Pitch
Pitching to networks requires a sizzle reel/pilot. Be trend-setters & taste-makers with us by teaching viewers green building technologies.
Description
Summary
I developed My Ecovillage to learn & share how to reduce our carbon footprint now & for future generations, whether in an existing residence or from the ground up. Our hosts, visit established ecovillages and/or urban homesteads, from LA to La Paz & learn from them what worked & what didn’t and then implement it in our own ecovillage experiment. We present new building modes & materials, steps in achieving food & fuel independence & how to return to our roots are social beings.
My Eco-Village is a great opportunity to showcase sustainable technologies, experimental architecture and green products, whether in the show or during the commercial breaks. We interview people who created and use theses technologies and ultimately implement them ourselves on the show! Believe it or not, many green technologies on the market today, were invented in ecovillages.
Another positive effect of the EcoVillage Movement is the secondary positive impact it has had on human interactions and they are fascinating subjects for the audience to study.
My Ecovillage begins with the EcoTeam traveling to their destination of the week in their MobileVillage, a refurbished Airstream. The EcoTeam interviews the residents to get their insight & experience of co-housing & eco-living. Then we examine the structures & technologies used to reduce their carbon toll. The Eco-Crew breaks down the ease of recreating the model featured on the show & checks in with the team building the experiment from the ground up to see how they’re progressing with their project.
My Ecovillage wraps up with a how-to segment and invitation to tune in the following week when the Eco-Crew visits their next ecovillage or example of urban homesteading.
It’s basically our way to capitalize on the green trend in the market, to get people to ponder on their environment, which includes their structures & to make a difference.
Category of the action
Mitigation/Adaptation, Changing public attitudes about climate change
What actions do you propose?
We all know the impact television has on its audience. Before International House Hunters, no one ever spoke to me about Panama (my native land), now everyone knows much more about it than just the Canal or Noriega, and plan to visit or retire there!
Just as International House Hunters and Survivor:Panama has helped the Panamanian economy, I intend that My EcoVillage and/or Urban Homesteaders put green building and buildings in the mainstream consciousness.
We all know the impact television has on its audience. Before International House Hunters, no one ever spoke to me about Panama (my native land), now everyone knows much more about it than just the Canal or Noriega, and plan to visit or retire there!
Just as International House Hunters and Survivor:Panama has helped the Panamanian economy, I intend that My EcoVillage and/or Urban Homesteaders put green building and buildings in the mainstream consciousness.
Even the LA Times had a front page, three-page spread on the influence of HGTV. We, as in those with green building knowledge, need to be part of that conversation.
In order to get their attention, we need to create a pilot and sizzle reel to show them that eco-friendly isn't just for hippies any more.
The casting must include at least a recognizable face/name in the genre plus hip, knowledgeable side-kicks, creators, writers and editors.
The $10,000 will allow us to shoot and edit this. We already have an agent on stand by waiting to help shop it around to networks.
Who will take these actions?
I, Gabriela Sosa, am the creator of the project and have ample producing, writing and hosting experience, I also have spent the last 5 years researching ecovillages, co-housing, green technology and building practices.
Daniel Kucan has appeared in Extreme Home Makeover, knows about green building technology and has a following/fan base.
Hop Hopkins, a permaculture advocate and teacher will complete and compliment the culturally and ethnically diverse team.
We have several architect and construction advisors, as well as all of you, for input.
Once the pilot is complete, we will initiate the pitching procedure with the aim to land a slot on a major US network and negotiate international sales.
Where will these actions be taken?
Initial filming will be in and around Los Angeles, CA. The first season will focus on the US and the subsequent seasons will branch out internationally to wherever interesting green structures and technologies exist.
How much will emissions be reduced or sequestered vs. business as usual levels?
On each episode we will present a case by case CO2 & dollar saving amount, comparing antiquated building techniques and those used on the show. In this way, we can persuade the viewing audience to make the change.
What are other key benefits?
As I mentioned above, ecovillages, co-housing and urban homesteading have brought individuals and communities together. They are rehumanizing the individual as a social being, not an isolated one. Less isolation means more accountability. Sociologists have shown that societal pressures mold individuals and living in a community that upholds environmental practices and values will make is less likely that an individual perform acts that degrade his or her environment. These communities also help the individual psyche as people are less alone, hence less likely to be depressed. Happy people can contribute more than sad ones.
What are the proposal’s costs?
To shoot the pilot, we have to budget for talent, at least a story producer, a field producer, a director, a writer, crew and equipment rental. For post-production we need an editor and perhaps an assistant editor and a sound designer and a graphic artist.
After that minimal marketing material for the purpose of meetings, maybe business cards and an updated website.
Time line
Short term: as soon as we get the prize money we will start pre-production which should take a month.
Shooting: two weeks maximum.
Editing: two weeks.
Pitching & negotiating: two months
Once the show is picked up, the shooting schedule will be dictated by the network and/or the main production company.
How long it stays on air will depend on how well we do our job and on you! We will need your help to share the links, watch it, talk about it, recommend it, interact online etc.
Let's do this, let's change the world together!
Related proposals
"What Can Your Organization Do?" contest.
Basically the same as this submission, but as a production company (Souluzion).
That category has less competition & we want to get this show made!
Let's change the world together - vote, share, care.
Thanks!
References
"EcoVillages: New Frontiers for Sustainability" by Jonathan Dawson
"Tumbleweed Homes" Jay Shafer
"Creating a Life Together" Diana Leafe Christian
"Off the Grid" by Nick Rosen
"The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy" by Dan Chiras
"The Art of Natural Building" by J.F. Kennedy et.al.
"Ecovillage Living" by Jackson & Svensson
'The Co-Housing Handbook" by Chris & Kelly Scotthanson
"Sustainable Cities" Walter, Arkin & Crenshaw
"The Transition Handbook" by Rob Hopkins
"Second Nature" by Michael Pollan
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