The Raymonds suggested the idea of children in conflict, although they knew it was an unusual project for HBO, which more often bought films or works in progress instead of backing original documentaries. But after the Raymonds won an Oscar, HBO was willing to let them make the call. It's hard to get the money. It's hard to get the idea approved. It's hard to make the film, get it on the air.
Every step seems difficult.
So I just decided it should be worth the effort. When we made the school film, I really liked working with the kids, and I decided, well, let's do some child issue that's important. And we came back to that longing to do something international. I'm not suggesting that there is not an enormous amount of programming directed to children, but children as subject matter are kind of underrepresented. They don't really have a powerful voice.