WIR
- Closed Topic: Look around, vote and respond but you need an invitation to add
Saul's favorite pitch was submitted by VC2 producer Randy Morgan: 'Billion Beatz'. Check out the pitch on this page, and stay tuned for the pod, with Saul William’s original score!
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make tv pods
- add something new
- one of many ways to get on tv
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Writer in Residence: Pitch a pod!
- Pitch your pod idea to Current TV for a chance to have it commissioned, and scored by Saul Williams. more info
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- NON-PAID ASSIGNMENT
- FORMAT:
- ENDS: 04/30/2008 11:00 PM
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Billion Beatz - Time is Money and We're Runnin Outta Both
"The End of the End of Time: The Minute vs. the Moment" is the thematic mind-child of Saul Williams (writer/musician/actor). This pod examines this thesis by applying the "Billion Heartbeats Theory".
The "Billion Heartbeats Theory" suggests that all creatures facilitate one billion heartbeats while of this earth. For example, the average elephant lives longer than the typical hummingbird (69 years vs. 8 years). Each one's heart beats an equal one billion times before expiring - the larger creature's heart beats much slower, however.
The exception to this rule is the human. What makes us unique is that we command an average of 2-3 billion heartbeats throughout our lifespan. This is theoretically believed to be possible through self-regulation and modern medicine.
This pod uses a rapid edit style to emphasize the often overlooked passing of time. To balance out this hyper-flash imagery, interviews with scientists who have studied the "Billion Beatz" phenomenon are intertwined. Notably, the visceral music of Saul Williams, a pioneer in power-pop/electro-hop music, sets the soundscape. "The End of the End of Time: The Minute vs. the Moment" is the thematic mind-child of Saul Williams (writer/musician/actor). This pod... more -
Worker across the way (Trabajadoro a través de la manera)
Log Line: Los Angeles day laborers segregate themselves in the parking lot of Home Depot and yet find they share a common struggle, community and a paralleled American story.
At the Home Depot parking lot on Slauson Blvd. in Los Angeles, day laborers gather each morning hustling for work in my predominately Latino and African American neighborhood. I was struck with surprise one day, when I noticed African American day laborers sitting across from the Latino workers-- segregated. The two groups have an interesting perspective on immigration and economics.
Told from the perspective of Juan (29) an undocumented day laborer and Leron (35) an American day laborer-- both workers will take me through their day. I ask both men their thoughts on comprehensive immigration reform.
I open with the landscape of south Los Angles, showing quick shots of Latino and African American communities living side by side-- eeking out an existence. Broll would reflect the economic disenfranchisement of the once middle-class neighborhood-- dilapidated corner stores; liquor stores, check cashing places, etc. Focus in on Home Depot and we clearly see the divide of the two groups of men. We meet our protagonists, Juan and Leroy. The two men tell their stories and we follow them through their day-- finding out along the way their reasons for soliciting day work and what they hope for the future.
I plan to interview both groups of men, then hold a screening of the rough footage for the groups to watch and comment on the other men's opinions. Portions of this will be included in the finished pod.
Log Line: Los Angeles day laborers segregate themselves in the parking lot of Home Depot and yet find they share a common struggle, co... more -
Cowboy Poet
Tommy Moellering works on a ranch seven days a week, breaks horses during his evenings, and even finds a little time to write poetry.
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White Ella Project Re-Cut
A few tweaks in the last montage sequence needed to be added as well as Aqua Yost's title card, but most everything else is in place.
Also, I was just watching the beginning and it doesn't look really good on the website. After class today, I'm going to put a higher quality on youtube and I would appreciate it if you would look at the re-cut there because it has really been edited exactly to the music and this low-quality on current.com doesn't allow you to appreciate it so it becomes not as captivating.
Enjoy.
A few tweaks in the last montage sequence needed to be added as well as Aqua Yost's title card, but most everything else is in place. ... more -
Resolution of Disapproval
Very simply put, the statement “The world is run by the Media” has never been as true as it is today. 6 major corporations dominate a large portion of the American market. http://www.freepress.net/ownership/chart/main)
A lot of you will say “Why does this matter, it doesn’t effect me.”
The fact is that a lot of what you are shown on TV and in the paper incorporates a political agenda and a lot of the time offers an unfair/bias view of what’s going on in the world.
Independent media is the KEY to independent thought. Freedom of speech is supposed to be at the core of a western democratic society.
In America, the FCC recently pushed the media ownership limits even further, allowing tycoons like Rupert Murdoch to own even more market share and set news agenda.
Below are a few links where you can find more information, and even if you want to, take action.
If you send an email, they don’t know if it’s from England or the States, with 100,000’s of people getting involved congress is actually starting to listen.
http://www.freepress.net/node/38881)
So whether you don’t really care, find this interesting or want to get involved, at least know you have some information and a portal.
Cheers
Kieran
Links:
http://www.freepress.net/
http://www.stopbigmedia.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilNLeXefmNw Very simply put, the statement “The world is run by the Media” has never been as true as it is today. 6 major corporations dominate a ... more -
Graduation Uncertainty. Embrace the Chaos!
It's stressful. Quarterlife crisis. What's next? What are ya gonna do with your life? Embrace the chaos -- it's a rite of passage with a rich history. It's stressful. Quarterlife crisis. What's next? What are ya gonna do with your life? Embrace the chaos -- it's a rite of passage with... more
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The Modern Warrior
My name is Kieran Byrne, 23, Male living in New York.
My pod idea is to examine what it takes to be an Ultimate Fighter. UFC is one of the fastest growing phenomenons in the US.
While it may lack in the Political/Humanitarian edge that I'm sure some the other ideas contain,
It will make up for it with mass appeal.
I propose not only to look at the history of the UFC and its unprecedented growth into the media spotlight, but also to examine the mental and physical condition that it takes to be a fighter in the UFC.
Finally I want to ask the question, can you take an average man with no background in fighting, gentle by nature, drinks, smokes, eats juke food etc, and turn them in a mixed martial artist to fight in a semi-professional fight in the space of say 5 weeks.
Sorry for the rough pitch, the deadline is tonight and I only just found out about this opportunity. Please pardon the brief outline that
I'm offering hopefully you can see the potential beneath my words.
I already have a few companies in mind that I confidently feel I could secure for sponsorship if necessary.
So please put this through, not only would it make a fantastic and original piece but it also allow Current to capitalize on this growing trend at a time when it is still fresh in the market.
Appreciate your time.
Regards
Kieran Byrne
My name is Kieran Byrne, 23, Male living in New York. ... more -
Mormonism and Feminism?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints {Mormons) has made its way into the media’s attention in the recent months, with Mitt Romney’s former presidential run and the speculative, though untrue, ties to the Texas polygamist raid.
Though insisting on remaining apolitical, the socially conservative Mormon religion has taken public stances against alcohol, tobacco, abortion, premarital sex and feminism, among others. It is the latter which I would like to pitch to Current and Saul Williams.
Feminism, though openly denounced by the leadership of Mormonism, can find the religion to be an arena is which feminism should be embraced, which would be a revolutionary measure for this church. The church has one of the largest and longest running women’s organizations, the Relief Society. There is also a core belief in a complementary deity in a female form, a heavenly Mother. The She next to the He.
These components of the religion would seemingly flock feminist-thinking individuals to the religion.
These opportunities and beliefs are often overlooked, cast aside and highly criticized. Indeed, many women in the church feel that the male-dominated hierarchy belittles the female sex as “naturally” inferior to men, that females have a calling from on high to be Mothers or just remain in the home. In fact, Mormon feminist scholars have been excommunicated from the church for their view, which were thought as controversial in very controversial disciplinary councils held by church leaders.
This story deeply embedded in the minds of people here in Utah, but it stretches nationwide. We need to embrace, not hate. We must not be divided, but rather become, as a people, one. We need to become a hybrid of culture, class, gender, race, religion and many other ways.
I’m Jack Waters, and this is my pitch to Saul Williams and Current.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints {Mormons) has made its way into the media’s attention in the recent months, with Mitt ... more -
A shot at change
Homeless people who don't have a safe, stable and permanent place to live on a daily or weekly basis are asking themselves "Where am I going to stay?" Many families resort to extended stays in dilapidated motels. Although off the streets, these motels can be expensive, dangerous, and don't allow the family to progress to a better situation for the long term.
Joshua Station was conceived to transform a Denver area motel into a clean, safe and stable community for families who want to address the issues that have kept them from permanent housing. Combining the efforts of hundreds of volunteers with the resources of many individuals, foundations and corporate partners, Joshua Station underwent $1,000,000 in renovations.
Homeless families who get accepted to live at the station get a shot at changing their lives. Volunteers try and help the parents find stable work, open a bank account, manage their finances, and build relationships with their children. If a family doesn't show improvement within a period of time or doesn't follow the station rules, they've lost their chance and are replaced by another family on the waiting list.
Visual: We'll document 2 young parents as they prepare to leave the streets and enter Joshua Station. We'll discover how they ended up where they are, and we'll follow their progress as they try to change their families' future for the better.
Sample work: http://www.imagebrewdesigns.com/pages/Media/video.docum... Homeless people who don't have a safe, stable and permanent place to live on a daily or weekly basis are asking themselves "Where am I... more -
Can we become individuals?
My name is Ryle Yazzie. I'm Native American (Navajo) that lives in New Mexico. I just listened to Saul Williams on the Wake up show on youtube. I find myself and my people in a similar place. That we are brain washed into thinking and appearing as a Native American. I myself, don't buy into the whole image of what I should look like, I want to be an individual. I understand that there are certain things that I will always be apart of being Navajo. Thinking like this, It has brought on concerns of other people that maybe wanting to be individuals and not stereotypes. So can we ever evolve as people and get away from the idea that is imprinted on us and other people.
here is link to something I've done in the past, I was a co-director on this project.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzVK2fW4aWw My name is Ryle Yazzie. I'm Native American (Navajo) that lives in New Mexico. I just listened to Saul Williams on the Wake up show on... more -
Would you be surprised to hear that a church proposes to it’s members a 30-day sex...
SEX and GOD are like oil and vinegar: rarely are the two mixed. But blended together, with the right seasonings, can they make a pretty good salad dressing?
A church in Tampa has decided to do just that: put oil and vinegar in one container, add some seasoning and shake it all together. What came out was the 30-day sex challenge. In this pod we’ll experience this challenge through 3 couples: a married couple, an unmarried couple, and the pastor and his wife. We hear from the pastor and his wife as they talk about the church, sex, God, and relationships. Excerpts are taken from a Sunday church service along with a sit down interview. Then, through daily web-cam vlog style confessionals, we’ll hear from the other two couples some of the obstacles and triumphs of the 30-day challenge. Peek in on Mike and Mary, an unmarried couple who is living together. Why would they voluntarily give up sex for 30-days? Next, hear from married couple Doug and Lorena as they talk about how “doing it” for 30 days has dramatically improved their relationship and what struggles they experienced along the way. And ultimately answer the question: Why does God want us to have the best sex of our lives?”
Personal Reel: www.redeyefilmco.com/ Click on first video.
Or Current TV portfolio, http://current.com/search/search.do?indexName=barca-sea...=
SEX and GOD are like oil and vinegar: rarely are the two mixed. But blended together, with the right seasonings, can they make a prett... more -
Making the World Go Round (China vs. USA)
Making the World Go round is a ‘True to Life’ depiction of traveling adventures by Richard Kay to China from Palm Springs California…
A 12-part TV Series slash Soap that encompasses life, love and the endless relentless pursuit of happiness, traveling to rediscover China while doing business with the Chinese Ball Bearing factories… who said “…you can not mix business with pleasure”?
A myriad of cities & real life stories are covered from visiting West Lake Hangzhou famous for being China’s most beautiful city, Zhouzhuang China’s floating Venice, Ball Bearing factories in Wuxi and Haining, the Yuyuan Garden and City Temple God of Shanghai, bars and restaurants and the Sex museum. Last but not least the Pearl Tower in Shanghai was a technological marvel, in stark contrast to the street vendors in the adjacent Nanjing road...
Culturally, the early morning street dancing at the Bund, Acrobatics at the Shanghai Sports Stadium and the Chinese National holiday fireworks during the Golden Week 2007, were breathtaking, and the most spectacular experience one can have in a lifetime...
Like most human exchange stories there is love, romance, Chinese ballroom dancing and even cat-fights, courtesy of Lisa & Lucy, not to mention visits to Cat Houses ‘Chinese style’ in “Shanghai” famous for being “…the Pearl of the Orient and the Whore of the East...”
the URL above is a 2.00-min Intro as part of the footage gathered in the past two years travelling to China 5-times... there are many more segments for viewing on the site and youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jb--czEyZ20 ...
Making the World Go round is a ‘True to Life’ depiction of traveling adventures by Richard Kay to China from Palm Springs California… ... more -
Horseman
First of all I would like to say that I rarely watch television but now that broadcast like current are hitting the scene, I am so relieved! Media that in some ways have works against us and has suppressed creativity for so long is now taking a turn for the better. I think not only in myself but in many it has revived that small amount of faith that "we fight and refused" to give up!!! As I sit here I do what I can every day to help my brothers and sisters. This is a fight that is long from over but now we are starting to get even. We have to gain back the balance, there is no other alternative. I am a Mother of a beautiful three year old daughter and there is NOTHING I will not do for her and our world, the same goes for ALL of my family, because we are "ALL ONE TRIBE". Every form I have ever had to fill out for something when I get to the section that says RACE:, although the list has gotten a little longer over the years, is still lacking the word HUMAN for RACE!!!! It insults me, this system that has gone corrupt, insults me, my family. This world that we have been given and all the beautiful beings in it "WILL NOT" succomb to the "new world order" or whatever name you may prefer to call it, and our creativity cannot be meassured by your money! Commander and cheif...you could not afford an ounce of Saul Williams or many other profound artist creativity. True visionaries starve, but the see the truth. They may at times suffer, but they believe in what they are suffering for and know that putting so much of themselves into something, it will open a door for someone else, and they another, and they another, and they yet another. That is why we are here today. The piece that I have submitted titled "Horseman" is a depiction as I see, the Horseman shall not pass. Our collective conciousness "WILL NOT" let them pass. This is our world. God gave us free will and it is our choice, no matter how they try to silence us, we are always heard. And now they are trembling. REVOLUTION!!!!!!! Free your mind, love your brother. Yes since the dawn of time people have always had to protect themselves and watch your back, and get my back, but you know what, their (government) paranoia has gotten WAY out of hand. And they think money is power!!!! Well they loosen they power cuz the $ ain't worth much no mo!!!
HAHA!!! Sorry, but it's the truth. And my name ain't Judas.
Thanks so much for your time and at least I hope I made someone smile, and please,
let me open a door for you.
Have a wonderful and productive day,
Blessings always,
NAMASTE'
Sanctuary
I have more submissions and will send them just with title alone not to take up your time, and bty I and many friends have maxed our dependents and use that money to by music, books, artwrok of all mediums, because truely, they deserve it more than a machine that kills it's own men.
"FOR I DO NOT FEAR DEATH, BUT A LIFE WITH NO MEANING" First of all I would like to say that I rarely watch television but now that broadcast like current are hitting the scene, I am so rel... more -
This Land
Lakota Indian Nation secede from the United States by declaring themselves as a sovereign nation on December 20, 2007, and may pose as our own "Gaza/West Bank" issue with threats of liens against property ownership within the declared territories of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Montana.
Although it may be argued that those said properties are illegal in the first place, those homesteaders may have to give up their own generational settlements. If we, as Americans, support their declaration and aid in a peaceful process of helping transition their newly declared sovereignty, we can set an example as to how we participate in foreign relations by first fixing our own mistakes here at home.
Furthermore, it will be interesting to follow their own policies with Relations, Environment, and Trade. This is truly exciting and deserve further thought and discussion amongst all Americans and international communities in solidarity alike. Lakota Indian Nation secede from the United States by declaring themselves as a sovereign nation on December 20, 2007, and may pose as... more -
NICARAGUA: A DYING GENERATION
Nicaragua's decision to ban all types of abortion including those medically necessary to save a woman's life, has had deep ramifications according to human rights groups in the second poorest country in the Western hemisphere. Since the ban was implemented in 2006, 82 women have died because they did not receive a life saving abortion. Some doctors have even denied medical services to pregnant women for fear that the possibility of an aborted pregnancy could lead to their incarceration. Nicaragua's decision to ban all types of abortion including those medically necessary to save a woman's life, has had deep ramificatio... more
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A different kind of memorial
I would like to see how Saul would make a memorial for the deaths in the Iraq war. I would rather not have names, dates, faces, etc. I don't know if this constitutes a pitch or not but I don't think it should have a political bent as well. I think it should be a something that describes and remembers the loss. If you use pictures or video or whatever don't make it sad or just sad, make it a mix. I would like to see how Saul would make a memorial for the deaths in the Iraq war. I would rather not have names, dates, faces, etc. I... more
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Muy Gordo?
Last October I documented an American rock band self funding a tour through Mexico, while we were traveling and hanging out with the locals there was one thing I kept noticing; almost every person had a bit of extra weight hanging over the belt line and every person was drinking some sort of CocaCola product as if it were water. In fact no one drank water at all. After coming across this trend I began to ask myself, Is obesity becoming an issue in Mexico? Without resources for good drinking water, CocaCola’s dominance of the refreshment industry within Mexico and the lack of exercise facilities I believe a trend is forming within Mexican society. To explore this issue I will talk to Mexican doctors, dietians and the local community to find out if obesity is on the rise south of the border. Last October I documented an American rock band self funding a tour through Mexico, while we were traveling and hanging out with the l... more
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JUST GET THE SEX AND FORGET THE REST: I have a F***Buddy
In this modern era of fast food, globalization, gadget and internet dating. There is a great change going on with the sexual morals of the new generation. Now a days people opt to acquire a F***buddy instead of starting a relationship. Just get the sex and forget the rest, is the new attitude. Sex is non longer this mystical thing most teenage boys dreamed about. Its used to sell cars, furniture..manure and everything else. It no longer holds as much value as it use too. In addition, sex is no longer fully associated with some level of relationship. I do not mean one night stands, that always been there, but have a sexual partner without ever being emotionally engaged with that person. I would like to explore this new take on sex and discuss the moral aspects as well as get more insight on the role of the media in this change. In this modern era of fast food, globalization, gadget and internet dating. There is a great change going on with the sexual morals of... more
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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS while Protesting (THESE STREETS ARE WATCHING)
Producer’s Name(s): Jacob Crawford
Email: jacob@jacobsladderproduction.com
Phone #: 203-733-1860
Current.com username: jacobsladder
School: Sarah lawrence
Date: April 24 2008
Pod Title: THESE STREETS ARE WATCHING (know your rights while protesting)
Pod Description (2 – 4 sentences):
This pod series will look into an individual’s rights in the streets while protesting, organizing, or legal observing (the Democratic or Republican National Convention). This series will overview public space, freedom of speech, expression, how to advance your message, the right to observe police, what to document during police action, jail solidarity,
Why is this Current (about what’s going on in the lives of 18-34 year olds)?
If you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything, This pod series is Current because currently our rights are vanishing, most people in their 20’S and 30’S don’t know what rights we’ve lost since 9/11 and with elections around the corner there will be a large volume of younger adults interested in making the world a better place, This pod series will catch some up to speed and prepare everyone for what lies ahead.
Key Characters (You may have these people identified, or describe the types of characters you are thinking about for your pod):
1. Steve Nash, Denver Copwatch (falsely Labeled criminal extremist by Denver Police in 2002)
2. Andrea Pritchett Founding member of Berkeley Copwatch since 1990
3. Dribirl Toure from the Malcom X Grassroots Movement in Brooklyn (they have a copwatch program)
4. Mark Silverstein director of the Colorado ACLU
5. Joaquin Cienfuegos Co Founder of Copwatch LA
6. Adrienne Wheeler of The National Lawyers Guild
Execution (What are we going to see in the pod?):
We will see our rights in action, in a way that helps the public understand them.
We will see how police suppress people’s rights by utilizing a variety of different tactics ranging from intimidation, provocation, surveillance, mass arrests, and legal action.
We will see copwatching in action, helping viewers know how to document police action and what to document to help any victims
Estimated Production Timeline:
2 weeks
Production Notes:
I am experienced in filming and producing this type of content “these streets are watching” its on my current page
Producer’s Name(s): Jacob Crawford Email: jacob@jacobsladderproduction.com Phone #: 203-733-1860 ... more -
Gotta List of Demands
I want to give rural, disadvantaged people a voice... I want them to give their "list of demands" for our government. People shouldn't be without health care, people shouldn't be homeless, people shouldn't be jobless... I want to give rural, disadvantaged people a voice... I want them to give their "list of demands" for our government. People should... more
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