Really ‘Saving Lives’

LIHUE — Unlike many reality TV shows, those behind “Saving Lives” say they will not be intimidated by the demands of mainstream television, or resort to sensationalism.

“We really want to have a positive image,” said Jennifer Marcil, the executive producer at 4Dventures.

The goal is simple: Raise awareness about ocean safety by spotlighting the Kauai Junior Lifeguard program.

“First and foremost, it’s about the human spirit, setting goals for yourself,” said Serge Marcil, the creative producer.

But the show is also about the island, the environment and the culture.

While they would like to air “Saving Lives” nationally, Serge and Jennifer said they are more interested in producing something that makes the community proud.

After pitching their idea to the County of Kauai nearly a year ago, the Marcils received the go-ahead in March. Over spring break, the husband-wife duo began filming what was supposed to be a 5-minute teaser — something they could pitch to different broadcast stations and sponsors and secure funding.

What they ended up with was a 26-minute video that will have to be cut but is already turning heads.

“The Saving Lives piece is a very high-quality production that offers a wonderful glimpse into our Junior Lifeguard program,” Kauai Fire Chief Robert Westerman wrote in an email to The Garden Island.

So far, Serge said the video has only been shown to the junior lifeguards, their families and friends and a handful of county representatives.

“The response from everyone was phenomenal,” he said.

The Marcils will unveil the video to the general public during a special screening later this month. A date and location have not been confirmed.

The Marcils initially planned to pitch the teaser in time for the 2013 television season but decided to take a step back. They are now aiming for 2014.  

“We’re kind of just proceeding a little slower,” Serge said.

In the end, there are no guarantees that “Saving Lives” will get picked up. But the couple believes in the project and are committed to seeing it through.

“Our kids are good enough, the location is great enough, and we believe that it can sustain the interest of the viewers,” Serge said. “We can make the show both entertaining and educational.”

The 26-minute segment brings the KJL program to life through the eyes of five main characters — four junior lifeguards and one keiki lifeguard. A total of 50 children participated in the filming.

Although the show’s cast will remain fluid moving forward, the teaser’s main characters include Wailana Gandeza, Mica Nobriga-Ferris, Jaden Hamid, Eliza Vierra and Ella Marcil.

Gandeza, who has been in the KJL program for four years, was impressed with the quality of the production.

“I didn’t know it would be this big of thing,” she said.

Nobriga-Ferris, who first joined the program at age 12, agreed.

“When (Serge) showed us the teaser, it was like ‘Wow,’” he said. “It just blew my mind. It was better than what I expected.”

Later this month, Gandeza and Nobriga-Ferris will represent Kauai at the 2013 State of Hawaii Junior Lifeguard Championships on Maui and at the 2013 National Lifeguard Championships in Manhattan Beach, Calif., in August.

Serge and Jennifer will be looking for additional stories, characters and partnerships as they move forward.

“We’re trying to not just get this project going, but also get a lot of people in the community involved,” Serge said.

Kauai County Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura said the teaser was “beautifully and professionally done,” and has the potential to serve as an educational tool about water safety.

But, if the presentations are not done mindfully, she said it could be counterproductive.

“The producer, director and sponsors have a huge responsibility for keeping the portrayals of Kauai and its young people authentic, safe and pono,” she said. “The teaser seems to do a good job of keeping a proper balance.”

If the Marcils are able to secure funding to produce an entire series, Westerman said it “will raise awareness about ocean safety on many levels, and at the same time, promote Hawaii as a visitor destination.”

Serge plans to document the KJL program during the upcoming island, state and national competitions, while he and Jennifer continue exploring funding options.

One way or another, the Marcils say they will produce a final product, whether that will be multiple 13-episode seasons on a national broadcast network or a short documentary for the Kauai community.  

“Something will happen,” Serge said. “It’s just that we’re trying to go all the way.”

Over his 25-year career, Serge has directed more than 300 hours of television programming for a range of broadcast stations, including Discovery and National Geographic.

For more information visit 4Dventures.com or call Serge Marcil at 212-6473.  

• Chris D’Angelo, environment writer, can be reached at 245-0441 or cdangelo@thegardenisland.com.