Pickton Trial Part 3: The Blessing

My days at the trial usually began with a stop at the gas station. Filling up gas cylinders for the heater. When I would arrive at Begbie Square, a lone security guard would greet me and he would help me unzip the tent.

The first order of business would be to get the heater fired up and take the chill out of the tent. Then I would begin to wire up the camera and position the lights. Each and every morning brought an early hit into CP24 and then a hit into CTV NewsNet. Later as the day wore on, more hits, some ENG work (shooting the "ins" and "outs") and finishing the day with local live hits into the 5 and the 6, ending with a NewsNet live. It was a routine that lasted nearly 3 full weeks. The days went from 7 am till nearly 9 each night. This kind of an assignment could grind you down in a hurry if it were not for the gift that the TV Gods had given me.

That gift came in the form of three very talented journalists. Two , Lisa Rossington and Janet Dirks, I have the privilege of working with everyday at CTV in Vancouver. The other, from the home office in Toronto. Our first meeting was on that first Monday of closing arguments (nearly 4 weeks ago now).

CTV British Columbia reporter Lisa Rossington. She had been on this case since the original raid on the Pickton Farm.

CTV's Janet Dirks, she too has covered this case since the beginning. A kinder person you will not find anywhere.

She arrived that morning finding the CTV tent and asked: "Are you Dave??"
"No", I said "He's up in the office, I'm Murray the Camera Guy, can I help you?"

She introduced herself: "Hi , I'm Sue Sgambati, I believe I have a live hit with you in a few minutes."

Court TV Canada's Sue Sgambati, an instant hit here at the CTV Broadcast Center in
New Westminster, British Columbia

Her assignment was to fill the live requirements for Court TV Canada, CP24 and CTV NewsNet until the end of the trial. A tall order indeed, but one we would both relish.
As the days wore on, our conversations revealed that we had much in common. I discovered that she was very much an "old school" journalist. All about the story, a storyteller. Not like some in our business, about themselves. She was very much a team player, something again highly prized in this business, not to mention this assignment. She had a marvelous sense of humour, something that would help us through some of the mentally fatiguing times that would lie ahead. There was not a day that passed without the two of us sharing in a mind cleansing belly laugh. And through laughter and conversation, we bonded.

Sue preparing to do another live hit for CTV Newsnet

Yes it indeed was a blessing to have been given such a pro to work with. When asked by a producer in Toronto for a 3 minute "breathless" to tape. She would glance at her notepad, give a 3-2-1 and rattle off 3 minutes to the second, on the first take!
Sue fit right in with the team. I found myself wanting to call her bosses in Toronto and asking if we could keep her. Of course we could not, but you can't blame a guy for trying.

Pickton Trial Part 2: The Campfire

One of the lessons learned from our first experience last winter from Begbie Square was it was freakin' cold no matter what the weather. We had rented a construction heater to heat the tents last winter. They were so successful that we purchased one.

It was money well spent. One thing about waiting long periods of time outside a courthouse, is, it's better to stay warm and dry. Nothing makes a shoot any more miserable than a cold/ wet reporter and operator.

The device is fueled by propane gas. Stopping at the gas station every morning filling a cylinder for the heater became a daily ritual. Our flame throwing heat generating marvel became the envy of all of our competitors. They too invested in heat technology, but settled for smaller "Camping" heaters. Still colleagues from the other shelters always found their way into mine enjoy the Sahara-like temps at the CTV Broadcast Center. Just part of that little extra service we like to provide at CTV Broadcast Services--Heat.

Chester, a Global Cameraman, warms his hands during the long evenings waiting for a Verdict

The burner became a center piece especially during the evening hours as we awaited a verdict. Folks would gather, sometimes bringing along a chair, but often just standing around, shooting the shit and telling war stories around the campfire. Often we would just bemoan the fact it was day number whatever and wishing this story would just come to an end so we could all get our lives back.

The lads have brought their chairs, huddled around the Campfire, but what are they watching???

Hockey Night in Canada on a 7 inch monitor!

Pickton Trial Part 1: The Commitment

Back in January of this year a trial began with opening remarks from lawyers for the Crown outlining the case against Robert Pickton. He was charged with the murders of 26 women. This case against him would involve 6 of those 26 in what would become a history making trial of Canada's worst serial murders.

Needless to say this trial would attract a lot of media attention.

To accommodate the needs of the TV medium, a tent city, Camp Pickton, was assembled on the courtyard. Each media tent had been serviced with electrics and wired for live broadcasts. This would become my home for the first weeks of the trial. But as the proceedings wore into the summer months and interest for the daily minutia of expert testimony wained, it was decided to pack up the camp for the summer. The Camp would only reappear for the final stages of the trial.

Those final stages began four long weeks ago.

Dave, my Tech Supervisor had asked me to commit to finishing the trial for our organization. Most of my colleagues avoided the courtyard of New Westminster, like the plague. Our station had two reporters, Lisa Rossington and Janet Dirks, who had followed this story since Police first raided Pickton's farm some 6 years ago, had made the commitment. I felt that I should step up and finish this trial. By doing so, I knew it would likely cost me flight weeks, but it was something I felt was important to experience. The decision was actually quite an easy one to make.

Camp Pickton, Begbie Square New Westminster BC.

My role was to arrange, manage and shoot from our broadcast positions on the courtyard called Begbie Square. CTV would have two tent positions, side by side. One for National and News Net requirements, the other for Local CTV positions. I have always enjoyed the challenge of setting up shop at a location that is not exactly TV friendly. The kick for me is making it functional and making it work. Dave assigned me to the National tent or I liked to refer to it: The CTV Broadcast Center. I would also shoot ENG when required.

A look inside the "CTV Broadcast Center"

It had all the makings for an epic TV adventure. It would have it's moments, good and bad. To paraphrase a line for one of my favorite movies- "All I wanted was a mission, and for my sins they gave me one, and when it was over, I damn sure didn't want another."

But I had made the Commitment, and it was one I would be tested to keep.

The Return of Murman

My absence from this blog is over. To you my loyal reader, I thank you for your patience. Two months is a long time and in that time much has happened. The world of WWM has centered around one story. A murder trial in the city of New Westminster, British Columbia. It has been quite a journey. One I hope to share with you in a number of parts as I re-commit to pounding the keyboard, recounting my news gathering experiences and presenting them onto this blog.

Some of you might remember a post from earlier this year about a trial of one Robert Pickton. The trial began last January and just yesterday, a verdict was reached. The next couple of posts will look back on the past several weeks. The posts will not center around the goings on inside the court or the proceedings. If you are looking for that, you can find it written on other blogs/websites/newspapers- No, I will give you my spin on just how I managed to cope though the weather, the waiting and the chaos that this assignment provided. Just bare with me for just one more night as sleep seems to be the thing that I need the most.

The Tale of Two "Specials"

Sorry for the delay getting myself back writing on this blog. I have been on the road with our 6PM show for the past week and writing seemed to be the last thing on my mind.

Funny thing about last weeks "Specials". It was kinda like a dejavu. You see way back in 1994, I went on my first big "Special" assignment. The plan then was to take our 5 PM show to the State of Florida and shoot/ edit and do a live broadcast with our two main hosts, all for the folks back in Maritime Canada. The reasons why we did this are not important to the story, but the idea was to broadcast via Satellite and then pack up the show and move to a different city and do it all over again the next day. My crew assignment on this venture was as an ENG Shooter/ Editor and as a hand held live camera during our show. Of course as any production crew member worth his or her salt, one was also expected to set up and then strike each set. Loads of heavy lifting and no complaining. I am sure our colleagues back in Atlantic Canada thought it all to be fun in the sun for the crew, but if you have been on such a tour, you know it's work and it grinds you down. This assignment would test me and the crew.

Last week's assignment was remarkably similar. Our mission: To Broadcast our Six O'clock Show from a different location each evening in and around Vancouver and Vancouver Island. Of course this assignment lacked the "sun and heat" of Florida but had the cold and rain of southwestern British Columbia. My assignment on this one was however, SNG/Switching and Lighting. Again, this assignment would test all of us on this crew.

I began to notice the similarities very early. In fact, on both occasions when informed of my selection to the crew, I was excited to be a part of something a little different from the daily news grind. (I have to admit that I was much more excited when informed about the Florida assignment as it was my first time out of the Country related to work and after all it was a cold and blustery March and we were going to sunny warm and tropical Florida.)

As I recall, arriving in Florida did not disappoint. It was indeed warm and we quickly changed from our winter gear into our shorts and sneaks. Once settled, we quickly went off onto our respective assignments, knowing that we would have to cut and feed our items before the show. Not to mention technical setup of the show. Needless to say, time would be the enemy each and every day.

I remember the first show on a warm Monday evening from South Beach Miami. The time crunch compounded a few technical issues. The show was a bit rough. But we made it. Exhausted and hungry we now struck the set and packed it into the 5 ton and headed onto our next location. Hoping that tomorrow would bring a better day.

Last Monday, was very, very similar. There were a few issues. Technical gremlins if you will. The weather was not helping. The crew and talent being out of the comfort of the studio added to the stress of the first show. We made air. The show too, like the one on day 1 of the '94 assignment, a bit rough.
As we all packed up, again hoping that tomorrow would be a better day.

On both occasions "tomorrow" was a better day. Comfort levels improve as one has a better idea as what would be in store. Technical issues , like troublesome IFB's and Comm lines were solved. Talent and Crew up their "game" the result, a better shows on day two.

This trend would continue for both assignments as the week progressed. Culminating with a final shows that everyone feels great about. It makes the problems of "Monday" seem far, far away.

Regardless, I always feel stronger after such experiences, even though my back and arms are a little sore.

Sad News from Home

Murman, Heather Proudfoot and Nancy Regan - Florida 1994

It is never easy to write about someone during times of sadness. Such is the case today as I sit down and try to put thoughts to words upon learning of the death of a friend and former work colleague Heather Proudfoot Barry. News of her passing was relayed to me this very morning and hit me with a deep sadness and shock.

Heather was a bit of a legend in the Saint John Bureau of ATV back in the early 80's. A person of extreme integrity and good humour, she was well liked and respected by all those who worked with her in the field. By the time I arrived at that Newsroom she had moved onto ATV Halifax. I had met Heather socially before I came to work for ATV. Once I had arrived I was regaled with tales of Heather's abilities to tell stories and her way with everyday people, by her former cameraman Brian Chisholm.

Nancy , Heather and George at a place called Rosies in Florida 1994

It wasn't until ATV took the show to Florida during the spring break of 1994, that I finally got to experience what Brian had told me so fondly. Heather had a gift of being able to make an immediate connection with people of all stripes. She had a wonderful smile, one I shall not forget. My only regret is I did not get to work with her more often.

My thoughts are with her family, husband Art and their boys.

Here is her Obituary as it appeared in one of the Halifax papers:

PROUDFOOT BARRY, Heather - On September 14, 2007, surrounded by the love of her family and friends, Heather peacefully passed away in QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax. She was a loving and wonderful mother, wife, daughter, and friend who will be sadly missed but remembered with love and a smile. Heather was born in New Glasgow on December 17, 1958. She graduated from New Glasgow High School in 1977, where she excelled in soccer and music and was the founding editor of the high school newspaper. She studied journalism at Carleton University in Ottawa, graduating in I981 with an honours degree in Journalism (with concentrations of study in Canadian History and Political Journalism). Heather worked summers as a newspaper reporter with the New Glasgow Evening News, landing her first full-time job at CFNB Radio in Fredericton, covering city council and the law courts. Heather began her career with the Atlantic Television System (CTV) in 1982 in Saint John. In 1984, ATV moved her to Halifax to report for Live at Five and the 6 o'clock news. In 1988 Heather became the network's Legislature reporter covering the political events of the day from Province House in Halifax. She remained in that position until 1996, also serving in various executive positions for the Legislative Press Gallery Association. During her career as a political journalist Heather covered many significant events, now part of Nova Scotia's political history. Her stories documented such events as the tumultuous end of the Buchanan era and the rise and rocky fall of the John Savage government. She also had the opportunity to travel. She was sent to Washington, D.C., to cover the ushering in of the free trade era when Brian Mulroney became Prime Minister. Heather also covered Canadian Military maneuvers off the coast of Puerto Rico. She was among the first journalists sent to the site of the Westray Mine disaster and along with the CTV team, provided ongoing coverage of the immediate aftermath of the event and the years of political fallout that followed. Heather always said that was the most significant story she ever covered. She was especially touched by the event given that it happened in her own home county. Indeed it was her love of home and family that kept her near, despite several opportunities to work nationally elsewhere in the country. In 1992 she met and, two years later, married the love of her life, Art Barry. Together they had two boys, Michael in 1996 and David in 1997. Heather continued to work part-time for ATV after the arrival of her sons but then devoted herself solely to her family and community. She was president of the Crichton Home and School Association, a co-ordinator with the Block Parents Association and a member of the Saint Andrews Presbyterian Ladies Guild. She has also served on the selection panel for the University of Kings College Atlantic Journalism Awards. She also continued her volunteer work with CTV's Cape Breton edition of the Christmas Daddies Telethon appearing as co-host with dear friend and colleague Bill Jessome for 20 years. Diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2004 Heather confronted her fight quietly but bravely. She fought back and became well again and was resuming a regular life with family and friends. A family trip to Disney World in 2005 and time spent at the family cottage in Pictou County will live in our memories forever. On May 31, 2006, however, the bad news came. The cancer was back and Heather and her loved ones were in for the fight of their lives. Her husband Art, her boys and her family were at her side for every moment of the battle and her gratitude and love for them saw her through. Heather spent the last months of her life preparing her family for what was to come. Long talks with the children, lots of hand-holding with Art and her mom made for many special moments. Even then, the good moments outweighed the bad. While shorter than it should have been, Heather felt she led a full life. A wonderful childhood rambling over the sands and rocks at the cottage, close to 20 years in the profession she lovedÉ and looking after her own family and children. Despite her illness she still managed to pull off the best Halloween parties in the neighbourhood, our regular Christmas traditions and our Valentines chocolate fondue parties. She was always quick with a get-well note or basket of food for anyone else going through tough times. And her smile... oh, that smileÉ continued to light up a room until the very end. Heather is survived by her husband, Art Barry; sons, Michael and David, at home; her parents, Jim and Jean Proudfoot, New Glasgow, and brothers, Frank (Tara), Kendall (Jenny) and Jim (Janet). She is also survived by her wonderful nieces and nephews, and oldest and dearest friend, Barb. Heather would like to thank her many friends and neighbours who rushed to her side when needed. Every card, every note, every little package meant a great deal. Heather's ashes will be scattered in the waters of Chance Harbour in Pictou County. There shall be no visitation but family will be receiving friends in Dartmouth on Monday evening, September 17, at the Banook Canoe Club between 6:30 and 9 p.m. Flowers may be sent to the Banook Club between 3-6 p.m. Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the palliative care unit of Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow (902-752-8311). Her funeral will be held on Thursday, September 20, in St. Andrews Presbyterian Church (the Kirk) in New Glasgow at 2 p.m. She was baptized there, married there, and now comes home to rest.

Heather Proudfoot Barry 1958-2007

"Poor in Pocket, but Rich In Spirit" the story of a Prize Flight

This is a story of a Prize Flight. The Prize Flight was the grand prize we gave away every day at our Broadcast Center at the Pacific National Exhibition for the past 2 weeks.
The folks who win are usually very excited. Most have never been in a helicopter and for me that's the kicker. I get a charge flying with folks for their first flight in a rotary wing.
We have been doing this for the past 3 fairs and have flown scores of first-time fliers. But the winner from last week is the one I shall always remember. I cannot possibly tell her story and give it justice. So here is an email she sent to me and she tells it so well in her own words.

"I'm going to tell you a story about my faith in God and my thanks to CTV news. Today, I was not feeling well, my spirit was broken, I counted my pennies once again to pay bills, still not enough in the end to cover every bill, but yet, I wanted to go to the Pacific National Exhibition, so off I went, Broken and sad, I got to the PNE, I paid my fare to get into the PNE, and thanking the creator for blessing me.

As I walked along the fair grounds, I looked at all the rides, wanting so much to go on them, to experience them and to have fun alone. You see I have never really experienced any rides in my life; I always had too low self esteem and felt too fat to go on a rides.

I had enough to buy my foot long hotdog, mini donuts and a sprite, as I sat in the blazing sun, feeling like a kid, eating foot long hotdog and slurping frozen sprite, enjoying the midway screams, and relishing the smells of cotton candy, drinking in the flavors of the carnival, it was if I was a kid let loose, and it felt good.

Ah! I felt like skipping down the midway runway, among the crowd, still slurping frozen sprite, and wanting to get lost among the sea of humans, not a care in the world. As I approach the rides and still a glimmer of hope sits upon my heart, really wanting to go on the rides.

I watch as people wave frantically at cameras, I get into a line up at the CTV booth for a free picture with Pamela Martin, except it really isn't a picture taken with her, but with a photo of her, as I leave I am asked to enter into a draw to ride in the CTV News Chopper Nine Helicopter. I think nothing of it as I fill out the form and drop it into the barrel among thousands of others.

I continued on my way, admiring how handsome and good looking Bill Good is, looking at Pamela Martin as she makes ready herself for the six o'clock news, I watch the crowd waving at the cameras, making silly gestures, and funny faces. I enjoy the silliness of others and snicker to myself as I find a seat in the shade, where I could watch the rides and wonder if I had the money to ride them, will I have the nerve to get on them, or would I once again let fear take over me and let me never experience the rides I truly want to experience.

I never thought any more of the ballot I filled out to ride on the Chopper, as I sat watching people, they started calling names out for prizes, they called many names, people fill out ballots and leave, they were going to call about the twentieth name, when I got up and started walking up the hill.

All of a sudden I heard, Sylvia Isaac are you here, I started screaming and fighting my way through the crowd, I'm here! I'm here! I'm here. They called my name to ride in the chopper, I was alone, I needed to bring a friend with me to qualify, so I grabbed a woman out of the crowd, I told her she was going with me.

I was in disbelief all the way to the chopper, I felt so blessed, God knew I couldn't afford a ride at the Midway, so he gave me a ride that was an envy to all, as we rose above the earth, over towards the north shore mountains, over the ocean and along the city. I felt like a royalty, being given royal treatment, to see the city high above in a bird's eye view was something out of this world, a blessing that only a Creator could give someone like me, that is poor in pocket, but rich in spirit.

As I walked along the midway on my way home after the chopper ride, people were coming up to me and shaking my hand, congratulating me for winning a prize so wonderful. I rode the bus home, Thanking God for the blessing. And remembering a little prayer always turns into a great big reward for those who have faith."

Written By Sylvia Sharon Isaac August 29 2007

The Fountain

One of the things I enjoy the most doing what I do is meeting people. I have met the rich, the famous, the not so famous. The good, the bad and yes even the ugly. But what keeps me comin' back for more are the people that make me laugh and bring laughter to those around them.

This week Brent and I found such a person at the PNE. He's a performance artist that has daily shows as part of the Fair. His act, one of the most unusual and unique busker performances I have ever seen. The faces that look upon him when he performs are a testament to that.

Brent found this guy on a search of the grounds after our original story went sideways. He went on a recon of the grounds while I was on another assignment. I was actually shooting an 'Olsen on Your Side" taste test at our PNE Broadcast Center.

Anyway, Brent comes back to me and has that excited look on his face. I had seen that look before while we had been on assignment at the Olympics in Turin. That look that said, he had found something better than our original story. I was to soon find out what a gem it really was.

We had arrived at the performance location I set up my sticks and waited. All at once a fellow with what looked like a over sized business suit and an odd hair style, lumbers up to the stage area. Hooks himself up to a hose and climbs up onto a seat at a work station.

Now this wasn't just any work station, this was a station that was elevated a couple of feet above a large children's wading pool. That's right a wading pool. He sat down and went lifeless.

Lifeless, our performer waits for someone to get on the bike

He sat motionless for a couple of moments. All at once a child sat up on a stationary bicycle that powered a pump. That pump was attached to a hose. That hose was attached to him.


All at once as the kid began to peddle, our performer came to life. Water spouting in every direction. He began to bark out some orders on a phone, his arms flailing about, water everywhere.

With a spray of water the performance begins

People looking on, taking in the spectacle. Laughter filled the air. Then suddenly as fast as it began, our spouting man loses energy. He slows and goes lifeless. The kid on the bike has worn himself out and is winded. Another takes his place and the performance continues. This cycle repeats itself. The crowd gathers, now there is a line up of children and even some adults at the bike.

One of the adults tries his luck at the bike/pump

The water continues to flow, our performer bangs away on his computer terminal, answers his phone and drinks from his spouting coffee cup. It is like a cartoon character from by-gone days. A poor schlep at his office, water flying, people laughing. It was the oddest performance I maybe have ever seen. Certainly one not to be forgotten.

Water spouting from everywhere including his work station

Now the genius is in the design of this as we were to find out in a post performance interview. He got the idea sitting on his couch watching TV. All of the equipment used is from Home Depot and IKEA. The office character is based on his very own father, a business man working in an office somewhere in Edmonton. It certainly is an odd way to make a living, spraying liquid laughter where ever he goes. His name- "The Human Fountain"

The Human Fountain

The Eyes of Chopper 9

Many regular visitors to this post know I spend a great deal of my time flying around hunting for stories from the air aboard a news gathering ship called Chopper 9. I have posted many photos or frame grabs of some of the stories that we have been to. Well now from the makers of "Blogger" a handy new button on the posting tool has enabled me to post video.

I know what you are saying. "Hey Putz, people have been posting videos on their blogs for a long time."
Yes you are correct. Bloggers like Turdpolisher and BeFrank have been doing this for some time. But I didn't have the time or the inclination to search out how such a magical feat could be executed. Blogger has now made it easy for techno "dummies" like me.

And so I present to you, my faithful reader a treat. My first video entry to World Wide Murman. A little thing I cut together some months ago. A look from my camera aboard Chopper 9.

Enjoy

The Model Maker

The lineup to get a peek inside of CTV Chopper 9 at the Abbotsford Airshow this past weekend

For the past 3 years we have had our helicopter on a static display as part of the Abbotsford International Airshow. It is a show that runs over three days during the first full weekend of every August. In past years, aircraft of every shape and description find their way to the ramps of Abbotsford Airport and Chopper 9 is no different.

During the past 3 shows we have met thousands of people and given them a tour of Western Canada's first news gathering helicopter. Some have questions, most are excited to get an up close look and a hands on attempt at operating the FLIR camera. It's all in good fun and it helps us make a personal connection to our viewers. We give away hats and tee shirts give the kids fridge magnets and this year we introduced tattoos. A big hit with the kids. By the end of the weekend our crew's voices sound a bit on the raspy side, but it is worth it.

Last season I met a gentleman who introduced himself as a model maker. His name is Duncan. During the course of our conversation he told me he had given up his career to follow his passion for building hi end aircraft desk models.

Duncan the Model Maker speaking to a potential client as he explains how he crafts his creations

Duncan was beginning his new business and was using the opportunity of having hundreds of aviation people in one place to make as many contacts as he could. He presented me with his card and asked me about the possibility of producing a scale model of our very own Chopper 9. I was of course interested. I gave him the VIP tour of the machine and he showed me photos of some of his work.
There were photos of Planes and helicopters all finely detailed and decaled. We shook hands and agreed to make contact after the Airshow weekend.
Over the next few months we had exchanged phone calls and emails. He came to the hangar to take some photos and some measurements. "There was no rush" I had told him, as he was making this one on spec. He had many paying clients that had deadlines and like any business you need to look after your clients.
Duncan would email and tell me of his progress. I know he wanted this one to be a one of a kind item. Eventually I get a call and it's done. He and I had agreed on a price and a pick up. He told me he had kept his molds and he would be able to make more if required.

The "Quality Scale Models" kiosk at the Abbotsford Airshow this past weekend

When I went to pick it up, he opened the box and there it was. An incredible scale model of Chopper 9. I could not wipe the grin off my face. He went and showed me some of the detail he worked into the piece. A FLIR camera that moved. Main and Tail rotors that turned. The tubing that went from each float on the skid to the underbelly tank. All that and it was mounted to look like it was flying. Not to mention the detailing of the decals. Wow.

Well I had hoped that when the brass saw this beautiful replica they would be jumping all over it, wanting one for clients or perhaps for themselves. But it was not to be. At least not then.

Duncan was at the Airshow again this year. This time with his own kiosk, many of his fine pieces on display for potential buyers. In his book of photos there's a model, yes my model of CTV Chopper 9. I own it with pride.

Our Model of THU Chopper 9 created by Duncan

If you would like more information about Duncan and his work you can drop me a line and I would be happy to hook you up.