Open CallOpen Call: Pitch Reels
Politics 2.0 – The Fate of the 2008 Presidential Race in an Interconnected World (2:42)
Robert Jameson - Lindenhurst, NY
The Pitch:
I’d like to do a film about how the American public is using the Internet to transform politics. In recent years we have seen the rules on campaigning rewritten online. Candidates now use YouTube videos, social networks, podcasts, blogs and other means to spread their messages virally over the internet. Something many don’t realize is that the different political camps are actually playing catch up with the powerful trends started by everyday bloggers.
The 2008 presidential race will go down in history books as the first time the masses went online and actively contributed to getting their candidate into office. Thanks to a tidal wave of Web 2.0 sites, people are now creating content for their candidates in increasingly large volumes. (For example, Mitt Romney supporters created 129 online commercials that have received over 100,000 views.) And that’s only half the story. P2G (peer to government) exchange is transforming the 2008 presidental race because now we the people can send a clear message TO our government about the issues that matter to us. Sites like TrueMajority.org and MoveOn.org are able to generate tens of thousands of petition signatures through a single email in a few days.
So where is it all headed? One thing is for sure – campaigns now must anticipate the technological changes that the people are begging to embrace. This puts the power in the hands of anyone with a home computer. In the film we will look at how web surfers can best tap into the potential of online networks. We’ll discuss how everyday internet users can have the largest impact in helping their candidate get into office. Finally, we’ll look at what trends we can expect to see in P2G exchange over the next few years, and which nations are already successfully using this revolutionary technology.
Here is a final thought: With over 100 million people connecting to it every day, the Internet has become the largest social movement the world has ever seen. My question to you is…why don’t we talk about this more?
My approach to this film will be to start with the basics, so everyone can follow. The visuals will be mostly eye-catching graphics accompanied by voice-overs. In addition, I may include interview snippits showing notable figures in the Web 2.0 world.
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Comments
good idea
It is a really interesting topic. It has been talked about nearly to death, but, still, that's because it is a salient question. I hope you get a chance to make it.
ron paul.
many feel the strength of ron paul's candidacy was a direct result of the internet/a movement there amongst his supporters. some have gone as far as calling him the "first" internet candidate. if you have not already-it may be worth looking into. good luck.
Mr. Jameson, I hope you get the opportunity to make this too
As a 50 (plus) year old female, wife, mom, worker bee who used to rely on the newspaper for everything including recipes about how to cook a turkey and how not to elect one; I am very interested in the impact the internet is having on this election. I think this could be very enlightening.
P2Z
finally, a topic that is
finally, a topic that is up-to-date, i get all my info from online, it only makes sense for the election to take an online platform. i am going to friend Obama on myspace right now!
internet campaigning
It is interesting that you note the Internet as being a "social movement" - I never thought of it like that, but it is true! I think it is a great idea to do a film about - for those (like me) who don't even realize that internet campaigning is happening in 2008 for the current election - good luck!
"use what is dominant in a culture to change it quickly"-holzer
That is a quote by artist Jenny Holzer, check her out. The internet dominates our culture, so you're right onto making affective moves within this highly transformative medium. Its a matter of creating a simple, yet effective, site that is alluring and easy to use....gooodluck, you're right on !
This is a very intriguing
This is a very intriguing idea! I'm fascinated by how the internet phenomenon has profoundly influenced the 2008 elections and would love to see a film that explores this topic!