Finally a long overdue update and report on the status of MR OCEAN LINER - The Life and Times of Bill Miller! I am very pleased to report that principal photography is nearly completed. Several months and multiple trips have included round trip transatlantic crossings on both the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, a Grand Estate dinner in the United Kingdom, to the spectacular opening of the NORMANDIE exhibit Decodence at South Street Seaport in New York.

Fabulous interviews have been recorded with close friends and associates, not to mention candid and insightful conversations on camera with our “Man of the Hour” Mr Miller, exploring his life from childhood to teaching, all the while building a career as one of the great authors and experts in his field. I have scanned hundreds of vintage photographs, newspaper clippings, book covers and have included an intimate look into Bill’s personal exhibit of Ocean Liner artwork and miniature models that adorn the walls and shelves of his private home.

I am proud to have captured the memories and commentary from a host of amazing people who have known Bill over the years. Some familiar names include, Commodore Bernard Warner, Captain Ian McNaught, the one and only Thomas Quinones, Chief Purser Jonathan Leavor, Dr. Martin Carroll, Entertainment Director Alastair Greener, International Floral Designer and Lecturer Howard Franklin, longtime friend and Maritime Collectibles Dealer Dick Faber, Broadway Producer Steve Rivellino, Assistant Entertainment Director Amanda Reid, Singer Paul Ritchie, fellow teacher and actress Margo Singaliese, composer and teacher Peter Ising and NY Port Operations Manager Tony LaForgia, to mention a few. Upcoming interviews are still scheduled and soon the documentation will be complete.

The great challenge and true creative work has already begun as I edit together over 25 hours of raw video and sill images to chisel out an hour program that shares an entertaining and compelling look at the man who has inspired us, moved us, entertained us, educated us, and who is a special dear friend to so many who have the wonderful opportunity to know him.

We should be on track for an end of May or June completion date as long as production and post production continues on this path. Further updates will follow as available.

New Teaser Trailer for MR OCEAN LINER Documentary!

Stop the presses! Hot off the line! Here is a sneak preview Teaser Trailer from the upcoming Documentary MR OCEAN LINER, The Life And Times Of Bill Miller! Enjoy!

A Word From Mr. Miller

Like boarding a ship and beginning a grand voyage, the "adventure" of making a documentary about "Mr Ocean Liner" is very exciting. Both happily and thankfully, Bob Marshall is brilliant and the ideal captain of this journey. To date, we have logged in some 20 hrs of interviews/footage and with more to come.

I have so enjoyed loving the liners --- and both speaking & writing about them. It all started with a fleet of toy boats on my Grandmother's kitchen table ... my own little harbor! And, of course, growing up in Hoboken, back in the 1950s, with a front-row seat onto the Hudson River --- the magnificent New York City skyline as a backdrop, the freighters & ferries & little tugs as the supporting cast and then those great ocean liners as the leading ladies. A love affair began ... a passion was ignited ... and it has been a totally joyous "voyage" for me ever since.

This project will hopefully tell that story, ignite memories, foster modern day liner travel and maybe ignite passion in others. So, the whistles are sounding --- the long voyage of Mr Ocean Liner, from boyhood to the present, has begun! Already, I have my seat in a nice deckchair along the Boat Deck!

Bill Miller
Sep 30th 2009

Welcome To Mr. Ocean Liner Blog

Lights! Camera! Action! Production is now underway for a new documentary film MR. OCEAN LINER about the life and times of Maritime Historian, lecturer and author of over 70 amazing books about ships. Bill Miller grew up in Hoboken, New Jersey where he could watch the Grand Liners across the Hudson River. A teacher for many years, Bill has fulfilled a lifelong dream through his publications and talks, powered by a deep passion for ships and travel. His books are world famous and he is one of the foremost experts in his field.

It was an amazing honor to be asked by Bill if I would film the story of his life. Bill had seen my previous documentary tribute THREE QUEENS - AN INTERNATIONAL RENDEZVOUS www.3QueensDVD.com and, impressed by the personal touch, thought we would be a good match. This teamwork has set us both on an adventure that has already included a roundtrip sojourn across the Atlantic, a grand fete at a manor house in the English countryside, and sensational interviews from personal friends to the Executive Director of the South Street Seaport Museum in New York, to Commodore Bernard Warner in command of the Queen Mary 2, Captain Ian McNaught at the helm of Queen Victoria (also the final Captain to steer the Queen Elizabeth 2 on her final voyage to Dubai) and many more special folks who have known and loved Bill for so many years!

In addition to great photographs from Bill's personal collection, the final production will include insightful commentary and a look at one man's journey from Hoboken across the Seven Seas!

Please check back from time to time for updates about the production, behind the scenes stories as well as guest postings from the man of the hour himself, Mr. Bill Miller!