Kent Snyder, Lew Moore, Jesse Benton and the rest of the Ron Paul senior staff can expect a phone call soon from Jim LeFave, president of syndication at Hollywood Closeups, an LA company that specializes in syndicated television programming. LeFave is preparing to pitch the same idea to the campaign team that I voiced in my column two days ago. I spoke with LeFave by phone, and it was clear to me that he is very excited about doing this project.
"I've already priced a coordinated media buy in New Hampshire and Iowa, and I've checked out the various TV network requirements. Basically, as long as they can offer the same thing to the other candidates, there is no problem with buying prime-time for an infomercial. This is great for two reasons. One, the idea is perfect for someone like Ron Paul who needs to be heard in detail. Two, the other candidates aren't likely to have an infomercial ready in the short time left between now and the beginning of January," said LeFave.
LeFave is an ex-Democrat turned Paul supporter, and he's very enthusiastic about the prospects for his candidacy. LeFave apparently received an email about my article from one of my readers regarding the idea I proposed and wanted to let me know that he was working on the exact same premise. He has been with Hollywood Closeups for a number of years, which is fronted by David Sheehan, a prominent movie critic and talking head. Their website shows Mr. Sheehan with many of Hollywood's most famous personalities, including Clint Eastwood, Lily Tomlin, Michael Jackson, Dolly Parton, Jack Nicholson, "Ahnold," and many others.
"We're planning to go to Las Vegas with an HD-DVD pro camera, professional lighting, a monitor, and a professional cameraman," said LeFave, with the intention of shooting 28 and a half minutes of Ron Paul talking about...Ron Paul. LeFave thinks that the ideal format would be to shoot Dr. Paul in three minute segments on each of his major issues from his stump speech. "The advantage of doing it that way," LeFave continued, "Is that after three minutes of talking about a subject, Dr. Paul can take a break and then review what he said on the monitor via instant playback. If there's something he wants to do differently, we can just shoot those three minutes again."
LeFave's approach allows Dr. Paul to give a complete presentation on about seven topics of his choice at length, while leaving time for an introduction and a short summary at the end. In between segments they could intersperse what are known as "bumpers," little fillers of still shots, campaign speeches, crowd reactions, etc. to break up the monotony of seeing Dr. Paul on the screen talking straight into the camera for 30 minutes. LeFave likes the idea of setting a very presidential scene with a large, gleaming desk where Dr. Paul can sit as he speaks to the camera.
Hollywood Closeups plan to pitch the idea to the campaign ASAP. They are hoping that a little advance notice will help introduce the idea to the Paul campaign in advance of his call, which is why he shared this information with yours truly.
So once again, this becomes an opportunity for Paul supporters like you reading this article. If you like the idea of Hollywood Closeups doing a professional infomercial on Ron Paul for broadcast in New Hampshire, Iowa, and the other early primary states, pass the word and help build the excitement and enthusiasm to let the Paul campaign know how you feel about it.
©2007 Walt Thiessen, all rights reserved. You must have written permission from the author in order to republish this work.
Published: Friday, November 9, 2007
Last modified: Friday, November 9, 2007
The views expressed in this article are those of Walt Thiessen only and do not represent the views of Nolan Chart, LLC or its affiliates. Walt Thiessen is solely responsible for the contents of this article and is not an employee or otherwise affiliated with Nolan Chart, LLC in his/her role as a columnist.
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Reader Comments:
Posted By: James Adams
Date: 2007-11-09 14:27:12
This is an intriguing ideal. While in general I'm not very fond of infomercials, the setup does sound intersting. One critical question. Is this segment going to be aired during the daytime, or only during the lands of 2-5 am. If it's not during the day, it might not be a wise investment of campaighn funds. Then with proliferation of video tapes and Tivo, it's hard to say.
Posted By: David from texas
Date: 2007-11-09 14:29:07
It is great to hear that there is some serious consideration for doing the "infomercial".I would like to request that the persons who will be producing the infomercial please consider using what is currently on the Internet as source material. In other words, try to capture the spirit of what is being celebrated on the Internet. Some of the videos floating around on YouTube are fantastic. Consider creating a collage of what is available on the Internet, and consider including excerpts of some of the many songs that have been written about Ron Paul.Please do not produce an infomercial that is "cheesy", and please resist the temptation to dumb it down for the audience. I would also request that the infomercial try to alleviate the commonly held misconceptions about Ron Paul, especially regarding Pauls' stance on the IRS, social security, the Federal Reserve, etc. Providing historical context with precedent would be very helpful, such as linking Jackson's victory over the central bank to Ron Paul's desire to implement a competing non-fiat currency. Americans must be informed that supporting Ron Paul does not mean that they would be supporting anarchy (far from it), and that Paul's anti-war stance is not necessarily the prime reason that he is so popular.It is important to reassure the American public that Pauls' ideas for change are not only good, but that they are also practical, achievable, and absolutely necessary for this nation at this time in its history.
Posted By: rhys
Date: 2007-11-09 14:34:13
It could work. It would give Paul a chance to look presidential, a la Reagan. But it could backfire if air-time is too expensive, or if it makes Paul look like anything but a new and exciting leader. Paul must really be able to act to make it good. This plan is best for someone like Thompson, but I don't think it is out-of-bounds.
The devil's in the details, the details are in the cost. If you make a production of something - people will expect Entertainment. If you can't deliver 30 minutes of entertainment, it won't be worth the money. Ideally, people must see it, and want to watch it again or recommend it to their friends. If you can't provoke an emotional response to a perceived problem, and then relieve the emotional anxiety with proof that you can deliver the solution - your commercial is worthless. Perot's campaign proved that when he was unable to catch fire with his info-mercial.
Posted By: Walt Thiessen
Date: 2007-11-09 14:53:30
James: since the proposal hasn't even been pitched yet, it's too early to say what the scheduled airtime would be. However, my understanding is that Hollywood Closeup's intention is for it to air in prime-time.
rhys: I must respectfully disagree about Perot's campaign. I personally thought at the time that Perot didn't have much to offer. However, the poll numbers showed that he was doing quite well. He didn't lose traction until a family-related issue came up in mid-summer that made him look like a flip-flopper. He ended up dropping out, then re-entering the race. Most pundits agreed at the time that was what killed his campaign, not the infomercials. They were judged a success by one and all.
Posted By: ts
Date: 2007-11-09 15:11:29
It must be emotional. His military service has to be emphasized just like his job as a doctor and his big family. The message should be "he's so different, finally an honest politician" and that he is consistent unlike his rivals (always did this, never did that). "A new Hope" at YouTube goes in the right direction. By the way, while they are at it they could produce more professional videos that can be watched at his web site, YouTube etc.
Posted By: Tannim
Date: 2007-11-09 15:31:11
Seems to me like a great idea. I hope it gets marketed well as a fundraising DVD after the fact, with gratis distribution to every public access station in the nation, as well as gratis copies to the news stations as well.
Only two suggestions I would make: overlay with bullet points of the key stuff at the end of each segment (topic title, Dr. Paul talks, bullet points, montage, title of next topic title, back to Dr. Paul, etc.), plus don't forget the web pages for both the web site and the library.
Also, and I don't know much of anything about this, would a radio version be an idea as well?
Posted By: Darryl Schmitz
Date: 2007-11-09 15:41:05
Democrats, Libertarians, and Republicans joining forces in the name of liberty.
People of principle... It's a beautiful thing!
Posted By: steve
Date: 2007-11-09 15:57:04
This is a great idea. It's people like you who have made Ron Paul's campaign a success. Great ideas from freedom loving individuals that enhance our creativity. I hope RP campaign wakes up to this idea instead of squandering millions on dull ads. It's the people's hard earn money they are responsible for so I hope they use it wisely.
Posted By: TheOneLaw
Date: 2007-11-09 16:23:48
This is very much in line with what I can pay to support. Looking forward to seeing this mooted in the forums.
Posted By: awd
Date: 2007-11-09 16:48:22
They might want to use the material from his Nashua telegraph interview. Dr. Paul explained some of his views there very clearly.
http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1297325815
Posted By: Jarrod
Date: 2007-11-09 16:51:22
I will committ $100 dollars to this. They should consider setting up a chip-in. We could do a grassroots drive to help fund some of it, the campaign can cover the rest.
Posted By: Brad
Date: 2007-11-09 17:11:52
I think it's a great idea... and yes Tivo/DVR could offer a huge return on the investment.
Posted By: Bill
Date: 2007-11-09 19:02:22
Brilliant. TV and web streaming too.
Posted By: BigAl
Date: 2007-11-09 19:05:20
Why doesn't someone with a pro camera crew simply create an impromptu commercial ad for the campaign? With Ron Paul doing one minute segments? Simple, to the point.
Infomercial aside, I have finally cut the cable on my TV simply because of infomercials and foreign language stations. Television today has basically become poison for the mind.
Posted By: Dan Warner
Date: 2007-11-09 19:25:03
Better yet, let's try to pay for it, and more, by doubling up our donations on the money bombs. This holiday season I have decided to take half of the money I usually spend on gifts and donate it to the campaign. The best gift I can think of to give to friends and family is Ron Paul in the White House!
Posted By: Larry in SC
Date: 2007-11-09 19:38:05
Another fine example of good people pooling their talents to help bring Freedom and Liberty back to America. I applaud you. I'll let the professionals do the producing, however, here's the title I would use.... "A Good Man Walks Among Us".
Posted By: Nate
Date: 2007-11-09 20:02:26
I hope it gets put onto youtube so that way we can spread this baby virally hopefully attach it to the new fundraising adventure we will embark on to celebrate the Boston Tea party.
Restore the rule of law
Legalize Freedom!
Ron Paul 2008
Posted By: Louie
Date: 2007-11-09 20:12:02
I was thinking about this a couple of days ago. It worked great for Reoss Perot. It allows Dr. Paul to get a chance to explain his views rather than only having 1 minute to skim the top. Go for it.
Posted By: Hana
Date: 2007-11-09 20:43:36
I expect that it will be a hit! I hope that it will be made available for distribution around the web as well or to burn to dvds. We have been trying to get a quality dvd to hand out that focuses more on the issues and less on the tv clips and that is short enough not to bore potential Paulers. This sounds perfect!
Posted By: Ike Hall
Date: 2007-11-09 20:47:18
Brilliant. Make it available on broadcast-ready media, and we can take it to our local cable companies to run on local access, or raise money for a buy.
Posted By: John
Date: 2007-11-09 21:08:17
An excellent idea! I remember Ross Perot's 30-minute shorts where he explained the "giant sucking sound." Paul could definitely benefit from a format where he can relax a little and explain his positions so people know he's put some real thought into things.
Posted By: Larry
Date: 2007-11-09 21:18:49
I think it's a great idea, and if it works, then HQ will be able to hone it and use it in other primaries... It's now or never. Ron Paul MUST do well (WIN) in these early primaries... Spend the $$, take the risk. A lot of folks need to hear his full explanations! Needs to be really catchy or they'll turn the channel!!!
Posted By: LT
Date: 2007-11-09 21:32:52
"Democrats, Libertarians, and Republicans joining forces in the name of liberty.
People of principle... It's a beautiful thing!
"
Could not of said it better myself.
I think an infomercial is a wonderful concept. I also think that a fair portion of the video would be best served focusing on actual RP supporters and the passion being displayed by thousands of Americans across all demographics.
Posted By: Dominic
Date: 2007-11-09 22:29:15
Great idea, has GOT to be professional. Net footage of rallies a must so people know we're for real. Maybe start with footage of the world going to pot, I.e. War, Pakistan, $$ crash, debt, health care costs, patriot act with a Ron Paul voice over. DO IT!!!!
Posted By: James Adams
Date: 2007-11-10 00:15:50
A prime time 30 minute spot for Dr. Paul to discuss his views. Done right this could be a serious booster for the campaighn. Say harkening back to addresses of Ronald Regan, the set somewhat resembling his office. An image that would stick with voters, what a Ron Paul presidency would look like.
Posted By: Fred Darke
Date: 2007-11-10 07:17:16
What a cool idea! If it is entertaining and informative, it can work. Also, rotating excerpts from The You Tube videos can add quality to the staged Ron Paul interviews.
Posted By: Ralph O\'Brien
Date: 2007-11-10 12:44:29
I would pledge $100, others need to support!
Posted By: Flo
Date: 2007-11-10 18:57:11
Paul doesn't need to act. He needs to speak directly to the people like he did on the video when he set up an exploratory committee. His speeches on the house floor
are always well done
Posted By: l
Date: 2007-11-10 20:59:09
Wonderful idea. Dr. Paul would be able to get his ideas out to a wide range of people. (Including my Aunt, whom doesn't use computers very much, let alone you-tube.) His base has a lot of young and middle aged people, but this ad could finaly get to the older crowd.( You know, the ones that predominately invest in gold) His hard currancy stand and spending cuts are actually how a lot of the older crowd think the country should be run, and have been saying so for decades. Problem is, they don't know who Ron Paul is.
Posted By: Kevin
Date: 2007-11-11 13:22:28
This is a great idea. All Ron Paul needs is for more to hear his message. Who can argue against peace, freedom, and the constitution?
Posted By: HaroldC
Date: 2007-11-11 18:04:21
This is a great idea. I would hope that after the infomercial has been produced there would be free license for downloading from the campaign's site and distribution through bittorrent. We volunteers need material to distribute.
Posted By: Bob McClure
Date: 2007-11-11 20:27:10
This will work...I have been in radio ownership and all radio informercials work. great. and ..on tv this will be awesome for Dr. Paul who is our only hope to save our country..I am a WW11 veteran from the invasions of Phillipines and Okinawa . His message needs to be heard now and this is the best format for him to reach the masses..and keep our land free and back to the constitution. Go Paul Go...!!!
Posted By: George
Date: 2007-11-12 08:01:57
The best interview I have seen with Dr.Paul is the Nasua,NH.6 part, done on You Tube by fagan411
This is a must watch,he answers ALL questions ...pass it on..
Posted By: Gerald
Date: 2007-11-12 16:53:03
This is a great idea! The mainstream media misrepresents a lot of Ron Paul's ideas, so lots of people have objections about Ron Paul (e.g. many people think he wants to get rid of Social Security), and these objections need to be answered.
An infomercial is the ideal way for Ron Paul to answer these objections and clarify misconceptions about his message.
This will be a huge boost to the campaign. Even if the other candidates try to produce infomercials too, they can't compete with Ron Paul's message.
Posted By: Robert B
Date: 2007-11-12 17:50:35
This is a fantastic idea. I would donate $100 for something like this. I agree that if it was web streamed also it could be posted all over the internet as well. Not that there isnt enough fan-made 30 minute videos. This would still be something that alot of people who dont know Ron Paul yet would enjoy.
Posted By: andrew
Date: 2007-11-12 20:38:35
If I may, I would like to suggest that the presentation be in a question and answer format.There is a warmth and sincerity that Dr. Ron Paul conveys when he is interacting with another person. No doubt this is his nature, but also from his many years of being a Doctor who is receptive to his patients concerns.Having Dr. Paul appear as a talking head behind a big desk would present a totally different image of him.The authoritarian presentation of him would be unlike his character even if he does his best to appear friendly or cheerful.There is another equally important reason to present him in an interview format. He is an excellent debater and can quickly disarm an antagonistic opponent who makes presumptuous or uniformed criticism of his positions. This presents a much more lively discussion than one in which the interviewer is sympathetic to Dr. Paul.(See the two examples below)I would like to propose that Ron Paul would stand before an audience of people of mixed age, gender and race and have each questioner stand up and ask him questions on predetermined topics and some very pointed questions that might represent the notions of those who have adopted a negative or misinformed impression of Dr. Paul's message. He will be able to demonstrate the clarity of his position as he has so often done, and with preparation time could field those questions very succinctly.In summary:Wherever Ron Paul is surrounded by people, he is at his best. Wouldn't you agree ?Whatever you do, please don't make him a talking head sitting at a big desk.A good interview with antagonistic (but not hostile) questions:Dr. Paul will be interviewed Sunday morning (Nov. 11) on CBS News' Face the Nation with Bob Schieffer:A humdrum interview with positvely biased questions:Ron Paul On Live With Liquori Show:
Posted By: Jim LeFave
Date: 2007-11-12 21:39:47
Hi Everyone! I'm Jim LeFave, and I want to thank Walt for posting the article and all of you for your ideas. The proposal for the campaign is simple: 28 minutes and thirty seconds of Ron Paul addressing the voters in prime time network affiliated buys throughout Iowa and New Hamshire commencing early December. My team has submitted a budget of the show and cost of media buys to the campaign. I would urge all of you to do what you can to make this happen. e-mail me at jlefave@earthlink.net with any thoughts.
Posted By: Linda Hunnicutt
Date: 2007-11-13 10:44:27
I hope someone will get Ron to speak about morality and the lack of it in Washington today.. The American people need to be reminded of the imorality and corruption going on there today by the very ones who are running other than himself. Shake the skeletons out of the closets ... Remind the public of the dirty joke the American presidency has become world wide..
Posted By: W Gary Johnson
Date: 2007-11-14 06:55:53
This is a great idea! A 30-minute spot would give Dr. Paul the time to explain his positions. It will help show the degree of popular support he has. It will drive support to the website (perhaps even pay for itself via new online donations) and presents "aftermarket" opportunities such as dvd distribution and cable buys from local groups around the country.
Posted By: angie
Date: 2007-11-14 14:24:44
"Democrats, Libertarians, and Republicans joining forces in the name of liberty.
People of principle... It's a beautiful thing! "
- this would make a great T-shirt
Posted By: DaveC from New Jersey
Date: 2007-11-15 07:07:30
I think this is a GREAT idea. I would like to amplify the suggestion that you incorporate some of music that has been written about Dr Paul as well as some of the really great Youtube vids out there and to make it somewhat entertaining. Ron Paul is best when he's just being himself. Thats the true of appeal of our candidate and it really distinguishes him from the pandering, slick talking "politicians" who he's running against. No one can match is authenticity and steady as a rock positions and voting record. Emphesize the fact that all the others change, but he doesn't. I for one, can't stand to even listen to any other candidate after listening to Ron Paul because I KNOW they're just saying things and making promises like all the politicians who came before them that got us into this mess in the first place because those promises have nothing to do with our Constitution or our freedom. I just want to spit at my TV when I see them.
One last note. New Jersey has more registered Independent voters than Democrat and Republican COMBINED. So please consider running these infomercials here in New Jersey. Our state is certainly in play for Dr No and we might just say YES
Posted By: Carl
Date: 2007-11-15 09:04:21
It sounds like a great idea, and and interesting show
Posted By: Russell Townsend
Date: 2007-11-15 18:10:48
I think this is just what the campaign need. When Dr. Paul has the time to explain his positions he wins people over. Also I and many others could record this and make high quality DVD's to hand out and so it will be spread much further than just the air time. He needs to do this so people understand him and his positions..
Make this happen as only Ron Paul speaking can win the hearts of the voters.. Do it!
Posted By: RBlameuser
Date: 2007-11-29 22:56:11
I dearly love Ron Paul and his message and have been campaigning for him in Chicago area and online. I have to express my concern about Ron Paul's TV image. When he holds his head up, smiles, and speaks firmly, authoritatively, boldly, but not franticly and high pitched, he has a wonderful, authentic charisma. Unfortunately, it is rarely seen in TV debates, and not at all in last night's CNN debate. He was mostly looking down, head down, with a frown or scowl or pout on his face. I would love to see him develop a more broadly appealing stage presence so that the general public gets to see his charming personality, so they would be much more receptive to his awsome message. Like it or not, for Ron Paul to have a chance in this Hollywood-driven American culture, I think he needs to hire (or have a capable volunteer) a public image coach.
Posted By: Jim ODonnell
Date: 2007-12-01 05:06:24
Whatz-up with the campaign headquarters? This, if they intend to do it, should be a top priority.
I even was in contact with Liv "The Ron Paul Girl" and told her that she would be a natural to be included as part, like a lead in, of these things. Well she pooped out on me also.
Whatz-up?
I even messaged the campaign [I hate those message systems, I prefer real email] about the blimp. As this does not need their co-operation it will go head as it should.
Jim
PS: Seems like the volunteer supporters are more on top of things than the general campaign staff. Wonder if Ron knows this?
Posted By: Jim ODonnell
Date: 2007-12-01 05:16:06
Just got a flash. The blimp people are now selling advertising which I think will take in much more than is needed for the actual blimp so that they will eventually have excess funds.
They could fund the infomerticals, I bet, but the election laws probably would not permit this since Ron Paul would actually have to participate in the infomercial.
Damit, just a thought.
Jim
Posted By: Bob Miller
Date: 2008-01-05 18:52:34
Have I got great news gang. Just got off of the phone with Britney Spears, and as soon as she is released from the Cedars-Sinai Psychiatric Ward, she is willing to do an infocommercial about her new book, "Parenting My Way". All the proceeds will go to Ron Paul. I had chip in a few copies of my newest book, "The Elephant Got More Votes Than Ron Paul" to the show, but it was worth it. Nothing like watching the trailer park crowd give their money to politicians and preachers. Words can’t express how much I miss Jerry Falwell and James Kennedy. Those two could empty pockets faster than Bush can lie.
Posted By: Bob Miller
Date: 2008-01-05 18:55:49
Have I got great news gang. Just got off of the phone with Britney Spears, and as soon as she is released from the Cedars-Sinai Psychiatric Ward, she is willing to do an infomercial about her new book, "Parenting My Way". All the proceeds will go to Ron Paul. I had chip in a few copies of my newest book, "The Elephant Got More Votes Than Ron Paul" to the show, but it was worth it. Nothing like watching the trailer park crowd give their money to politicians and preachers. Words can’t express how much I miss Jerry Falwell and James Kennedy. Those two could empty pockets faster than Bush can lie.