Swimming and Cycling like any boy would. He is learning the guitar and is a drama student at the Vernon School of Speech and Drama. Dominik received Distinction for his Drama exam at Trinity/Guild Hall in London.

Antony Stamboulieh is coaching Dominik in acting and performance. Tony is a professional stage and film actor, trained in London UK, is a member of the British Actors' Equity. Tony is the founder of the Vernon School of Speech & Drama. He is presently involved with an UK Film company as executive producer for co-productions and a British TV company for Documentary production.

Damon Stamboulieh is a recent film school graduate and has been working intensely with Dominik Dlouhy preparing him for his first on camera debut.