Today I recorded my first video footage with John Sears, who introduces himself as Mule, and his three animal companions, Lady, Little Girl, and Pepper. It’s Christmas Eve. My whole family is together for the holidays and I’m reluctant to go off on a wild goose (or mule) chase. But I’m a documentary filmmaker. I sense a good story. I head for the Pasadena Arroyo in search of the guy with the mules.
No luck at first, but then I finally discover him, already packing up to start on the next leg of his trip to who knows where. He accepts a cup of coffee that I have brought with me. He talks a bit, very softly. With some reluctance he allows me to retrieve the video camera from my car. Surprisingly, with the camera running, he talks more. His words resonate with me, and I realize then and there that I am about to embark on a filmmaking journey like none I have ever experienced.