PEOPLE VS. POLITICS
Project Snapshot
Project:
Documentary Film
Partner / Client / Chief Funder:
Fluent Knowledge
Role:
Consulting Producers
Scope:
Production & Post-Production Strategy, Production Crew Hires, Media Organization & Management, Remote Collaboration
GOAL
Advise producer / directors Robert M. Pease and Carol A. Wingard to create a documentary film that “follows grassroots leaders working to reduce polarization and restore balance in American elections. The film captures this movement as it unfolds in real time—from community events and public debates to the personal sacrifices required to bring initiatives to the ballot.”
PARTNER / CLIENT / CHIEF FUNDER
APPROACH
People vs. Politics filmmakers Robert Pease & Carol Wingard approached us possessing in-depth knowledge of election reform efforts underway around the country and a clear vision for the film they wanted to make, but this being their first documentary film we agreed to assist with pragmatic & logistical guidance and strategy.
PROCESS
Pre-Production
Helped project setup including finding an entertainment lawyer, obtaining production insurance, and payroll service.
Created production & post-production manuals for crew codifying creative approach, technical specifications as well as processes for media tracking & management.
Production
Posted job listings for film crew in various locations around U.S. Tracked and reviewed applicants, conducted initial interviews and relayed suggestions.
Advised on creation & management of media transfer drives and tracking system for coordination during simultaneous filming across multiple locations.
Post-Production
Managed ongoing media ingest and logging during production phase so review could occur while filming still in progress.
Set up cloud-based collaboration solutions to work seamlessly with producers, production, and post-production crew nationwide.
RESULTS
From the earliest planning stages to the final push, Consulting Producers Chad Ervin and Angela Snow were our compass in unfamiliar waters. As first-time filmmakers, we relied on their deep experience to guide us through every step — establishing systems, finding talented crew nationwide, managing the massive task of footage ingestion, and keeping us on track through regular, energizing weekly meetings. Their insight, patience, and creative vision were instrumental in bringing our film to the quality level we dreamed of.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Established systems & procedures to enable filming to begin & precede at accelerated pace in light of changing dynamics nationwide.
- Helped hire film crews nationwide, including 14 teams filming in 10 states on Election Day 2024.
- Helped project & media management during production process, to keep team in the loop while multiple crews filming and directors traveling between locations.
- Remained engaged & available throughout the filming and editing process to offer feedback or advice as the project progressed from planning to production and post-production and distribution.
MORE INFO & FOLLOW ALONG
TEAM
Chad Ervin
CONSULTING PRODUCER
Angela Snow
CONSULTING PRODUCER
Duane Peterson III
EDITORIAL DEPT.
Laura Page
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Sean Temple
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER