A few weeks ago we wrapped up our first in a series of on location shoots for our upcoming documentary Better. We shot in Hunters, WA and

Portland, OR. Both were beautiful, and it made it hard to return to the hot, flat midwest.

Our first shoot day focused on Dom’s hometown and high school in Hunters, WA. We spoke with teachers, coaches, students, and friends who are important pieces in telling Dom’s story. We had some really heartfelt interviews, and we are excited to share them.

Days 2 and 3 were spent filming in and around Portland, OR. We filmed around downtown, ate delicious food, attended a Portland Timbers game, and interviewed and trained with NFL veteran and renowned quarterback coach Greg Barton.

It was a busy few days, but it was a great start to our film. We really appreciate all of the great people who have helped us so far, and who have given us encouragement.

When we were in Hunters, we had an opportunity to speak to a class at Columbia HS. The class was called AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). The idea behind the class is very much the same as our film. Dom spoke to the class about how he overcame adversity to achieve his goals in various areas of his life, and I spoke a bit about my life as well. The students were great, and asked a lot of great questions.

Today I received a few letters from a teacher and a few students thanking us for speaking with them. My favorite line from one of the student’s letters:

“You really inspired me to do what makes me happy. Thank you.”

I am very encouraged to see that people are already being impacted by this film, and am excited to continue in telling Dom’s story, and to hear the stories of others.

Today we head out to Dom’s current home of Omaha to shoot with his lovely wife Suzanne. Then we are only a few weeks away from heading out to Finland to shoot Dom in action!

Thanks again for everyone’s support, and for updates from the road, please follow us on Facebook or on Twitter.

Jered