BILL OLSON
WRITER, FILMMAKER & RADIO DRAMA PRODUCER
A PARTIAL LIST OF
COMPLETED PROGRAMS
Except where otherwise noted, my role was:
Director, Editor, Writer, Producer and Photographer.
- Minute by Minute
- Complete
video on YouTube.com
- Complete
video on Google Video
(September 2006; 4 min.) (Fiction Narrative) - A
short film by Bill Olson of a man who sees a ghost. 2nd Place winner in
the 48-Hour Video Project in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Starring Kurt Wiegel
and Bruce Bartels.
- The Trail
- Complete
video on Google Video
- Part
1 video on YouTube.com
- Part
2 video on YouTube.com
(October 2005; 10:25) (Fiction Narrative) - The
story of a zombie whose love will never die. A short horror film by Bill
Olson that won 2nd Place in the 48-Hour Video Project in Eau Claire,
Wisconsin. Starring Abbie Williams and Tom Giffey. Co-starring
Bruce Bartels as the artist and Steve Sparks as the art critic. Made in cooperation with Local Independent Filmmakers
(LIF) in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The film follows Unkel Boob as he
travels the city appearing in the various films being shot that day.
Additional photography: Steve Sparks.
- 41 Hours
- Complete
video on Google Video
-
(July 2005; 25:29) (Documentary)
- A
clown character, Unkel Boob, must appear in short films that must be shot
and edited in 41 hours. Made in cooperation with Local Independent Filmmakers
(LIF) in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The film follows Unkel Boob as he
travels the city appearing in the various films being shot that day.
Additional photography: Steve Sparks.
- The War Prayer
- Complete
radio drama on Google Video
-
(2005) (fiction Narrative radio drama)
-
A radio drama presentation of Mark Twain's anti-war short story, starring folk singer Billy Krause and Abbie Williams.
- Short Plays
(July 2005; 22:21) (Fiction Narrative radio dramas) -
Short radio plays written and performed by Bill Olson, who creates a variety of voices.
The stories include "Modkenstein," "Coming Out of the
Lab," "The Holy Gift," "Molem Beeble," and
"Summit Meeting."
-
-
"Modkenstein" -- A humorous story about a hippy Frankenstein
monster and his monster friends.
Complete radio drama
on YouTube.com
-
- "Coming Out of the
Lab" -- A drag queen story based on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.
Complete radio drama on YouTube.com
-
- "The Holy
Gift" -- A science-fiction story poem about conservative evangelicals
obtaining the power to read minds and how they oppress those whose thoughts
offend them.
Complete radio drama on YouTube.com
-
-
"Summit Meeting" -- Two heads of state in the Middle East
discover they have more in common than they previously thought.
Complete radio drama on YouTube.com
- View from the Sky
- Part 1 video on
YouTube.com
- Part
2 video and bloopers on YouTube.com
- Complete
and higher resolution on video.google.com
(July 2005; 10:45) (Fiction Narrative) - As
teachers protest low wages and murder in Mexico City in June 1997, two men
have a discussion on rebellion and sacrifice high above in the restaurant
near the top of the Latin American Tower. Starring Billy Krause and
Jon Pepper.
- Sheriff Bob
(July 2005; about 21 min.) (Documentary) -
For 30 years, Bob Dawson was Sheriff Bob on a children's TV show in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Dawson, children who where on his show, and
broadcasters who worked with him talk about those years. Directed and Edited
by Bill Olson.
- All that Glitters
Complete
video on Google Video
-
(April 2005; 50:52) (Documentary)
- A documentary about Sonia and
Marie Kadlec, twin sisters who've acted in
locally-produced feature films. Now, as they graduate from high school
and begin new lives, they are also being considered for roles in a Hollywood
major motion picture.
- See the Music #3 to #10
(March 2005; about 27 min. each) (Educational) - The notes of piano sonatas by Beethoven can be seen on the screen as
they play.
- The Key *
- Complete
video on Google Video
- Complete
video on YouTube.com
-
(February, 2005; 05:05) (Science-Fiction Narrative)
- An alien public affairs officer adopts a
human child to be used in TV commercials promoting the approved candidate on the eves of the first post-occupation
elections. Starring Ali Jo Abraham, Craig Yamauchi, Bill Olson, Jodie Berseth, Tom Giffey.
-
- * 2005: Official Selection, Cascadia Con's North American Science Fiction
and Fantasy Film Festival (Seattle, Washington).
-
- Bush Windows
- Complete
video on Google Video
- Complete
video on YouTube.com
-
(2005; 1 minute) (Political Satire)
- Two very short films:
- 1) A
comparison of the administration of George W. Bush to a Windows
computer.
- 2)
Bush giving a speech in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin -- a commentary on him and
on his supporters.
-
- Special FX Tests
- Complete
video on Google Video
- Complete
video on YouTube.com
-
(2005; (Documentary)
- A
humorous short documentary featuring failed special effects tests.
-
- Video Letter
(October 10, 2004; 12:14) (Fiction Narrative) - A
filmmaker faces procrastination and old love. Starring Bill Olson, Tom
Giffey, Jodie Berseth, Kurt Wiegel and Carol Aasen.
- Animal Blessings
- Complete
video on Google Video
- Part
1 video on YouTube.com
- Part
2 video on YouTube.com
(July 18, 2003; 14:34) (Documentary) - How do churches bless animals and what does it mean to the animal's adopted
parents? And how do animals bless us? This light-hearted yet meaningful film features interviews with Rev. Eric
Nielsen (First Presbyterian Church, Eau Claire, Wis.),
Rev. Rolf Nestingen (Grace Lutheran Church, Eau Claire) and Dr. Lawrence
Martin (Chair of American Indian Studies at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.)
- Animals and Nature
- Complete video on YouTube.com
- (2003) (Documentary)
- Video
of animals and nature, filmed by Bill Olson in Eau Claire, Jackson County and
Chippewa County, Wisconsin, and in the Twin Cities and Mexico. Music by
Bill Olson.
- The Peace Show #2 "Beating the Drum" **
(April 25, 2003; 27:19) (Documentary) - In the face of opposition, people who oppose war continue to beat the drum,
to speak out. (1) A group of university students in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, create a mock refugee camp, and (2) peaceful
demonstrators in the small community of Mondovi, Wis., are cursed, threatened and shoved by pro-war factions.
Includes additional audio recorded in Mondovi by Dan Drumm of Pacifica
Radio's Peace Watch.
-
- See photos and a video clip
from the show, and hear Dan Drum's radio report at the UW-Eau
Claire Staff and Faculty for Peace and Justice Web site.
-
- The DVD containing "Peace Show" 1 & 2 (and bonus material) has been added to the collection of the
McIntyre Library at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
- * 2003: Official Selection, Finalist, Telly Awards.
- * 2003: Finalist, Gulf Coast Film & Video Festival
(Dallas, Texas).
- The Peace Show #1 "The Loyal Opposition"
- Complete
on video.google.com
(March 21, 2003; 17:37) (Documentary) - People who support war speak out freely while many opposed to war
are afraid of reprisals. This series promotes the view that individuals can and must create peace on a daily basis
in their own communities.
- Your TV
(December, 2002; 25:00) (Documentary) - The events, producers and volunteers at Community Television, Eau Claire, Wis.
Produced for Community Television.
- Fighting On -- a Profile of Two Chronic Pain Survivors ****
- Complete
on video.google.com
- Part 1 on YouTube.com
- Part 2 on
YouTube.com
- Part 3 on
YouTube.com
(Aug. 1, 2002; 25:54) (Documentary) - The stories of two Wisconsin women suffering from debilitating pain
and how they cope.
-
-
- * 2003: Finalist, Telly Awards.
- * 2002: Excellence Award, Documentary (WAPC).
- * 2002: Impact Award for Best Program by an Individual (CTV, Eau Claire, Wis.).
- * 2002: Impact Award for Best Individual Producer (CTV, Eau Claire, Wis.).
- Effective Public Presentations
(July 31, 2002; 29:00) (Educational) - Members of the Eau Claire City Council and others discuss how
citizens can give more effective presentations at local government meetings.
Producer/host: Dan Casey. Executive producer/director: Bill
Olson. Copyright 2002 Eau Claire
Community Television.
- Statement of Reconciliation
- Complete
video on Google Video
- Complete
video on YouTube.com
-
(July 19, 2002; 02:00) (Fiction Non-Narrative)
- A group that's feared and hated offers peace.
- See the Music #2
(Feb. 18, 2002; 25:00) (Educational) - The notes of Edvard Grieg's music can be seen on the screen as it plays.
- See the Music
(Aug. 8, 2001; 16:00) (Educational) - The notes of Franz Josef Haydn's Flute and Piano Sonata can be seen on the screen as it plays.
- Bill Olson Presents American Authors -- Kyoko Mori
- Complete
on video.google.com
(Aug. 2, 2001; 17:00) (Interview) - A discussion with Japanese-American author Kyoko
Mori.
- The Referendum **
(May 2001; 14:45) (Documentary) - Exploration of the issues involved in a controversial school referendum in Chippewa Falls, Wis.
- Made as a broadcast journalism senior project at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with other students:
Lee Heike, Tara Tompkins, Ayrie Manthey and Trevor Luetke.
-
- Theme music by
Bill Olson.
-
- * 2002:
1st place, Category 29, Television In-depth
- (Society of Professional Journalists Region 6 Mark of Excellence Contest for 2001).
- *
2002:
Merit Award, Documentary (WAPC).
- Reading's Cool *
(Aug. 2000; 06:56) (Educational) - A volunteer recruitment video for Reading Partner Program of Eau Claire Area
School District in Wisconsin.
-
- * 2001: Excellence Award,
Educational Video (WAPC).
- Sky High
(Aug. 2000; 08:00) (Nonfiction) - A helicopter ride at Blaine Aviation Days in Minnesota.
Music by Bill Olson.
- Blaine Aviation Days
(Aug. 2000; 12:00) (Nonfiction) - An aviation show in Blaine, Minnesota, in 1998.
Music by Bill Olson and F. J. Haydn.
- Unknown Spanish
- Complete
on video.google.com
(July 2000; 14:00) (Interview) - Spanish Lessons: words and expressions not found in dictionaries.
Includes a discussion with artist Liliana Amezcua.
- Eau Claire on Wheels
(July 2000; 12:00) (Nonfiction) - A car show in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Edited
and co-photographed by Bill Olson for Eau Claire Public Access Community
Television. Other photographers: Scott Gee, etc.
- Lord, We Thank You *
(Dec. 1999; 14:00) (Documentary) - Documentary commemorating my aunt Lenore's 90th
birthday and her life, includes interviews with her children. Songs
by Tom Olson. Theme song
by Bill Olson.
* 2000: Merit Award, Documentary (WAPC)
- African Perspective
(1999; 22:00) (Interview) - An interview with two African
journalists. The theme
song is © 1999 Bill Olson.
-
-
- My First Trip to London
(1999; 29:00) (Documentary) - Experiences of 19th Century humorist Marshall P. Wilder,
from a chapter of his book, THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET.
Narration by Bill Olson.
- Lost Language, Rediscovered Kin
(Dec. 1998; 14:00) (Documentary) - Long-lost Norwegian relatives, after discovering us
through genealogical research, come to visit. Perhaps we are the
long-lost. The theme song
is © 1998 Bill Olson.
- Socrates: The Final Days
- Complete
on video.google.com
(1998; revised May 25, 2005; 28:35) (Narrative) - Radio adaptation of several Platonic dialogues.
Starring Mel Jackson, Jay Blake and Bill Olson. Music by John Wright.
- Evolution of the Present
- Complete
on video.google.com
(1998; 29:00) (Interview) - Dr. David Dávila, chair of the
Department of International Relations at la Universidad de las Americas, discusses political changes in
Mexico.
- The Art of Antonio Álvarez
(Oct. 1998; 19:21) (Documentary) - A profile of a Mexican artist and teacher.
- Train Derailment in Mexico
(1998; 20:00) (Nonfiction) - Workers try to put a derailed locomotive
back on its tracks. Videotaped on location in Cholula, Puebla, Mexico.
- Saintly Images: The Art of Liliana Amezcua
- Complete
on video.google.com
(Aug. 1998; 16:57) (Documentary) - A profile of a Mexican artist whose works tell the stories of Catholic saints. Much of her works are
multi-media, using painting, junk sculpture, photos, etc.
- Conversation with a Mexican Woman: Marisol Castillo
- Complete
on video.google.com
(1998; 15:00) (Interview) - Videotaped in the Zócalo of Puebla, México.
We discuss language
studies and the 1997 eruption of the volcano Popocatepetl, which she
experienced first hand.
- El Internet en Mexico
- Complete on
YouTube.com
(July 1998; 04:00) (Interview) - Puebla bookstore/cyber café owner Carlos Gonzales talks about the Internet in Mexico.
Subtitles translation by Bill Olson.
- Bunny Love: Antics in an Artist's Apartment
- Complete
on video.google.com
(May 1998; 11:53) (Documentary) - A profile on artist Kelly Brennan, and
scenes of her bunny pursuing another bunny for mating.
- Each Turn *
(1995-96; 250:00) (Fiction Narrative) - A ten-part radio drama series based on my TV
pilot.
Starring John Townsend, Mel Jackson, Mike Kruchten, Jay
Blake, Diedre Kay,
Steven Bishoff, etc. Portions of two episodes were directed by Ruth
Wendell. Music by John Wright. Theme by Bill Olson and John
Wright.
* 1996: Hot Mic Award (CTV 15, Roseville, Minn.).
1 - Dreams and Reality
Complete radio drama on video.google.com
2 - Drawing forth
Excalibur
Complete radio drama on video.google.com
3 - Reality Kick
Complete radio drama on video.google.com
4 - Perennial Dreams
Complete radio drama on video.google.com
5 - Where is the Tickertape?
Complete radio drama on video.google.com
6 - Xerxes and the Bay of Salamis
Complete radio drama on video.google.com
7 - Affirmative Protection
Complete radio drama on video.google.com
8 - Pawn and Battle Lines
Complete radio drama on video.google.com
9 - Buenas Nuevas
Complete
radio drama on video.google.com
10 - The Sin of Two Worlds
Complete radio drama on video.google.com
- Half a Man
(1994; 28:00) (Fiction Narrative) - Suspense story of a writer who seizes the wrong opportunity.
Starring Jay Blake, Tom Sherlock, Jim Lundy, Mo Donahue, etc. Directed,
edited, co-written and co-produced by Bill Olson. Music by John Wright. . Shot in the Landmark Center of St. Paul, Minn. and other Twin Cities locations.
-
- (Was
a finalist in a Minnesota statewide film/video contest.)
- Video Études II
(Sept. 25 1993; 45:00) (Fiction Narrative) - A live show presenting several short dramatic
vignettes. Starring Ken Morgan, Ruth Wendell, John Townsend, Bill Olson, Jim Lundy, Andrew Ansell, Linda Nelson,
Jim Lundy, Jim Phelps, etc. Writer, executive producer,
co-director and host: Bill Olson. Some of the etudes are available on
the Internet:
-
- "Reception party" -- John Townsend is a world-renowned
research physician who must convince Gillian Ellis that revealing his vow of
poverty to the world is the right thing to do.
- Complete Video on
YouTube.com
- Complete
Video on Google Video
- "Kings and Pawns" -- A conversation between George
Washington and Thomas Jefferson about their slaves.
- Complete Video on
YouTube.com
- Complete
Video on Google Video
- "A Night" -- Ruth Wendell and Jack Jensen-Barrie star as
a couple nearing retirement who fear their Vietnam veteran son who has
post-traumatic stress and schizophrenia.
- Complete Video on
YouTube.com
- Complete
Video on Google Video
- "The Last Friend" -- Ken Morgan and Brian Goff are
researchers on a starship whose religious differences define their
friendship.
- Complete Video on
YouTube.com
- Complete
Video on Google Video
- "Edward De Vere, Earl of Oxford" -- Who was Edward De
Vere, and what might he have done to pursue his love of writing?
- Complete Video on
YouTube.com
- Complete
Video on Google Video
-
- Jamila
- Complete
video on Google Video
- Part
1 video on YouTube.com
- Part
2 video on YouTube.com
(1992; 15:00) (Fiction Narrative), Black and White - Inspired by true events in Lebanon in 1982: The story of a woman who
reluctantly must become president of her chaotic Middle East country
following the assassination of her brother, the president. Starring Jeni Austin, Tom Sherlock, John Wright, Mo Donahue and Tyrone Bujold.
Music by John Wright. Shot in
the Landmark Center of St. Paul,
Minn., the Minneapolis law firm of Robins, Kaplan, Miller
& Ciresi, and other Twin Cities locations.
- Jenny
(1992; 12:15) (Fiction Narrative) - Story of a man who's insecure around women. This film makes strong use of fantasy and visual story-telling. Starring
Bill Olson, Jack Melberg,
Ruth Wendell and Judy Gallas. Music by Bill Olson; photography by Walter
Doehne.
- Visiting the Elderly in Nursing Homes
(1992; 14:00) (Educational) - Volunteer training video for Little Brothers, Friends of
the Elderly. Directed and Edited by Bill Olson; script, production and
music by John Wright.
- The One Hungry Predator (r)
(1991, 22:00) (Fiction Narrative), Black and White - A young man believes he's
a werewolf.
Starring Jim Lundy, Jack Melberg,
Linda Nelson, Michael Dixon, Dorothy Lind, the dog Sadie, etc. Directed, edited, co-written
and co-produced by Bill Olson.
- Video Études, Vol. I
(1991, 07:00) (Art Video) - Video experiments, many of which have
an anti Gulf War theme.
- Non Famous People of the Twin Cities #2
(1991; 30:00) (Documentary) - Demonstrates how makeup designs are created for "The Last Candle."
Directed and edited by Bill Olson. Produced, created and hosted by
Rochelle Andrews.
- These Riches I Bear
(Jan. 1991; 15:00) (Fiction Narrative), Black and White - Prequel to "The Last Candle." Starring
Sandi Smith as the mystic. Also starring, Jack
Melberg, Jim Lundy, Linda Nelson, Michael Dombrose and the dog Sadie. Camera: Bill
Sylvester; music by John Wright.
- The Last Candle
(Jan. 1991; 15:00) (Fiction Narrative), Black and White - (Based on my 1983 8mm film, "The Mystic.")
Starring Sandi Smith as the mystic. Also starring Jim Lundy, Judy Nelson,
etc. Music by John Wright.
- Writer's Block
(April 1990; .13:00) (Fiction Narrative) - (Sequel to "The Gray in the Basement.")
Re-issued in Feb. 2001 with re-mastered audio. A young writer has lost
her muse, but must deal with an old boyfriend. Starring Danette Kealey,
Bill Olson and Jack Melberg.
Music by John Wright.
- The Gray in the Basement
- Complete
video on Google Video
- Part
1 video on YouTube.com
- Part
2 video on YouTube.com
(Sept. 1989; 13:43) (Fiction Narrative), Black and White - A woman writer cares for her abusive alcoholic father following a family tragedy.
Starring Danette Kealey, Jack
Melberg, Joyce Trewartha, and Michael Dombrose. Music by John Wright.
- Playground
(Mar. 1989; 20:26) (Fiction Narrative) - A man struggles to raise his kids alone after the disappearance of his wife.
Starring Steven Bishoff, Danette Kealey,
Jack
Melberg, etc. Re-issued in 1992 in a special edition co-starring Mo
Donahue, Victor Tedesco, etc., with music by John Wright.
- Each Turn
: Perennial Dreams
(1989; 22:00) (Fiction Narrative) - (TV series pilot.) A young man tries to become a filmmaker in the Twin Cities.
Later produced as a radio drama series. Starring Rob Borm, Tom Mishke, Jodi Strimling, Danette Kealey. Guest
starring Steven Bishoff,
Jack Melberg,
Judy Gallas, Joyce Trewartha, Bill Olson, Michael Dombrose, etc. Written, produced and
co-directed by Bill Olson. Casting director: Melina Bielefelt.
- Improv at My Place
(Sept. 1988; 16:42) (Art Video) - Improvisational comedy. Starring
Jodi Strimling, Judy Gallas, Melina Bielefelt, Linda Nelson, Michael Dombrose,
etc.
Produced and edited by Bill Olson; directed and hosted by Melina Bielefelt.
- Crawling from the Canyon
(Aug. 1988; 17:16) (Art Video) - I reflect on life while sitting naked.
- Donchagobeye
(1987; 21:00) (Video Poem/Documentary) - Poetic remembrances of our family cottage,
which is now part of the Ice Age Reserve Park in Wisconsin's Chippewa County.
Narrated by Bill Olson. Photography by Bill Olson and John Hruebesch.
-
- Uncle Buck's Hills
(Aug.1987; 03:00) (Video Poem) - A video poem about the country. Narrated by Bill Olson.
- Silent Pond **
(July 1986; 03:37) (Video Poem) - A video poem about a pond. Starring Melina Bielefelt. Videotaped at Half
Moon Lake in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
-
* 1987: Best Entertainment Video (Hometown Video
Festival).
* 1987: Most
Outstanding Achievement
(Hometown Video Festival).
- The Mystic
(May 1983; 09:00) (Fiction Narrative), 8mm film - A man must sacrifice his life to bring a little girl back to life.
Remade in 1991 as "The Last Candle." Starring Melina Bielefelt, Laura Bielefelt, Marion Bielefelt, and Bill Olson as
the mysitc.
- The Tenth Annual Olson Invitational Golf Tournament
(1980; 30:00) (Documentary), b/w - The awards ceremony of my family's invitational golf tournament.
AWARDS AND HONORS
·
2005: Official Selection, Cascadia Con's North American Science Fiction
and Fantasy Film Festival (Seattle, Washington), "The Key."
·
2003: Finalist, Telly
Awards, "The Peace Show #2 -- Beating the Drum."
·
2003: Finalist, Telly
Awwrds, “Fighting On: A Profile of Two Chronic Pain Survivors.”
·
2003: Finalist, Gulf Coast Film & Video Festival
(Dallas, Texas), "The Peace Show #2 -- Beating the Drum."
·
2002: Excellence Award, Documentary
(WAPC), “Fighting On: A Profile of Two Chronic Pain Survivors.”
·
2002: Impact Award for Best Program by an Individual (CTV, Eau Claire,
Wis.), “Fighting On: A Profile of Two
Chronic Pain Survivors.”
· 2002: Impact Award for Best Individual Producer
(CTV, Eau Claire, Wis.), “Fighting On: A
Profile of Two Chronic Pain Survivors.”
·
2002:
1st place, Category 29, Television In-depth (Society of Professional
Journalists Region 6 Mark of Excellence
Contest for 2001), “The Referendum.”
·
2002:
Merit Award, Documentary (WAPC), “The
Referendum.”
·
2001:
Excellence
Award, Educational Video (WAPC),
“Reading's Cool.”
·
2000:
Merit Award, Documentary (WAPC),
“Lord, We Thank You.”
·
1996:
Hot Mic Award (CTV 15,
Roseville, Minn.), Each Turn radio drama series.
·
1987:
Best Entertainment Video (Hometown Video Festival), “Silent
Pond.”
·
1987:
Most Outstanding
Achievement (Hometown Video Festival), “Silent Pond.”
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