The Next US: Production company seeks out tales of economic success

KUSA - Two Oregon filmmakers, who are traveling the United States in search of success and innovation in these tough economic times, were in Colorado this week searching for stories. Everyday Wonder Productions is travelling the country for its "The Next US" project," uncovering stories of economic reinvention in America."

Producers Susan Perkins and David Mackenzie hope their stories will inspire others.

"This is a project that's about honoring the heart and soul, and the spirit of the country," Mackenzie said. "That essence of 'We can do this. We can find a way. We can invent our way out of this recession.'"

The project, which began in July has been in four other states and moves on to Kansas next. The two filmmakers live and work out a trailer they're towing and it's become their new home. "We gave up our house, and this is where we live," said Mackenzie.

"We're 'full-timing.' We drive across the country, we meet people, we hear (their) stories and we're inviting people to tell us. If you know a good story that needs to be told, we'll try to do that story. We're heading into Kansas today. We're going to Greensburg, Kansas the town that was wiped out in the (2007) tornado. We know there's good stories there, of people finding their 'Next US.'"

The filmmakers did two stories in Colorado. One, on a hat maker in Mancos, in the southwest part of the state; and a story about a free diner on East Colfax in Denver. The stories are currently being edited and will appear on the Next US Web site at the beginning of November.

The Next US project will take at least a year-and-a-half or longer to complete. The filmmakers hope to hit all 50 states in that time.

"I actually hope that people will have something positive to focus on, and that they'll feel inspired to go ahead and take a risk," Perkins said. "To do something that they really love, and to go ahead and know that they're going to be okay. Because they have the capacity themselves."