I would also like to add that the expedition leaving later this month represents a serious penetration and documentation effort of Titanic's bow section. The primary targets were selected because of the challenge that they represent...Jim doesn't like covering the same ground that he's covered in the past. Like any of us, he wants to delve deeper and reach those places that have been previously thought unreachable.
Along with this expedition are two marine archaeologists, who are tasked to properly map the wreck and any artefacts discovered. As with the past two expeditions, Jim is not recovering artefacts...his sole concern is to document as much of the interior as possible and to look for forensic evidence that sheds new light on the ship's demise. This is his last visit to the wreck and he wants to satisfy his curiosity (and ours) before he leaves. He also wants the wreck to be treated as the archaeological site that it is and lay the foundation for a legacy database of images of and information about the wreck, for use by public researchers.
However, shortly after DSC sent out their press release, the scoffing began. There have been some who have expressed their opinion that Cameron sees the wreck as a cash cow or is intent on raping the wreck. They couldn't be more wrong. Anyone who doubts Cameron's sincerity has never sat with him during a planning meeting and witnessed first-hand his passion for the ship. Any of Cameron's critics in the Titanic community who think they would act differently in his shoes are only fooling themselves. He's another Titanic geek, just like any of us, with the means to actually go to the wreck. He certainly keeps me on my toes...he pulls info out of his head while I am scrambling through books, plans and photographs for answers. The man is completely taken by the wreck, the ship and her story.
Something often overlooked...Cameron has re-enacted the sinking on a facsimile of the ship. He knows how difficult it is to lower a collapsible from the Officers' Quarters roof, he has witnessed the Grand Staircase breaking loose from its foundation, he has timed Olliver's walk from the compass platform...the list goes on. His background in physics and his experience around the ship -- both mockup and the actual wreck -- makes him a valuable resource for a Titanic researcher like myself.
Having said that, Jim is responsible mostly for the expedition and exploration of the wreck. He is not the director of the show...a very capable director by the name of Gary Lang is in charge of the show. Gary comes off a well-received documentary about the Kursk, so he is no stranger to shipwrecks. The Discovery Channel people will of course have the last word on the actual telecast, since they're funding the expedition. Jim Cameron will shape the actual exploration of the wreck, Gary Lang and the Discovery Channel will shape the telecast.
Earthship Productions is the activity handling the expedition. Lightstorm Entertainment and 20th Century Fox are handling the "Titanic" SE DVD. There is no connection between the two efforts...I know, because I have been dealing with both camps and have been frustrated at times by the lack of synergy between the two. That's showbiz.
Parks
