OUR FILM LOCATION AND OTHER INQUIRIES

 As most everyone working in the film world knows location is key. In fact, finding the perfect location is a vital part of the pre-production stage. Fortunately, we have a great location. We have our set built. And we have the majority of our crew. The only downside, unfortunately, is that we cannot disclose where we're filming due to security concerns.

Our goal, among many, is to protect the safety and privacy of those involved in the documentary. We want to film as quickly and efficiently as possible, and that means fewer interruptions and a locked-down set.  

We are so grateful to those who support us and this vital film project. We cherish your emails and letters of encouragement.  We hope to make a positive change for victims of stalking, their families, and loved ones. 

BUILDING OUR FILM SET AND OTHER PROGRESS

A huge thank you to Germán, Panchito, and countless others for working so hard to get our film set built. As many of you know I am filming a documentary on stalking and my experience being stalked as a producer, filmmaker, and author.  I'm working hard to get a national stalking registry in place in hopes of helping others who are victims of an obsessional follower. My stalker is what is considered a stranger stalker. I had and continue to have no intimate relationship with this convicted sex offender at all. He is still free to do as he pleases.  I understand that I am taking a terrible chance by speaking out-but I feel it is the right thing to do in order to help others.

It wasn't until the recent times that stalking has been criminalized. At the commencement of the 1990s, one high-profile case brought stalking into the forefront—the tragic murder of actress Rebecca Schaeffer. Her untimely death not only brought public outrage and awareness to the crime of stalking, but it also led to positive changes within the justice system itself. Schaeffer’s death thrust a Hollywood spotlight onto the crime of stalking and prevention. Moreover, it exposed the inadequacies of the criminal justice system to prosecute stalkers and to protect victims.

When more movie stars came forward after Schaeffer’s death with their own stories, stalking was seen as a far bigger threat than ever before. But it wasn’t just movie stars being stalked, a vast number of the public also suffered from being stalked. From the pressure of the media and from the public, the lack of adequate stalking laws and the need for reform finally came to the attention of policymakers around the nation. Finally, someone in power was listening. Sadly, this came far too late for many stalking victims like Schaeffer who had already met with an untimely death.   

Thankfully today, there is more awareness about stalking and stronger stalking laws have been passed in all fifty states. Even so, the problem of stalking remains. Additionally, the majority of stalking laws have proven to be way too broad and ambiguous. Victims often become discouraged by the lack of response by those in the justice system to take the crime seriously. Often, the crime is not reported because victims know the stalker will only stay behind bars for a very short time. In some cases, the stalker will only stay for a few hours--if that. During the time of incarceration, the stalker only has one thing in mind—revenge on the person that put them there. As the rage builds so does the victim's fear.  We, as stalking victims know that most likely a violent event may ensue.  It is no wonder victims live in a perpetual state of fear.

Moreover, prosecutors, and other justice officials face a daunting task of trying to follow a legal entanglement of elements defined in the laws in order to charge stalkers with the crime of stalking. A major problem with anti-stalking laws is that although many are similar in each state, the language and standards for statues in each state vary widely.  Therefore, what would be deemed stalking in one state is contradictory in other. It is no wonder that stalking is one of the most underreported crimes in America. Victims know the battle is uphill for justice. Stalking is rarely treated as a serious offense and often victims are mocked by those in the justice system who feel it is just a nuisance crime. 

 

In his proclamation on stalking in 2013, President Obama summed it up best. “Though stalking can occur in any community, shame, fear of retribution, or concerns that they will not be supported lead many victims to forego reporting the crime to the police.  As we strive to reverse this trend, we must do more to promote public awareness and support for survivors of stalking.”  (Barack Obama, Presidential Proclamation, 2013).