Rankin Inlet (Sep 27/06) - Rankin Inlet students who performed in the Missoula Children's Theatre production of Robin Hood earlier this month may see themselves on the big screen someday.

Missoula's week in Rankin was filmed by Sky Media Arts Ltd. for possible inclusion in a feature-length documentary (The Little Red Truck) on the impact performing with Missoula often has on the lives of children.

Recently wed filmmakers Rob Whitehair and Pam Voth hail from Missoula, Mont., and specialize in wildlife filmmaking. Whitehair's recent film, Hollywood Fox, has played in more than 60 countries.

"Missoula Children's Theatre is right in our hometown and, when this opportunity came long, we really didn't know much about the extent of what it does," said Whitehair.

"It's a stretch for us to jump outside of wildlife, because that's where our passion is.

"But, when we saw the transformation that happens with these kids, it just captivated us."

Rankin was the fourth of 10 Missoula productions the couple will be filming.

Whitehair said they hope to have the project completed by June of 2007.

"That's a long time to work on a film like this, but we wanted to get as diverse a group of communities as we possibly could to clearly illustrate how far-reaching Missoula has become during the past 34 years.

"Regardless of the geographic area, socio-economic conditions, culture, race, whatever, Missoula works across the board.

"We see the work the kids put into something that translates into other areas of their life.

"The parents and teachers also see it in every community we visit, so it's just a wonderful story."

Voth said watching the interaction between kids and the Missoula directors has been a wonderful experience.

She said the most beautiful images captured by her camera lens come from real life.

"I see real expressions on real faces, so there's no need to make anything up," said Voth.

"The plays are so important to the kids because they're going to have their friends, family their whole community out watching them.

"That dedication and commitment to what's real, by both the directors and the kids, is special to witness."

Voth said people know the difference between what she and Whitehair are doing, and the Hollywood productions they see on TV.

She said the couple's background in wildlife filmmaking has helped them "blend in" during Missoula productions and not be a distraction to the kids.

"It's exciting for the kids to see cameras around, but more of them try to get on my side of the camera to see what I'm looking at.

"I love to share that with people because it's something they don't get to see that often, if at all."