Project Summary
This is a film project that I completed for my Digital Media Production course in my PhD program at Fielding Graduate University. In this class, we were asked to go through the entire preparation process of writing and producing a movie. Although I never actually shot the film, I created a number of sample deliverables, including a synopsis, abbreviated treatment, and shot list. I also did a substantial amount of background research and wrote a comprehensive paper, covering this research.
Working Title
“Wake Up America! The Dennis Kucinich Story” or “Dennis Kucinich: Secretary of Peace”
Format
Full-length expository documentary
Concept
A biographical account of Dennis Kucinich. It will examine the unique legacy of a politician who has consistently maintained steadfast principles of peace and social justice, while always working to truly serve the best interests of American citizens. It will also address the reasons he has not been taken more seriously within his party, and national politics in general, and what this says about the state of our country.
Story
Borrowing heavily from the two books he authored (The Courage to Survive and A Prayer for America), this film will follow the life of Dennis Kucinich, a man who grew up very poor, in some of Cleveland’s worst neighborhoods, while sometimes even having to sleep in cars. The story will highlight how he overcame this adversity to become “Boy Mayor” of Cleveland, and then trace his political journey all the way to the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. The film will also look at some of the more unique and controversial legislation that Kucinich has crafted and proposed. These include creating a Department of Peace, putting the Federal Reserve under the control of the U.S. Treasury, and introducing articles of impeachment against both President Bush and Vice President Cheney. Finally, the story will critically address why Kucinich, throughout his 14 years in Congress, has not managed to gain more broad-based support amongst colleagues, especially within his own party.
Objective
This film will be the first documentary to explore one of America’s most intriguing minority voices in politics, documenting his background and history, as well as bringing mainstream awareness to the courageous policies he has advocated for over the course of his 42-year-long political career.
Lead Cast
Compilation of interviews with those who went to school and worked with Dennis Kucinich over the years, as well as various political science professors and media pundits who are familiar with Kucinich’s legacy. Archival film and news broadcasts will also be featured.
