Special Feature

SPECIAL FEATURE

Film Director Robin Baker Leacock: The Woman behind A Passion For Giving

By Paula Pinto

                                                                                                                                                            Film Director Robin Baker Leacock, the wife of Director/ Cinematographer Robert Leacock, and the daughter-in-law of Richard Leacock who helped to pioneer documentary filmmaking in America, has always been interested in the filmmaking industry, some of her creditable works include IT GIRLS for WE: Women’s Entertainment Television, and I’ll Take Manhattan, which was screened as an official selection at the Montreal World Film Festival, Berlin International Film Festival and Hamptons International Film Festival; as well as a series of summer documentaries for Plum TV in the Hamptons, New York, unquestionably, her creativity and talent has been much well appreciated by viewers. Photo: Film Director Robin Baker Leacock

      Leacock’s interest in the industry led her to take a course at UCLA during her college years, and is now surrounded by it on a daily basis.

      “My husband has worked in the industry for years; his father - in - law was very affluent in it, having documented people such as John F. Kennedy in the White House and many other notable figures. I have been surrounded by it,” Leacock said.

      However, it was just a few years ago, when Leacock inherited some money and “hadn’t done anything to really gain it,” as she said, that she decided she wanted to do something positive with it. Leacock’s pursuit to make the world a ‘kinder’ place led her to create her latest documentary titled A Passion For Giving; a documentary that presents its viewers with actual footage of how others are contributing to humanity by helping people on a daily basis.

       In this documentary, A Passion For Giving, Leacock takes the viewer on a journey around the world and back to give them a first hand glance at how giving, not always in the monetary sense, can go a long way.

       Leacock traveled with her mother to various countries and video taped how people gave of themselves to others. Her experiences there were profound to say the least as she described how she felt a lot of warmth in cultures that have different set of values. Sometimes their values are about taking care of each other, and when asked to compare the sense of giving between the US and abroad she explained how there is a little more joy on a moment to moment basis when you are really caring for other people. It’s really just about kindness and little gestures.

     “It’s not that you have to dedicate your life to charity but being ‘present in the moment and lend a helping hand,” Leacock said.

       Leacock also described how while filming the documentary she had noticed how time and again, people mentioned that giving, in a sense, is kind of selfish because you really can’t help but feel good when you do.

       Filming A Passion For Giving was also different then other films she did because in this documentary there are no actors, there are no scripts, it’s “real” in every essence of the word, and demonstrates the joy on both the giver and receiver’s face as they interact in their daily life.

       “You have to capture people’s attention without a script, and I hope I’ve achieved that,” Leacock said.

     The journey to create the documentary, one which Leacock thought would take six months but rather took three years because of technical problems and others obstacles that arose during the process, began with her desire to interview people who are well known when it comes to giving charity, people such as Bono and Bill Gates, but more so than ever, Leacock was drawn to the people around her. She interviewed friends, as well as people she met on the street and “everyday” people who are making a difference in the lives of others from one on one simple gestures to a larger spectrum.

Leacock met Gael Greene when she reached out to City Meals on Wheels - we knew we wanted to feature their work in the film, and when we asked if Gael would speak to us she was immediately agreeable; Richard Branson we met at a press conference we attended and he was more than  gracious in speaking to us; The Count Alex De Lesseps is a good friend and has been completely supportive of the film, even supplying the Burma footage that he lovingly filmed himself; Dan Aykroyd is an old friend that I have known since growing up. It was really wonderful to interview him for A Passion For Giving and have his thoughts about being kind. Photo: Gael Greene - (Founder, City Meals on Wheel's)   Below Photo: Dan Aykroyd

“I was always carrying my camera around with me while I was making A Passion For Giving, and in the course of traveling around the world I came upon a lot of interesting and articulate people who had huge amounts to say about helping others,” Leacock said.

      Leacock also described what a wonderful feeling it was to talk to people who are excited to help others.

      “During the film, while talking to someone who worked with Doctors Without Borders I asked, “why do you do this kind of work? he answered, ‘because I want to do something intelligent with my life.’”

     One of the many touching moments that Leacock described while filming the documentary was that of when she went to visit Gael Greene, from City Meals on Wheels and during a time when they were serving lunch to the needy.

     “The people loved being there. The people were all happy to see each other and there was great food! There was a woman there who was a 100 years old, and she was playing the piano. When you are in a place of giving there is joy in the air,” Leacock said.

        Leacock explained how these experiences as well as many others were extremely inspiring and how it makes you want to live your life the same way.

     “Once you start walking down the road of wanting to do something for other people, there’s no turning back after that. It becomes more important then anything in the world when you can use that time to do something for someone else. I also think it makes the world a nicer place…a warmer place,” Leacock said.

       Throughout the process of filming the documentary Leacock was highly excited about making something that promotes what she believes in, that whether you are giving of your time, energy or in other ways, it is meaningful.

       “I think it would be an interesting world if everyone was focused on helping each other,” Leacock said.

       When asked if Leacock could describe the documentary into one word, she said, “kindness.” She also noted how many people in the film said that when you are kind to other people, and giving to others, it makes you feel good.

       “Some people even call it a selfish practice because it makes you feel so good,” Leacock said.

       During the documentary, Leacock has conversations about life and generosity with those who have a need to be helped by others, in such a way that it makes you want to do something for someone else.

        Leacock is not only excited about the film but passionate about viewers getting involved to do something nice for someone else.

        “It can begin in your backyard or your daily travel…we all have something to give,” said Leacock.

       For more information about A Passion For Giving, as far as its air times and other beneficial information about how you can get involved, please visit the website at www.passiongiving.com

 

Paula Pinto is the Managing Editor and a writer for a New York newspaper. She is a member of the Christian based writing community Faith Writers, and writes a column called Christian Food For Thought, published monthly on Christian News Today.

Ms. Pinto can be contacted at pintopaula7@yahoo.com

Click the button below and share Christian News Today Online with your family and friends....