Open letter to Lincoln: A Thank You to the people of Lincoln from the cast and crew of TED K

During our final days of filming TED K this August, there were many teary eyes among the cast and crew. We are going to miss Lincoln and our new friends there.

We would like to sincerely thank you for welcoming us to your town. You worked alongside us both behind and in front of the camera, you scrambled to help us solve problems, you allowed us to film on your property, and you leant us vehicles, equipment, and props. Beyond all that, you fed us, you housed us, and, yes, you drank with us. You showed us support in countless ways, and we are beyond grateful.  

As we all know, it's a complicated subject matter. We thank you in advance for having an open mind about the end product. While we have tried our best to be accurate and inclusive, films have a way of shaping their own story, and due to time constraints, it's unlikely that we'll be able to include every point of view. Please know that it was so important to us to be authentic and make this movie in Lincoln, and we hope you'll be proud of the way we portray your town and its people.

Many of you asked when you'd be able to see the film. We have several city scenes and special effects shots to complete this fall, and then the long editing process begins. We are planning to submit to the major film festivals, and once we have found the right distributor, they'll decide when the movie will be released. It will likely be late 2019 or early 2020. Once we know, we hope to be able to return to Lincoln and screen the film for the community. 

And so, this isn't goodbye, it's see you later, our friends. Until then, when we think of Lincoln, we will think of the staggeringly beautiful landscape. We will think of good food and good times. Most importantly, we will think of the talented, kind, open, and generous people and the valuable lessons you taught us... what it means to be a good neighbor. What hard work looks like. How great friendships can be made when we focus on our common humanity rather than what makes us different. Yes, we will miss Lincoln, and we will miss you, but please know, you're never far from our thoughts.

We can't wait to see you again soon!

Most sincerely, 

The Cast and Crew of TED K