Everett "Butch" Soetenga
Videographer
Q & A
As a videographer, what was your approach to the WWII
Stories?
I wanted to honor these veterans the best that I could visually and make them
feel comfortable during the interview. We talked for quite awhile before the
interview so they would be comfortable with us when they were in front of
the camera. I think it helped when they knew I was a veteran myself.
Were there any special techniques you used in shooting
the interviews?
Yes. I came up with the idea of projecting a black-and-white photo from their
war years as a backdrop for the interview. We asked the veterans to bring
in any photos that they might have from the war. We then picked out the best
photo that represented their time in the service, scanned it into a computer
on location and then digitally projected the image onto a backdrop as a background
for the interview. This worked out great and gave us a consistent look to
all of the interviews. I also used very soft lighting for the interviews,
again to make them feel comfortable.
Were there any surprises for you in your role in the
project?
I was amazed at how crystal clear their memories of the war years were. Their
stories were able to transport them and myself back to the war like it happened
yesterday. I was also amazed at how similar their stories were to my own memories
and experiences in Vietnam. I guess military life just hasn't changed
much over the years.
What have been the most rewarding aspects of shooting
WWII Stories?
It was a great honor for me to spend one-on-one time with these men and women
and to listen firsthand to their stories. I was able to thank each and every
one of them personally for the freedom that my family and I now enjoy. I know
it came with great sacrifice and cost. Their stories are very emotional and
straight from the heart.
How has this experience changed you? How has it affected your views on the WWII generation?
Hearing these veterans talk so openly about their experiences during WWII
makes me think I should do the same about my own experience in Vietnam. It
seems to be good therapy for them and something they can be very proud of.
It was good for me to hear almost all of them ask the same question I always
ask myself: "Why did I make it back when so many did not?" Now when
I see the WWII generation on the street, I will always be wondering if they
were once a warrior preserving our freedom.
Personal note
I have been a documentary filmmaker for Wisconsin Public Television
for over 30 years. My experiences as a photographer have taken me all over
the world on different assignments. I have had the honor and privilege of
spending one-on-one time with many gifted and talented people trying to capture
on film and video what it is they have done or are doing. The stories that
these veterans shared will always be in my heart, and I'm so privileged now
to help them visually share these stories with others.
