November Newsletter

November 7th, 2008

Greetings!

Well, it has been a while since you’ve received an update, but the last few months have been exciting and fruitful as we move towards finishing the film. We are in the post-production phase, working with our talented editor, Emily Paine. She has been diligently cutting away, making beautiful sequences of each of the characters. We are thrilled to have her on board!

I have also been on a couple of last shoots: John Gorzynski’s apple harvest upstate, a workshop that Florida Organic Growers conducted for conventional growers considering transitioning to organic, and the NODPA Field Days and Listening Session with the USDA on the newly-published, long-awaited “Access to Pasture Proposed Rule Change.” We are excited that this new development is finally happening!

We have also recently had various press opportunities. I was interviewed on KSVY Sonoma 91.3 and was asked an array of questions, including what inspired me to make WHAT’S ORGANIC ABOUT “ORGANIC?” and who our audience would be. We’ll be adding a link to the program on our website as soon as it’s ready!

In addition, we had a visit from Ting Fan from an NGO called the Tzu-chi Foundation (in Chinese, “tzu” means charity and “chi” means compassion). It was quite a new experience being the interview subject, but her questions and interest made me realize that our film is not just for American audiences—it has the potential to reach and inspire audiences worldwide!

Find more information on the Tzu-Chi Foundation here: www.tzuchi.org

Also, check out our new photo gallery on the website! We’ve got some nice production stills fresh from the farm!

While we are in the final stages of completing the film, we must continue to raise funds throughout the coming months for the finishing touches. Please help us do so by continuing to spread the word about our film, and referring your friends and colleagues to our website www.whatsorganicmovie.org for donations.

We are truly grateful for your continued support and enthusiasm for the film. Stay bundled—one of the farmers in FL told us it’s going to be a cold winter (he’s noticed more acorns on the ground this year!)…

Warmly,

Shelley

Director/Producer
“What’s Organic About ‘Organic’?”

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Fundraising events

July 18th, 2008

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Film updates and new sponsor!

May 15th, 2008

Dear Eaters,

There has been a lot happening the past few months to help move WHAT’S ORGANIC ABOUT “ORGANIC”? closer to completion.  Here’s the scoop:

  • I am pleased to announce WHAT’S ORGANIC ABOUT “ORGANIC”? has received its first grant funding from the Farmers Advocating for Organics (FAFO) fund!

FAFO is a grant-giving fund that was established in 2007.  This voluntary program harnesses funds from Organic Valley farmers across the country to support organic advocacy, education and research projects.   As the Producer/Director of this project, I am honored that the farmers on this committee see the value of this film and am excited to move forward with further fundraising and, eventually, completion!

  • In order to receive the second part of this grant, we must raise $20,000 in matching funds by August 1st, 2008!

If you would like to contribute to help meet this goal, please write a check for your tax-deductible donation to:

IFP Fiscal Sponsorship

And send it to:

Little Bean Productions
291 East 3rd Street, 4B
New York,  NY  10009

  • This brings me to our next piece of news: our new fiscal sponsor is the Independent Feature Project (IFP)!

IFP is a well-known and highly respected non-profit organization that serves the independent film community by connecting creative talent and the independent film community by connecting creative talent and the film industry.

  • In addition, I have been invited to be a plenary speaker at this year’s Organic Summit in Boulder, CO.  I will be talking about the film’s production on the “Evolving Cultural views of Organic” panel.

Over the past month, the film crew has expanded as well. Please see the Filmmaker Bios to check out the team! I am grateful to have such a dynamic and talented team assembled to finish this project.

Again, please feel free to spread the word about the film’s development to all your friends and family and encourage them to make a donation.  Because the more people who start to think a little more about where our food comes from and what our consumption choices mean, the more we increase the possibility of producing a more informed public and hence, a healthier environment and healthier citizens…

Happy spring!

-Shelley

Director/Producer
“What’s Organic About ‘Organic’?”

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Post-production update

November 27th, 2007

The film’s post-production process is currently on hold until we can raise enough money to finish! In the interest of sustainable agriculture and food systems promotion, democratic action, and documentary filmmaking, we implore you to offer any monetary donation you can to get this film off the ground and on the screen!

In the meantime, check back here for updates.

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