|
|
 |
|
 |
|
| Comments from viewers: |
|
| “Hi - just wanted to let you know that The Great Warming played for three nights at a theatre around the corner from my apartment in Norfolk, VA. It's an outstanding film!” |
Evelyn Wack |
|
|
| “I saw your advertisement and was very excited that this show was coming to the Discovery Channel on Earth Day. Imagine my disappointment when I “discovered” that it was a CCS Canada production. Do you know of any attempts to show this series in the States? I live in West Virginia, and am very interested in the topic.” |
Frank Muth |
|
|
| “Dear Ms. Coshof,
I just received your package today. Thank you for sending it to me. I'm planning to show your documentary at my school. It is really creepy on how the world is changing, and virtually no one is doing anything about it, despite the fact that there are so many simple solutions. I don’t want to live in a world where I have to watch out for hurricanes … because of the instant changes in the weather, or have to wear a mask outdoors because of all of the pollution. Most people's attitude of pollution is that it will just blow away, but it will come back, one way or another. I want to become a scientist, although I'm not sure in what field. I'm guessing I'll go into environmental science, making improvements on biodiesel automobiles and other alternative energy sources. I'll continue to be pro-environmental, with the support of both of my parents.” |
Agnes Straatman, age 12, Guam |
|
|
| “I just saw your program in Japanese (it was shown on NHK BS2) and was wondering if you sell your 3 series program on DVD or VHS in English. I'd like all my friends to watch your series.” |
Linda Asami |
|
|
| “Hello, I am a huge Alanis fan and I live in the USA ( Boston, MA) and I would love to see her on this show. I think it is unfair how it will only be shown in Canada. I know she is from there but she has fans all over the world. So please… show it in the US.” |
Danie, Boston |
|
|
| “Hi, I just ran into the Great Warming website. It looks like a fascinating show and I would love to see it, but I’m in Alaska. Will this show only be airing in Canada or will it be broadcast in the US at any point?” |
Teresa Waile |
|
|
| “Hi, A colleague passed the web address for The Great Warming on to me. The show looks very intriguing and informative. However, I live in Maine USA. I can’t seem to tell if this show will be broadcast in the US. America needs to hear about this issue just as much as Canada since we love our gas-guzzling SUVs so much. Thanks so much for your time!” |
Jeffrey Varichione |
|
|
translated from a French email
“My name is Audrey Corbeil and I’m 15 years old. The state of our planet worries me, as it must many people, but since I’m a teen-ager I worry that nobody will listen to me. I know that many people are trying to clean up our house, our planet Earth… but most of us are so lazy. That’s the real problem. My questions to you are: What can I do to raise awareness among my friends without looking like an idiot? And what can we all do to improve the environment, starting in my school? Thank you.” |
From a teen-ager who wants to find a solution to global warming |
|
|
| “Hello, Why are you only showing “The Great Warming” on the Discovery Channel in Canada but not on the Discovery Channel in the US nor on any other channel in the US from what I can see of my cable TV listings? Can I purchase this 3-part series from you so I can watch it at home?” |
James Van Kemp |
|
|
“When is The Great Warming going to be shown in the US? I have sent many, many people the program website and now I can’t find a showing time. Once more! What’s the schedule? I suppose I’ll have to write your CEO to get a response to this simple query. And believe me, I will.” |
Tom Gandolfo |
|
|
translated from a French email
“I loved your program… it made me realize that the solution has to start with me.” |
Thom Larouche |
|
|
“Hi, I know you did a show on “The Great Warming” back in 2004, but as far as I know, it was only shown in Canada. Is this going to be shown in the US as well? If not, how could I see it? Are there going to be DVDs? Please let me know. I would be very interested for I am a physician here in the States.” |
Carol Worrill |
|
|
“Hi, This three-part documentary is one of the best I have seen in a long time. I’m not joking. The way it was made it says more than any newscast segment or programme. I just wish company executives see this, but more importantly, a question must be posed to their children: Do you want to live in a polluted world and become sick? Furthermore, will you let your children become ill from sicknesses that are very much preventable? Thank you.” |
Steve Dolesch, Canada |
|
|
“Good day to you, I have been searching extensively for a time and date on which I would be able to watch this series. If you could be so kind as to send me a link or schedule of when this program will be on I would be most grateful. I live in the United States and have a feeling my country doeswant this program on any of our stations due to the fact it may have some unfavourable statistics and facts. Any help. Thank you.” |
Frank P. |
|
|
“Hello, I was so interested to find out about this 3 part series and so disappointed to find out it was only playing in Canada. I have my suspicions, but why is that? Will it play in the US sometime soon? I would REALLY like to see it! Please show it in the US! The US audience needs to see it more than anybody! We’re stuck in the denial stage here bad (as you know). Thanks for any reply.” |
Tracy Price |
|
|
translation of a French email
“Hello, I watched episodes one and three of your series with great interest. Interesting and excellent work. For a long time, I’ve been convinced of the effects of human activity on climate. This documentary has definitely convinced me of the urgency of acting now, and of changing people’s attitudes. Your documentaries should be re-aired, to reach the widest audience possible. I missed episode two – will the series be re-broadcast in the near future?” |
Simon Drolet, Engineer |
|
|
From the EPA Pacific Island Nations Environment Conference Organizers
“Conference attendees filled in evaluation forms. We used a ranking system of 1-5, 5 being the best. Your film/session always had a 5. Not everyone had a comment , but those who did comment had this to say:
• "awesome video, great presentation"
• "great"
• "film has brought attention to the islands-we have seen effects of
climate change in our islands/countries, we need to adapt to risks and prevent the communities from relocation as a form of adaptation...we need to get our leaders to understand this and its relation to the environment, and we need to act NOW" • "excellent movie"
• "video is AWESOME!"
• "Super presentation!
• "Would like to get a copy"
I'm trying to buy a video or DVD of The Great Warming (90 minute version) to show in my International Environmental Law class. Can you help?
FOLLOWUP NOTE: Thanks for your help. I have have asked my law library to purchase the full 3 part DVD. I do hope you can get it into US theatres. There is clearly a mushrooming US public interest in global warming. That growing grassroots interest is the only thing giving me any hope at all that an environmental apocalypse can be avoided. Certainly, the mainstream political process offers no ground for hope. I have only read about your film and have not yet seen it, but it appears it could do a lot of good. ” |
Robert Benson, Professor of Law, Loyola Law School, Los Angeles |
|
|
“Hi Karen.
Just to say thank you for a wonderful evening last night. I was so impressed with the film and the very powerful way in which it conveyed its message. I was also inspired by the people taking positive action at the end with their new (and ancient) technologies. As I said last night everyone should see this film and we should be uniting behind these entrepreneurs. Please pass on my congratulations to all your team. Three (or was it 4?) years of effort was definitely worth it.
I hope your meeting at the Embassy went well with Ron. I am now circulating the idea of a film/reception to my colleagues to see how we can make best use of his very generous offer. I think it could be an excellent way of engaging with MPs, government agencies and potential funders. I am also starting to talk to my contacts at the BBC to see who it is best to approach about the film.
Speak soon and thanks again.” |
Jill Attenborough
Grantham LINCS NG31 6LL UK |
|
|
“Hi Karen. Thanks for a memorable evening. It was great to meet you.
Congratulations to you and your team on producing such a great documentary. It certainly showed that it is not only the anonymous "they" who are adding to global warming, but that each of us is involved and should be concerned at what we are doing to our planet. The predictions for New Orleans were very accurate.
You did leave us on a note of hope, however, by showing what can be done to remedy the disaster. Let's hope we can act in time. I feel that politicians worldwide (and dare I say, particularly in the USA, Chjina and the developing countries) shouid watch and learn from your film. It should also be shown in schools and universities. I very much look forward to receiving the promised DVD and will make a point of showing it to family, friends and local organisations, not just because Beryl and I were in it, but to spread the message..” |
Joan |
|
|
“Dear Karen, I would like to say how much Joan and I enjoyed Thursday evening and to congratulate you and your team on a most impressive production.
The fact that the New Orleans disaster was so correctly forecast makes it even more important for the warnings to be heeded and the finale shows how we are all responsible and need to do our bit to lessen the impact.” |
Beryl |
|
|
| |
| Comments from the Media: |
| |
“I previewed the documentary and wrote a long feature on it for the Star Choice Channel Guide magazine in Canada - wish someone was showing it down here in the states. Wonderfully done!” |
Elaine Bergstrom
Editorial Writer - Tribune Media Services |
|
|
“Karen, it was great working with you and Stonehaven last season during the screening of "The Great Warming." As I told you back in March, the audience response to this screening was beyond all of our expectations. A DC-based filmmaker who attended the event indicated her astonishment at the crowd as well. She approached me after the screening and asked with wonder, "Where did all of these people come from for a film on global warming?"
Not only did the film get people in the door, but certainly you noticed that most people stayed for the discussion afterwards as well. I suspect that we could have continued the question-and-answer session well after we finally decided to clear the house.
Once again, it was a pleasure working with you and your staff, and congratulations on having produced such a compelling film.” |
Greg McGruder
Director, Lectures and Public Programs, National Geographic Society
Washington, DC 20036 |
|
|
From cover story, TV Guide, April 17, 2004 première
“THEY’RE GOING GREEN
Stars with a social conscience throw their energy behind THE GREAT WARMING.
…the truth, according to THE GREAT WARMING, is this: climate change is real, the consequences are serious, but something can be done. “We tried to tell the story with real people,” says Coshof, “we tried to show that it affects everybody, in some way or another.”… And that’s where celebs such as Morissette are ready to make a difference…. “I don’t know the direct effect of narrating the show itself. Most effects that I’ve seen have been in simple ways. I have a trash can and a recycle can in my kitchen.” Morissette has also invested in solar panels and just bought a hybrid car. “We can all do little tiny things that we may think may not make a difference, but if we’re all doing it, it’s a pretty huge change.” |
Janet Rowe |
|
|
The Gazette ( Montreal), April 30, 2004
“GREAT WARMING IS GOOD TELEVISION
Even for those who don’t care about science.
Age of Uncertainly, the second hour-long instalment in the eye-filling three-part science documentary THE GREAT WARMING, narrated by Alanis Morissette and Keanu Reeves, examines the legacy of doing nothing in the face of dramatic climate change.
…It’s a complex subject, but the The Great Warming is easy to watch, thanks to its compelling visuals and Morissette and Reeves’s understated delivery.
Worth a look, even if you don’t ordinary care for science films.” |
Alex Strachan, Canwest News Service |
|
|
June 2005
“Karen, I have seen most of the 80 min version and started the 3 part series. If you include more hard-hitting interviews and the evangelical influence then you've really got something. The more controversial the better, as Michael Moore proved. What are your plans to distribute a shorter film version to theaters in the US? I'm glad to continue to help in such a valuable project. I have other marketing ideas if you'd like to talk again.” |
Tench Phillips, President, Naro Cinema |
|
|
The Toronto Globe and Mail, April 22, 2004
“…it’s nicely done, and there is plenty of trenchant, illustrative footage of horrible, smoke-spewing smokestacks and fierce storms flattening crops. In fact, on several levels, THE GREAT WARMING is outstanding television.” |
John Doyle |
|
|
Channel Guide Magazine
“ A JAGGED LITTLE WORLD
Just days after the announcement that Alanis Morissette would host this year’s JUNO Awards, the pressure was on to track her down – but not for her JUNOs’ gig. Instead, we wanted to know how Morissette felt after working on Discovery Channel Canada’s groundbreaking special THE GREAT WARMING.
What did you learn from narrating THE GREAT WARMING?
“The first episode was jarring in the new information, and the second could have been disturbing had there not been that third episode. If we start hearing about options and ideas and ways we can effect change and ways that we can contribute to the planet that allow us t continue a relative normal lifestyle… that’s probably the best way to move toward making changes happen.”
Do you feel that government is taking this issue as seriously as it should?
“the reason why I am so excited about this documentary getting out there is that… our governments only make massive changes if we all start speaking up collectively… I think informing people is the way to effect change.” |
Elaine Bergstrom |
|
|
Canwest news service, April 22, 04
“MORISSETTE MARKS EARTH DAY WITH SPECIAL
Climate is what we expect, but weather is what we get, narrator Alanis Morissette says midway through tonight’s first installment of The Great Warming, a loving ode to Earth Day. The visually striking three-hour film which will air over succeeding weeks, is clearly a labour of love. Filmed in eight countries on four continents, the screen fills with breathtaking images of golden hued cloudscapes and savage soterms, while Morissette and co-narrator Keanu Reeves speak in quiet, measured tones about the way the climate is changing, and the science behind those changes…. Regardless of your stance on climate change, The Great Warming is a richly satisfying viewing experience. If you’re looking for something different on a night admittedly jammed with must-see TV, look no further.” |
Alex Strachan |
|
|
Winnipeg Free Press, April 22, 04
“What’s on TV this Week…
CLIMATE IN CRISIS
Discovery Channel doc an engaging examination of global warming’s grim environmental effects
The name of the documentary is The Great Warming. The purpose … is to deliver The Great WARNING. And the great challenge facing the Discovery Channel is presenting its urgent call for action against global warming is making this dire three-part declaration an engaging TV experience, because there’s no sense sounding an alarm bell if nobody’s paying attention. On that count The Great Warming succeeds, thanks in part to the voice-over contributions of celebrity narrators Alanis Morissette and Keanu Reeves.
If the presence of the pop diva and the movie star aren’t enough to prove that The Great Warming’s target audience is their generation – in other words, the folks who are going to have to deal with the environmental consequences of their parents’ fossil-fuel-guzzling excess – the documentary takes the extra step of establishing its tone in the opening moments of tonight’s premiere, which begins with a child’s voice chanting a doom-and-gloom rendition of a familiar nursery-rhyme tune:
It’s raining, it’s pouring, The temperature is soaring, The air is thick; the ocean’s sick, I won’t get up in the morning…
Fortunately, not all of the three-hour exploration that follows is as pessimistic as this introductory ditty….
…It’s a hopeful documentary, but not overly so. As one scientist puts it, even if the entire world went pollution-neutral tomorrow, it would still take the Earth’s atmosphere 30 or 50 or maybe 100 years to stabilize. Films like The Great Warming might help ensure that the cable-subscribing part of the planet’s population stops doing too little, but it doesn’t offer a whole lot of comfort on the “too late?” question.” |
Brad Oswald |
|
|
| |
| Comments from Governments and NGOs: |
| |
“The Environmental Investigation Agency (www.eia-international.org) is a powerful international NGO based in the UK, committed to combating environmental crime. EIA is unique from any other environmental charity because we work undercover to expose the criminals. We then use the evidence to press governments to enforce existing laws or to create new international agreements. The reason I am writing to you is with regard to the film "The Great Warming". September 2005 is EIA's 21st Anniversary month and to celebrate, Soho House London and New York will run our awareness showreel throughout the September cinema program alongside an environmental feature film. EIA would like this film to be "The Great Warming".” |
Louise Barry
Head of Development, Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA)
62/63 Upper Street, London N1 0NY http://www.eia-international.org |
|
|
“Hi Karen, I saw your film at the Canadian Embassy last week. I am interested in purchasing the set on behalf of the US General Accounting Office.” |
Anne Johnson, Natural Resources Environment Team, US Gnl. Accounting Office, Wash. DC |
|
|
“Karen:
Would you be so kind and send to me a DVD of the 82 minute show -- as shown at National Geographic. I would like to screen the condensed version here at NOAA.
Thanks.” |
John Kermond, Director of Outreach, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Washington DC |
|
|
“Dear Karen,
We just spoke on the phone re the possibility of screening your film "The Great Warming" as part of my "International Cinema" series in Saint Petersburg, Florida. I want to thank you for putting together this work to address such an important issue. Here in Florida, of course, where weather patterns have been severely affected, resulting in the regular threat of hurricanes, we can't help but think about global warming.
I'd also like to discuss the possibility of screening a version of the film as part of our environmental film festival in late February, early March.
Thanks again for your enthusiasm in highlighting this unpopular but vital issue.” |
Nathan Andersen
Asst. Prof. of Philosophy and Film Studies
Director, International Cinema at Eckerd College |
|
|
“The 2005 Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital was delighted to premiere “The Great Warming” produced by Stonehaven Productions as a Special Pre-Festival Screening in conjunction with National Geographic LIVE.
he event had an overflow crowd for a crucial issue. Everyone appreciated the film’s quality and its ability to engage the audience’s interest. I hope it has many future screenings.” |
Flo Stone
Artistic Director & Founder
Environmental Film Festival, Washington, DC 20007
www.dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org
|
|
|
“Dear Karen,
Greetings from the Philippines...it is too bad that we did not meet personally in Guam - but I saw and tremendously enjoyed the film - The Great Warming - that you showed. In fact, I was supposed to have gone to the airport to catch my departure flight, but I made sure to see your film before I left. And I am glad that I did... that's the reason I'm writing you now. I am Chair/President of the Asia Pacific Roundtable for Sustainable Consumption & Production(kindly visit ( www.aprscp.org )...and there are several things I would want to inquire or network with you.
- is it possible to have a copy of the film or is it for sale?
- for our 6th APRSCP conference in Melbourne, Australia on October 10-12, 2005 - it would be great to have a session on your film...if this is possible
- if we could put it in our website...or links or whatever...
Olivia la O' Castillo
Chair/President
Asia Pacific Roundtable for Sustainable Consumption and Production (APRSCP), Manila
www.aprscp.org” |
|
|
“Hi Karen:
Carl forwarded your email to him and David to some of us at EPA (hope you don't mind). Thank YOU for producing that movie and making the time to come to our conference, introduce it and be available for us to meet and chat.
I loved your introduction to the movie - I felt it was the best presentation in the conference - and that was only your introduction. The movie hits home and I feel was well done (the only criticism I have is the starwars flashy stuff, but I understand this was done to appeal to a certain audience). Certainly the science presented (and all that was not presented), in my humble opinion, is irrefutable. However, climate change has been made political. (Ooops, am I going to get in trouble now?) I feel privileged to have been at the US opening of your film, to have met you and I know most of the conference participants felt likewise. I hope the conference opened doors to future opportunities for all of us and we shall continue to stay in touch.
P.S. Your still-yet unpublished rebuttal to Wayne's statements is great!!! Love it. Hope the Pacific Daily News publishes it soon.” |
Pat Young
Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands and Republic of Palau
Program Manager
EPA San Francisco, CA 94105 young.patricia@epa.gov |
|
|
“Karen: Hello, and I loved your movie. It is really excellent. A real major contribution to the cause.
Again, this is a beautiful production, with excellent quality, interviews, and emphasis on the impact on the poor, all of which will dovetail well with our evangelical emphasis, not to mention the fact that it emphasizes Christian action.
Congratulations!!!” |
Reverend Richard Cizik
Vice President Government Relations
National Association of Evangelicals, USA |
|
|
“Dear Karen, I want to thank you for presenting the theatrical version of THE GREAT WARMING at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX, 24th Pacific Island Environment Conference in Guam this past June.
The film was the highlight of our five-day conference, and (as you know) drew the largest audience of any of the plenary sessions and conference events. It was a packed house, with many additional islanders joining the conference attendees and VIPs in the audience.
The impact of the film was powerful and profound. In fact, a number of people told me later that they had been brought to tears. And - as you saw for yourself - this emotional response extended into the passionate post-screening discussion ( which unfortunately we had to cut short due to time constraints).
I very much hope more Americans and others on this planet will have the opportunity of seeing THE GREAT WARMING. It's obvious to me (and my co-workers) that the film makes a powerful connection with everyone who sees it. The film presents irrefutable scientific evidence in a manner that can be appreciated by nearly everyone, and I hope you are successful in bringing this important thought and emotion provoking film to audiences around the globe.” |
Carl L. Goldstein
Program Manager and Conference Coordinator |
|
|
| |
|
|
 
|
