September 24, 2002

Dear Mike,

Congrats on a very fine first film. I’ve just finished watching it and enjoyed it thoroughly.

Your script is extremely well written — very personable and full of delightful flavor. I especially enjoy your fair and diplomatic discussion of “issues” in the film like the treatment of elephants, the impact of tourism on hilltribes and the emotions that being on Koh Samui raised. This is the whole reason we have a live narrator! Plus you bring to life aspects of the country which would be impossible in a dry narrative.

The music is extremely well composed and evocative. You were lucky to have such talent behind you. I would like to have the names of the people involved — do they do Indian music too? It is some of the best I have heard in a travelogue film in years.

Wonderful maps, clear and concise information, good pacing, nice audio mix. This is a very fine first effort.

Your strength is people — and that is a wonderful thing! Your film really gives us a feel for the people and who they are and what they think. And lots of smiles.

Again, congrats and good luck on your upcoming tour. Let me know when I can get some of this footage for the web site.

Best wishes,

Rick Ray