Friday, November 4, 2011

Award-Winning Journalism

Idyllwild was recently visited by a crack team of investigative reporters from KPSP Channel 2’s “Eye on the Desert.” These intrepid news-people were on the track of the Idyll-Beast, the animal and the cultural phenomenon. Their hard work paid off handsomely and the results are astounding. The video has been captured and is resting comfortably on the YouTube:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNLJUxdduQc


It is a sympathetic but clear-eyed look at the facts and opinions surrounding the Beast and its role in our local culture and economy. Interviews include CafĂ© Aroma’s Chef de Cuisine Francis Machine and server Chenay, a Harley riding Beast hunter, and yours truly in my official capacity as Director of the Idyll-Beast Research Center.


The news team took the time to go beyond idle speculation and man-on-the-street sound bites, venturing out into our forest to seek evidence of its most famous resident. Viewing the footage myself for the first time I was impressed with the skill with which a sometimes-rambling interview was distilled into its most important elements. These people ask the right questions and know gold when they find it. From a videographic point of view the segment also broke new ground. Some would say it is the most provocative crypto-zoological evidence since the Patterson/Gimlin footage.


Our heartfelt thanks go out to Carolyn Moloshco of Channel 2 and her technical crew. You are truly friends of Idyllwild. And friends of the Idyll-Beast.