Documentary on the Migration to Renewable Energy
Earlier today I watched this wonderful documentary, “Patent for a Pig,” outlining Monsanto Corporation’s plans to genetically modify each of the major food items, and patent the modification, enabling them to control essentially all the food on the planet, “from seed, to field, to fork” — a line from the film. (If that sounds far-fetched, you may want to check it out.)
While I watched, thinking: man, this is really well done, I realized that I’d love to do something of this quality in the field of clean energy.
But there’s a minor problem: talent. While I know a fair bit about the energy situation facing us here, I know absolutely nothing about filmmaking, and I don’t have the capital sitting around to hire a team to outsource all this.
Are there any volunteers out there who might want to partner with me on the development of such a film? There have, of course, been some very visible pieces that have touched on important aspects of the subject: Who Killed the Electric Car?, An Inconvenient Truth, Fuel, Crude, etc. But it seems that no one’s made a solid, definitive treatment of the technology, the economics, and the politics of energy.
If you have a little bit of Steven Spielberg, Ken Burns (or, dare I say, Michael Moore) in you, and a bit of time on your hands, please let me know.
Craig,
The only problem with making a film is to make people aware of what is really going on in the field of renewable energy, Some listen some don’t. We need to take action and do the product first and then film it, The Electric car isn’t dead, the desire is, just like Solid Waste, We still bury it, But we have the Technology to get rid of 100% of it. People talk a good game, But I was always taught, Action Speaks Louder Than Words, Thanks
In our culture nowdays, it’s easy to migrate toward something while also moving away from it. For example, we might choose to eat more healthy food to improve our bodies but simultaneously increase how much we eat and decrease how much we exercise. As another example, it’s easy to advocate for and even buy some RE while simultaneously increasing our use of and demand for conventional energy. Thinking more globally and broadly, focusing more on reducing the volumes of things we want less of is a better way. In other words, with RE, how much RE or when we buy it isn’t a very good gauge of whether we’re reducing use and demand for conventional energies. With transportation, whether we have an electric or hybrid car isn’t a very good gauge of how much conventional energy and pollution reduction. Think more clearly and measure more precisely. Marketing is a lot about encouraging people to buy or adopt stuff. But culture and behaviour changes are not much about buying and adopting. Those are more about real changes in how we think and act. This is why the current RE movement, implemented in ways requiring least amount of consumer and business m.o. changes, isn’t moving our culture or migrating us away from conventional energies. We need folks in our culture to learn to LOVE and strive for using less conventional energy, not the marketed RE and EE products themselves. It’s like my tennis… I am not in love with my racquets or tennis clothes. I love and strive to play the game well. We need this same kind of relationship with our energies.
Craig,
Filming the temporary assembly of the major components of a zero energy house (ZEH) that more than pays for itself compared to traditional abodes…in less than one hour is a game changer. The location will in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with EE Global 2012. The date is March 27-29. http://eeglobalforum.org/speakers.php
The USA ranks a dismal 55th out of 56 nations in efforts to combat climate change. The 27 nation EU has this standard as a goal by 2020, as does California. Seven nations require all new residences employ solar. America remains a laggard in the issue…thanks to politics. Entrenched interests form America’s energy policies.
The film will also reveal a revolutionary LEED rated composite that replaces traditional roofing…and leads to “Solarizing the World on the Cheap”. This development also structurally and thermally upgrades existing buildings, a trillion dollar opportunity while creating inestimable greentech jobs.
I sponsored the 30 minute assembly of an Energy Star, hurricane and seismic rated abode at the UN in NYC. Few American million dollar houses echo this standard. In fact, few American wood frame houses meet building codes in developed countries. It’s time for game-changers.
Last year the average US household spent some $7000 on energy and gasoline. Saving this sum when compounded over a 30 year mortgage period accrues to $839,365.19. A ZEH more than pays for itself.
2012 is the International Year for Sustainable Energy for All. The UN calls for a clean energy revolution…a revolution that makes electricity available and affordable for all. Who wants to make a difference? Step forward.
For those who will support this film contact Craig or call Walter at 561.684.1012 (Florida)
In addition to the solar receptive roofing material, we should promote straw bale building specifications as part of a tight house.
Jim Miller
The idea of making a film is great; In my opinion Craig, you are the best person to write a draft of a screenplay
to send it to the experts on movies. Sounds well?
Craig, I was many years ago a “Studeo Engineer” at the local cable tv company. Our franchise with local municipalities required “Public Access” which included training and use of professional video equipment both in a studeo and portable at NO COST except buying the pro-video-tape and the cable company aired the programs and returned the tapes to the maker for their use, distribution, or re-cycling. As they prefered. That was in 1980 so I don’t know if we have lost that citizens privilage or not. But you should ask your regional cable tv provider and inquire about “Public Access” in your region.
Try posting your film concept on Kickstarter.com. I believe a few films have been funded there.
Thanks. I’ll look into that immediately.
Kickstart is a bit of a sham. I submitted some proposals which were shot down, although other ones having only a small amount of entertainment value were approved. Proceed carefully and don’t depend on Kickstart. Apparently they do not want anything controversial, especially political. The cable TV approach should work.
Jim Miller
Craig:
At Grand Rapids Community College, we have a substantial production capacity that could – if funded – dedicate time to pursuing this. As you may know , Grand Rapids has the highest LEED-certified construction rate in the country,
largeley due to one local philanthropist: Peter Wege. It is possible that his Foundation might support this endeavor.
-Klaas Kwant
clip on Peter Wege: http://www.youtube.com/grcc#p/search/4/gCTWmdHdn0A
I love the idea! Do you have a contact who knows Mr. Wege personally? I’d like to engineer a conversation; it be best for it not to be a cold call.
Craig:
I would love to be a part of this project. I was for 12 years in the broadcast industry, when TV turned to color and when TV stations and Production companies started booming. (I used to design and equip production houses and TV stations). I had mentored a few who now produces 500 episodes a year, but that’s here in Australia. I just called my friend and asked if he’d like to do some part of this Energy Doco, from the Australia, China & Asia perspective, that is, if you (Craig) plan to include this bit in you Doco script.
But its all about “funding” this project, and that’s the hurdle we have to jump.
With the right funding (Sponsorships and Crediting), a serial Documentary on “Migration to Renewable Energies for Planet Earth” would be very saleable internationally, and in different languages, which means we could also sell shares like in a feature film if you want to, and also get RE companies and technologies companies as sponsors for ‘Credits’…and so on. One episode would not be enough to carry so much important information and messages.
I wonder if the UNEP would contribute to this project.
Big Project, this one, Craig…. Good one too..
Funding for any renewable energy project is not available from the VC’s or Wall Street. The traditional funders for commercial movies require the script to include violence, a car chase and sex. Maybe you could have a car chase using electric vehicles.
We need to fund all socially responsible renewable energy projects. Help me create the Small Business Investment Exchange for SRI into renewable energy L3C’s worker cooperatives. See: http://sbic.wetpaint.com
Your feedback will be appreciated.
Jim Miller
jimmiller5417 – at – gmail.com
Dear Craig its best form of action through movie one can spread Clean Tech I do thought for a while here some clues 1)James Cameron’s “Avatar” Who visited INDIA,PUNE,just 160km from MUMBAI A city is development is going on Here James Cameron visited and planned to make movie about ” Cleaner Cities ” and ” LAVASA.com ” its the new city name some what I feel its a beautiful city development project they will support your action plan as James Cameron If planned that means He do have concern like likes of Steven Spielberg’s vision to bring out exactly what you or I planned and I would like to say ” NATIONAL GEOGRAPHY ” and other related channel do make awareness for the mass and it is viewed by young and old alike where the target people plus many channels are there If you write to ” LAVASA.COM ” And James Cameron to make him know about his INDIA LAVASA VISIT I hope the best bet we can achieve with funds won’t be a serious problem plus the action through what the said film can generate huge dollars I hope I wrote to you earlier I wish no need to write again I think its this way what others not achieved world wide awareness plus technology one can invite global companies of all concern including EV’s and CLEAN CITY WHICH HAVE EVERYTHING A PLACE TO LIVE ARE GOING TO BE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT MINUS HOW GREEN FUND NEW BUSINESS MODEL EMERGED WITHOUT SOLVING CO2 BUT A BUSINESS I am afraid in short it a best plan I will do any thing because you known my future plans.Thanks would like to know your view BE DARING Craig its time we can do in style your life have a meaning and its not just to dream but to act now you finally coming to terms I loved those everyone’s view in this particular blog I hope there are real people with real action looking forward from the world WHY NOT THIS YOU TAKE AS A BLESSING CRAIG? Looking forward your positive reply you just ask me HOW THE FUNDS and PROFIT with real action for A BETTER WORLD ALL ROLLS SMOOTHLY YOU MAY FEEL.God bless thanks again Craig you opened up my strength that needs little push just to begin to make a first roll that just it ” THIS IS IT ” The famous Micheal Jackson told before his death He known the strength of ” THIS IS IT “REST ALL IS WELL
“Who killed the Electric Car” is a good topic. There are good YouTube video clips on this point. The franchised new car dealers killed the electric cars simply because they require less maintenance, are easier to fix and last longer — all alien products as to the Dealers.
Jim Miller
Hi Craig,
Above and beyond my work in renewables and green power, clean tech, etc. I have a film company called Ethical Films Inc. We are currently in development with a project we call “The Great Energy Debate!” This made for TV series will pit competing renewable energy technologies against each other, two per episode, and will have the audience participate via the web, to support or discourage any particular technology that is presented on the series. A host will highlight the similarities, differences, technical barriers, political barriers, financial challenges, etc of each competing technology. By the end of the series the audience will have chosen, via round robin elimination, the best technologies to pursue for our future energy needs. I invite you and your followers to contact me for suggestions, financial support (donations), feedback etc, and to follow the production as we go live via the web at http://www.ethicalfilms.com. Make your voice heard as we debate the best future energy sources and technologies!!
gentlemen! has anything happened yet? it’s beena year and my students want to see your film/s!
best
drew
Ha! I’m so flattered that you would keep checking. Actually, no, I can’t afford to do this without financial backing to hire the necessary people, and so it’s a project that will have to wait. Sorry to you and your students.