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Gave us an interview on their wedding day!

Grant (Dir of Photography) and I started out our Saturday at the University of Manitoba to revisit where my curiosity with people’s use of “Oh my God” first began. Then we headed to the Legislative Buildings. At the Legislature we came upon a wedding party photo session and were able to “crash” the event (with permission).

We ended up interviewing the bride and groom an hour before their wedding ceremony. Their wedding car was a beautiful 1963 Ford! What do you think they said when we asked them about the last time they said “Oh my God”?! Thanks to the happy couple for being so generous with us!

Can’t wait to get this interview into the film. Spent the rest of the day all over the city talking to Winnipeggers.

Toronto street interviews

During a crisp weekend in late January 2013, my videographer, Grant Hoeppner, and I hit the streets of Toronto to shoot some footage as a pilot project for the “Oh my God” concept. It’s been a while since I had so much fun! The stories we heard were riveting, hilarious and gut-wrenching. We got a lot more than pilot footage. Thanks to everyone who was willing to respond to our question, “When was the last time you said, ‘Oh my God’? Enjoy the video.
-David Balzer

U of T linguistics professor explains role of teens in language change

Our weekend of video taping in Toronto in January 2013, began with a visit to University of Toronto’s linguistics department. During my academic reading about language variation I discovered Dr. Sali Tagliamonte and her fascinating investigation of words such as ‘like’ in everyday usage. My research had me curious about the role of female pre-teens in language change in society. A highlight for me was when I got the chance to test my hunch with Dr. Tagliamonte. Her expertise in sociolinguistics had a lot to offer an understanding of Oh my God in everyday talk. Here’s just a fraction of the interview with Dr. Tagliamonte.

Watch project intro video here

Logo launches!

Logo launches! Welcome to the mind of Girish Manuel…

Promo video shoot

Grant Hoeppner, videographer at work during shoot of promo video. Beautiful summer evening in Winnipeg on the campus of Canadian Mennonite University.

Short documentary film in progress…

There’s a short documentary film that’s coming into existence. Website is under construction (as you’ve probably noticed). This will be our home online…

For some time I’ve been fascinated by the everyday talk of Canadians and particularly our use of “Oh my God!” So, I’m making a documentary about it. I’m already having way too much fun and we’ve only just barely started…
– David Balzer, Assistant Professor of Communications and Media