The Week the Women Went

Feisty Hardisty

2008-01-24T15:56:00.000-08:00

Hello Hardisty,

It's wonderful to see you reacting in writing to comments on both the CBC page blog and the Facebook blog!

The audience built to 1.2 million during the debut episode.
With numbers like that, it's not surprising that Canadians have comments about the show. There's been a lot of chatter!

Glad you're keeping an eye on things.

We'll touch base soon.

Congratulations Hardisty!!!

2008-01-22T11:50:00.000-08:00

Hello Hardisty!

You have captured the nation's attention!

The viewing numbers for last night's launch of The Week the Women Went were exceptionally high for a debut on the CBC and it's all due to the commitment and honesty of the people of Hardisty!

Congratulations all!

EP 1, extra video, family bios and lots more is available on the CBC website:
www.cbc.ca/thewomenwent

We'll be in touch soon..
Again.. any comments or questions don't hesitate to phone us.

604.872.1963 local 105

A Launch Date CHANGE!!!

2007-12-12T15:15:00.000-08:00

Hello People of Hardisty!

The Week the Women Went launch date has been moved!

CBC is making some changes to its winter schedule and our first show is now airing on Monday, January 21st at 8pm...

Keep an eye on our blog for any further updates!!!

In the meantime, we wish you all a wonderful happy, healthy holiday season!!!

Your television debut is January 7th, 2008!!!!

2007-11-20T15:16:00.000-08:00

Hello Wonderful People of Hardisty,

We can now tell you that The Week the Women Went
will be debuting on Monday January 7th, 2008 at 8pm PT/ET and will run for
10 consecutive weeks.

CBC made the announcement at its winter launch this afternoon in Toronto.

As you can imagine, it would be impossible to make copies of the show for everyone.. so please calibrate your VCR or set your PVR to record the series!

We will pass along more info if and when we get it!

Bye for now.

The Date is Getting Closer!!

2007-11-16T10:53:00.000-08:00

Hello Hardisty!!

CBC is launching it's upcoming programming schedule next Tuesday, November 20th.
The Week the Women Went will be showcased as will the airdates.
So keep an ear and eye out for that!
I will post the dates on here as soon as they're announced.

Also, don't be surprised if you see media types in town doing interviews.
The CBC launch will bring with it a publicity blitz.

We hope you're all well!!

You can still reach us in The Week the Women Went office at:
604.872.1963 local 105.

We'll See You Soon

2007-08-29T11:16:00.000-07:00

Hello Hardisty,

We hope you're all enjoying the last week of summer.
Here, on the wet coast, we've had just 2 sunny weekends all summer!!!
The sun is shining today but, as usual, we're expecting clouds and possibly showers, for the long weekend.

You'll see us back in Hardisty the first week of October for some follow up shooting.
The now very familiar team of Sally, Aubrey, John and Downy will be spending about a week with you.

And our "The Week the Women Went" post production office phone number has changed.
If you want to reach us, the new digits are:
604.872.1963 local 105

Take good care!

Rodeo Dreams

2007-07-18T13:54:00.000-07:00

We're back in rainy Vancouver now (it's a little like February here today) and we're still reminiscing about the rodeo. (Those of us who didn't get to go are a little jealous!)
Thanks for making us feel so welcome once again! It was great to see familiar faces and meet a few new ones.

While the chuckwagon races were taking place in Hardisty, we moved offices here in Vancouver! You can still reach us through the Paperny head office but our direct line here, at our new post-production office, is 604.708.5749 ext. 105.

We've already started to make very early plans to come back to Hardisty in the fall.
Stay tuned for more info!!!
In the meantime.. soak up a few Hardisty rays for us soggy westcoasters.

We're Just Days Away!

2007-07-10T11:28:00.000-07:00

Hello Hardisty,

We arrive for the rodeo on Friday!
Keep an eye out for our "notice of filming" posters and for Sally who will be making a presentation to the town at the rodeo on Sunday afternoon.

Please collect any outstanding diary cam tapes. If you haven't handed yours in yet.. please give them to Sally at the rodeo. Thank you!

On the ground in Vancouver, we move into our new post production facility later this week. It will be a very high energy location with 2 other Paperny productions also based out of the same office.

That's it for now. Enjoy the rodeo!!!

Changing Spaces

2007-07-03T11:13:00.000-07:00

Hello Hardisty!

We hope you all had a great, Canada Day, long weekend!!

Less than 2 weeks until we're back with you for the rodeo and the trip planning is in high gear.
(Sally is polishing her boots!)

News on the post-production front. We move into our new Vancouver office, just a few blocks from here, next week. That's where the series will be edited starting later this month.
We're still busy logging the approx. 500 hours of tape we shot. That's A LOT of tape.

That's it for now.
Look for us in Hardisty starting next Friday!

Yee Ha!

2007-06-25T16:36:00.000-07:00

Yes, Hardistonians.. we're coming back for rodeo!
We understand it's the biggest weekend of the year in Hardisty and we don't want to miss it.
Sally, Aubrey, John and Downy will be there to capture the colour and fun on tape.

And keep looking for blog updates. We'll put up new info whenever we have it.

A great big thank you!

2007-06-12T18:32:00.000-07:00

Well, the women have been home for 2 days now and we trust everyone is settling in nicely. We'd love to hear about your week! Go on, leave a comment! Fun!

We're still in town trying to shoot our lovely opening sequence in the rain. Positive thoughts!

Before we leave town we want to thank everyone in Hardisty for welcoming us into your lives. It has been an amazing experience for all of us and we're going to miss all the new friends we've made.

The Week the Women Went will air on the CBC in early 2008. We will let you know exact airdates when we have them. In the meantime, please direct any inquiries to the main Paperny Films office at 604.228.1960.

They'll be back...

2007-06-09T11:28:00.001-07:00

The women return TODAY!!! It's almost time to get dolled up and head on down to Main Street to welcome them back. Their ETA is 4 PM and we're sure everyone is eager to be reunited!

Check back here on Monday for photos, reflections and more!

Where did the week go?

2007-06-08T09:24:00.000-07:00

Injured Field Director David Ozier soldiers on

Can you believe that it's Friday already? Nevermind that... can you believe that the women return tomorrow at 4 PM?!

So much has happened this week and we can't wait to swap stories with everyone. Was it a breeze? Was it terribly difficult? How did the men manage to swing hammers for the community project and deal with dishpan hands at the same time? Were the women able to really relax or were they homesick and worried? There is much to discuss and we'd love to hear about your experiences over this past week. Share your experiences here if you like -- just leave a comment!

Oh, and there are more photos uploaded to The Week the Women Went Flickr page like the one of our stoic Field Director, David Ozier, featured above. Not even a leg brace can slow this man down. Okay, well maybe it slows him down a little... he wouldn't be able to outrun ... say, a bear or something. But the point is that his unfortunate injury hasn't interfered with his directing one bit. We hope he heals quickly!

The Women Return in 2 Days!

2007-06-07T11:26:00.001-07:00

Max & the boys takin' care of business at the Close 2 Home

Hello everyone! Well, we're all very happy to be in Hardisty today as our sources have told us that its pouring rain back in Vancouver. Sunshine is a good thing. Unfortunately, it looks like Canmore is sharing an umbrella with our home town. But hey, we are pretty sure the women will find some way to enjoy themselves. If you gotta be rained in anywhere, it may as well be at a resort.

Just a reminder to tune into KEY 83 at 2 PM today to listen to Doug Griffiths talk about Hardisty and The Week the Women Went! And remember that it's a call-in show and I'm sure Doug would love to hear from you all.

In other news, the men are working hard on the community project and they should complete it on time! And by on time we mean in 2 days!!! Yep, the women return at 4PM on Saturday, June 9th.

Hardisty on KEY 83

2007-06-06T08:54:00.000-07:00

Hello and happy mid-week! We hope everyone's enjoying themselves during this week of shooting. We want to let you all know that your local MLA, Doug Griffiths, will be on the radio discussing what life has been like in Hardisty since th women left. Be sure to tune in to KEY 83 on Thursday, June 7th (TOMORROW!) at 2 PM. The show is live and he will be taking phone calls! Support Doug and call in!

Checking in...

2007-06-04T10:14:00.000-07:00

Director, David Ozier directing and researcher Heather McCloy
taking directions

Soooo...? How was everyone's first day ??? We know the women arrived safe and sound and set straight to enjoying themselves. But we're sure there must have been some separation anxiety. And families back in town...? How did it go? We'd love to hear from you! Please feel free to leave a comment.

We'll be adding photos to our Flickr page regularly -- so do keep on checking it out.

The women went!

2007-06-02T15:17:00.000-07:00

As of 9 AM this morning the town of Hardisty is missing a little something... like a hundred plus women! Yes, it's true! The women greeted the 3 Canmore-bound buses with cheers and high spirits and were soon enjoying an in-transit cocktail. We wish them a safe trip and a fun and relaxing holiday! We also wish the men luck with dinner tonight!

It's going to be fun for everyone involved and we expect the next week to be very, very interesting!

Thanks for coming out!

2007-06-01T10:28:00.000-07:00

Hello, their names are Greg & Shawn

By all accounts, yesterday's BBQ was a success! It was wonderful to see so many of you out there and it was so much fun meeting you all. If you want to see some photos of the event, just click on the Flickr collage to your right.

We had a wonderful time and we hope you did too!We'd love to hear from you, so why not leave a comment and give us some feedback!

Hmmm, what else? There's something happening tomorrow... There's something we're forgetting...

OH YEAH! The women leave TOMORROW! Ladies, we'll see you at Flag City Foods tomorrow morning at 9 AM!

Oh, it's so exciting!!!

Community BBQ

2007-06-01T10:25:00.000-07:00

www.flickr.com

This is a Flickr badge showing photos in a set called Community BBQ. Make your own badge here.

Here's the scoop...

2007-05-31T10:24:00.000-07:00

Marie & Aubrey @ Hardisty Lake

Good morning and happy Thursday! The other day we handed out flyers to the women with information about the trip... But just in case you didn't get one -- here's the 411:

***You must be on MAIN STREET this Saturday, June 2nd by 9am***

*PLEASE assemble by Flag City Foods.

*PLEASE bring your suitcase – preferably one with wheels.

*WHY? We’re staging the first shot of the series, which will be of all of you leaving town. That’s right – all of you walking down Main Street. So… in order for you to be able to walk down the street with your suitcase, it would help if it were on wheels. BUT, if you don’t have one, that’s all right. Just make sure you have a smaller carry-on bag with you that you can carry. For those of you bringing your golf clubs, you can leave them (along with your heavy bags) by the crane, where they will be loaded onto the buses.

Before you arrive at 9am there are a few things you should know:

What should I pack?

Bathing suit(s) for the pool, spa, white-water rafting, hot tubs, etc.
walking shoes
warm jacket (for the ice fields)
baby car seat
golf gear, including clubs, shoes and proper golf attire (no cutoffs, jeans or collarless shirts)
dinner attire
medication
Oh…and don’t forget some heels and a men’s tie (for a special dance class…)
Finally, if at all possible, try not to pack anything with a logo – this includes anything from Nike to Gap on your hats, T-shirts or jackets.

Please limit your packing to one medium-sized suitcase.

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION:

Attached is a contact list for your accommodations in Canmore. This is to be used only in the event of a serious emergency. Please give it to your husband/kids/parents/friends or whomever needs to know where you are and how to get hold of you.

See you Saturday 9am on Main Street. Mimosas to follow once we get rolling!

QUESTIONS? THOUGHTS? CONCERNS?

Join us tonight at 6 PM at the Hardisty Rodeo Grounds for our Meet the Crew picnic and ask us anything you like.

Hot doggin' with the crew

2007-05-30T05:09:00.000-07:00

(left to right) Sally, Marie and Carrie-May at our luxe HQ on the lake

We'd like to invite everyone in Hardisty to come out and join us for some good food/good people time tomorrow night. This is a great chance for all of us to have a little mix n' mingle before we start shooting. We'd love to see as many of you as possible.

When: 6 PM
Where: Rodeo Grounds
What: Community BBQ: Hot dogs and good times

See you there!

Don't miss the bus!

2007-05-29T16:47:00.001-07:00

Camera Operator, John with Sally in "the cherry picker"

Okay, phew...we're back! Miss us? Due to some rather exasperating technical difficulties, this post comes to you all a little late. Apologies! But here's the deal -- we have some departure information for all the women of Hardisty who want to go on the trip...

The bus will be leaving from Main Street on June 2nd and we need all the women to meet outside of Flag City Foods at 9 AM . We want to capture the moment with a great big crane shot photo! Fun! So, don't forget!

In other news, we've pretty much finished setting up our production offices here in town and most of our field directors have arrived. Thank you all for being so friendly and welcoming. The sun is shining and the sky is huge and we're happy to be here.

Let the countdown begin!

2007-05-28T09:38:00.000-07:00

Marie, Tami and Aubrey flying to Hardisty (boy, were their arms sore, ba dum dum)

Well, it's now the week leading up to the week the women leave! The calm before the storm? The storm before the calm? A bit of both? Nah, according to the weather report it's gonna be all sunshine and blue skies ahead. We predict much fun will be had by all -- us included.

Speaking of us, we're making our way into Hardisty bit by bit. We've staggered our arrival times for a couple of reasons:
1) Our private jumbo jet's in the shop.
2) For all of us to travel together we'd have to book an entire fleet of planes and basically jam up travel plans for the rest of Western Canada.

So, you'll be seeing us in town starting today and you'll be seeing a whole lot more of us over the next few days.

Just a friendly reminder...

2007-05-27T05:24:00.000-07:00

We interrupt this relaxing Sunday morning with this friendly reminder: The women leave in 6 DAYS!!! Yes, that's right -- the women of Hardisty will be hopping on the bus headed for Canmore on JUNE 2ND. That's less than a week! And fellows, when the cats are away, the mice will...well, probably work really hard. But fun work! Seriously. We think that it's going to be an exciting week for everyone.

We'll now let you get back to your regular Sunday activities. Brunch anyone?

8 Days a Week

2007-05-25T11:12:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness it's Friday! This week flew by and it's hard to believe that there's only 8 days left before the women leave. Crazy, huh? Some of us will be heading into Hardisty on Monday and the rest will follow a couple of days later.

For the past couple of days our Vancouver office has been packed to the gills with creative types and the vibe here is one of buzzing anticipation.

Keep checking our website to get familiar with the crew. You can check out our mugshots and get a glimpse into our inner-psyches. Lucky you!

Have a great weekend and check back here on Monday for more updates.

Overheard on the Internet...

2007-05-24T10:13:00.000-07:00

As you know, The Week the Women Went was originally a BBC production and here's what some people had to say about it from out there in cyberland:

"I was in this television production and i think my dad copped fine with us 3 kids (David 16,Clio(me) 12 and Jack 11)! we worked as a team ! we had fall outs but above all of that i think we did ok and it was fun experiencing this television program."

Clio Thompson, A Welsh View

"My husband could get along without me for a week, because I have purchased for him 10 sets of underwear, and there are only 7 days in a week, so he wouldn't have to turn on the washer or dryer."

Norma, collectingmythoughts.blogspot.com

"British women, instead of self-obsessing, are looking outwards and holistically at what would make a better world. And like the women of Harby, they realise t`hat although fish don't need bicycles, women do need good men."

Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, The Independent

One week to the day

2007-05-23T09:37:00.001-07:00

While a few of us will be hitting Hardisty in smaller groups starting on Sunday, the whole gang will be there on Wednesday. That's only one week from today! Time flies when you're having fun... and taking notes, and getting cameras ready and booking flights and checking out spa services and golfing (for the ladies, sorry guys) and ... well, you get the picture.

And before we arrive we just want to reassure everyone that while our presence in the town will obviously be noticeable -- we really don't want to disrupt or make anyone uncomfortable. We're interested in the stories of the people who want their stories told. Thats it. We won't be trying to create any Jerry Springer-style conflicts nor will we be inventing story lines. We only want to document what we think will be a really interesting social and personal experiment. There are extra cameras for those who wish to be filmed and we will absolutely respect anyone who doesn't.

So, please get in touch with us if you have any questions or concerns or if you just want to chat!

Our toll-free number: 1-877-872-1963
Email: thewomenwent@papernyfilms.com

A few days short of a week...

2007-05-22T10:39:00.000-07:00

We hope you all had a wonderful and restful long weekend. The weather was TERRIBLE here. Rain, rain and more rain. Not that we're complaining (yes we are)! Lack of sunshine aside, it was nice to spend time with our families and to catch up on all the good stuff... like sleep! And it's a good thing too, because this is going to be a busy week.

The office is a sea of megaphones and berets as all the directors are here today. The joint is jumping and the excitement is contagious. Everyone has Hardisty on the brain and is looking forward to getting back into town.

In other news, we've also been busy making the final arrangements for the women when they are in Canmore. So much fun will be had by all!

Well, we'd better get back to work. What with all the coffee and creative juices flowing around here, today should be a very productive day!

Happy May Long!

2007-05-18T09:07:00.000-07:00

The long weekend is finally here! It's amazing what one extra day does for people. Everyone seems to have a little extra spring in their steps this morning and rightly so! We're hours away from 3 days of r & r.

We hope that everyone in Hardisty has a wonderful holiday. We're going to spend the weekend resting up and doing laundry to prepare for our return trip to Hardisty next week. We're getting verrrrry close to go-time! After the weekend, it will be less than 2 weeks before the women board the bus. Can you believe that?

From all of us to all of you: May your BBQs cook evenly and your bedding plants root nicely. Happy holiday!

On this day in history...

2007-05-17T09:32:00.000-07:00

Did you know that on this very day -- in the year 1793 -- Alexander Mackenzie spotted the Rocky Mountains for the first time? That's kind of cool because today, in present time, we're busy putting the finishing touches on a Rocky Mountain vacation for the women of Hardisty. Coincidence? Wethinks not.

One thing is for certain, Alexander Mackenzie didn't have as much fun in the Rockies as the Hardisty gals will. We can't be absolutely certain, but it seems unlikely that there was much spa-activity or golfing going on in the region 214 years ago. We've come a long way, baby.

Only one more day until the long weekend and only 16 days until the women leave and the men take over! There's just so much to look forward to!

Wednesday update

2007-05-16T10:51:00.000-07:00

Hello, everyone. We're midway through the week, meaning we are all the more closer to the long weekend! Here in Vancouver we're working away. Today we ordered cameras to be used to create video diaries during the week that the women leave. There will be many opportunities to record your thoughts for anyone who wants to be involved with project -- including kids and teens. So, practice your monologues!

Also, a reminder to the women: if you are coming on the trip and you haven't yet given us all your deets -- the time is now! Please send us all your contact information and family information (how many kids, pets, etc) to thewomenwent@papernyfilms.com

Thanks!

Happy trails...

2007-05-15T09:37:00.000-07:00

Our Production Assistant, Kevin leads the cavalry out of town

Once again, we want to thank you for welcoming us into your town and your homes. We're leaving town today but we'll be back in 18 days, 2 hours, 11 minutes and 37 seconds (give or take). Well, that's when the women leave anyway, but we'll probably be back a couple of days earlier.

In the meantime, there's much to be done! We have cameras and crew to organize and checklists to check off. We imagine you will have your own prepping to do. You know ladies -- cleaning, freezing meals, labeling the kids... Joking. Seriously, don't go doing any of those things! Besides, from what we've heard most of the men in Hardisty are pretty good cooks. And for those who aren't so skilled -- hey, it's BBQ season! And judging by the men's meeting last night, the guys seem to have everything under control -- just ask them!

Check back here for updates and please leave a comment or drop us a line and let us know how things are in Hardisty. We'll see you soon!

Reminder: Men's Meeting Tonight!

2007-05-14T11:02:00.000-07:00

Tonight's the night that the men will choose a community project to complete during the week the women go! So, guys -- grab a six-pack (yes, it's BYOB) and don't be late! We're dying to find out what you've come up with!

See you tonight at 7 PM!

Canmore-bound!

2007-05-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

Last night we announced the holiday destination for the women of Hardisty and by all accounts everyone seemed pretty excited by the news. The ladies will be heading to the Bellstar resorts -- Mystic Springs Chalets and Hot Pools and The Lodges at Canmore! Not too shabby!

We asked the women to fill out a check-off list of activities they'd like do during their week in Canmore and while spa treatments and white water rafting were very popular-- the cooking class option was left almost completely blank. Imagine that! We also mentioned a little something about golfing at the Fairmont Banff Springs ... and let's just say that judging by the scream that rose from the crowd, it would appear that the woman approved!

Now that everyone knows where their heading we hope all you women are getting excited and looking forward to getting away. It's going to be a lot of fun.

And speaking of fun... We'd like to give a big shout-out to Betty Ann Peach, Doreen Bell, Hobie Campbell and Henry Hays! We went to check out their band, Last Chance, after the meeting and they had us chicken dancing well into the night. We had the best time and we hope they'll consider taking their show on the road and maybe making a stop in Vancouver! Thanks for a great evening.

Things are really moving along now and it's exciting to feel the momentum building. Please, come talk to us or give us a shout/email if you there's anything you'd like to discuss about the project. We're in town until tomorrow and after that you can give us a call using our toll-free number: 1-877-872-1963

Drum roll, please...

2007-05-12T11:41:00.000-07:00

We are tha-rilled to be able to say that we've chosen a holiday destination for the women of Hardisty! We'll tell you everything on Sunday night -- that's tomorrow -- at 7 PM at the golf course. Can you think of a nicer way to end Mother's Day?

Oh, and a quick reminder that the men's meeting to announce the community project will be held at 7 PM, Monday (the 14th) night at the community hall. BYOB. Yes, seriously.

TGIF

2007-05-11T10:11:00.000-07:00

Heather, Carrie, Charles & Kevin doing it Hardisty-style

What a week! We're not sure how but time seems to go faster here in Alberta -- it must be something in the water or maybe the beer -- because it sure doesn't feel like we've been here since Wednesday. Well, to compensate for this strange time continuum thing that Hardisty has going on -- we're going to be sticking around a few extra days. We'll be leaving on Tuesday, May 15th, to be exact. And besides, we heard that the men are holding a boys-only town meeting on Monday, May 14th at 7 PM to announce the community project plans and we're going to try to crash it!

In other news, we should be announcing the vacation hot-spot for the women soon. Swimming pools...movie stars...

p.s. For all you ever wanted (or never wanted) to know about us: check out our "Meet the Crew" page on our website! Check back often as we'll be adding to this page daily. And yes, it's true -- we really ARE that good-looking. We swear -- no body doubles were used in any of the photos.

Fore!

2007-05-10T12:07:00.000-07:00

Last night the men-folk tore up the green at the Hardisty Golf Course. They braved the chilly weather, bogied and birdied their way through the course and ended the evening with a buffet dinner and steaks they grilled themselves. Not a bad way to spend a Wednesday night! Tonight, it's Women's Night up at the course and we expect the ladies will have a blast.

But if the women are golfing and eating dinner out tonight, who's gonna feed the kids and make sure the homework's being done? Hmm... this might be a good opportunity for the guys to have a trial run in preparation for June. Sort of a The Night the Women Went out for a Couple of Hours.

Good luck to everyone tonight!

We're heeere!

2007-05-09T17:39:00.000-07:00

We're in town just in time for dinner! It's nice to be back and we look forward to meeting up with all of you in the next few days. If you see us wandering around, stop and say hello. We're the ones dressed in black. Just kidding, I think this time some of us packed some grey -- you know, for spring!

So, if you see us, take a moment to tell us what you think about the project. Love it or hate it, we really do want your feedback. Free hugs for those who love it! Kidding again... kind of.

We're on our way...

2007-05-09T11:57:00.000-07:00

...from Vancouver to Hardisty, again! Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh! Everybody sing!

By now some of us Paperny-ites (Papernonians?) have finished our complimentary pretzel pack and soda pop and have landed in Edmonton. We'll be rolling into Hardisty shortly and we're looking forward to stretching our legs and taking in some sweet, fresh prairie air -- two things you just can't do on an airplane or in a rental car!

Our latest numbers are very promising! It looks like a lot of women will be making a mass exodus from Hardisty, come June. This is very exciting! Ladies, we will rock the Rockies! And again, if you still want to sign up -- please get in touch.

As for the guys -- how's the community project planning coming along?

Also, we've launched a new website! We're working away on it and we'll be adding new bells and whistles daily. For updates, information about the project and to read this blog, go here: http://www.thewomenwent.com

Rumour has it...

2007-05-08T10:32:00.000-07:00

Hardisty Lake after sunset

Hello from Vancouver. It's a lovely day here -- even though it's supposed to rain AGAIN in a few hours. But that's OK, at least it's nice and warm and the flowers are blooming everywhere.

We're in the process of gathering up our papers, sharpening our pencils and making last-minute travel arrangements for our return trip to Hardisty tomorrow. This past week has flown by and we're looking forward to getting back into town.

Our research team is particularly excited because they'll get to meet some of the families they've been talking to over the phone this past week. Apparently, a lot of new families have been in contact with us and that's beyond fantastic. It will be nice to be able to put faces to the names and voices.

Before we sign off and get back to work, we'd like to address what we've been told is a rumour going around town. Word on the street is that divorced women are not invited on the trip and man, oh man, that couldn't be any further from the truth! We want EVERY woman to join us in the Rockies! So if you haven't signed up for this reason, please contact us right away. Come on, divorcees -- you survived "the split" -- don't you deserve a holiday?

See you tomorrow...

2 1/2 days until we're back!

2007-05-07T11:05:00.000-07:00

Our cameraman, John, at the town meeting

Happy Monday, everyone! We hope you had a great weekend. The office is buzzing with excitement as we prepare to return to Hardisty in a couple of days. We'll arrive Wednesday the 9th and we'll be in town until the 13th. That means we'll be there for Mother's Day! And we have some advice for the fellows -- this year you may want to join forces with the kids and go all out for the moms in your lives. After all, if you butter them up this weekend, maybe they'll leave you an instruction manual for when they skip town in June!

Speaking of which, although the official sign-up deadline has passed, we still want to hear from any women who may still be interested. Even if you kind of, maybe want to go, give us a call! Or you can email us or inform the town council. Toll-free number: 1.877.872.1963. Email: thewomenwent@papernyfilms.com. Or come talk to us in person this week.

What else? Oh, apparently the community project has sparked some lively debate among the men of Hardisty. Whatever they decide, we're sure it will be great for the town and maybe even an excellent bonding exercise for the men. Good luck, guys!

If you see us wandering around town in a couple of days - please, come chat us up. We'd love to get some feedback from all of you Hardyites ... or is that Hardistonians? There seemed to be some confusion over this issue at the last town meeting. If anything, maybe just tap us on the shoulder and let us know which name you prefer!

See you Wednesday!

SIGN-UP DEADLINE IS TODAY!

2007-05-04T11:57:00.000-07:00

We want to thank everyone in Hardisty for welcoming us into your town last week -- we had a blast! It was great to see so many of you at the town meeting and to hear your feedback. We had the opportunity to chat with a lot of you one on one and we hope to get to do a lot more of that when we return in a few days (May 9th-13th).

And we also want to remind all the women of Hardisty that the deadline to sign up for a fabulous and well-deserved holiday is TODAY!

Your signature is not binding, but it will help us figure out how many of you are interested in 7 days of uninterrupted bliss! Come on, who doesn't like uninterrupted bliss? So, if you haven't already, head on down to the town council office and put your name down on one of the sign-up sheets! If you can't make this deadline, but you still want to go away -- just get in touch with us and we'll work it out.

Well, we'd better get back to work. We have a big directors meeting today to gear up for June and everyone's very excited. We'll see you in a couple of days!

Note: We're working on rolling out a new website in the next couple of days, so keep an eye out. There will be regular updates and all sorts of interesting information about Hardisty, Paperny and beyond!

Please feel free to email us at thewomenwent@papernyfilms.com or call us at 1.604.872.1963. We'll call you right back to save the long distance charges

TOWN HALL MEETING

2007-04-23T14:35:00.000-07:00

In two days, our team will be descending on Hardisty once again. If you live in Hardisty and have any questions about the show, look for us – we’ll be the ones in moon boots and ski jackets despite the +10 weather.

As mentioned before, there is a TOWN HALL MEETING on April 26th, 7PM at the Community Centre. We would love to see Hardisty pack the hall. At this meeting, one of the subjects we’ll be discussing is the COMMUNITY PROJECT. So, whether or not you’re interested in participating in the show, we hope you can join us for a lively discussion on this project. Which would you prefer – an ice rink? Water park? Amphitheatre? We would love to hear what YOU think would be best for your community.

AWWW about to hit Hardisty again!

2007-04-16T15:29:00.000-07:00

It’s been two weeks since Hardisty was announced as the location for The Week the Women Went, and a lot has happened since. The town has been buzzing about the news, and so far it’s been overwhelmingly positive. On our front, we’ve opened a new Vancouver office, our very own Women Went productions, tucked into a blue and pink building that resembles a square cake. Pink and blue, girls and boys – it’s fitting that the colours match the subject.

We’re excited to return to Hardisty this month for our first trip back since the announcement was made. We’ll be holding another town meeting, our third, on April 26th to answer any questions Hardistonians might have of us. We’ll also ask them a few questions of our own, like; how will your family, business or organization function without women for a week? What plans can you put in place to make it possible for the women in your life to go away, while the men and children continue work…school…baseball…grocery shopping…laundry…? Ladies, what sounds more appealing- a spa treatment or white water rafting? A week of volunteer work for charity or a hot stone massage?

And there is also the question of the community project. We’ll be asking the people of Hardisty to ponder what they would like to see built at the end of the week. A skate rink? Water-park? Amphitheatre? There is a ton to think about as we enter this next phase of The Week the Women Went. We’re looking forward to finding the answers together… come back often for updates.

HARDISTY CHOSEN FOR TWTWW!

2007-04-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

After months of research and two winter treks through the plains of Alberta, a town has finally been chosen! Paperny Films announced yesterday that HARDISTY will be featured on The Week the Women Went.

The town’s abundance of interesting people and enthusiasm for the show convinced us that it would be perfect for the project. When we pulled into town on our last research trip, the Town of Hardisty sign had a message under it – “Welcome Paperny Films.” We knew that this kind of spirit would help get people fired up about the project.

Not that they needed that much help – at the town meeting, the crowd periodically erupted into spontaneous applause. A few fists even beat the air. Most people in Hardisty seem ready for the challenge. Many have been talking about what they are going to do on vacation, or how they are going to deal without their wives, moms and girlfriends. The show is already starting conversations about subjects such as gender roles, identity and Dad’s tendency to match red and pink - just what we like to see.

Stay tuned for more news.

The Paperny Films producers are hitting the road again!

2007-02-26T17:07:00.000-08:00

It’s February and we’re heading back to Alberta. That’s right, we’re done with the miserable Vancouver rain and plan to head back to the beautiful, snowy plains of Bashaw and rolling hills of Hardisty.

The Paperny Films production team are making a whistle-stop tour of both Albertan towns this week before announcing their final decision in March. We’ll be hosting more public town meetings – and want to meet as many residents as possible, hear ideas for the series and take a vote on where the women should go! Check out the times below and come along!

Bashaw – Tuesday 27 February, 7.30pm, at the Bashaw Community Centre
Hardisty – Thursday 1 March, 7.30pm, at the Hardisty Community Hall

Even if you’re not in Alberta, you might have noticed our series is gathering more and more momentum in the news media. We’ve had interviews in the Toronto Star, on Salon.com and on CBC radio.

Meanwhile, the town finalists are vying for our attention. Hardisty Town Council has even passed by-laws to make filming in Hardisty super-easy! (Just in case we choose them as our final town!)

So stay tuned for the decision!

A Week Without Women choose their shortlist of the Top Three Towns!

2007-01-05T17:18:00.000-08:00

Wow! It's 2007 and we have all survived our winter treks through our top towns in BC and Alberta!

The team here at Paperny Films is extremely appreciative of the support we have received in all of the towns we visited: Lillooet, Clinton, Kaslo, in BC and Hardisty, Legal, Bashaw, Consort and in Alberta. We want to thank everyone who hosted our visit, promoted the show and opened their homes to us. We also want to thank the kind people who helped us out of the ditch when we went off the road…who steered us right when we went an hour in the wrong direction…and who kindly returned all the valuables we left in our hotel rooms!

After talking to hundreds of wonderful people in around 50 incredible towns (and after some major debate and deliberation here in the office!) we have finally decided on our top 3 towns for A Week Without Women. This was no easy decision, given the enthusiasm, warmth, and spirit that we found in every place we visited. If only we could shoot everywhere! Sound the horns, please!

LILLOOET, BC, otherwise known as “BC's little nugget”, is on the list…

So is, BASHAW, Alberta, home to groovy bluegrass festivals and the Majestic Theatre, and

HARDISTY, Alberta....where 85% of Canada’s oil and gas is stored, and where it feels a bit like the wild west.

We will have to make a final decision in February about our number one town. That's going to be really difficult! So, in the meantime, we need to hear from people in the towns on the shortlist who want to take part in this exciting new television show. If you live in one of these towns and want to get involved please check out our website: www.thewomenwent.com for details on how you can participate.

Our tour de BC rolls on!

2006-12-07T18:00:00.000-08:00

We had a blast in Lillooet and Clinton and now it’s KASLO’S turn.

We’ll be visiting this beautiful, progressive town in the Kootenays for two days. If you’re in Kaslo be sure to come along to meet the producers at the open town meeting. Where and When, I hear you ask… grab your diaries:

KASLO TOWN MEETING
Thursday 7th December, at 6pm at the JVH Lighthouse Theatre (500 6th St).

It’s free, open to everyone and is a great way for residents interested in the project to find out more. Little birdies tell us that this show is THE talk of the town, so come along and participate in the public discussion!

The production team have been overwhelmed at the positive response from all the communities we’ve been speaking with. And, we’ve been treated to fun times already… Our producer, Aynsley Vogel, won the Lillooet Meat Draw last Friday to rousing applause and director, Sally Aitken, took a spin in the Zamboni (actually it was an Olympia) and her lines were passable – just!

Stay tuned for the announcement of our Albertan shortlist – coming in a few days!!

Here we come...

2006-11-30T11:27:00.000-08:00

We are on the road in BC!

After a period of intensive research, the Director and Producers of the series have narrowed down their list of towns... Drum roll please!

Look out for them this month in the three towns on their British Columbia shortlist:
Lillooet, Clinton and Kaslo.

Throughout December, they’ll be visiting these towns in B.C. and later, towns in Alberta, in search of the perfect community to shoot this production. (Stay tuned for the announcement for the Albertan shortlist.)

During their visit, they’ll be treated to life in each place….

Apparently LILLOOET are going to teach them how to drive a Zamboni!

And CLINTON are going to open all the pubs… even on a Sunday!

What treat will they have in KALSO? Write to us thewomenwent@papernyfilms.com with your suggestions!

The production team will interview possible participants and liaise with town ambassadors to select potential filming opportunities in each community.

They’ll also hold Public Town Meetings in each location. It’s free, open to everyone and will be a great way for residents interested in the project to find out more. If you live in any of the shortlisted towns make sure you come along and make yourselves known!

Here are the dates for your diaries:

LILLOOET – Saturday, December 2nd at 6 PM at The Rec Centre Gymnasium (930 Main St)

CLINTON – Sunday, December 3rd at 7 PM at the Clinton Memorial Hall (306 Lebourdais Ave)

KASLO – Thursday, December 7th at 6PM at JVH Lighthouse Theatre (500 6th St)

Director, Sally Aitken says that she “can’t wait!” to meet people face-to-face and see the towns for herself. Producer, Aynsley Vogel has been “overwhelmed!” at the enthusiastic response from the towns. So keep it up!

Stay tuned for next week when the Albertan towns will be shortlisted!