With today’s modern technology it’s easy to be your own writer, director, and star, but it’s a much more daunting task to create something people are watching. I suggest lowering your red flags of caution to check out Aaron Hilliard, (Life and Times of Tim, All That) who manages to pull off all aspects of the creative processes effectively with Grass Roots.
Hilliard, who has an impressive list of writing-producing credits to his name, decided he wanted to showcase his directing and acting chops. He self-funded the project through his Yard Hill Films outfit and took on any additional roles he could that would save costs. And you will discover he’s a decent producer as well, with production values up to par and considerably ample even with the small crew.
Grass Roots follows Miles and Harry, two volunteer staff members on the campaign trail for state senate trying to get Jim Clarkson elected. Hilliard plays Miles, a socially awkward type committed to over achieving and whose performance airs towards a Rainn Wilson (The Office) vibe. “He is sorta anti social, just to the point where he can’t say anything right, and is completely lacking in self-censorship. He doesn’t even realize the things he is saying are getting a bad reaction by the people he’s talking to”, Hilliard describes.
Miles mentors Harry, played by Kirby Heyborne (Fox’s improvised sitcom Free Ride), on getting the vote out with faux guerrilla campaign tactics. The contrast of Kirby’s naiveté and Miles’ over confidence makes for big laughs. While the two have good intentions they end up causing more trouble than votes.
The show has fun guest appearances from Jerry Minor (Mr. Show, Carpoolers) and Nick Kroll (Sit Down, Shut Up, Life and Times of Tim). The series quickly penned a distribution deal with Koldcast TV, can also be found on Blip.tv, and their official website www.watchgrassroots.com. There are six episodes that run around five minutes each, rolling out on Wednesdays.
Related News:
Comments
You have addapiece of the puzzle in my search to figure out why the grass roots movement is so hidden from everyday life. At least my everyday life.
Starting in the 60′ I was involved in grass roots organizations and it was one of the most forfilling times of my life. The war, civil rights, student rights, women liberation, envirormental issues, health care, social services in gerenal were issues of importance.
Today your generation is carrying on with social/economic/political change that probably started hundreds of years ago. You have to admit that the feudal system of Europe was a rather repressive way to live.
At different times in history huge jumps in liberty are made and hope your generation will add to the freedoms of life from repression. Especially in third world nations.
The piece of the puzzle that you have added is the new knowledge that communications between concerned liberal individuals is done on the internet.
We commmunicated through get togethers at people houses or public meetings most every night. Discussions on every concievible subject was discussed. For a while I thought your generation was not involved but it is. I just need to find websites that will show me what is new.
Trackbacks
Leave a Reply