Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

While hiking secluded trails in eastern California in October 2005, Laone Collins visited the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest outside Bishop, CA. What she found there was astonishing. Nestled in the Great Basin between the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada is a little mountain range made of Dolomite called White Mountain.

Living on that mountain are trees proven to be almost 5000 years old, some of which date back past the building of the pyramids, to the time of Noah and the Great Flood. Pieces of deadwood in the forest date back to almost 10,000 years ago.

Bristlecone Pines are found in 6 western states: California, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico. The White Mountain Ancient Bristlecones grow along the Great Basin between California and Colorado.

Living at 12,000+ feet, the dry air prevents rotting of the wood, allowing deadwood to survive thousands of years without decay. The Bristlecones have dense resinous wood that inhibits parasitic attack.

The White Mountains are made of Dolomite, a white, highly reflective alkaline material that arrests the growth of most plants, allowing for large areas of vacancy between the trees hindering firespread from lightning strikes.

The altitude and location of the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest provides a brutal yet unique ecosystem that, ironically inhospitable to most lifeforms, has aided in the longevity of the Ancients.

Combining hurricane force winds, dry air, low temperatures, little moisture and alkaline soil, the trees often tie themselves up in knots to survive growing very little in the 45 day growth period.

Laone left the Ancient Bristlecone Pine forest in awe, and also with many unanswered questions. She decided to make a documentary chronicling her quest for answers.

Laone gathered a team of experienced camera operators with the most technically modern and versatile cameras available. With a small crew of only six people (3 camera operators, 1 producer and 2 grips enlisted from Brooks Institute of Photography in Ventura, CA), and doing most of the research herself, Laone is working her way towards the filming of the documentary in June 2007.

Laone, with her crew, is making a stunning cinematic documentary worthy of the Ancients, intended to showcase these magnificent trees. Using beautifully unique high definition footage, historical backgrounds, perspective timelines, brief lessons in tree biology, the study of dendrochronology, CGI imagery and more, the film will show the reasons why these trees are truly superlative.

Once the documentary is complete, it will be submitted to Sundance and other Film Festivals to raise awareness of the film and be signed for distribution. After the film festival circuit, the documentary will be offered to cable educational television. Ultimately the documentary will be distributed on DVD and will be made available for purchase at California State Park Gift Shops and other retail centers.

This awesome documentary is planned and ready to go, but we need your help. Funding is contribution based and if the financial goal isn't reached, the project cannot continue on schedule. We sincerely appreciate your generous gift.

Contact Laone at
Bristleconedoc@yahoo.com.

Please consider making a contribution today.

The Bristlecone Project

Below is the letter sent to request donations.

Hello, my name is Laone Collins. I am a documentary filmmaker specializing in environmental films. While hiking Eastern California in October 2005 I encountered, nestled between the Rockies and Sierra Nevadas on a little ridge called the White Mountains, the oldest living things on the planet. The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest has living trees that date back to the Great Flood of Noah. Few know about the Bristlecones, which are in fact much older than the popular Sequoias, and can teach us far more. The Bristlecones allow scientists to map time by retracing the millennia of their existence using dendrochronology, the recording of history using tree rings. The almost alien form of the Bristlecone, totally different from that of a "normal tree" only reinforces their distinction. They often grow close to the ground and twist themselves into corkscrews and knots in an effort to survive the brutal elements. Not only are their age and shape unique, but so are the circumstances surrounding their longevity. The soil, climate, rainfall, and winds all work together to preserve the long lifespan.

Walking amongst these ancient beings I was touched so deeply by this rare experience that I wanted to make a film worthy of the Ancients to record their presence and heighten environmental awareness. I have assembled a small but dedicated team armed with the newest high definition equipment for this project, and we are all personally invested. It is our intention to make a film that is visually stunning, exciting and intellectually fascinating while featuring state of the art animation and opticals. Interviews with experts and scientists will supplement the extraordinary visuals. Principal photography begins spring 2007.

This is where I need your help. In order to make this project exceptional, I am asking for donations. Any amount you can donate is welcome. Contributors will receive "special thanks" in the documentary, with the largest donors listed most prominently. A donation of $10,000 or more will result in your name being displayed in the opening credits as well as the special thanks. Donors of $1,000 or more will be given exclusive access to a password protected weblog showcasing the production process.

Contribution is easy. Simply include a check or money order in the enclosed pre-addressed envelope. The photograph, taken on my hike in October 2005, is yours to keep. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask. To learn more about The Bristlecone Project and about the amazing Bristlecones themselves, please visit our website at: www.BristleconeProject.com.

I hope you will seriously consider becoming a part of this exciting project which will explore a part of our natural history totally unknown to most. In an age where environmental concerns are becoming more and more prominent, it is important for the American people to know and preserve as much of their natural heritage as possible. I welcome your participation in this venture and greatly appreciate any support you could offer.

Laone Collins

Biographies

The Bristlecone Project Crew

Laone Collins

Laone was born in Kentucky in the summer of 1970 and grew up all over the USA. She has travelled or lived in nearly every continental US state. She is of Native American and Irish ancestry.

Laone works primarily on environmental/nature and historical documentary films where she is the Director and Cinematographer. She holds the positions of Producer, Writer, Director and Cinematographer on The Bristlecone Project.

Her next nature projects are focused on Mono Lake and Devil's Postpile. Laone is currently researching and entering the first stages of pre-production for a fact based documentary about the first women pioneers and their journey westward in the 1800s, based solely on diaries, records and family history. She is also in collaboration with several Pioneer associations making a film documenting the emigration re-enactment next summer for the History Channel.

Laone works on multiple projects as Director of Photography and has worked as First and Second AC, Script Supervisor, EPK, Producer and Production Coordinator on numerous music videos and short films. As an editor, she is fluent in Final Cut Pro, Live Type, iDVD, and DVD Studio Pro. Laone works both with PC and Mac systems.

The primary camera Laone uses is the Panasonic HVX200 which is the camera most commonly used by the History channel because of its functionality. It is a complicated camera to master but its uses are virtually unlimited. Laone also works with the Sony FX1, Sony VX-2000 and Sony VX-2100. In the past, she has worked with Bolex 16mm.

Laone formed her production company IDidItMyWay Productions in January 2006 and is an equal partner in 2Girls&aCamera Productions.

PRODUCTION CREW

Lesley Foster

My name is Lesley Foster and I grew up in New England. My interests are cinematography and directing. I've always felt connected to Mama Earth ever since I was a kid playing down by the brook at the end of my street. When Laone first told me of her idea, it sounded like a wonderful opportunity to help out on a very important project. The process so far has been a challenge and is sure to prove valuable not just to all of the crew, but to everyone who sees the finished product.

CAMERA CREW

William Novy

My name is William Novy. I've been in the industry for three + years now. I have shot 16mm, HD, mini DV and 8mm. I own a HVX200 (HD) camera package. I live in the L.A. area and strive to become a Director of Photography. I have worked on music videos, shorts, and corporate videos. I do a lot of extreme sports and have traveled to Mammoth numerous times throughout my life. I am excited to be working on this project because it promotes preservation of the trees and helps put awareness out to others. I am a "mountain person" myself and to make sure that these trees stay where they are is the least I can do.

Christen Robinson

My name is Christen Robinson. I was born in Washington DC and am from the East Coast. Currently I am living in California as a feature filmmaker. Right now I am working on my first DVD documentary that documents the life of the rising rap artist Eastwood from Los Angeles. Previously I've worked on and participated in a number of student and professional films, commercials and music videos. I am working with a Sony FX 1 camera and am looking to invest in a set of Lowell camera lights. My primary objective is to develop my skills as a feature Director first, cinematographer second and editor third. I am familiar with the Panasonic HVX 200, Sony VX 2000 and 2100 cameras, Final Cut Pro editing system, Mac and Windows pc systems, Story Board Artists Production suite, IDVD, DVD studio pro 4, Toast lite, Live Type and Compressor software systems.

ADDITIONAL CREW

Michael Collins

My name is Michael Collins. I champion the Bristlecone project through financial, engineering and volunteer management support. My involvement began with a seed planted when visiting this wondrous area during a vacation in October ’05. My background is in the area of business engineering management where I oversee multi-million dollar contractual compliance. I have been a senior systems engineer for the past five years and now look forward to adding a unique managerial expertise support to this project. I have served in a variety of technical management, leadership and staff positions within the military and commercial environments. My experiences around the world from systems and resource security to advanced space assets helps me remember this is the most beautiful planet and the Bristlecone National Forest is one of the most incredible places on earth.

Frequently Asked Questions & Trivia

Q: How do you pronounce "Laone"?

A: Laone's name is pronounced Lay-own-nay.

Q: Why are the envelopes handwritten?

A: In an effort to save money, no outside sources were used for our mailout. Being a very personal project, we want the mailers to have a personal touch, so we hand addressed each envelope. All labels, stationary, and donation envelopes were produced in-house by Laone. The ongoing mailing task is shared by Lesley the Project Manager/Associate Producer.

Q: How can I make a donation?

A: Making a donation is simple. If you received a letter via US Mail, simply make out a check/money order to Laone Collins The Bristlecone Project and slip it in the mail in the enclosed envelope. If you didn't receive a letter, you can send a donation to:
The Bristlecone Project PO Box 23423 Ventura, CA 93002.
Either way, please be sure to include your name as you would like it to appear in the credits.

Q: Where is the Paypal link?

A: Due to costs and fees associated with online money transfer accounts, Laone decided to keep it simple and take checks and money orders. It also keeps it more personal.

Q: Do you recycle?

A: YES! The Bristlecone Project and Laone's company IDidItMyWay Productions use post consumer recycled paper products when available. And the crew emails and communicates electronically to reduce the amount of paper products consumed.

Q: What is the password protected weblog?

A: For donations over $1000, you will be granted special access to a production weblog chronicling the step by step journey to the making of this film. This weblog will be updated weekly. Once the donation is made, the password will be sent to you. The weblog is projected to begin in February 2007 and serve as a countdown to the shooting dates.

Q: Who is on the team?

A: Several of the crew are graduates and students at Brooks Institute of Photography. Each member is educated and trained on the most advanced portable equipment available in the industry today. See the BIO page for more information on each crew member.

Q: What is 2Girls&aCamera Productions?

A: Laone and a fellow crew member, Christen, have a production company called 2Girls&aCamera Productions.

Trivia

Laone is a vegetarian and an animal lover. She keeps 3 parrots, 1 dog and 1 cat.

Laone obsesses over the use of paper. She uses the backs of junkmail envelopes as notepads rather than purchasing pads. She uses the backs of old scripts and shotlists to print copies.

Laone volunteered with the Red Cross for Hurricane Katrina Relief and spent two weeks deployed to Louisiana where she worked on a Disaster Assessment Team.

Laone has begun her pilot's license but has put completion off until she finishes her 3 "dream" projects: 1. The Bristlecone Project, 2. Women Pioneers of the 1800s, 3. a series highlighting areas across the United States that many people have never heard of or seen.

Laone's next vehicle will be a hybrid SUV.

Laone lives by her own rules.

Contact Information

The Bristlecone Project

Laone Collins

(310) 734-6230

PO Box 23423 Ventura, CA 93002

Bristleconedoc@yahoo.com