Production officially started on Monday May 8th with Kerry and Nick criss-crossing the country and talking with people who were kind enough to open their homes, offices and hearts to us. These are ordinary American citizens who are doing some extraordinary things. I hate to say this, but just by speaking with us about what they have seen orexperienced puts them and their livelihood in danger of being attacked and dragged through the mud. It is not easy to go up against major war profiteers, but the civilian contractors, soldiers, and relatives of deceased workers and military who have spoken to us thus far have put their fear aside and found the strength to speak the truth in the hope that by shining a light on the wrongdoing they can help end the abusive practice of war profiteering - no matter what your opinion of the war, the billions made by corporations is inexcusable.
Of course, in any production there are some humorous moments. Moments that cannot be scripted or planned but make for beautiful footage. One such moment happened last week while Kerry and Nick were shooting the outside walls of a large compound owned by one of the corporations weare investigating (unfortunately I cannot specifically name thecorporations, people, or places at this time - I'm sure you understand our need to keep that information under wraps for the time being). This is a huge compound with several nifty features, one of which is a large 'obstacle' course used specifically for learning how to drive vehicles on the various terrains and situations that might be experienced in Iraq. The roads surrounding the compound are suburban with speed limits that probably don't exceed 30 miles per hour. Kerry and Nick were in their car on one of these roads filming the outside walls of the compound when one of the corporate vehicles with a big corporate logo proudly displayed, drove past them on the way into the compound. Apparently the 'obstacle' course does not include video cameras, because the driver of the vehicle got so distracted by the sight of Nick holding the camera that he drove off the little country road and hit a US Mailbox. So much for training!
The bulk of the week was spent interviewing people. Even though we have heard most of these stories already, nothing fully prepares you for actually seeing these people speak with strong emotions clearly etched on their faces and pain in their eyes from what they have seen. The most touching moments so far (in my humble opinion) have been givento us by a father who went to Iraq to work as a civilian contractor toearn money to support his family. With his children in the room, herecounted the horrors he witnessing while in Iraq and the criminal behavior the corporation he worked for took part in. The most heartfelt part of the interview was when this father spoke of the lessons he wanted his children to learn from his life in Iraq - his choices and the temptation that money brings.
As I said, production just starting last week and this is just the beginning. Since Kerry and Nick are on the road, they send back the footage to us every day. The footage is then logged into our editing system by Mike. We are shooting everything on tapes, and this process is called digitizing. This will allow our editor, Carla, to view all of the material and to move it around so that the story makes sense. Before Carla can start, all of the footage must be transcribed. We have two people working full time watching every frame and typing in every word that is said as well as a complete description of the picture. Once all that information is on paper and the tapes have been digitized, then Robert and the rest of the production crew can view the footage and make notes. We have a new system that we just put into place (and will be tested for the first time tomorrow!!) that will allow everyone in our offices to view the footage. It is very exciting for us. What makes it even better is this thing called InqScribe which allows us to make notes on the actual footage. So Robert can actually make a note on the actual footage when viewing something on his computer and Carla will get that note and follow through. Well, that's all for now. As we get more footage in and the stories start to come together, I'm sure there will be more to share with you. Thanks again for being a part of this project.
Best,
Jim Miller
'The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy' -Martin Luther King Jr.
It's an honor to be able to help out! Our thanks, for your efforts! Film On!!!
any help needed in LA, I'm your man. Just email me at clintschaff@gmail.com
Please contact me if and when your crew is in the Seattle area so I can roll out the red, no-make that BLUE carpet for them. I'd be glad to drive them around, even at the outrageous price of gas. They'd be welcome to stay at my house too-plenty of room.
Let me join the chorus in thanking you for what you're doing, and also offering support if you come to the Seattle area.
Hilarious about the mailbox. Keep up the good work!
It's wonderful to read all of you and know that we are in this together. We're in NYC, so let us know if we can help in anyway.
Good work my brutha....and I'll take some of those free dinner offers...hehhehheh.....
If you are in the Kailua Kona area, and I hope for your sake that you get to be........ we will host you, wine and dine you, and be honored to provide any assistance.
Thank you for what you do.
Well, there is at least one Texan reading these postings who is not calling Canadians pussies.
Keep up the good work, Greenwald. We need to know you are out there, just so we can get by here in Texas.
If you guys decide to film in Houston, please let me know. I will be happy to take you and your crew to lunch or dinner or just for some beer sanity.
Richard
Just received a private message from a Texan by the name of mike from Austin... referring to me as a "canadian pussy" due to comments I have posted on iFilm.com in support of Iraq for Sale and the logic (truth) behind it.
Nice to know that there are still true to the bone rednecks on this planet. It's important to know their names and locations so we can eventually round them up and force them to accept the TRUTH. It's the only way, otherwise they are just too damn stubborn, biggoted and closed-minded to listen.
It's exciting to see this taking shape. But I'm wondering - is there some way I can help besides offering dinner or a place to stay?
Also, I'm reminded of the Margaret Mead quotation:
"Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
Sumi
Thanks for producing this film. I am proud of having contributed to it.
A thought. As I read your posting I heard the National Anthem playing in my head, a highly unusual reaction. But, as I thought of the brave citizens you are interviewing I had an image of a movie theater, with the whole audience standing after this movie and singing our nation anthem, and taking it back from the crazies. All of us walking to a modern Concord and Lexington to stand up to the tyrants. The men and women talking to you are the free and the brave in our anthem, not the thugs and the crooks in the black SUVs who want to hurt them and you. Thank you for doing this. I do not think it is being overly dramatic to say you are fighting to save our nation from the greedy thieves who would destroy it. For Liberty.
If anyone is working on your project in Northern Cal. I would like to offer local assitance, as many other of the commenters have. Also, I captain a large private sailboat on SF bay and can offer sailing for some R & R.
Although I am from Canada, I too am so very proud to be a part of this production! Robert, you are admired greatly for your courage and tenacity when it comes to truth. To all of those participating in this film and providing the information that we all know is there..Bless YOU!~ I will always be with you in heart and spirit for sure!
Several comments I hope are helpful: 1. War profiteering is always present-what is so horrifying about Iraq is not only the scale of it but that oil giants-like Halliburton-and their man-Cheney-are why this war is being fought. Control of oil amd installing a puppet leader period. (Of course I forgot about bringing freedom and democracy which has always been a main concern of Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, etc.) I think this needs to be worked somehow into the film. 2. We have a huge mercenary force in Iraq which is costing us billions of dollars because the volunteer army can't find enough volunteers. Should this be in the film? If there was a draft, this war would end in three months. 3. If you're in Boston area, we'll put you up.
We are honored to support this project, and grateful for the updates on your progress.
Your dedication and commitment are admirable -- and this project promises to be an invaluable vehicle for speaking truth to power.
Thank you for keeping us in the loop!
I think of my son over in Iraq who was fighting their war for Haliburton profits by not feeding them and serving unpurified water. He has returned home unable to find a job because of his injuries while the VA denies his benefits. I can't wait until the Military industrial complex is taken down. I know this film is a step in that direction.
Can't wait - if you come to Columbus Ohio, be sure to call me and I'll treat you all to dinner!! I also would like to organize a private viewing of this - so anyone in Ohio interested in attending I'll post the where/when details on Craig's List when I can get my hands on this...
Just a suggestion from a Brit that has lived here too long. Don't give up too much time focusing on the innocent victims of this war... as horrible as this is, it's an inevitable outcome of ANY war. Keep emphasis on the $$$$$ many people are making off this war. If anything will change after this movie comes out (and I HOPE it does) it will be changed due to some pissed rich republicans realizing that there our some other rich republicans that made more $$ that they did from this war.
Let's turn them on themselves.... and let the ensuing bloodbath begin!!
I think it is great that you are showing those bigshots in the whitehouse that American means business and we are tired of the way the country is being run. It could be another Richard Nixon impeachment. Come on America lets stop all this crap and get our country back on track. We are a proud nation and we need to get some real backbone. I was proud to donate for this great movie. Stick it to the man! Let us be heard loud and clear!
Thank you! I am a civilian survivor from WW2. Sadly the US today is very reminescent of Nazi Germany with those speaking out being harrassed or worse and with the shameful silence of so many in the face of abominable war crimes committed by this country. Having experienced war as a child i may say war is the ultimate terror.
The great actor Peter Ustinov said: War is the terror of the rich, terror is the war of the poor.
In one of the many docs i saw about WW2 bombs that were dropped on London by the Nazis were made in the US! War profiteers are the ONLY WINNERS in wars, then and now.
Thanks again.
It is very exciting to have the opportunity be a small part of this truth-seeking mission. Thanks for your bravery and courage in making this documentary. "Absolute power corrupts absolutely."
Thank you so much for all you are doing. I'm honoured to have been able to help in some small way.
I'm from New Zealand, and spend a lot of my spare time with one eye on the slow-motion trainwreck that is the US (mal)administration.
Please know that those of us in the rest of the world are watching closely, and wondering just what it will take for the average American to WAKE UP and realise what is happening to their country, their constitution, and their way of life. Hopefully the work that you and your supporters are doing will help people to understand just what is being done in their name. And maybe the 29% "backwash" who still support Bush will finally see the light too. We can only hope.
Thank you also to those in America (including everyone posting here) who have contributed to this movie in any way. You, and all activists like you, are the hope for your country. Without direct action, I fear America (and potentially the rest of the world) is lost.
"For evil to triumph it is necessary only for good people to do nothing" - Edmund Burke
There is a quote I would like to share with you: " When the truth threatens to expose a conspiracy of silence that has protected a great moral evil, your choice is clear -- join the
conspiracy, or speak the truth." Thanks for choosing to speak the truth.
I love the way you're putting this project together and making us all a part of it. Keep up the great work and let's finally get the truth out. I look forward to the next update.
I believe that a whisper campaign about all of "THE LIES" that are in this movie should begin about August. Leaks about dishonest lies can be fun and productive. If one can get the noise machine cranked up, people will see this film just because of the buzz.
Thank you so much for your dedication and persistence in putting together this vital documentary. I've appreciated all your prior pieces, held house parties to show them, and mailed copies all over the country to family and friends. I see this as a vital way we can have influence in a country with a corrupt media.
I have a suggestion that may widen your impact. I have some conservative family members, who were struggling with being open-minded when watching UnCovered and OutFoxed. Some of the music presented a slanted bias that turned them off. They said they felt it was "manipulative." The material speaks so strongly for itself, and I think that more neutral background music may help fence-sitters to be more open to information that disturbs their position. And it's these folks that we really need to impact.
Also, my father, who was hard of hearing, had trouble making out some of the dialogue when there was background music.
Thanks a million.
Thanks for the inside story of this film, and for doing it! If you get to Alaska I will definately feed you local seafood! We all need to do as much as we can to turn this country around and stop all the skimming of our tax dollars.
God Bless You!
Boy am I glad for you folks! Sometimes I think I'm the only freethinker in the neighborhood.
YOU guys (AND GIRLS!) are TRUE PATRIOTS. Thank you for all your hard work and for keeping us in the loop on this beautiful, yet brutal project!
You ROCK!
PEACE
-Ron
No one can stop an idea whose time has come... I love this idea of the people financing films that expose truth to the public! War for profit has reached it's end in America... We will not stand for it any longer! Thanks for all your good work!
Great to get the update, thanks. If the crew is in the Bay Area and needs anything let me know and I will help in any way that I can.
Thanks Again!
If you have room in the documentary, I hope you show pictures of the new U.S.Embassy in Iraq. It's Huge! People have no idea.
Thanks for all your brave, hard work. We need the truth more than ever.
Take care and keep us posted.
Thanks a million for the update! Looking forward for more!
Thanks again!
Nice to read all the comments from other contributories.
I was thinking along the lines as PrinceGal.If this doesn't play on the big screen then we will have to hold screenings.
Maybe group hall rentals with invited guess?
I am so happy to be part of your "support group". Robert Greenwald's films are the best. Can't wait to see this one.
Bless you all. Fondly, Fern (in Sherman Oaks)
P.S. We're in Columbus, OH
I also would like to offer a meal or two to your crew if you are ever in our area doing interviews, etc. Nothing fancy. Please don't hesitate to ask. I also can do some research in advance of your arrival and/or serve as a tourguide/driver if needed.
You're brave folks. Thanks for digging to reveal the truth.
We'd also be happy and proud to furnish food & shelter. If Nick & Kerry are in rural western Oregon, let us know.
This posting is a brilliant idea.
Thanks for keeping us informed. Keep up the good work. Please be fastidious in fact-checking. The Cheney-Rove mafia will be out in force to discredit anything and everything.
This war (and the profitering it spawns) will be remembered and forever recorded as the lowest point in American History. It's a duty to participate. Thanks for the opportunity.
Thank you for all your work and effort to bring the truth to light. It is an inspiration to be a part of this, but it is unfortunate that an attmosphere of the present administration exists.
In a few weeks I'll be free to help out delivering, driving, carrying, lugging...whatever task you might need to help you along. I can also support your efforts doing office tasks such as typing, filing, paying bills, etc.
I'm a retired LAUSD administrator and would just love to be part of your endeavors.
Sandy Gitmed
Don't know if you're taking the film in this direction, but Murtha today, talking about the intentional murder of civilians in Iraq by the US military, seems like he could be an important interviewee. Plus, there's probably pertinent info in new book by Iraqi vets who refused to kill civilians: "10 Excellent Reasons Not To Join the Military", edited by Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg. This is My Lai stuff all over again. And, imo, US soldiers are there in order to make that country "safe" for corporations to eventually do their business. Isn't that
what US foreign policy is all about? Thanks for taking on this documentary!
Several others have written that they'd like to help Nick and Kerry with a meal or place to stay. I second the (e)motion.
If the crew ever comes to New Mexico, I hope you'll contact me to see what I can do.
Thanks for the opportunity to be involved!
Only through becoming informed will this country ever be able to survive this administration. Keep up the good work and to everyone else, please show this movie (when it's finished) to everyone you can get to sit and watch it. We are the true power in the U.S., but only when we aren't complacent. Only you can make a difference.
I can't wait to see what stories these people have to tell!
Thanks for letting us be a part of the project, and thanks for the update. You're all my heroes!
Thank you so much for having the courage to shine the light into the dark corners of our government. What people don't know WILL hurt them- thanks for getting the truth out there.
I would love to host your crew for a lunch or dinner if you are in the Springfield, MA area (Western MA)-
I remember when I was in the military and had to do KP (kitchen police). It is my understanding that our country now hires companies like Halliburton and pays exorbitant fees that are non-bid items for personnel to do Kp, laundry, etc.. Our corrupt government and corporate hacks need to be exposed for what they are doing to our treasury and all our tax dollars that are being stolen. Keep up the good work. I'm looking forward to the finished product.
Thanks for keeping us posted on your progress. I'm proud to be a small part of your film.