- Short Quotes
- Letters From
Viewers (from organizers whose projects we featured)
- E-mail From Viewers
Short Quotes
"A terrific documentary! Just a terrific documentary! Absolutely fascinating!
-on "The Saskatchewan Will Never Die" by Ron Santora,
Program Director, PBS Buffalo, WNED.
"Your programs are very, very good! Very high
quality! Extremely well done!
-on viewing "Outdoor Adventure Canada", by Broadcast Executive, US
Outdoor Life Network.
"You people sure do fine work, very
fine work. In a tough field of 53 programs you were awarded two medals.
Congratulations!"
-on winning 4 medals, by J. Hunter Todd, Chairman, Houston Texas Worldfest
International Television Festival.
"We have of course, seen many, many programs on Quebec's Winter Carnival, but
yours is by far, the best we have ever seen. It was
wonderful and easy to see that it was made with great affection for Quebec
and its people. Merci!"
-on "The Magic of Winter" by TELE Quebec Educational TV Network,
Montreal PQ.
"An awesome educational film.
I wish more films were like it"
-on "Spring Fever" by Festival Juror, Missoula International Wild
Life Festival, Missoula, MT.
"Words can't describe my appreciation to Goldi Productions
Ltd. for the flawless work
in producing the "Highland Heavies" episode of "OUTDOOR
ADVENTURE CANADA."
-on "Highland Heavies" by Deb Dalziel, Fergus Scottish
Festival, Organizer.
"Thank you for finally producing a documentary on
Newfoundland that is worth watching. You guys did a tremendous job letting
the world know about Canada's best kept secret. I really enjoyed the camera work. Not very often will you find such fine quality programming on
TV."
-on "Whale of a Tail" by Terry Bath & Jocelyne Blake, BC
"It's the best program on Hot-Air ballooning
we've ever seen! It really captures the spirit!"
-on "Drifting Down The Wind" by K. Rosenthal, Fantasy Sky
Promotions Inc.
"The program did an outstanding job of
capturing the uniqueness of the event,
which attempted to recreate as closely as possible the gold rush of 1897-98, and the
personal experiences of the individuals involved."
-on "Ho for the Klondike" by John Firth, Whitehorse, YT
"How wonderful to finally see on my T.V.
screen something so worth while watching."
-on "The Saskatchewan Will Never Die" by Carolann Williams,
Hope, BC
"We wanted to get this letter out to you to express our excitement at what was truly a first-rate show of the
highest quality."
-on "Sailing into the Past" by Bill Brodeur, Discovery
Harbour, Penetanguishene, ON
"The content, presentation and
photography were all superb and this piece will serve as excellent
promotion for Newfoundland for many years to come. They have shown it in a glorious light.
I congratulate them on their efforts."
-on "Whale of a Tail" by Ella Heneghan, St. John's, NF
"Our congratulations are extended to John and Joan Goldi, for putting together
such a marvellous, high quality film on sailing
activities."
-on "Wind, Water, and Waves" by The Canadian Wayfarer
Association.
"OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CANADA explores the passions of real people. From mountain biking to white-water
kayaking, we find out the whys and hows, from the eyes of those most involved. It can't
get any more honest than this."
-on "Wind, Water, and Waves" by the Ontario Sailing
Association.
"It is an honour for us to be
associated with productions such as yours and you have every right to be
thrilled with your accomplishment!"
Congratulations!"
-Garry Toth, President, Canada Television and Cable Production Fund,
Toronto, ON
"Works such as this are invaluable in helping to
preserve our rich heritage."
-on "Highland Heavies" by Fergus Scottish Festival and
Bell's Highland Games Officer.
"Goldi Productions did such a wonderful job. The pictures were amazing. You truly capture the feeling of
kiting."
-on "Go Fly A Kite" by Program Manager, Verdun Rendez-Vous
Mondial, Quebec.
"Anything that Life Network
can do to profile Canadian heritage would find an eager audience and I hope your network
can do more of this kind of programming. Congratulations on
fine program and keep up the good work."
-on "Escape From The 20th Century" by B.B. Discovery Harbour
Historical Site.
"Their program was fabulous because its focus was
sincere, warm hearted and educational. A job well
done."
-on "Wind, Water, and Waves" by T.W., Projects Manager,
O.S.A.
"It's the best documentary on Rodeo we've ever
seen."
-on "No Guts, No Glory" by A. Stroud, President, Ontario
Rodeo Association.
"The cinematography was outstanding
and it brought back some fond memories of my visit to that beautiful province. Please
continue to portray Canada with your quality productions."
-on "Whale of a Tail" by Carol Sadler, Calgary, AB
"It was an excellent production. Our reenactors
especially appreciated it."
-on "Escape From The 20th Century" by S.R. Curator, Battlefield
House Museum.
"On behalf of sailors everywhere, thank you for this excellent
film covering sailing."
-on "Wind, Water, and Waves" by George T. Blanchard, Honorary
Commodore, TSCC.
"Please accept my sincere
congratulations to you both for producing a vastly superior television series
such as Outdoor Adventure Canada."
P.S. Outdoor Adventure Canada is "Keeping Canadians in touch with
Canada." I am living proof of that!"
-on the series, by Carl Gary Baker, Toronto, ON
"Wow! We really
enjoyed the feature you did on the Québec Snow Sculptures. Very
tight editing and action packed!"
-on "The Magic of Winter" by Peter Vogelaar,
Captain, Canadian Olympic Snow Sculpture Team, Winlaw, BC
"The videography was spectacular.....
You captured the magnificent beauty of the Yukon with your cameras. Thanks for doing such
a great job!!!"
-on "Ho for the Klondike" by Jennifer Christin,
Ottawa, ON
"Watching this particular segment, for me personally, was not only fascinating but very emotional.
Your depiction of my brother was exceptional, and the
ending of the show just "blew me away" - I feel that you did a
wonderful job in capturing the essence of spirituality.
Job well done!!! - please keep up the good (great,
wonderful, exceptional) work."
-on "The Last Voyage of the Saskatchewan." by
Lorraine Scow, Nanaimo, BC
Letters From Viewers (from organizers whose projects we featured)
*from the Fergus Highland Games office,
Fergus, ON
"Words can't describe my appreciation of the Goldi Productions Inc. flawless wok producing "Highland Heavies", part of your Outdoor Canada segment for Life-Network!.
Highland Heavies featuring excellent footage from our Community's Fergus
Scottish Festival and Highland Games, will Definitely raise unique and special awareness
to an ancient form of entertainment and competition from days gone by.
Your expertise in capturing points of interest from a broad range of
both female and male competitors in Heavy events, or piping classes, as well as wonderful
footage utilizing the 78th Frasiers, bringing the viewer to and from the program during
commercial breaks was breathtaking!.
Works such as this, are invaluable to help preserve part of our rich
Scottish Heritage in keeping within both our Community here in rural Southwestern Ontario
and Nation wide. We at the Scottish Festival Board congratulate you on your fine efforts
and wish you and your production Company all the best in future endeavors."
Deb Dalziel, Fergus, ON
*from Presqu'ile Provincial Park, Brighton, ON
"I am writing to let you know how pleased I was with your
production, featuring the migration of waterfowl at Presqu'ile Provincial Park! We have
recently completed the 26th annual Waterfowl Festival and have heard dozens of positive
comments about the show from the festival's over 8,000 participants.
I was particularly pleased with how thoroughly you captured the flavour
of waterfowl migration at Presqu'ile. We have had many crews film pieces at Presqu'ile but
none invested the time and energy that you and John did. I had high expectations for the
film as I watched you gather the raw footage. My expectations however, were exceeded!
The quality of the show was not limited to just the visuals. You also
captured a sense of why people come to places like Presqu'ile to appreciate its birdlife.
I recognized many of the people who provided some of the candid commentary - you could not
have found a more representative group of Presqu'ile birders.
The film also excelled in highlighting the biology of migrating
waterfowl. For us at the park, this is a very important theme. We want to do more than
just teach people how to identify ducks - we want the public to gain a thorough
understanding of the amazing journeys waterfowl undertake and the underlying reasons for
these journeys. I feel your film succeeded in relaying these messages.
I could go on at some length praising "Spring Fever, The Waterfowl
Migration at Presqu'ile". However the best judge of its quality must be the response
from the public. Park visitors exhibited a sense of ownership with this program - it
featured a park and wildlife phenomena they had personal experience with. This local
perspective seemed to strike a chord with viewers and provided a reason to celebrate our
natural heritage.
Thank you for your excellent work."
Don Tyerman, Biodiversity Specialist, Presqu'ile Provincial Park,
Brighton, ON
*from the Friends of Presqu'ile Provincial Park,
Downsview, ON
"I would like to thank you for producing the outstanding video
about the 1997 Presqu'ile Waterfowl Festival. During the past few weeks, I have spoken to
a number of field naturalists clubs across Ontario, including the Kingston Field
Naturalists and Orillia Field Naturalists. I was pleasantly surprised by the number of
people who said they have watched this video on the Life Channel and were most impressed.
I was personally impressed by the cinematography and sharp, crisp
photography. Also, I felt that the film captured the essence and excitement of the event.
As you may know, the Ontario Government and various environmental
organizations are completing an exercise called "Lands for Life". It is hoped
that 15 to 20 percent of 46 million hectares of public land can be protected. Films such
as yours are vital in reminding us just how important our public lands and parks are for
wildlife and for people.
I should also mention that as a result of your video, at least one other
film company has decided to produce a film about Presqu'ile Provincial Park.
I hope that your success at Presqu'ile will encourage the production of
similar videos and I do hope that those bodies or organizations that provide financial
support to your work will agree that you are making a very significant contribution form
both an educational and conservational point of view."
Donald A. Davis, Downsview, ON
*from the Artificial Reef Society of British
Columbia, Vancouver, BC
"On behalf of the Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia, I
want to both thank you and congratulate you for the recent broadcast presentation
"The Saskatchewan Will Never Die", on Outdoor Adventure Canada.
Of the approximately eight different programs that have been done on the
artificial reef program in British Columbia this was the most effective telling of the
concept of the Artificial Reef Program we have seen. Not only did you effectively
communicate the concept behind artificial reefs and how they can benefit our oceans, you
had the people who live and breathe this program actually telling their own story.
You will be interested to know that we have had people form both the
United States and Canada looking at this story and they have been very impressed with your
unique style of editing. Not only do you let people tell their stories as to how the
Artificial Reef Program developed, but you also actually showed the same area that the
person was discussing both before and after the sinking.
Your format of Outdoor Adventure Canada and your style of editing is
really unique and must be commended. I will look forward to seeing other shows on Outdoor
Adventure Canada in the future.
Again, many heartfelt thanks."
Jay Straith, President, ARSBC, Vancouver, BC
*from a First Nations Participant in the Sinking
of the Saskatchewan, Nanaimo, BC
"This long-awaited production was absolutely wonderful!!! It was
well worth waiting for. Of course I had a personal interest in this particular program as
the ashes of my brother, the late Raymond Good, went down with the ship.
Several people have come too me to tell me they also enjoyed this show
immensely. They, and I wholeheartedly concur, were so impressed with how all aspects
surrounding and leading up to this sinking were covered so comprehensively. They had no
idea how much preparation work actually goes into the sinking of a ship. Interest in this
topic never waned - every angle covered was so interesting.
The footage of the water rushing into the ship following the blast is
just awesome. About 90% of this footage is new to me, and I've seen several versions (on
the News of course, the Shaw Cable version, and the Storyteller version), and they all
seem to have used the same clip. Watching this particular segment, for me personally, was
not only fascinating but very emotional.
Your depiction of my brother was exceptional, and the ending of the show
just "blew me away" - I feel that you did a wonderful job in capturing the
essence of spirituality.
Job well done!!! - please keep up the good (great, wonderful,
exceptional) work."
Lorraine Scow, Victoria, BC
*from the International Plowing Match, Barrie,
ON
"On behalf of the local Committee of the 1997 International Plowing
Match and Farm Machinery in Simcoe County I would like to take this opportunity to extend
our appreciation to you personally and also to your production company for the excellent
program that was developed to showcase this premier agricultural event in Ontario.
Feedback received was excellent from anyone who saw the production. We
understand that this production was viewed by a large number of people. Both rural and
urban people were better able to understand and appreciate what a plowing match is and its
benefits to the local and provincial economies.
We were impressed with your professionalism and the high quality of your
production and would recommend your services to anyone who would be interested in
documentaries of this type in the future.
We hope we have an opportunity to work with you again on a future
endeavour. Good luck and thank you again for your interest and support of the Plowing
Match."
Donald G. Bell, Thornton, ON
*from the Royal Tyrrell Museum, Drumheller, AB
"I am writing to let you know how much I enjoyed your program
"In Search of the Colossal Fossil". I like the way you integrated the public and
professional participants views, opinions and knowledge at the various dinosaur digs in
Alberta. Other programs I have watched on either palaeontological or archaeological digs
have tended to over romanticise the projects they documented but I felt your program was
well balanced. Your documentary conveyed that a dig can be very exciting, and the public
participants expressed this very well, but that a dig, generally speaking, is a lot of
hard work which is usually tedious and mundane. By interviewing both the public
participants and the professionals I think the viewing public received a good idea of what
attracts people, to dinosaurs despite the obvious difficult conditions.
I thought the public participants which you interviewed were very well
spoken and captivating. The information which you covered was accurate, educational,
entertaining and engaging without being stuffy or hard to understand.
I would also like to express my thanks for your conduct at the Day Dig
quarry. Your filming was neither intrusive nor did it inhibit our work at the quarry. Your
conduct was respectful of the work we were carrying out and your interviewing professional
and engaging. Your pursuit for enlightenment, precise information and details was
refreshing. At no time did you become difficult or demanding which has been the cases with
other documentary crews. I thoroughly enjoyed working with you both very much.
An observation regarding you series, which I found intriguing, was that
you programs encourage people to pursue their passions. Your interviews with the public
participants conveyed that many people's interests can be pursued on an active bases and
that there are many programs or opportunities available to those who want to get involved
throughout Canada. Your series 'Outdoor Adventure Canada' expose us all, as viewers, to
what an exciting and diverse country we live in and what rich opportunities are available
to us all.
I look forward to more of your programs."
Martha Dunsmore, Palaeontologist, Calgary, AB
*from the Royal Tyrrell Museum, Drumheller, AB
"Thank you for
sending us a copy of "In Search of the Colossal Fossil". I had a chance to watch
the program and I was extremely pleased with the way the Royal Tyrrell Museum's Field
Experience program was presented.
As you know, this program enlists the support of the public to assist
with field work for the Royal Tyrrell Museum. It's a "working" vacation that has
immeasurable payback for the participants and the Museum and I believe your program
accurately captured the essence of what this venture is all about - both from the
viewpoint of the Museum and the participants.
It was a pleasure working with you in arranging for the filming of
"In Search of the Colossal Fossil" and after speaking with our staff in charge
of the program, they too enjoyed having you as a part of the "team" during the
filming.
On behalf of the Royal Tyrrell Museum, thank you for the excellent
portrayal of Field Experience and we wish you much success as you market your
production."
Marty Hickie, Director, Public Relations, Royal Tyrrell Museum,
Drumheller, AB
*from the Minister of Tourism, Government of
Newfoundland & Labrador, St. John's, NF
"I am writing to express how pleased I was with the show you
recently aired as part of the Outdoor Adventure Canada series entitled "Whale of a
Tail", which was filmed last summer in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Quality programming is very important to the Province of Newfoundland
and Labrador to differentiate us from other travel destinations and is crucial if we are
to become more prominent as a travel and vacation destination. Awareness and knowledge of
the province must increase among travellers and travel trade.
Thank you to the Goldi's and to Life Network for helping get the word
out that Newfoundland and Labrador is a prime time destination for whale and seabird
viewing. We have the most accessible natural attractions and wildlife in North America,
not to mention the largest concentration of humpback whales in the country. The show
highlighted the product in an informative way and was beautifully filmed.
We hope Life Network will continue to support and air such quality
programming. It is important we show Canadians what our country has to offer the visitor
and important we promote the preservation of our natural wonders."
Sandra C. Kelly, Minister of Tourism, Government of Newfoundland, St.
John's, NF
*from Discovery Harbour Tall Ship Historic Site,
Penetanguishene, ON
"Many of the staff have now had a chance to see the Outdoor
Adventure Show on the LIFE network entitled "Sailing Into The Past". We wanted to get this letter out to you to express our excitement
at what was truly a first-rate show of the highest quality.
Of particular note, the show did an excellent job of linking the active
sailing programs aboard the schooners Tecumseth and Bee to the broader context of
19th-century history and overall Canadian heritage. One truly got a sense of the past in a
dynamic and active way.
We also applaud the excellent editing,
music, and overall creativity you employed through your documentary to
give viewers a real taste of an "on-board" experience and an appreciation of
marine heritage.
All the staff really enjoyed working with you and would like to once
again express our sincere thanks for a job well done. Shows
like this truly share the Canadian experience and bring us closer together across the
country."
Bill Brodeur, Discovery Harbour, Penetanguishene, ON
*from Discovery Harbour Tall Ship Historic Site,
Penetanguishene, ON
"Please consider the following letter as a fervent letter of
support for all the excellent endeavours you have, or are about to undertake.
It was truly a new and invigorating experience for me to work with such
a professional people. The time we spent together at Discovery Harbour was both
interesting and informative for me, and above all, fun!
Keep up the good work, and, if I can help in any way in the future -
please feel free to call."
Alex Bressette, Port Severn, ON
*from the Canada Television and Cable Production
Fund, Toronto, ON
"Thank you for letting me know that two programs in the series
"Outdoor Adventure Canada" were finalists at the 40th New York Festivals
Television Programming Awards.
It is an honour for us to be associated with productions such as yours
and you have every right to be thrilled with your accomplishment!
Congratulations!"
Garry Toth, President, Canada Television and Cable Production Fund,
Toronto, ON
*from the Verdun Kite Festival Association,
Verdun, PQ
"We just wanted to tell you that we saw a portion of the footage
that you did on kites on Life Network. (Outdoor Adventure Canada). We also wanted to know
when the program is scheduled again. Goldi Productions did such a wonderful job. The
picture were amazing. You truly capture the feeling of kiting.
Do you think that we can get a copy of the program? We really want to
show it to the members of our corporation.
Good winds from Verdun."
Lyne Champagne, Verdun, PQ
*from the Boundary Commission & Northwest
Mounted Police Wagon Train Re-enactment, Eastend, SK
"I enjoyed watching your documentary on the North West Mounted
Police Boundary Commission Wagon Train on the Life Network March 12.
As the original organizer of the trek west, I was pleased to see that
you emphasized the historical aspects of the great march west as well as highlighting the
efforts of the modern day adventures. The original idea was to promote the historical
significance of the trail and you have helped enormously in that regard. The audio was
excellent and the photography was super. Thank you."
Jim Crawford, Qualicum Beach, BC
*from the Boundary Commission & Northwest
Mounted Police Wagon Train Re-enactment, Eastend, SK
"I had the opportunity to view the 1998 program listing for
"Outdoor Adventure Canada". We certainly feel that this is one of the most
informative and "colourful" documentary programs for Canadian networks and
Canadians in general. Myself and my family had the opportunity to meet John and Joan Goldi
on the "Westward Ho the Wagons" trek this past summer and found them to be very
efficient in what they do and a very, very pleasant couple of people. I was the Trail Boss
on the 1997 trek and will be again this 1998 and final leg of the Trek. I would hope that
the Goldi Production Company could accompany us again this year. I believe they did a
super job and so does anyone who has seen this production.
I have been ranch-raised in south-western, Sask. and I know what riches
are here for people to see. I hope Life Network will continue this series for sometime to
come and also take this opportunity to thank you for letting us share some of our country
and its beauty with you this past year."
Marvin Bascom, Eastend, SK
*from a Ho for the Klondike Centennial Trek
Participant, Whitehorse, YT
"The purpose of this letter is to compliment LIFE Network on their
programming since you have been available in the Yukon.
In particular, I was delighted to see 'Ho For the Klondike' and 'Panning
for Klondike Gold'.
As a participant in the Dyea-to-Dawson race, I was one of the
individuals interviewed by Goldi Productions for 'Ho For the Klondike' and was constantly impressed and surprised to find them in isolated places where
one wouldn't expect the media to venture. Their efforts were well reflected in the quality
of the final product that was aired on your network in February of this
year.
The program did an outstanding job of capturing
the uniqueness of the event, which attempted to recreate as closely as possible the gold
rush of 1897-98, and the personal experiences of the individuals involved.
To choose to live in Canada's north is to select a life style over many
of the advantages that are offered by communities south of us. Your network, using these
programs, has, I believed, managed to convey some of that life style to other Canadians.
It actually created mixed feelings in Northerners. We are happy to
discover someone acknowledging our character, yet we hope not too many people were
watching at the same time. They may like what they see and move north - which would change
who we are and why we are here. But don't let that stop you from coming back."
John Firth, Whitehorse, YT
*from the Ontario Sailing Association, Toronto,
ON
"I am writing to you to express my sincere appreciation and support
of the program, Outdoor Adventure Canada and want to thank Joan and John Goldi for their
commitment to entertaining coverage of healthy lifestyles. Their program, "Wind,
Water, and Waves" was fabulous because its focus was sincere, warm and educational,
debunking myths such as "you have to be rich to sail."
In fact, OSA is interested in incorporating this particular program in
its Instructor Development Program as a teaching aid for coaches at various clinics in
'97.
I also know that many sailors will be watching upcoming episodes for the
simple reason that Outdoor Adventure Canada explores the passions of real people in
sports. From mountain biking to white water kayaking, we find out the why's and how's from
the eyes of those most involved. It can't get any more honest than this.
On behalf of sailors, young and old, thank you for a terrific
documentary on dinghy sailing. A job well done.
Congratulations and looking forward to the next show."
Tanya Wharton, North York, ON
*from the Canadian Wayfarer Association,
Toronto, ON
"During our Canadian Wayfafer Board Meeting on Wed. Nov.27 we took
a half hour break to watch the film Wind, Water, and Waves, produced by Goldi Productions
Ltd; as part of your program Outdoor Adventure Canada.
We thoroughly enjoyed the exciting activities of the various class boats
and sailors involved and the interesting remarks documented from those that where
interviewed for this production.
Your Outdoor Adventure Canada, are to be congratulated for having this
film produced, and televised on Life Network, for our enjoyment; and on behalf of sailors
everywhere, thank you for this excellent film covering the sport of Sailing.
Our congratulations are also extended to John & Joan Goldi for
putting together such a marvellous high quality film on sailing activities in
Ontario."
George T. Blanchard, Honorary Commodore, Toronto Sailing & Canoe
Club, Toronto, ON
Letters From Viewers
Hello! My name is Carl Gary Baker and I am writing to let you know how
much I especially enjoy your Outdoor Adventure Canada series. The episodes
contained in this series are extremely informative, entertaining, and best of all, 100%
Canadian! Many different and unknown aspects of our great country were revealed to me and
I feel more enriched by having seen these programs.
Among the episodes I have seen are: "The Saskatchewan Will Never Die",
"Fish Story", "Spring Fever" and "The Field Behind the
Plow". I was impressed with the way these subjects were
presented in an interesting manner that showed ordinary Canadians doing extraordinary
things. The underlying themes of environmental renewal and community
participation truly reveal what is dear to the heart of most Canadians.
Furthermore, many poignant moments stand our during these
programs. I was particularly touched by the heartfelt tribute to Stan
Rogers at the end of "The Field Behind the Plow".
In conclusion, I am looking forward to seeing future episodes and sharing them with my
family and friends. Please accept my sincere congratulations
to you both for producing a vastly superior television series such as Outdoor Adventure
Canada.
P.S. Outdoor Adventure Canada is "Keeping Canadians in touch with
Canada." I am living proof of that!
Carl Gary Baker, Toronto, ON
Wow! We really enjoyed the feature
you did on the Québec Snow Sculptures. Very tight editing and action packed!
I was able to see it the night before we departed for the Olympics.
We had a really good time in Japan, in spite of not finishing in the medals. Once again
we were the people's choice, and as you can see, we had a very intricate piece to do.
Finland was Gold, Italy the Silver, and USA the Bronze. We received Honourable Mention.
We'll keep you posted on our future ventures, perhaps we can make the next Olympics in
Salt Lake City 2002. Who knows?
Thanks again for the fine job on the snow sculpture story.
Peter Vogelaar, Captain, Canadian Olympic Snow Sculpture Team,
Winlaw, BC
I just had to write to tell you how very much we enjoyed your
series Outdoor Adventure Canada. How wonderful to finally
see on my T.V. screen something so worth while watching. I myself am not a
big T.V. fan but your shows had me seated and kept me seated. Such a refreshing change to
be able to watch shows not only interesting but educational and with ordinary everyday
folk instead of some 'Hollywood type' show full of actors and fake scenery.
My family of course especially enjoyed the sinking of the Saskatchewan a ship that has
played an important role in our lives. Extremely well done! You managed to capture the
very essence of what the Saskatchewan was all about. We applaud you.
Hopefully the future will bring more shows like these to our screens, its time.
Again I thank you from myself and family.
Keep up the great work.
Carolann Williams, Hope, BC
Wish to congratulate you on the Saturday Night show about
Newfoundland. The cinematography was outstanding
and it brought back some fond memories of my visit to that beautiful province. Please
continue to portray Canada with your quality productions.
Carol Sadler, Calgary, AB
My dear people. Please accept my
admiration and praise on your film on whales, aired on Life Network in
January 98.
My husband and I liked the film so much we would like to purchase a copy for ourselves.
Could you tell us where we might be able to get a copy.
It would be lovely to show family and friends during visits.
Again sincere congratulations on an exceptionally good job.
Mildred Carter, Petty Harbour, NF
I would like to let you know, how much I have enjoyed your
Outdoor Adventure Canada program on white water kayaking, which so well portrayed the
sport as well as the enthusiasm of the white water paddling community, from professional
athletes to the weekend amateurs like myself. The program
was made with great professional skill and has apparently grabbed attention of many people
who have no special interest in the sport.
I was also amazed, how many colleagues from my work (Research laboratory with a staff
of about 100) have told me they have seen me in the program. The program must have much
greater viewership than one would expect for something as specialized as white water
kayaking.
Victor Ettel, Mississauga, ON
I am writing to congratulate your network on the excellent
programming that the Life Network makes available. Recently, I had the pleasure to view a
couple of episodes of Outdoor Adventure Canada. This is one of the best series that I have
seen in a long time. Programming in Canada needs more shows about Canadians and Canada, in
general.
It was a pleasure to see a professional, well edited film
on Canadians enjoying their leisure activities right here in Canada. I
have so often felt, that Canadians know so little about their own home land. I hope that
the Life Network continues to offer more programming like Outdoor Adventure Canada. These
programs not only informs but also entertains. It was wonderful to see some of the world
class activities available right here in Ontario.
Keep up the great programming.
Christopher Prada, Toronto, ON
I found your film crew to be very professional and courteous,
they seemed to be everywhere, yet weren't in the way of work being done, and observed
rules of safety (so important in this type of endeavour).
We all enjoy your outdoor show, after all that is what Canada is all about!
Roland Munn, Surrey, BC
I've been watching your series "Outdoor Adventure
Canada" with great interest and enthusiasm. The topics are of a wide variety and
nature, and they deal with real Canadian people and places, of which most of the
activities are familiar with the majority of Canadians.
Your grass roots approach keeps the viewer interested
throughout the program without listening to any confusing techno blab. Also important is
the fact that your interviews with the participants are spontaneous and unrehearsed, as it
allows the feelings and enthusiasm to reflect onto the viewer.
Canada is a spectacular country filled with vistas comparable to any place in the
world, and the picture quality of your show excellently displays the beauty of our
country, keep up the good work!
Martin Shimano, Mississauga, ON
I would like to tell you how much I enjoy your show "Outdoor
Adventure Canada". Personally I find this show to be very informative and
entertaining. I would love to see this program continue, and would be pleased to give it
my support for next season. We need more Canadian productions such as this one.
Thank you for producing such an excellent show.
John C. Denner, North Lancaster, ON
My husband and I spent our last year touring Newfoundland. The
main attraction for us was to see the Matthew and join in the 500th anniversary
celebrations. What a wonderful surprise we had when we discovered how beautiful and
breathtaking the scenery is, and our timing was perfect for seeing the Atlantic Salmon
run, icebergs floating by and the whales.. So you can imagine how thrilled we were to
discover that the first episode of "Outdoor Adventure Canada", aired on Life
Network, was "A Whale of a Tale: Whale-Watching in Newfoundland".
New Networks are at present being offered on public
television and, to be honest, I don't find some of them to be of very high calibre,
however, this is not the case with Outdoor Adventure Canada. I find myself more and more
turning from A&E and PBS Channel 18 to Life and Outdoor Adventure Canada.
Your programmes I think will have great success. Too often Canadian programmes lack that
certain something which makes viewers want to watch in preference to American programmes.
I think the first episode of Outdoor Adventure Canada is very refreshing and excellent
viewing, and I shall certainly make sure I see the remainder of the series.
I look forward to seeing more or your excellent programmes.
Thelma Niiranen, Toronto, ON
E-mail From Viewers
I had a chance to peruse the 1998 Program Listing for Outdoor Adventure Canada. I feel
that this is one of the most important and informative projects to be undertaken for
Canadians. I had the privilege of meeting with John Goldi on the "Westward Ho the
Wagons" episode.
Canada is so vast and full of outdoor riches that it is important to tell and show all
Canadians how great our country is. I would urge Life Network to continue the series for
the years to come .....
Len Mitzel, Etzikom, AB
Hi! Great job on the Gold Fever video!
I thought that you did a wonderful job
capturing the mood of Dawson and the gold fever too!
Keep up the good work!
Melissa Andrews, Castlegar, BC
Just thought I would drop you guys a line. Oh you guys don't know
who this is yet. It is Loyola the tour guide on Capt Murphy's boat tours. I saw the show
and I think that you guys did a great job, thanks. ..... Well I have to run now but good
luck with your show and once again thanks for doing a
wonderful job of showing our province and of course our friends the
whales.
Loyola Carrey, Bay Bulls, NF
Just a quick note to let you know how much I enjoyed the Goldi's
show on Outdoor Adventure Canada about whale watching in Newfoundland. The content, presentation and photography were all superb and
this piece will serve as excellent promotion for Newfoundland for many years to come. They
have shown it in a glorious light. I congratulate them on their efforts.
I had occasion to meet the Goldi's during their time in Newfoundland and look forward
to welcoming them back again before too long. When can we look forward to seeing the
sequel?
Again, congratulations on a top notch production and all the best with your ongoing and
upcoming projects.
Ella Heneghan, St. John's, NF
Thank you for finally producing a
documentary on Newfoundland that is worth watching. You guys did a tremendous job
letting the world know about Canada's best kept secret. I really enjoyed the camera work. Not very often will you find such fine quality programming on TV.
If you ever return to Newfoundland to produce another show, Twillingate Island in Notre
Dame Bay is a definite place to stop. I'd also like to let you know that I tried to write
the Life Network to compliment your show but the server was not responding. I will try
again later but if I still have no luck please feel free to forward this letter to them.
Terry Bath and Jocelyn Blake, BC
As a very frequent and quite satisfied viewer of "Life
Network," I was quite disappointed when it was recently brought to my attention that
the network is considering cancelling the "Outdoor Adventure Canada" series.
I am hereby requesting that very serious consideration be given to not making such a
decision. We, Canadians, need more, not less, programming that makes us aware of what's
going on in "our backyard," gives us and others the opportunity to see
"sides" of this country that most have quite probably never seen before and may
never have become aware of the existence of, allows one the chance to see the kinds of
tourism activities that do exist here that allow one to interact with nature, and that
exposes, shows, et cetera, the potential and real problems, issues, questions, et cetera,
that have, do and can arise from such interaction between people and nature. At present
there is seemingly very, very little such programming available, at least programming that
is of a high enough quality to be worthwhile watching, as is this particular series. In
addition, along with permitting people to "see" such activities, such
programming quite probably results in the increased usage of many of these activities,
quite possibly resulting in people becoming more knowledgeable and developing a better
understanding of nature and human interactions with it. Anything, such as quality
television programming, that results in anyone, Canadians or otherwise, developing a
better understanding of any part of this country needs to be kept going for as long as it
is meeting that very, very worthwhile purpose and not cancelled.
As well, unfortunately, even though a lot of it is fairly good quality programming,
much of the environmentally related television programming that we, as Canadians, now
watch is American, or at least produced by Americans, quality Canadian programming of this
type is seemingly very limited and the cancelling of this particular series will certainly
not help correct this problem, rather it will only add to it.
Therefore, for these and other reasons, I am again requesting that your network not
consider cancelling this series, rather that you allow it to continue.
Thank you for permitting me this opportunity to provide you with my views on this
matter.
Caleb Higdon, St. John's, NF
I watched your show for the first time tonight. I'm from
Newfoundland and heard that there was going to be a show on with highlights of whale
watching. I really liked the show and will become a regular viewer. But what I was
wondering was if I could get the name and artist of the song you played. It was very
beautiful. If you could help me I would greatly appreciate. Thank you.
Julia Hicks, Calgary, AB
Shawn and I just watched your production and loved it! It was so
interesting. There was lots of Mom and Dad and they looked great. There was lots of
history and we chuckled over the guy who said that everyone living in Toronto should be
scattered around this country for a year and then let them go home!
The people you interviewed really captured what the trail ride was all about, and the
camera work was excellent. I must have been snoozing when we went by the buffalo!
We will send a letter to the network saying how much we enjoyed your production. We
also watched the one you did at Drumheller and really liked it.
Take care and keep up the good work.
Catherine Gryba, Saskatoon, SK
Congratulations on a great job of work on your parts for having
produced the video. ("Wind, Water, and Waves"
W. Ralph White, Petpeswick Harbour, NS
I would like to state that I enjoyed watching the HMS Tecumseth,
this past week.
Your photographer captured all the fun things, and did a great job.
I watched your show on the HMS Tecumseth, and enjoyed it very much.
Betty Marsden
I believe that the Program Outdoor Adventure Canada is very worth
while. I see lots of programs on the U.S. stations on Outdoor America but none on Outdoor
Canada, which is needed. Many people in our vast country have no idea about Canada.
John Gould, Dawson City, YT
I am 74 years of age
and I am now not able to participate too much in the activities that I used to be able to,
owing to a couple of replacement hips and a heart problem. However I really enjoy your
programs. Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity
to enjoy the outdoors through your programs.
Joyce H. Barrons, Oakville, ON
I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation
to your network for airing high-quality Canadian shows like "Outdoor Adventure
Canada". Despite the fact that we now can access so many channels, it is still a rare
and valued opportunity to see shows that feature Canada.
After watching a number of "Outdoor Adventure Canada" shows, I've gained a deep
appreciation of our country, its diversity and its beauty.
"Outdoor Adventure Canada" provides first-person accounts of all these
adventures in our own backyard. Not only do we get to know the land, but we also get to
know the people who live and play in this land. The one episode aired last season
(although I believe it was a repeat) introduces viewers to white water kayaking. With an
avid white water kayaker as a partner, I have often been encouraged to try the sport. That
show gave me some general information on what other people feel about the sport. And a
third-party account is always more convincing.
In closing, I would like to encourage you and your network to keep "Outdoor
Adventure Canada" on the air and to make sure that we, Canadians, get our
opportunities to watch shows made in Canada about Canada.
A. Luk, Scarborough, ON
I particularly
enjoyed the Gold Fever productions. The videography was
spectacular. I lived in Dawson City for a year and found myself feeling
quite homesick watching your program. You captured the magnificent beauty of the Yukon
with your cameras. Thanks for doing such a great job!!!
Jennifer Christin, Ottawa, ON
GOLDI PRODUCTIONS LTD.