When Woody Harrelson saw the unreleased film by Pete McGrain, he knew this timely and evocative documentary had to be seen. The outspoken TV and film star agreed to lend his name, talent, and passion to the project.
The premise of Ethos is that the myriad of challenges and failures that face our society are systemic—that is, built into the very nature of capitalism. The legal definition of a corporation makes profit paramount, and one could extrapolate that greed is justifiable, laudable even.
Harrelson, who narrates the film, lifts the lid on this Pandora’s Box of issues that almost guarantee failure in every aspect of our lives, from democracy to the environment, to our own personal liberty.
The inception, birth, and life of a documentary film are a precarious process. Independently made films by definition are independently financed and produced, allowing 100 percent freedom to address issues that a large production company or television network may not. Often they may be afraid of insulting corporate sponsors, the very same organizations McGrain is criticizing.
“At some point or another art is going to meet commerce and that will always dilute the nature of the message,” says McGrain, in a recent conversation. “Having Woody’s support will help us circumvent many of the obstacles. The film will already be considered as ‘commercially viable’ because of Woody’s involvement, but for every filmmaker this is a very limiting factor.
“Having brave celebrities champion causes is fantastic, but the limitation caused by the constant eye to bottom line is a very real issue,” he adds. “I hope the Internet will further democratize media access, but we are still at the mercy of market forces. There is no easy work-around.”
In this way, many documentary filmmakers are at the forefront of truly cutting edge information, offering us a perspective on topics we otherwise would have little access to. Often taking years of research and investigation, documentaries can give concise and organized information on their particular themes.
“I think good journalism is about asking tough questions, and I don’t see that happening in the mainstream media,” says McGrain. “Too often they ridicule or even ignore progressive thinking. So documentaries have become one of the few sources for alternative perspectives.”
For all these reasons, celebrities can offer low-budget indie film recognition, and give it’s often under-acknowledged subject the attention it deserves.
“There are very few celebrities that walk the talk. Woody is one of them. Everything he does is understated, and his simple down-home style belies a sharp intellect and a sincere passion for the issues,” McGrain explains. “He gave us his time in the middle of a crazy schedule and you can’t ask for more than that.”
McGrain, who has traveled and lived around the world, is committed to bringing his observations, erudite research, and well thought out solutions to the public.
“This film is about serious issues, but it is still fascinating subject matter,” he concludes. “If I can prod people to start asking questions then they might also act on what they discover and that is the whole idea for me.”
To learn more about the film Ethos, visit www.mediaforaction.org
The premise of Ethos is that the myriad of challenges and failures that face our society are systemic—that is, built into the very nature of capitalism. The legal definition of a corporation makes profit paramount, and one could extrapolate that greed is justifiable, laudable even.
Harrelson, who narrates the film, lifts the lid on this Pandora’s Box of issues that almost guarantee failure in every aspect of our lives, from democracy to the environment, to our own personal liberty.
The inception, birth, and life of a documentary film are a precarious process. Independently made films by definition are independently financed and produced, allowing 100 percent freedom to address issues that a large production company or television network may not. Often they may be afraid of insulting corporate sponsors, the very same organizations McGrain is criticizing.
“At some point or another art is going to meet commerce and that will always dilute the nature of the message,” says McGrain, in a recent conversation. “Having Woody’s support will help us circumvent many of the obstacles. The film will already be considered as ‘commercially viable’ because of Woody’s involvement, but for every filmmaker this is a very limiting factor.
“Having brave celebrities champion causes is fantastic, but the limitation caused by the constant eye to bottom line is a very real issue,” he adds. “I hope the Internet will further democratize media access, but we are still at the mercy of market forces. There is no easy work-around.”
In this way, many documentary filmmakers are at the forefront of truly cutting edge information, offering us a perspective on topics we otherwise would have little access to. Often taking years of research and investigation, documentaries can give concise and organized information on their particular themes.
“I think good journalism is about asking tough questions, and I don’t see that happening in the mainstream media,” says McGrain. “Too often they ridicule or even ignore progressive thinking. So documentaries have become one of the few sources for alternative perspectives.”
For all these reasons, celebrities can offer low-budget indie film recognition, and give it’s often under-acknowledged subject the attention it deserves.
“There are very few celebrities that walk the talk. Woody is one of them. Everything he does is understated, and his simple down-home style belies a sharp intellect and a sincere passion for the issues,” McGrain explains. “He gave us his time in the middle of a crazy schedule and you can’t ask for more than that.”
McGrain, who has traveled and lived around the world, is committed to bringing his observations, erudite research, and well thought out solutions to the public.
“This film is about serious issues, but it is still fascinating subject matter,” he concludes. “If I can prod people to start asking questions then they might also act on what they discover and that is the whole idea for me.”
To learn more about the film Ethos, visit www.mediaforaction.org
