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Why are you doing this?

It’s complicated. Life moves fast and we wanted to slow down and enjoy it. To do that we had to ask ourselves some important questions, most importantly: What do I need to achieve or experience before I die? When we turned the question on strangers, we were fascinated with the  answers we received. Given the ultimate deadline, people are forced to ignore the day-to-day trivialities that sometimes bury their lives and evaluate their most personal dreams and ambitions. Ultimately, we want to get people excited about doing whatever it is they dream about doing. Why wait? We are also curious to know about the state of our generation, our values and the role we are play in today’s society. Really though, we want to have fun and help people.

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How did it start/How did you meet?

We’re all from the same town and knew each other through the grapevine (except Duncan and Jonnie, who are brothers). We weren’t great friends before the project began but in February 2006, through a number of coincidental conversations, we realized that we were all felt the same way about the world (see “Why are you doing this?” above). We decided to work together to address our questions and to learn more, and eventually a documentary became our weapon of choice.

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What is it?

Technically, a documentary. After months of planning we set out in August 2006 with a camera and a loaner RV to attempt and to document our list of ‘50 things to do before you die’ and help 50 strangers we met along the way do something they had always wanted to do. In two weeks we knocked 26 items off our list and helped 24 people. Since then our list has grown to 100 items and we have taken the cap off the number of people we’re setting out to help. This summer (2007) we’re traveling through the states to continue our quest. If you can’t wait til the final movie is released, check out our ongoing adventures in the video gallery.

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What’s the hardest thing on the list?

Go to space and fall in love. Maybe run a marathon.

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What will you do when you’re done?

Die.

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What does ‘The Buried Life’ mean?

The name comes from a poem written by Matthew Arnold in 1852. The idea is that day-to-day stuff can sometimes bury you and make you forget what you’re passionate about in your life. Jonnie read it in English class and showed it to the rest of the team who agreed that it’s message was totally in line with how we were feelin. The question “What do you want to do before you die?” became our tool to ‘uncover’ goals & dreams. You dig? Here are the lines from Arnold’s poem: But often, in the world’s most crowded streets, But often, in the din of strife, There rises an unspeakable desire After the knowledge of our buried life;

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Do you all do each item/When is an item considered complete? 

There are some personal items but most items we chose to do together. If we’re satisfied with our attempt, or it’s clear that we have achieved our goal, then we’ll knock an item off the list.

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How are you paying for this? 

The bills are paid out of our pockets, through private donations, and through corporate sponsorship. It started with Skype phone calls and Ben looking companies up in the phonebook that we thought were in line with our mission. We’d call them and explain what we wanted to do and asked if they would like to be involved. Levi Strauss heard what we were doing and wanted to get involved. Others have offered everything from boxes of juice and website design, to longboards and cash. We owe so much to the individuals and companies who have helped us, and continue to help us, on our mission. Thank you to everyone!

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How do you come up with/attempt your list? 

Think about it – write it down. Once it’s on paper, things just happen. Ideas and goals can come from hobbies, friends, the internet, anywhere really. Think of what you want to achieve, or experience. Who would you like to meet? Where would you like to go? What would you like to work? Who would you like to help? How would you like to make a difference?Talking about your list and hearing about the goals of others is the best way to get things done.

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If you are fed up with laziness, why is “Start a television show” on the list? 

Television itself isn’t the problem. Irresponsibility is the problem. Our ethos is that you can be entertaining and socially responsible. Television is the best communication tool ever invented; why not use it to spread the good word? And make it funny? Both. If we ever made a show, we’d do our best to prove that to you.

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How many people run this thing? 

Us four.

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Where can I get the book?

Barnes & Noble: http://tinyurl.com/6vbghhx

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/7mytzmv

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Where can I get your clothes?

Check out our website for our official store: http://theburiedlife.merchmo.com/

A portion of the proceeds are donated to TWLOHA www.twloha.com

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Where can I watch the show?

The show is available on:

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/7usztd5

iTunes: http://tinyurl.com/79fz3vf

Netflix Instant: http://tinyurl.com/6ttv9l5

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Are we on steroids?

Lots of ‘em.

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Where/how can I watch the show if I’m from outside of the US?

The Buried Life can be viewed/bought on iTunes. 

As well as Hulu, Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, and Netflix. 

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Where can I find out more about TBL?

twitter.com/theburiedlife

youtube.com/user/buriedlife

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How can I bring you guys in to speak?

College: In the US, you can contact Sean at Keppler Speakers Bureau (slawton@kepplerspeakers.com). In Canada, you can contact Jeff at NSB (jjacobson@nsb.com)

Corporate Engagements: Please contact Penni Thow (penni@theburiedlife.com). Previously invited to Levi’s, Viacom, GM.

Highschool: More info: penni@theburiedlife.com

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Is the show real?

Yes. MTV doesn’t help us with anything on our list everything you see is under the power of four regular guys. We are executive producers of the show so we make it with our friends and send it to MTV everything is real. 

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Are we making a 3rd Season?

We’re filming some stuff with MTV right now. We can’t go into much detail but you’ll hear news soon. Our fans will be first to know.