CREW 19 utilizes several different techniques in its production that offers a visually striking representation of the stories being told. Unlike traditional documentaries, the stories are told in first-person where possible, and are visualized through a variety of supporting material in the form of photographs, archival film and video, reenactments, and digital compositing.
The story has involved a great deal of personal research, and much of the detail is based on recently-discovered information pertinent to what is being told. The stories themselves are narrated by the individual, and only limited 3rd person narration is involved, letting the story unfold on its own.
The story begins through a small cameo with Joe Turlington, the crew's flight engineer. The sequence is based on the earlier "Reflections" animation
Visual documentation of the events is illustrated by merging archival film and photographs with re-creations that pick-up where the originals leave off.

The use of digital compositing gives the flexibility to illustrate scenes particular to a given situation instead of depending on stock footage.

It also allows for the enhancement of existing footage to meet particular needs, in regards to individual aircraft.
All of the film, video and photograph elements are used courtesy of the National Archives and through private collections.
Where possible, actual aircraft have been utilized for close-ups and interior shots. If not available, scenes were re-created through digital compositing.

Aerial video was shot after coordinating a regional warbird fly-in that was held on May 26, 2001 at Starkville Mississippi's Bryan Field. Information on the event can be found at www.eaglesovermississippi.com
The mood of the documentary is enhanced through the soundtrack, utilizing sound effects that appear as background noise from the current surrounding, but relating to the situation being narrated. This helps allude to the reenactments appearing as memories or flashbacks. The original musical score is provided through the recordings of Grammy-nominated recording artist Dwayne O'Brien, formerly of the multi-platinum band "Little Texas." Dwayne also participated in the reenactments. Other period-specific songs help recreate the feel of the time.
Video stills taken from "CREW 19," featuring Dwayne O'Brien. Scenes were shot using The Lone Star Flight Museum's B-17G, "Thunderbird," from Galveston, Texas.

Aerial video was shot by Marc Poole and Uwe Glaser at the Eagles Over Mississippi airshow in May 2001, and enroute to the Oshkosh Airshow, held in July 2001 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
More video stills taken from "CREW 19." Reenactments pick up where original footage leaves off, making the scenes being described appear as afterimages or flashbacks. Johhny Butler (left) is played by Jason Upton (right).
Believable reenactments necessitated the purchase of original vintage flight gear. All items used are period-specific, adding to the authentic feel of "CREW 19." Herbert May, the original ball turret gunner for Crew 19, is portrayed by Seth Winchester (right).
Co-pilot Herman Wollenweber is portrayed by Matt McCann (left). Other reenactments incorporated several living history groups, including 8.und18.Feld Divisionen Luftwaffe,a non-political reeneactment group from Mississippi and Tennessee, who portrayed the German soldiers who captured the downed crew.