Videographers- how about a documentary that follows e-vote legislation?

[SmileMaker]

I'm hoping you'll help me to brainstorm where to start on an idea that I have for a film to document and promote Rush Holt's
e-voting/auditability bills. Rush's bills have never made it to the house floor because of anti-democratic Repug. misleadership. It's time we expose this barely reported story. I already spoke with Rush's legislative aide who is works on e-voting legislation and his campaign PR person (Sam). Both think it's a good idea.

Sam is going to talk with him about what he thinks. Meanwhile, I thought I'd put it out here for those of you who know more about video production and election protection research to brainstorm along with me. I told Sam that I would send her a little blurb about what I have in mind so that communication to Rush would be clear. I'd like to send her this link so that they can see what we can all come up with.

Why we need to do this? It's a good story that needs to be told. It would also shine a light on a legislator, Rush Holt, who is a role model of integrity. Since I'm not a videographer, I have absolutely no idea how much it would cost to put it together or how long it would take; but it seems like it would be pretty easy to find good source materials to weave together with awesome music. Is that practical?

We need people to see a truly honorable politician in action with a bill that should be near and dear to the hearts of every American that believes in fairness and democracy.

It should be easy enough to find video from c-span to follow the evolution of these bills. Other details could be filled in by interviews with Rush.

We need to use emotional examples of what happens in close elections where no paper trail exists.


We could have Rush Holt and a cast of other hot (smart, honorable) democratic legislators and compare them with their smearing, bullying, wimpy counterparts.

[Vadem]

1. Michael Moore! Michael Moore! I thought he was making a ....

documentary on evoting before the election? Anyone know what became of that?

[emlev]

2. Can you be a little clearer about what you envision?

Is it something that you see being used to promote the legislation? Would it continue to be relevant when that particular legislation was no longer under consideration, either because it passed (yeah, I know) or was quashed?

[SmileMaker]

3. Holt's legislation is a good example of what's wrong with congress

The sooner something could be put together, the better, for the sake of our democracy. A documentary could push the story out and it shows the legislative process on an issue that should be a no brainer for anyone interested in fair elections. It would also be a good story to contrast honorable with dishonorable that, if very well done, could be timeless. Maybe even force a change!

[Bill Bored]

4. Good idea.

A number of us here don't think Holt's bill goes far enough, but as the author of the first such bill to attempt to fix HAVA, he deserves our support. Since the election, I for one have been bitching about these bills dying in committee, which has been happening since Apr. 2003.

Could you get some old CSpan footage about these bills?

Also talk to Robert Wexler who tried to sue Florida election officials for a paper trail.

[Wilms]

5. What is the intended outlet for the program?

CSPAN?, Talk-Shows?, Private distribution?

That will tell you if you need "Broadcast Quality" facilities to prepare the documentary.

Craig's List could be a way to find a camera crew to shoot interviews and "B-roll" to make up for what you can't find pre-recorded.

Craig's List again for post-production audio/video needs. And perhaps to locate a voice-over artist, too.

[SmileMaker]

6. DVD bottom up OutFoxed type distribution might work

I don't expect that this would get on TV. It could be a good candidate for Al Gore's Current network too, but the story will take a little while to tell. The more professional the quality, the more effectively it might make it into mainstream. I'll check resources you recommended once I have some more time. Thanks!

[Wilms]

7. Another thought. Students.

Are you near any film schools? Journalism schools?

[SmileMaker]

8. Yes, am near two of them, actually, but - semester just ended

I have a friend who teaches journalism in the next town (basics, not video prod.) hmmmm... come to think of it... we have film camps with students that spend weeks of their summers here on campus. NY Film Institute? Maybe I should see if they'd do it!!

Problem with getting regular college students (of film) to do this is that they can be unreliable. Also, they tend to be pretty busy while in school and not around during the summer.

There is a public access studio in town here though. I may see if I can arrange something with them.

The reason I sent this out to DUers though was that I thought that there were people out here who would be able to weave something like this together pretty easily. That is why I asked. I have absolutley no idea how to put together the kind of video I have in mind and it would be most effective if it looked polished.

[Wilms]

9. Gotcha

And yeah, the semesters end is a problem.

I was imagining students working on it as part of their course studies.

Years back, I worked on a student documentary about nuclear proliferation. The whole thing was handled more professionally than many of the "professional" productions I've worked on in the years since.

[SmileMaker]

10. I e-mailed the NY Film Acad. that offers camp here in Princeton

no response yet.

anwhile, I'm kicking this up so it might be seen by someone who could add to this discussion.

[Wilms]

11. kick n/t

[SmileMaker]

12. ditto n/t

[Melissa G]

13. ditto that ditto! n/t