Target : ABC Nightline News

Perhaps you have seen the postings yourself, but I was recently contacted by a producer at  ABC  News Nightline about doing a story on Adoptees Searching through Social Media.  While we all know how the media LOVES to use adoption stories as heartwarming tear jerking  fluff for ratings, I have spoken extensively with Dan, the producer, and he is very interested in trying in the fight for OBC access and reunion complexities in this piece. Of course, it is difficult to get the media folks to understand the complexity of adoption, but I hope you can believe me when I say that we talked A LOT and while it will be impossible to cove the whole  range of what we know, he has a good foundation. I really did my best here.

Are Your Willing to be Public and Are You Ready?

Anyway, of course they are looking for adoptees/ parents who are searching and willing to be filmed. Luckily, the postings they have done have not given them much, so it goes to us. I have sent this  call out privately via the Adoption Army rather than be public, but the “casting” for this is still happening. It is my belief that from within the adoption community, we should have the ability to control how the media represents us and who are good stories to portray. Aside from that, I am not an adoptee casting agent (nor pimp) , nor do I want to be. While the original call to action did yield what I passed on as good prospects, they are still looking. le sigh.

In addition, like so many of us. I am concerned about the continued exploitation of our community and especially adoptees. It always worries me when the media shows a sensationalized adoption story  with folks who are clearly overwhelmed, unprepared and without  support. I do not wish to take part with leading lambs to the slaughter.

On the other hand, the opportunity for exposure does provide unique opportunities for education  regarding  Adoptee Rights legislation, Adoption realities, and  understanding the complexities of reunion.  Plus, the searches that ARE filmed will have national promotion and could greatly help a desperate search.

What They Are Looking for ahem “Good TV”

Now, they wanted to shoot one search story from beginning to end. And yes, preferably a younger pretty female adoptee with a good story and they would like the “first contact” footage. Through our conversations the thought is now that a few different searches can be filmed. They will be at different points in the journey ( starting a search, finding info, making contact, post reunion ). They still would like a pretty chick, but….discussed was that the more stories shown with a range of folks can help viewers see how normal it is for all walks of life, etc.  Yet, they still want a younger adoptee with a compelling story in the NY area. And, if folks are in the NY / Tri state areas there is more of a chance of better coverage.  The film out of NY, are NYers, so the NY adoptee Rights bill fight would get a more noise as well (which DOES affect the legislation in the rest of the country as many ask about where NY is)

So this is my question for all of you:

Do you know adoptees searching, either using the Facebook images, preferably with many shares and attention, or willing to go social, who are emotionally ready and willing to go public? Who really needs the help with exposure? Who can handle the sensation filming? Who can represent?

People have to be available for filming and the schedules are often last minute. At least that has been my personal experience dealing with TV stuff in the past. If they are ready, you have to be or they move on. .

So please.. scout the possibilities. Ask those you know searching, and of course, clue them in. Share this post, etc.

Email me at FixAdoption@gmail.com or hit me up on Facebook!

Please send me:

Full names, locations ( city  & state is fine) and a brief story of what point in your search you are at. Please send a current picture of yourself, email and phone number for contact.  If you have a Adoptee Search image or Facebook page for a search, please send links to that as well.

I cannot promise anything, but  I am compiling lists of what has been sent and passing them on with notes as to what value any particular search would give to viewers. After that, it will be up to them to choose and get in touch!