Originally from Ireland, Standard-Times reporter Don Cuddy does not let down the Irish tradition for the love for writing. He has been working for The Standard-Times for about six years, starting out as a contributing writer and eventually working his way up to full-time reporter in 2007. He started covering the fishing industry in New Bedford a year ago and has made a film of his experience on a commercial boat last April.
Q: How did you come up with the idea of creating a film about your experience on a boat?
A: I didn't come up with the idea. What happened was with new fishery's regulations; beginning on May 1st, the paper was interested on finding out how they would affect the fishing community. They sent me down to the waterfront to talk to fisherman, and when I met Tom, the captain of the boat that I went on, he said to me, "You should come with us to see what it is like."
I asked the paper to allow me to go with him. They agreed, and the next day I was going out through the hurricane barrier. Before I left I realized that this was going to be a unique experience and probably one I would never have again.
So, I ran over to Dartmouth and I bought a video camera the night before we went to sea. And anyone that comes to see the movie, they will notice that the opening scene was a little shaky because that was literally the first time I had ever turned the camera on … This was a question of seizing the moment. This was something that was unusual, and I should document it.
Q: What is the message you are trying to portray through the film?
A: There's no message. It's not a documentary. It's simply a picture, an image of what takes place when these guys go out there to make a living. It's an attempt really to gain some respect for these fishermen because they work so hard, and they don't seem to be getting their story out there. They're not the kind of people that employ public relations companies. They're the ones that go out there and risk their lives … to supply us with something that we take for granted, the fish and chips.
Read the complete interview from The Standard Times.