Open Call: Pitch Reels

The Pitch:

"Middle America" seems to be on everyone's mind in this election. Which candidate can capture the heart of the Heartland? But this raises the question, what about the edges of America? What about those places that are off the beaten campaign path, that take a special effort to reach?

Ocracoke Island can certainly be considered at the edge of America. A two-and-a-half-hour ferry ride separates its population of around 1000 from the mainland. Its isolation can even be heard in its unique local dialect.

This short documentary plans to investigate the 2008 election as viewed on this remote island off the coast of North Carolina.

What do the islanders think about this election? Do they feel like their voices are being heard? What effect will they have on the election? And what effect will the winner have on them?

Has one of the candidates visited this island? For that matter, has a presidential candidate ever campaigned on Ocracoke?

Summer is a busy time on Ocracoke, the height of the tourist season. Do islanders even have time to worry about the election in the face of their already busy lives?

We will hear residents, local representatives, and election officials give their take on the 2008 election and find out what it means to the people of Ocracoke.

About the Reel: The sample reel is a short student film that I wrote, shot and edited. I chose it because it was filmed on Ocracoke Island, where I will make my election documentary.