Email From Viewers The following were written to James Ronald Whitney - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 I just finished watching the telling nicholas documentary on HBO. After watching, I just had to e-mail you. That was the most powerful and emotional show Ihave ever seen. Totally amazing. To be honest, Ihave never heard of james ronald whitney, but Ijust had to tell you what an amazing job you did. Really, I am totally blown away. Thank you for that. Nicholas Your piece on Nicholas was one of the most brillant documentaries I have ever seen. I was in total tears and could not believe how well you put together every scene. Where can I find more of your movies? Like you I am a stockbroker and after watching your film am interested in putting together projects of my own. Great film and keep up the good work. Jay I have to say that 'Telling Nicholas' was one of the most moving films I've ever seen. I watched it last night, and ever since I got to work, I've heard people talking about it. It was a strange 'documentary' weekend for me. I saw 'Hell House' on Saturday, which left me reeling, for various reasons. Then, I saw 'Telling Nicholas' last night. It was really hard to watch. I watched it with a friend and I just wanted to sob as I watched - I wish I would have been alone while I watched it. It was truly amazing- the tenderness and compassion with which it was done. Great job. Thanks, Renny Just, Melvin is one of the best documentaries I've ever seen. I was wondering if you ever have plans to release copies for sale. DVD or VHS. Thanks, Craig PS: Telling Nickolas was very moving. I wanted to let you know that I watched "Telling Nicholas" last night and was blown away. For you to have the forward thinking during that week in September to document such a difficult process of "Telling Nicholas" for all family and friends involved was amazing to say the least. Bravo! Good luck with all your future endeavors and I hope you enjoyed the festival. Best regards, Ethan My name is Laura. I lost my sister Jane on 9/11, she was on the second plane that hit the towers. I watched your documentary last night Telling Nicholas and wanted to congratulate you on your film and your compassion in telling this story. I have found that one of my compelling drives since 9/11 happened is to find out what happened to my sister. I read every book and article, I try to watch every film and all of the coverage I can. In some way I feel that by watching and reading everything I can about this horrendous day that I will in some way honor my sisters life and in some way bear witness and never forget the way it ended. Laura I loved the film Telling Nicholas and it inspired me to look up what other films you produced. The way the story Telling Nicholas was told especially touching to me for a few different reasons. Early in September I suffered my own personal tragedy and was numb to the events of 9/11. It wasn't until weeks later that the tragedy really hit me. Seeing Nicholas and his family experience their loss that day and the days that followed evoked so much emotion from me. I was actually surprised on how much. (Okay, I sobbed like a baby, I'm secure enough to admit it..) Secondly, I'm only 2 years younger than Michelle, I'm separated and I have a 4 year old. Coincidentally, my son looks a great deal like Nicholas, and he is the center of my world. Enough said. It was just so touching and so real the way the story was presented. I could see that you and your crew were also deeply effected when the dad told Nicholas his mom had died and that was a very touching perspective. Lori Congratulations on an amazing documentary. Although heart-wrenchingly difficult to witness, Telling Nicholas was an amazing journey for all whom watched. I would like to believe that I now have a minute idea of what it is actually like for all the families who have experienced loss as a result of 9/11. As a fellow filmmaker for "American Undercover," I wanted to thank you for producing such a pure documentary. Regards, Jeff I watched your program last night on HBO , like millions of others I am sure, and I can honestly say it changed my life. That was the most moving piece of work I have ever seen and you should be so proud of yourself. You did not fish for a story nor did you provoke anyone to answer your questions. You allowed the reality to be both shocking yet very real as it should have been. I could only guess this story has changed your life in so many ways. I too work with the stock market so I am stunned someone like you can separate the two and allow yourself to be human unlike so many others I've met in this business. Good luck to you and keep up the good work - I look forward to seeing more stories and please keep your eye on Nicholas and update us as to how he is doing. Thank you Janine Thanks for bringing the story of Nicholas and his family to HBO. As a Hoosier, we in Indiana feel so out-of-touch with the 9/11 atrocities that occurred; and we all feel so helpless. Your film was moving, poignant and painfully honest. I cried last night, and again today, for all of those families who lost loved ones in New York City. Best Regards, Peg I just wanted to let you know to continue making inspiring films. I saw "Telling Nicholas" last night and I have never seen any documentary capture the spirit of a child so well. You did a great job of demonstrating the innocences of a child. I also saw "Just Melvin" last year which took a lot of courage to film. Keep up the meaningful work....an Arizona fan Claudia I just wanted to sincerely thank Mr. James Ronald Whitney for his special (on HBO America Undercover) "Telling Nicholas". Within the report, he featured my friend Gabriela Wiseman, who tragically died in the World Trade Center. I was not able to go to the funeral that Sunday, but I would greatly like to thank him for allowing the world to know who Gabby was, and for us not to forget her. Gabby introduced me to the man who today is my husband, and the love of my life. Gabby and I met while working at J.C. Penney's in 1996. She was the receptionist at the front desk who I met by accident the day I was late for work. I am extremely proud to be able, to see and say, that so many people cared and loved her. As Mr. Whitney said all she ever wanted was a couple of kids and a nice husband. Ironically, the person who introduced me to my happiness, tragically, would have hers taken away. I greatly appreciate his kind words, and the ability to allow me to see her beautiful picture, one last time. Thank You. Maria I'm sure you're being flooded today by people who saw Telling Nicholas on HBO last night. I just wanted to thank you for making such a sensitive and compelling documentary -- I don't think I've ever seen anything so painful on film as the scene where Robert tells Nicholas. I was almost afraid to watch the film once I heard the premise, fearing the sorrow and fearing the possibility of exploiting people's grief. But once it began I couldn't take my eyes off of it, your introduction to yourself in the beginning won my trust in your intention, and it was clear that your involvement with the both families was helpful in their processing their loss. You obviously have a strong heart to be able to introduce yourself into that situation and stand witness to it all. Their/your story was brutally and beautifully told. Best of luck with your future projects. Christina i am a friend of RJ's and the editor of indieWIRE. just a brief note to tell you that i just watched "Telling Nicholas" on HBO. it is a very moving documentary and i wanted to commend you on tackling such a tough and personal subject, i am sure that it must have been a very difficult movie to make. all the best, eugene I just saw your film about nicholas and it was brilliant, and I am sure you are brilliant as well I was moved to tears. my fiance's cousin James was killed in the WTC He leaves behind a daughter (3 ) and a new baby girl born March 12, 2002. I am just writing to let you know your work has touched our hearts. Karen I have to say that I do not normally just sit down to the computer and decide to contact a complete stranger. I had an overwhelming feeling that I should drop you an email....not sure where it came from, but I thought I shouldn't question it and write. Here I am...once again watching your film, sitting on my couch, laptop on my lap & eyes glued to the television. After watching the film on Sunday night I was intrigued and dialed into the workinggirl.com web site to find out more about the interesting person who was behind my curiosity. Who knows perhaps I am one of many people who is compelled to contact you after learning more about you and your films? I am interested in viewing the "Just, Melvin" film....you are probably inspiring many young people with your story. I am inspired and I would love to talk to you about your travels, experiences and thoughts. I am a 26 year old female who is... how shall I say ..."blooming." I have a true passion for people and for life...everyday is an adventure for me. I am a student of the world and still trying to really figure out what it is "I want to be when I grow up." How were you feeling during the filming of "Telling Nicholas"? After September 11th I was very drawn to my family and friends. I was really taking a close look at my life and what was truly important. So many people are stuck in the sea of material possessions. Do not get me wrong I enjoy nice things but I have a huge heart and I know what is truly important. You were very calm and smooth, you pulled this documentary together beautifully. You are very talented...(obviously, HBO is buying your films!!). This film has so many important messages. You are probably extremely busy, I gather from your bio that you are a driven person. It is very inspiring! There needs to be more men out there like yourself. I know you are working hard on another project. Inspired & Intrigued, Cari I watched your film on HBO on Sunday. I just wanted to say thank you so very much. I have a 7 year old myself and watching Nicholas go through literally broke my heart. Thank you so much for opening up my eyes to what is truly important in life. I know it must be very hard to do what you do, but remember you are doing a wonderful job. May God bless you in all that you do. And thank you so much. Also one quick question is there a anyway to keep updated on Nicholas? Is there a web site that you have to keep us updated over the years? God Bless You!!!!!! Joni This was a great, heart wrenching movie and I understand it was all about this family, but more importantly, about Nicholas but I have to know...is Cindy okay? Did she come out of her catatonic state all right? I mean, Nicholas was taken care of and all, but what about Dom and Cindy? Milton I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated your making "Telling Nicholas." I've never responded so emotionally to a t.v. program or documentary, and I can't even write this note without crying. In the future, both near and especially distant, I hope your film is shown since it really explains the heartbreak of 9/11. The media coverage was one thing, but your film is much more human and lasting. And I'm glad HBO showed it on Mother's Day. As a mom, it was the best present I could get to reaffirm how lucky I am. Thank you and I'll never forget your work or Nicholas. Ann MY NAME IS EILEEN . I WORKED AT A PRESCHOOL IN VIRGINIA THAT NICHOLAS LANZA ATTEDNED FOR ABOUT 3 YEARS. I JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT YOUR FILM TODAY AND MISSED THE HBO SHOWING OF IT. I AM DEVASTED TO LEARN ABOUT THE TRAGEDY NICHOLAS AND HIS FAMILY HAVE GONE THROUGH. IS THERE ANY WAY TO GET A COPY OF THE FILM OR FIND OUT WHEN ANOTHER SHOWING OF THE FILM MIGHT BE? ME AND MY CO-WORKERS SEND THEIR LOVE AND PRAYERS TO NICHOLAS AND HIS FAMILY. APPRECIATE ALL YOUR EFFORTS AND HELP!! SINCERELY, EILEEN Email From Viewers - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6     © 2001-03 James Ronald Whitney See the Web sites for the director's other films: Just, Melvin, TheWorkingGirl.com and Games People Play: New York Comments or questions about the Web site contact the WebMaster at www.SolutionsWebDesign.net