"30 Day Vegan": a Leefy Green Production

[30DayVeganDave LG Prod.]

Hi
My name is Dave. I am a Film Major at Chico State.
Perhaps the most talked about and inticipated
Documentry is in production. I am filming a Documentry
on myself, a regular college student, becoming a Vegan
overnight. So far the footage i have captured has been
amazing. I am currently on Day 4, and i must say it is
quite a adventure.
I almost feel like an outcast everywhere i go. I go
out with friends and watch them eat. the other day i
did a 8 hour shoot for another production. We had a
full on cater service. I ate so many bananas and
apples, but skipped all main courses.
I like it though, eating new food, talking to new
people. living life without animal products.
People are so amazed of what i do. They cant imagine
going on a diet like mine. I spent 100 dollars on
Vegan food a couple days ago, and everyday i cook
something new.
I really think having other Vegan friends is the best
way to go. On my production shoots for other films, i
was lucky to work with another Vegan to talk to. She
was really happy i was their not eating the same food
as all of them. I think is took some pressure off her
with all the people. It is also fun to share stories
about just being a vegan.
I cant tell you how excited profesors and students are
about this documentry. I get tons of questions each
day.

I need help though.
-First, i really want to take a trip Farm Sanctuary
i read on the event calender that we are going to the
farm!
when are we going? will they let me and my crew in?
last time i talked to them they said they are under
new rules and regulations. I feel this footage is
crucial to why a Vegan is a Vegan. People dont
understand why Vegans eat the way they do. I want to
show them hands on. Also my doc first cut is due
april 9. No worries though, i plan to get even more
footage and finish in summer. i am making a 5 min
trailer, and a 45 min documentry.
-I talked to so some awesome people already here in
the group, and they are cool with us attenting
meetings and events. This is just what i need. I dont
want to miss a thing, so let me know on everything.
- where can get some Earth boots and maybe a shirt
quick. i want to get some advetising to the people. I
want them to know i am a Vegan, and proud. I am think about extending my Veganism throughout the summer, since i enjoy it so much!

My main concern is the farm, i really want this
footage. I am attending the potluck this week. Open to
sugg and ideas, so come talk to me.

Dave Zuniga
Austin Houlding
Sarah Pennsi
"30 Day Vegan"
Leefy green Productions
davidproductionz@hotmail.com

[walrus]

Hi Dave! Glad you found us on here too. This is Sarah, one of the people you've been emailing. Unfortunately a trip to Farm Sanctuary isn't going to happen for reasons I cannot post here. However, I would recommend calling Animal Place in Vacaville and seeing if you can get in there. I think she has scheduled tours, so you'd probably have to work around her schedule. You'll want to talk to Kim Sturla. She's really hard to reach though.

As far as boots go, if you need some right away you might want to check out Payless. They often have shoes that are accidentally vegan. Also, maybe an army surplus store or just a general tool store, like Ace Hardware. I've seen boots in there from time to time. Well, at the one in Orland anyway. If you're looking for a quick t-shirt, you'll have to make a trip to Sacramento, I think. Otherwise, you could order some online and it'll get to you within a day or two.

Good luck with everything. You know how to reach me. And of course we'll keep you in the loop with regard to all of our upcoming events.

[quagga]

I guess you're on Day 5 now, right? That's great. I'd be interested in hearing more on the favorable or unfavorable responses you're getting from your fellow students and especially your professors. CSUC has not seemed to me to be especially friendly towards veg*ns.

As far as rubber boots, Gates Resale is the place I recommend. They have a variety of boots, most of them pretty cheap.

Gates Resale-Army Surplus
(530) 342-2309
1152 Park Ave @ 12th Street
Chico, CA 95928

ETA: You're not an outcast here! Or here (http://www.vegchico.com/). Welcome, welcome, welcome! :sunny:

[VegeTexan]

I spent 100 dollars on
Vegan food a couple days ago, and everyday i cook
something new.

Hi Dave.
I would like to get more involved with film and video for animal rights. One of my duties is to shoot and edit video for the National Park Service.
A few years ago I went to Montana and worked with Buffalo Field Campaign, an activist group that shoots video of the annual bison slaughter at Yellowstone. Video and film will always be a great way to reach the people with the message.

When you said you spent $100 dollars on vegan food, at first I thought "Wow", I would like to eat a hundred dollar vegan meal, then I realized you were just probably stocking your pantry.

Welcome to VRF.

[spasticastic]

Here are some good mail-order places where you can get message shirts and vegan shoes. Order today, and they could arrive by the end of the week.


http://www.veganstore.com
http://www.alternativeoutfitters.com
http://www.veganessentials.com


Alternative Outfitters and Vegan Essentials both carry vegan Earth Shoes and t-shirts.

[spasticastic]

Also, The Birkenstock Store in downtown Chico sells ONE vegan Earth Shoe (see picture). All their other Earth Shoes are leather. The Birkenstock store is on Broadway near Fourth Street. 530-345-4880.

[spasticastic]

I have talked to some people at Farm Sanctuary and they told me it's currently not possible to do tours, at all. I understand why you would want this footage. However, I think you should think about an alternative way to get friendly animal footage, since Farm Sanctuary is out of your control. There might be some other animal sanctuaries in the area that would give you a tour. Or you might can get footage from an animal rights organization.

[grog]

FYI, I already sent Dave and Jeannie and Sarah email about the FS situation that I'm talking to my contacts there about, and also sent him email and a link to animalplace. Just saying, so we don't repeat ourselves :D

[Emiloid]

Welcome, Dave! I'm a local Chico vegan, so I guess we'll probably be meeting one of these days. I'm also a Chico State student (getting a teaching credential). If you ever need a quick snack while you're on campus, I recommend Moxie's cafe. They usually have vegan partries, and you can get coffee drinks with soy milk, too. Also, there are vegan wraps at some of the delis on campus, but they're a bit expensive unless they're day-old. ;)

See you around!

BTW, Karen, who hosts Animal Matters Thursdays at 11:30am on KZFR (90.1) has a small sanctuary for farm animals. She's just starting up, but she would be a great person to talk to. Sarah (walrus) might have contact info, or you could reach Karen through KZFR: http://www.kzfr.org/.

[seitanicvegan]

Welcome, Dave.

I would like to reiterate quagga's comments about how students and instructors respond to vegans/veganism. I teach at two community colleges in the Chico area, and whenever I mention my veganism, I get one of two responses: unawareness or "Oh, she's one of those." It takes awhile for me to get my students to truly consider veganism as a possible alternative. I would like to hear more about how people have reacted to what you're doing.

You haven't met me officially yet, but I'll see you at the potluck.

This website is an outstanding resource for fellow vegans. And our Chico group, as you will see, rocks. :D

[30DayVeganDave LG Prod.]

Thank you all so much for your help. I really appreciate all the advice your giving me. One thing is true, it is much more pleasant to be a Vegan, when you have other vegans around you. I have come to learn this. Im having a great time. I aware now of animal place in Vacaville,thanks Grog. They said that it would be no problem to film there. I still kinda want Farm sanctuary, but will work with what i got. So thanks.
Oh, so when are these Potlucks. I need to tell my crew some dates. So when we find out, let me know.

[Dandelion]

yer in the right town and the right website. ;)

[seitanicvegan]

Oh, so when are these Potlucks. I need to tell my crew some dates. So when we find out, let me know.

Let me clarify: we hold potlucks about once a month or so just to get together and hang out. As soon as a time, place and day are figured out, I'm sure you'll get an email.

[FarmerStephen]

Welcome - :)

[30DayVeganDave LG Prod.]

Yo
im also in the Orion newsapaper 2 weeks from now.

Day12 still goin strong!

Vegan Represent!!

[Dandelion]

Yo
im also in the Orion newsapaper 2 weeks from now.

Day12 still goin strong!

Vegan Represent!!
you keepin a journal?
do one here, do one here! :)

[30DayVeganDave LG Prod.]

Get the Orion newspaper!!!
i am on Page 2 of the entertainment page!
day 21 and its all good.
We will be at the KFC protest
We are also going able to go the the farm sancuary in Orland!
thank you Sarah
Oh i will e-mail you but Sunday works well for my team.

I guy named Steve Clark visited chico state yesterday. he was showing a Documentary he helped make with Woody Harrilson. Woody is a Raw organic vegan. He asked me to follow him around and film so he could show woody. So we did. Steve is a Veggie eater and a major crack up. I think the Doc is called "getting closer" Its a awesome Doc. Its about how they bike from seattle to LA being followed by a Hemp powered bus. They talk about food alot so it was quite relevent for me. He want me to send him the footage i got and my 45 min to Woody so he can see what he missed in Chcio. I guess he was supposed to come.
We will eventually show our Doc at the Pageant. but it will not be for awhile

its going greta. i cannot tell you how lucky i am getting.
see ya guys on Sat
Dave
Vegan Represent

[quagga]

Good going Dave the 30 Day Vegan! Of course we all hope that you'll keep going and stay vegan for a lot more than 30 or 60 days! ;)

Anyway, Here's the link. (http://www.orion-online.net/media/storage/paper889/news/2006/04/26/Entertainment/30.Days.A.New.Diet.A.Students.Story-1876867.shtml?norewrite200604272018&sourcedomain=www.orion-online.net)

The Orion - CSU Chico University paper
Posted: 4/26/06

And here's the story:

30 days, a new diet, a student's story

Chico State junior David Zuniga has become an organic vegan as part of a class project that will now become a 45-minute documentary similar to "Supersize Me."

by Tracy Ikert

He begins his morning with a bowl of organic whole-grain cereal and almond milk. A camera is documenting his every move as he consumes his vegan breakfast, and it's only day 14.

Chico State junior David Zuniga is studying media arts and has made a commitment to his love of film. He's becoming an organic vegan for 30 days as he makes a documentary about his trying, yet rewarding, experience.

The idea sparked from an assignment for his film and video production class. He and a group of classmates were asked to make a five-minute documentary on a topic of their choice.

"I wondered what could I do to make a hands-on film that could actually touch people," Zuniga said.

The documentary needed to be personally challenging and something that he could get footage of daily, he said.

The idea for his film has been compared to the McDonald's binging expose "Super Size Me." Zuniga is taking an opposite approach and giving up his favorite meats and dairy products to show a pro-vegan view on one's diet and lifestyle.

Before beginning the film, he already enjoyed organic foods that were not grown with the use of any drug enhancers or harmful pesticides, he said.

The vegan aspect became the battle. He had to give up all foods that were produced from or by animals, Zuniga said. He clarified that this even included honey and eggs since animals produce these foods.

After talking to some vegan friends and collaborating with other group members, who call themselves Leefy Green Productions, Zuniga was on his way to creating the outline for the documentary.

He decided to start with a vegan diet for 30 days and attend local meetings and events hosted by vegan groups, Zuniga said. His crew follows him to meetings to document the information he learns and to record the overwhelming amount of support he's received from various groups.

Even with words of encouragement, he admits staying a vegan can be tough at times, Zuniga said. During his trip home for Easter, he was craving the leg of lamb his mother prepares once a year. His commitment to his documentary robbed him of his annual delicacy, and he settled for tofu instead.

"I figured if I'm doing it, I'm going all out," Zuniga said. "I want to live what a vegan lives for."

He wakes up every morning with a camera posted next to his bed. He records his breakfast routine, cooking preparations and dinners, he said. Combined with the footage of meetings from his first 14 days, he already has over eight hours of film.

"Editing is going to be a huge part since we're only being graded for five minutes," Zuniga said.

He and his group have decided to continue their project past the due date, he said. He can give veganism up on May 6 but is considering continuing the lifestyle for a total of 60 days in order to get a more in-depth understanding.

Zuniga hopes to use the five-minute clip as a trailer for a larger production, a 45-minute documentary, he said. The full-length documentary should be completed by early June if he cuts the footage at 30 days.

He plans to have a viewing of the documentary on campus and possibly sell it to a local vegan group or organization, Zuniga said. If that goes well, he may try to get it on a cable access show.

"Music could be an issue, especially if I'm going to put it on cable access," he said. "We can run into problems with copyright laws."

He has specific music selections chosen for the assignment that is permissible by law for educational use, Zuniga said. But if he chooses to sell the film for profit, he'll have to create his own music or find a local artist.

His friends are anticipating the end of his veganism because it can be a hindrance when they go out to eat. Zuniga hasn't decided if it's a lifestyle he'll continue when the cameras stop rolling, but said it has definitely helped his cholesterol levels and changed some of his views.

"This will have an effect and change the way I think and eat whether I like it or not," Zuniga said. "It'll be healthier."

[mamaquilla]

awsome ! :)

[walrus]

Just a slight update, Dave's camera guy has become vegan during the filming of their documentary. :D

[seitanicvegan]

Just a slight update, Dave's camera guy has become vegan during the filming of their documentary. :D

WOO HOO! I am grinning from ear to ear. I must admit, I was hopinghopinghoping that EVERYBODY in Dave's crew or working with him on his documentary would go vegan. Wishful thinking, I know, but can you blame me? :D

[mamaquilla]

excellent :)

[hazelfaern]

That's awesome.

Now, for the soundman.

[30DayVeganDave LG Prod.]

yes hello
sorry about the wait 4 update.
Yeah Austin is vegan. He stumbles every now and then a lil bit, but i get him back on coarse.
As far as the update for the movie, post production is going great! I did create a rough trailer that i am trying to show online. I call it rough for 2 reasons. One it fails to meet copyright. i just used a couple of cool songs that i did not get copyright for. We also put fake critic quotes. They are really funny, but eventually when this film is don e i want to get real local critics like the synthesis and CnR.
I am shooting for the film to be complete by September 1st
I am hoping to showcase it in two place. One in the BMU, and the other at the Senator. I will also be sending it off to some film festivals out of state. Well i have alot of work to do with it right now, i have only started the opening sequence. thanks for all the support and i will be sure to update again!

Dave and the Crew

[Emiloid]

Great news, Leafy! <--oops, I mean Leefy!

For the non-Chico folks, let me translate some things:

The Synthesis and CnR (Chico News & Review) are local lefty newspapers.

The Senator is a theater that mainly has random music shows... popular-looking stuff I've never heard of. Although I did see Modest Mouse there, and I'd heard of them. :) They also show movies occasionally, and other performances, like plays and lectures. It's a nice, big place with horrible accoustics. In my humble opinion.

The BMU is the student union building on campus. They have a big auditorium and sometimes semi-big acts like... um... KRS-1, G Love and Special Sauce, and the Chico Idol Finals. ;)

[Emiloid]

Oh yeah, so you're still vegan, eh? :thumbsup:

[Vegtink]

What a great project. Good for you to put it out there.

[grog]

the last guys I know involved in leafy green productions went to jail.

[30DayVeganDave LG Prod.]

God im retarded. Did i say Senator? although that would be sick, I meant the Pageant theatre! whoops. forgive me, too much post production partying. now back 2 work.

[quagga]

Mr Q heard through the grapevine (Stacy, 30-Day Vegan Dave's vegan friend) that the 3-minute piece is done and looks good. The crew is working on editing the 30-minute piece, which is also looking good and they hope to submit it to some film festivals.

I'm happy to report that 30-Day Vegan Dave has stayed vegan, crew member Austin went vegan and is still vegan (as Walrus reported), and Stacy was vegan to begin with--and happy that her friends have also gone vegan.

Man, Chico is cool! Even when it's 109F outside. :sunny:

[mamaquilla]

thats excellent, holy moley 109 ? geeeeeeeeeez

[hazelfaern]

Mr Q heard through the grapevine (Stacy, 30-Day Vegan Dave's vegan friend) that the 3-minute piece is done and looks good. The crew is working on editing the 30-minute piece, which is also looking good and they hope to submit it to some film festivals.

I'm happy to report that 30-Day Vegan Dave has stayed vegan, crew member Austin went vegan and is still vegan (as Walrus reported), and Stacy was vegan to begin with--and happy that her friends have also gone vegan.

Man, Chico is cool! Even when it's 109F outside. :sunny:

Awesome news, quagga :D

[Emiloid]

thats excellent, holy moley 109 ? geeeeeeeeeez
Hey, you should come visit! :silly:

[walrus]

David posted a comment on the VegChico page today, which apparently is the three-minute preview to the film he will probably never complete..

Click to watch: http://www.myspace.com/vegchico

[Dandelion]

uhh why is he puking at the end? :confused:

[Kat]

uhh why is he puking at the end? :confused:

ew, thanks for the forewarning. I hate watching videos with gratuitous puking scenes. Lord knows I see enough of it at work.

[bluedawg]

uhh why is he puking at the end? :confused:
that was my question too!

[walrus]

uhh why is he puking at the end? :confused:
i don't really know. it really grossed me out though. sorry i didn't post a fair warning.

[Chijou_no_seiza]

I wish I had seen this sooner! That is so neat!

I agree, why the puking?

[mamaquilla]

i believe he is puking in reaction to having learned about factory farming and knowing he contributed to that for so long. if you look at his lips before he does it, he looked disgusted and i think he says what have a done
my take :)

[hazelfaern]

That was a really nice clip and then the puking at the end was totally gratuitous. :confused: I hope he does well with it

[foodlovingvegan]

You're making a documentary about becoming a vegan for 30 days?
Some people have been vegans their whole lives.

And by "ordinary college student" I'm assuming you mean omnivore, yet many college students (and businessmen, and retirees, and stay-at-home moms) are vegans.

I just can't believe you managed to get in a newspaper for it. Where's my newspaper article?

[foodlovingvegan]

I almost feel like an outcast everywhere i go.

People are so amazed of what i do. They cant imagine
going on a diet like mine. I spent 100 dollars on
Vegan food a couple days ago, and everyday i cook
something new.

I really think having other Vegan friends is the best
way to go. On my production shoots for other films, i
was lucky to work with another Vegan to talk to. She
was really happy i was their not eating the same food
as all of them. I think is took some pressure off her
with all the people. It is also fun to share stories
about just being a vegan.
I cant tell you how excited profesors and students are
about this documentry. I get tons of questions each
day.
davidproductionz@hotmail.com

This is after being a vegan for FOUR DAYS? Are you serious!?

[Chijou_no_seiza]

FLV this was made back in 2006.

I don't think he posts anymore so he probably won't reply to your questions. But I do think he went vegan after his trial period.

[foodlovingvegan]

FLV this was made back in 2006.

I don't think he posts anymore so he probably won't reply to your questions. But I do think he went vegan after his trial period.

Thanks for the information. :)

[Emiloid]

I would love to know whether he did or not. I met him, but didn't really know him. Anyone else have more info? :confused:

Did the movie ever get made...?!?!

[30DayVeganDave LG Prod.]

Wow
This is amazing that my old vid thread is still up. Seeing this, I felt compelled to reply. I just figured out my password and username. Hello everyone! Okay so here is an update.
30 day Vegan was my first attempt at making a full feature doc movie. There were several cuts made, longest being 15 minutes long. Truth be told, I was very young and inexperienced. Leefy Green Prod. broke up once we got an "A" in our video 366 class. In the end I was left with 30 mini DV tapes with 60 minutes of footage on each tape. Can anyone do math? Thats about 30 hours of tape. The problem i ran into the most while trying to make this happen was storyline. Although at times, i felt as if i was watching Gold, truth is i was living a dream.
However this project was a huge milestone in my development as a Indi Filmmaker. It opened up eyes everywhere i went, my teachers, my classmates, my enemies. Stunned at what one man on a mission can do. I look back on the days of three kids trying to make a movie. Those were some of the best days of my life. I want you all 2 know that none of this could have happened with your help, and for that I am truly grateful. 30 tapes still sit in my tape vault. I live in Los Angeles and work for the scums of the world (reality TV). My dream I've never forgotten. I will make feature films someday and ask you not to forget my name. I'm currently writing a full feature thriller/suspense movie. My main talent is Austin (some may remember him from the Vegan movie) he still lives in Chico. I would also like to make a promise to you. I will edit a new short cut so that you might enjoy it. Something like 15-30 mins, i dont know. Again thank you. I'll try to respond to you all. Visting Chico maybe this weekend. One last thing. I'm still veggie.

Regards
David Arthur Zuniga

[Emiloid]

Good to hear from you! :thumbsup:

[walrus]

Good to hear from you, David. I'm glad to hear you're still veggie. :D