I want to help make documentaries. Documentaries that examine the state of the American educational system, and various other public interests. Policy, not politics, oriented documentaries. Look, I don’t think the real problem with the country is a lack of quality research, I think the problem is that nobody knows about the research, and almost nobody understands it outside ‘the ivory tower’/academia. Movies are about as broadly accessible as you can get. Broadcast media is the way to reach the public, because the internet is too echo-chamber-ish, too many opportunities to click away in the middle of a sophisticated message, and the personal approach is hugely expensive in terms of people’s time, well, that and the big screen has persuasive power all unto itself.
I know basically jack and shit about making films, but I’m anything but averse to learning on the job.
I think people care, I just think next to no one has high quality information at their (our) disposal. I’m certainly not claiming to know the right answers, or to have all that high quality information at my fingertips, but if I can find and talk to the people who do, why not share that information broadly? I would necessarily be selecting information, and presenting it with my view, but I would also do my best to be factual/nonpartisan.
Maybe I should get a few years’ practice at the GAO first. =) Still, I’m sure there’s gotta be some amateur film-maker’s club or something in chicago. Probably here too. Hmmmm…. *thoughtful rubbing of chin*
Directing the Documentary by Micheal Rabiger
excellant book
Not that I have ANY stake in this…
http://www.sagindie.org Not only can you get help with grants, production, contracts, locations, etc., you help out us unionized people (IATSE, SAG, etc.) and can get seasoned actors for cheap or free!
Poke around their site for all kinds of info.
I have no practical tips on this, but I just wanted to say that I think that sounds like an excellent idea.
It sounds like something you’d be passionate about. So, if you were passionate about it, would you stick with it? : )
That sounds like an excellent idea. You should interview my brother, his life has been a mess. As kids we were both told we had dyslexia and were stupid and shoved into RSP classes. in my opinion, it destroyed his self esteem and turned him into a criminal. I didn’t believe what “they” had to say about my intelligence and set out to prove them wrong.
The best way to improve the lives of others is through education.
Shit dude, you should hook up with
tonahpah
I believe she’s been muttering something about a documentary (though the one she wants to make is on women’s issues)
She does have some sort of film degree.
livejournal says there is no such userid. =)