"Write around the World" - Penpalling Project by Glass Completely Empty Productions

In this post I want to present a project I have just heard of. It is run by "Glass Completely Empty Productions" and it is about penpalling!

Read carefully the following text with explanations from "Glass Completely Empty Productions" so you know what this project is about:

- Are you crazy about letters?
- Do you enjoy the day when something other than a much dread bill comes through the door?
- Would you like to talk about your life in letters?
- Have you written a history of pen-palling which you would be willing to share with us?
- Have you written poems or essays about letter writing and pen-palling?
- Do you know the origin of Friendship Books, Label Bags and Decos?

If so, then we're looking for you!

Glass Completely Empty Productions is putting together an art project about the joy of pen-palling, allowing those who wouldn't normally know about our world a brief glimpse into it. "Write Around The World" will be unique in that the content will be completely user-generated. In other words you create what is seen in the film, from the interviews through to the letters, friendship books and other artefacts we would like to use.

How can you help?

Firstly, if you are part of Facebook, search for "Glass Completely Empty" and look for the pink glass. This is the current home of my production company and has sections to answer your questions. Please do not fret if you are not a part of Facebook; if you have any questions please feel free to send me an email.

The project is split into three sections, each of which will be revealed as we go along. This is as much about us having fun as it is about creating a wonderful and enchanting film.

For section 1 you need to be willing to give either a video or audio interview. Please, do not panic! You are in safe hands and we will show you how to get the best from whatever you have, be it a video camera, webcam or cassette recorder. However, in order to take part in sections 2 and 3, you have to be willing to take part in section 1. If you're nervous about speaking on film we will be accepting some typed responses, which we will record someone reading. But we would very much prefer video and audio interviews!

Are you ready to change the world one letter, one word, one frame at a time?

If you are, then it's time to take the first step and send me an email:

rae[at]glasscompletelyempty[dot]co[dot]uk

Write your email as if you're writing an introductory letter. Tell me about you, your loves and interests, your favourite films and music, where you live and what makes it special. Go on, impress me! Once we have 100 suitable applicants, then we shall begin...

If you run a store which sells pen-palling accessories (stationery, labels, etc...) or run a website which specialises in any aspect of pen-palling, then please get in touch as I would like to include you as well!

Please note: To take part, you must email me at:

rae[at]glasscompletelyempty[dot]co[dot]uk

Messages left on Facebook or another forum will NOT be accepted and neither myself nor Glass Completely Empty Productions can be held responsible for applications and messages left on other forums or sent to other email accounts. Thank you!

Please note 2: Interview questions will be sent to you in due course so please do not panic! Also, in order to take part in this project, you will have to sign a consent/release form. These will be e-mailed to you at the start of the project. If you are under 16, you will need to get a parent/guardian to sign it as well. Thank you!

Notice that the deadline for e-mailing "Glass Completely Empty Productions" / rae[at]glasscompletelyempty[dot]co[dot]uk to be involved in this penpalling project is 28th February, 2011.