KCTS and NETA are proud to bring you PRICELE$$ (Priceless) this spring.The acclaimed producer and cinematographer of Empty Oceans, Empty Nets and Farming the Seas return to the airwaves with an entertaining and important, well-balanced documentary about why some of our government's most basic policies--like food and energy--are so out-of-date. Sharing the suspicion of fellow-citizens and a class of young civics students that campaign money is involved, the filmmakers set out on a spellbinding and at times hilarious ride from rural America to the halls of Congress to find out more, because democracy is a precious resource. In fact, it's PRICELE$$. How much does it cost to run for a U.S. Senate seat? One million? Two? Four? Only if you want to lose! The cost of running for office has grown so large that only a tiny sliver of Americans can donate anything significant or raise enough money to run themselves. Produced by Emmy-nominated Habitat Media (Empty Oceans Empty Nets and Farming the Seas), PRICELE$$ is an engaging look at the consequences of an electoral system that can obligate our leaders to the special interests bankrolling their election campaigns. Why are politicians so utterly dependent on deep-pocket donors such as the oil & gas industry, agrichemical companies, health insurers, and Wall Street? What is the Citizen's United decision and how does that ruling affect our lives and the lives of our viewers? How can our elections be up for sale when our democracy, after all, is priceless? Likened by one seasoned Senator to the ancient art of whoring, America's electoral system forces elected representatives, in both parties, to rely on special interests for their job security. Narrated by filmmaker Steve Cowan, PRICELE$$ was made on location in Washington D.C., New York, Florida, Kansas, Iowa, Wyoming, Arizona, California and Oregon. The colorful cast of characters they encounter informs and amuses with emotional impact: blunt-spoken Iowa farmers, Iraq War veterans, seasoned lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, lobbyists and dauntless citizen watchdogs. A classroom full of amazingly savvy civics students provides steady comic relief. You'll be privy to personal accounts of lives upended, learn the definition of "running clean" and see first-hand the "fundraising hell" that awaits anyone running for Congress. Even the grade-schoolers in our film know something has to change. PRICELE$$ is produced by Habitat Media. Producer, narrator is Steve Cowan and cinematographer is Barry Schienberg. The one-hour documentary is presented by KCTS and is distributed by NETA. Underwriters are:Columbia Foundation, New Hampshire Charitable Trust, Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment, Nathan Cummings Foundation, Deborah Rennels Salkind, Deer Creek Foundation, Arkay Foundation, Educational Foundation of America, Gaia Fund, Gerbode Foundation, Grant Abert, David Jeffrey, Patagonia Foundation, Norcross Wildlife Foundation.Local underwriting is permissible. Please contact me if you have questions. I'll be in touch with you about your carriage plans during the next months--and feel free to zap them over to me if once you've decided. A fact sheet follows. Very truly yours, Regina Regina Eisenberg R Eisenberg Presents |
