US Army ELO report for May 17th-23rd 2011 here

OCPA-West Weekly Report, 17-23 May 2011
NOTICE: This report contains information on the development and progress of TV
programs, feature films, and other entertainment-oriented and documentary media
projects. This information is shared with the Army for the purpose of determining
whether the project qualifies for Department of the Army and Department of Defense
support. It is pre-decisional information for our Chain-of-Command. IT IS NOT
INTENDED FOR PUBLIC DISSEMINATION. The information contained in this report, if
publicly disclosed, could be financially and professionally detrimental to the
entertainment media production entity or individual filmmaker(s) providing the
information, and would deter these companies and individuals from seeking Army
assistance.
New/updated entries in Red
Top Items
(FOUO) ‘GLORY HOUNDS’, ANIMAL PLANET (FOUO) OCPA-LA contacted by
Animal Planet producer for documentary on Military Working Dogs (MWDs). Producer
interested in embedding with U.S. forces in Afghanistan to observe and document MWD
operations. Seeking to identify and profile 3 or 4 MWD teams currently in theater
serving with distinction. Coordinating with CENTCOM and AFG for access.
ASSESSMENT: Anticipate audiences of 3-4 million viewing favorable depiction of U.S.
military operations. Supports Maintaining Our Combat Edge. (b) (6)
(FOUO) BBC DOCUMENTARY: THE BODY FARM (FOUO) (SAPA-CRD) BBC
contacted the Armed Forces Medical Examiner Office for support of a documentary on
the Body Farm. Their forensic anthropologist, Dr. (b) (6)
, was one of the cofounders of the Body Farm, research facilities (five nationwide) where human
decomposition is studied in a variety of settings. Dr. (b) (6)
will be interviewed about
his work with co-founder Dr. (b) (6)
, who was also Dr. (b) (6)
' mentor.
Additionally, Dr. (b) (6)
will highlight three non-military cases he solved using data
gained during his initial research days at the Body Farm. Dr. (b) (6)
will not be
officially representing either the Armed Forces Medical Examiner or DOD. He will be
identified only as an anthropologist in Washington DC area. OCPA-LA reviewed project
and see no issues with supporting. ASSESSMENT: BBC documentary audience
estimated at 2-3 million. Supports Building Resiliency. (b) (6)
(FOUO) MEMORIAL DAY SPEAKERS, FOREST LAWN (FOUO) (SAPA-CRD)
OCPA-LA coordinating for speakers to attend Memorial Day events at two Forest Lawn
locations in Southern California; Covina Hills and Cathedral City. Soldiers will speak for
7-10 minutes. ASSESSMENT: Popular annual event draws large audiences. Supports
Building Resiliency. (b) (6)
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(FOUO) USMA, ‘GAME OF HONOR’ (FOUO) OCPA-LA contacted by CBS Sports
towards producing a documentary showcasing the Army-Navy game. The Army-Navy
game, begun in 1890, is one of the most traditional and enduring rivalries in college
football. Support requested by CBS Sports is for interviews with coaches, staff, team
players, along with archival footage and photographs. Interviews/filming would take
place this fall. The documentary-style program would further showcase the history of
the USMA, its curriculum and contributions to audiences which might otherwise not
come in contact with the West Point story. Coordinating with USMA. ASSESSMENT:
CBS Sports is the nation’s leading provider of sports programming and is accessible to
more than 80 million U.S. homes and carries nearly two-thirds of all MLB, NHL and NBA
games. Supports Building Resiliency. (b) (6)
(FOUO) FEMALE BASIC TRAINING DOCUMENTARY (FOUO) OCPA-LA contacted
by independent producer for documentary series on female Soldiers going through
basic training. The series is envisioned as an inspirational half-hour documentary
series focused on young women 18-25 who join the Army and go through 10 weeks of
basic combat training and follow their development. The producer is a former female
Soldier who went through Army BCT. The program is requesting to shoot at Ft.
Jackson, SC, or Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. Coordinating with Ft. Jackson and Ft.
Leonard Wood to embed camera crew. ASSESSMENT: Offers opportunity to
showcase Army professionalism and training programs designed to produce the finest
soldiers in the world. Supports Maintaining Our Combat Edge and Building Resiliency.
(b) (6)
(FOUO) Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (Episode 904) (FOUO) (SAPA-CRD)
Extreme Makeover has been picked up for a ninth season. The season premiere will
potentially involve participation from all branches. Extreme Makeover will be surprising a
Navy veteran named Barbara on July 14th. She now runs a nonprofit for homeless
female veterans in Fayetteville, NC, providing housing, education, and job resources in
an effort to get them back on their feet. As a Navy veteran herself, she understands the
adjustment back to a civilian life and is able to help these women and their families on
multiple levels. On this special episode Extreme Makeover will be "Joining Forces" with
our First Lady, Michelle Obama, veterans, civilians, and (hopefully) active military to
provide a house that can accommodate even more female veterans and their families.
More to follow. ASSESSMENT: Extreme Home Makeover is one of ABC’s top rate TV
shows. Supports Building Resiliency. (b) (6)
Entertainment Television
(FOUO) INDY 500, ANDRETTI AUTOSPORTS SALUTES ARMED FORCES (FOUO)
Andretti Autosports will salute U.S. armed forces by prominently displaying military
emblems on their racecars. Each of the team’s five cars will recognize a branch of the
U.S. military. Representing the U.S. Army will be two Andretti cars. Marco Andretti,
driving #26, is carrying the mark of the U.S. Army’s Maneuver Center of Excellence
based in Fort Benning. The #43 car driven by John Andretti will showcase the crest of
the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade from Fort Wainwright, Alaska, “Born in Battle”. The
Brigade was noteworthy for marking the end of 36 months of continual combat
OCPA-LA, ‘Telling the Army story millions of viewers per showing.’
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deployment by a single aviation unit, in February 2010; a feat unmatched in modern
army aviation. Other Andretti cars will salute the USN, USMC, and USCG. Talking
points on each unit will be made available to race announcers. ASSESSMENT: The
Indy 500 Memorial Day race is considered one of the three most significant motorsports
events in the world. The official attendance is more than 657,000 people, an estimated
30 million more watch worldwide. Supports Building Resiliency and Maintaining Our
Combat Edge. (b) (6)
(FOUO) USMA, FOX SPORTS (FOUO) OCPA-LA contacted by Fox Sports Network
(FSN) towards producing a new series telling the story of great American sport rivalries.
Fox Sports is requesting to showcase the Army-Navy game in an episode to air this fall.
The Army-Navy game, begun in 1890, is one of the most traditional and enduring
rivalries in college football. Support requested by Fox Sports is for interviews with
coaches, staff, team players, along with archival footage and photographs.
Interviews/filming would take place this fall. The documentary-style program would
further showcase the history of the USMA, its curriculum and contributions to audiences
which might otherwise not come in contact with the West Point story. Coordinating with
USMA. ASSESSMENT: FSN is the nation’s leading provider of sports programming
and accessible to more than 80 million U.S. homes and carries nearly two-thirds of all
MLB, NHL and NBA games. Supports Building Resiliency. (b) (6)
(FOUO) LIFETIME’S “ARMY WIVES” SEASON FIVE (FOUO) (SAPA-CRD) Season
5 has wrapped. The show has been signed for a sixth season. wraps first week of May.
Ken
(b) (6)(b) (6) will be the official DoD project officer taking the reins from (b) (6)
and (b) (6)
are coordinating with the leadership at Fort Bliss Texas for a site visit
for the writers room (potentially in August 2011). ASSESSMENT: This show continues
to have a weekly audience well over 4 million, specifically targeting centers of influence
in the 25-50 year old female demographic. The program highlights realistic story lines
that showcase the day-to-day life of Army spouses and the Soldiers they support.
Supports Building Resiliency, Restoring Balance and Maintaining our Combat Edge.
Air dates are as follows:
(b) (6)
05-29-11
512
06-05-11
513 (season finale)
(FOUO) Fishing Behind The Lines (FOUO) (SAPA-CRD) WPBS Digital Television
in Watertown, New York, is planning to produce a 13-part television series, titled
“Fishing Behind The Lines”. The premise of the program is to “take a Soldier fishing.”
In the process, we learn about the Soldier, about some of the prime locations to fish in
our area, and about some of the tourist attractions in the region. The program will be
hosted by Don Meissner, who is currently the spokesperson for FISH CAP in St.
Lawrence County in New York State. FISH CAP is a new, 3-year, over a half-million
dollar project to “make St. Lawrence County the fishing capital of the world,” and to
promote tourism in the County. “Fishing Behind the Lines” will spend time with a Fort
Drum Soldier and possibly his/her family, talking about the Soldier’s experiences in the
OCPA-LA, ‘Telling the Army story millions of viewers per showing.’
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Army, and where s/he might have been stationed (for example, Iraq or Afghanistan).
We’ll also meet his/her family, if they are in the area, and spend time with them,
perhaps fishing or doing tourist things, like visiting a local museum or attraction.
ASSESSMENT: This type of PBS program would draw approximately 1 million viewers.
Supports Building Resiliency. Mr (b) (6)(b) (6)
(FOUO) EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION (FOUO) Extreme Makeover:
Home Edition is considering honoring SGT (b) (6)
and his wife (b) (6) on an
episode this season. SGT (b) (6)
is currently undergoing treatment at Brook Army
Medical Center. The proposed home would be constructed in their hometown in
Arkansas. Extreme Makeover has issued a casting flyer through the American Forces
Press Service. This will certainly increase the number of military applicants for the
show. UPDATE: OCPA-LA had a meeting with the Extreme Makeover Executive
Producer on 27 MAY 11 to discuss the contestant vetting process for the show. The
concern is that the show will contact military families and raise expectations about
participating in the program only to find out later that they were not selected. The
Executive Producer understood our position and will work more closely with all of the
DOD Los Angeles Public Affairs Offices to inform us when a service member will be
considered for a show. ASSESSMENT: Supports Building Resiliency. (b) (6)
(FOUO) ‘HOMEFRONT’, OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK (FOUO) (SAPA-CRD)
OCPA-LA contacted by production team for Oprah Winfrey Network interested in
creating a documentary series following the lives of a group of women on a military
base. (b) (6)
met with producers to discuss concept. The intent is to create a
‘realistic, compelling and inspiring’ documentary series following a select group of 6-8
wives and girlfriends, representing all ranks and levels of experience, through ‘the
challenges and rewards of day-to-day living they encounter as the spouse or significant
other of a U.S. Army soldier’. Would involve filming over a 6-month period, and aimed
at airing in spring 2012. Oprah’s guidance to producers; focus on core beliefs of
strength, sacrifice, and sisterhood, as well as family and community. OCPA-LA is still
assessing risks and benefits. ASSESSMENT: Potential opportunity to inform, educate
and connect American audiences to Army families. Potentially supports White House
initiatives on military families. However, risks being a ‘Real Housewives of the Army’
series (Note: production company is the same that produces ‘Real Housewives of
Atlanta’). Supports Building Resiliency. (b) (6)
(FOUO) AMC’s UNTITLED MEMORIAL DAY SHORTS (FOUO) (SAPA-CRD) AMC
is creating a gripping, four-part series of documentary shorts depicting seminal
moments in the lives of the men and women who commit to serving our country in the
Armed Forces. Each five-minute episode will capture the breadth and scope of the
experience of life in the military through the eyes of those who serve. The four episodes
will cover 1. Enlistment, 2. Deployment, 3. Active Duty, and 4. Homecoming.
ASSESSMENT: Maintaining our Combat Edge. (b) (6)
OCPA-LA, ‘Telling the Army story millions of viewers per showing.’
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(FOUO) LIFETIME’S “COMING HOME” (FOUO) (SAPA-CRD) Update: “Coming
Home" will be presented with National Association of Television Program Executive
(NATPE) 2011 Innovator Award on June 10th in an event at the Hollywood Roosevelt
Hotel hosted by Brian McNamara of "Army Wives." In building the award reception, the
organizers would like to have a representative of the US Army to say a few words about
DOD support to the program. The program is currently the third highest cable show for
Sunday behind Army Wives and Chopped on Food Network. It followed the premiere of
Army Wives, Season 5. From the creators of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition comes
a 13-episode TV program that celebrates the service of men and women in uniform and
captures their happy homecomings for the world to see. We discussed having equal
representation from all services and the best way to go about that for each of the 13
episodes. The one-hour episodes following service men and women preparing the
biggest homecoming surprises in history. In every episode, the show will follow one
bigger-than-life surprise intercut with real documentary homecomings that are
happening at schools, ball games, and airports, and elsewhere in the USA. It’s the best
of both worlds -- a combination of a big network production and the raw emotional real
stories that make this concept so relatable. UPDATE: Season 1 wraps last week of
April. ASSESSMENT: Audience ratings were the second highest for a non-scripted
television show in the history of cable. (b) (6)
met with Lifetime producers to
determine best way to leverage relationship for rest of the first season and season 2 as
Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden are interested in educating Americans about their initiative to
support military families – Joining Forces – through Army Wives and Coming Home.
Supports Building Resiliency. (b) (6)
(FOUO) LOUIE (SAPA-CRD) (FOUO) The comedian Louis Szekely (aka Louis C.K)
would like to film a skit at a military installation for his show "Louie" which airs on FX.
During his visit to the post he would like to put on a "USO" type show for the troops and
use it in the skit. The production company is coordinating to include Keni Thomas in
this visit to post and USO Show. Keni Thomas is a former Soldier and Country Western
singer. OSD-PA has approved the content of the script. OCPA-LA contacted Fort
Hood, TX about possible support; III Corps is currently reviewing the request. Update:
Fort Bliss will support with the concert portion of the show. Due to training
requirements, the SITCOM skits could not be filmed at Fort Bliss. ASSESSMENT:
Expect viewership to be in the 1.5 - 2 million range. Supports Building Resiliency. Mr.
(b) (6)(b) (6)
(FOUO) “Combat Hospital” (FOUO) (SAPA-CRD) OSD-PA approved DOD support to
this TV series; OCPA-LA is lead for DOD. COL(Ret) (b) (6)
has been identified
as a tecnhcial advisor to the show. COL (b) (6) is a retired Army Surgeon. This is a
great opportunity to inform America about the dedication, professionalism and
compassion of our military medical personnel. It will be the only show of its kind on
television. The show will premiere on ABC, 23 June 2011 at 10PM. The storyline
follows a group of military doctors in Kandahar circa 2006, at the Role 3 medical
treatment facility there. At that time, the hospital was led by a Canadian Surgical Team.
The primary cast consists of the Hospital Commander (Canadian Colonel), a Trauma
Surgeon (Canadian Major), a Neurosurgeon (British Contractor), a Psychiatrist (German
Major) and a Head Nurse (Canadian Commander) The production company made
OCPA-LA, ‘Telling the Army story millions of viewers per showing.’
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concessions to the casting, and the US Army now has a Captain (Trauma Team
Leader) as a main character as well as a US Army Special Forces Soldier (MSG). They
have also added two USAF Pararescue Jumpers. ASSESSMENT: This new ABC
show will draw approximately 5 million viewers. Supports Building Resiliency. (b) (6)
(FOUO) ABC Studio’s “The River” (FOUO) (SAPA-CRD) ABC Studios contacted
regarding a 2011 pilot productions currently entitled “The River” and
(b) (6)
requested to shoot in and around Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico (currently on the
BRAC list). We put them in touch with the Navy. Additionally, the production team is
seeking US Army support for use of military vehicles in connection with their anticipated
shoot in and around the base. ASSESSMENT: (b) (6)
and (b) (6)
at OSD
reviewed the script and determined that there is no depiction of the US military in this
sci-fi-type program and declined support. (b) (6)
(FOUO) ‘SUPERPOWER’, PETER BERG TELEVISION SERIES (FOUO) (SAPACRD) Filming took place at Fort Lewis, JBLM. Very successful, no issues, according to
I Corps PAO, who coord on-site support. 3-2 Stryker Bde designated as Army unit to
be profiled. OCPA-LA was contacted by Asylum Entertainment about a television series
featuring DoD weapon systems that have given the U.S. a dominant edge as a
‘Superpower’. This Peter Berg project is in development, but the plan is for a series
showcasing the applicable weapon systems. Supports Modernizing the Force. (b) (6)
Major Motion Pictures
(FOUO) FEATURE FILM, ‘THE AVENGERS’ (FOUO) (SAPA-CRD) OSD(PA) agreed
to support feature film, ‘The Avengers’. The film is an American superhero story being
produced by Marvel Studios and being distributed by Walt Disney Pictures in 2012.
OCPA-LA has read initial draft screenplay and rewrites. The Army is represented well
in the character of Captain America, a former WWII GI brought back to life in
contemporary America. Following feedback to producers – including strengthening
connection of legacy Army to today’s Soldiers - OCPA-LA has agreed to requests for
support; access to White Sands Missile Range and a company of Soldiers for the
climactic battle scene. Filming of the final battle scene will take place in Cleveland, OH,
in AUG. Coordinating with USAR for support. ASSESSMENT: Film being designed as
a blockbuster release; U.S. and worldwide audiences expected to be sizable. Supports
Maintaining Our Combat Edge. (b) (6)
(FOUO) “SUPERMAN: MAN OF STEEL”, WARNER BROS. (FOUO) (SAPA-CRD)
UPDATE: OCPA-LA and the USAF Office reviewed the updated script 20 APR 11;
writer incorporated many of the script changes requested by DOD. OCPA-LA Director,
Mr. (b) (6)(b) (6) is working with Warner Brothers Studios on shaping the U.S. Army
portrayal in the upcoming “Superman” feature film now in development. Mr. (b) (6)
met with the studio, read the latest version of the script, and is discussing the military
portrayals with the film’s producers and writers. This latest version of the ‘Superman’
saga will focus on the character’s origin story and the early days of the character.
OCPA-LA, ‘Telling the Army story millions of viewers per showing.’
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ASSESSMENT: Warner Bros. has budgeted $175 million for production and is aiming
this film as a 2012 summer blockbuster. Supports Building Resiliency. (b) (6)
Entertainment – Documentaries
(FOUO) CHINOOK HELICOPTERS: ‘THE SUGAR BEARS’ (FOUO) (SAPA-CRD)
OCPA-LA contacted by New Zealand-based production company NHNZ for a six hour
documentary series examining the history and service of the Chinook helicopter in
conjunction with the Chinook's 50th anniversary. As part of the series NHNZ would like
to profile a U.S. Army aviation company, ‘Sugar Bears North’, based in Fort Wainwright,
Alaska. Each episode would cover some of the wide range of missions the Sugar Bears
perform with the Chinook - from alpine rescue to medical missions to delivering
scientists into the far North, troop exercises, fire fighting and a special Christmas Santa
mission for Alaskan kids in remote villages. The series will also include some of the
Chinook's amazing missions from the past, production of the new "F" model and 50th
anniversary celebration at the Chinook factory in Philadelphia, and deployment of the F
model to Afghanistan by the US Army 10st Combat Aviation Brigade/6th Battalion in
Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Coordinating with US Army Alaska. ASSESSMENT:
Audience estimated at 4-5 million. Supports Maintaining Our Combat Edge. (b)
(6)
(FOUO) ‘DOG X’, ANIMAL PLANET (FOUO) (SAPA-CRD) OCPA-LA contacted by
Animal Planet producers for a documentary on Military Working Dogs (MWD).
Producer’s interest driven principally by recent raid on Osama Bin Laden’s compound.
‘DOG X’ is one-hour special exploring the history and realities of MWDs. The Pakistan
raid mission will be used ‘as an entry point to show just how essential man’s best friend
is to our military goals and the safety of our nation’. Will be told through intense
recreations, 3-D graphic models, news clips, expert interviews, unclassified training
footage and special recreations showcasing POV footage from K-9 mounted cameras to
show a ‘dog’s perspective during the raid on Osama Bin Laden’. OCPA-LA is
evaluating the request’s topical nature versus the public education benefits.
ASSESSMENT: Audience estimated at 1-2 million. Supports Maintaining Our Combat
Edge. (b) (6)
(FOUO) “Aerial America” (FOUO) (SAPA-CRD) Update: WSMR will NOT allow over
flight of the restricted airspace. “Aerial America” for the Smithsonian Channel is the
largest aerial high definition project ever undertaken in the United States and uses the
same helicopter-mounted camera system used on BBC's Planet Earth. The
Smithsonian series captures the history, beauty and most amazing natural wonders of
each US state. It's a tremendous record of the richness and variety of America. In this
episode, the audience will be visiting White Sands National Monument located at White
Sands Missile Range (WSMR). This will be an opportunity to discuss the history of
WSMR as well as present day operations at the installation. ASSESSMENT: This type
of Smithsonian program would draw approximately 1 million viewers. Potentially
supports the Army Themes, Seeking Efficiencies and Affordability, Maintaining our
Combat Edge and Modernizing the Force. Mr (b) (6)(b) (6)
OCPA-LA, ‘Telling the Army story millions of viewers per showing.’
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(FOUO) Louisiana Maneuvers Documentary Project (FOUO) (SAPA-CRD )
LOUISIANA MANEUVERS, LLC is seeking assistance of the knowledgeable members
of the Ft. Polk community regarding access to resources under their stewardship that
may provide relevant information and material for the Louisiana Maneuvers
Documentary project. These resources would include but not be limited to items such as
photographs, drawings, maps, film footage, artifacts, memorabilia, contact information
for witnesses and participants, referrals to other researchers and curators as well as
guidance in the location of historically significant sites that are militarily, politically and
socially relevant to the event and perhaps of some archeological interest.
ASSESSMENT: Distribution TBD. Supports Maintaining our Combat Edge Mr (b)
(b) (6)
(6)
(FOUO) ‘9-11, 10th Anniversary’, ZDF (FOUO) OCPA-LA contacted by ZDF German
Television which is working on a two-part documentary regarding the tenth anniversary
of 9/11. The intent is to explore the significance of that tragedy and how it has changed
the political, economic and geostrategic landscape of the world. Towards examining a
few of the repercussions of 9-11, ZDF requested to travel to Afghanistan and access to
some of the coalition military personnel and operations there. The documentary will air
6-7 SEP. Coordinated with ISAF for access; ISAF has agreed to support. PAA
complete. ASSESSMENT: ZDF is public TV in Germany and Europe's largest
television network. Supports Building Resiliency and Maintaining Our Combat Edge.
(b) (6)
(FOUO) ‘THE MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI’, ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL (FOUO) (SAPACRD) OCPA-LA contacted for support of a three-part travel series called, ‘The Mighty
Mississippi’, by a British production company. Producer’s interest is in visiting Rock
Island Arsenal to see the work done there and explore its location on the Mississippi. In
this series, Sir Trevor McDonald, billed as ‘Britain’s most celebrated broadcaster and
presenter’, will travel the Mississippi River to discover an extraordinary part of America.
The documentary will explore the tradition, economy and history of the river.
Coordinating with Rock Island Arsenal. ASSESSMENT: Sir McDonald’s previous two
travel series, ‘The Secret Caribbean’ and ‘The Secret Mediterranean’ averaged over 4
million viewers in the U.S. and U.K. Supports Building Resiliency and Maintaining our
Combat Edge. (b) (6)
(FOUO) TLC'S “A CONCEPTION STORY” (FOUO) (SAPA-CRD) A Conception
Story, is a nine-month series that documents couples as they try to have a baby. The
series in its entirety runs on tlc.com/conception. TLC has cast SSG (b) (6)
a Drill
Sergeant at Fort Benning, and his wife (b) (6) for Season 2. This couple has struggled
for years to conceive and would like to share their story. The series, which is sponsored
by First Response, includes an introduction video of the couple and monthly Flip
camera video entries that update viewers on their journey. At the conclusion of the
series, TLC will bring all the cast together to give a final update on their road to
OCPA-LA, ‘Telling the Army story millions of viewers per showing.’
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conception. The only production we need to do at Fort Benning would be an introduction
video with the couple, since they live on post. ASSESSMENT: Supports Building
Resiliency. (b) (6)
(FOUO) SOLDIERS OF PEACE: A GLOBAL DOCUMENTARY ABOUT THE POWER
OF PEACE (FOUO) (SAPA-CRD) A documentary story about growing up on opposite
corners of the globe; Ishmael Beah and Deshaun “Jiwe” Morris discover how much they
have in common and how much they have to offer. Rooted in similar life experience
and struggle, the documentary explores their friendship. The documentary’s executive
producers are Forest Whitaker, Mark Benjamin and Marc Levin. Benjamin has worked
with the Pentagon in the past, including directing USASFC’s 'WHY WE FIGHT NOW'
video. Filming will take place at West Point with a two-person the crew. ASSESSMENT:
Supports Building Resiliency, Restoring Balance and Maintaining our Combat Edge.
(b) (6)
(FOUO) 3-D DOCUMENTARY, ‘BLACKHORSE’ (FOUO) (SAPA-CRD) Update:
11th ACR and NTC have agreed to participate. OCPA-LA met with documentary
producer for Flight 33 Entertainment, which is currently scheduled to film a documentary
on training at NTC. We discussed with the producer other possible Army stories.
Filmmaker liked the idea of an additional hour-long NTC documentary that would profile
Fort Irwin’s resident unit, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, ‘The Blackhorse’.
Documentary would be shot in 3-D format for airing on Discovery’s new 3-D television
channel. Coordinating with NTC for support. ASSESSMENT: Supports Maintaining
our Combat Edge. (b) (6)
(FOUO) ‘DUST-OFF’ DOCUMENTARY (FOUO) (SAPA-CRD) OCPA-LA contacted
by filmmaker interested in producing a feature-length documentary film chronicling the
history and legacy of U.S. Army DUSTOFF/Medevac helicopter air crews from Vietnam
thru current U.S. campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. Tentatively titled, "To Save a Life",
the documentary will capture the skill and dedication of the Army Aviation and medical
care. Filmmaker, Arrowhead Films, is requesting to embed with MAJ (b) (6)
C
Co., 1-214th Avn. Regiment, currently deployed to Afghanistan as Commander of a
Medevac aviation company. MAJ (b)
is the son of one of the Army‟s original
(6) of just a handful of Father-Son DUSTOFF families.
DUSTOFF pilots in Vietnam and one
Arrowhead Films has previously worked with the Army on two successful documentary
films for the Discovery Channel. “In The Shadow of The Blade” was a two hour film that
chronicled the flight of a restored UH-1 Huey across the United States, and, “An Ocean
Away”, which told the story of the repatriation of Lt. (b) (6)
. ASSESSMENT:
Supports Maintaining Our Combat Edge. (b) (6)
(FOUO) “THERAPISTS BEHIND THE FRONT LINES ” (FOUO) (SAPA-CRD) Dr.
Jan Haaken, clinical psychologist, professor of psychology, and documentary filmmaker,
is currently producing a feature-length documentary on the psychological demands of
soldiering from the point of view of mental health professionals in the U.S. military and
Veterans Administration. The goal is to produce a documentary for television with a
OCPA-LA, ‘Telling the Army story millions of viewers per showing.’
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release date of Veterans Day, 2011. While public awareness grows of post-traumatic
stress disorder and alarming suicide rates among veterans, less well known are the
daily challenges faced by mental health professionals who manage the psychic toll of
warfare. A key aim of the documentary is to tell the story of mental health and
soldiering from the perspectives of caregivers. UPDATE: OTSG has approved support
for the documentary film; production assistance agreement is completed.
ASSESSMENT: Distribution TBD. Supports building resiliency. (b) (6)
(FOUO) “BATTLE LAB” (FOUO) (SAPA-CRD) OCPA-LA contacted by producers for
a series that examines the creation of 21st century fighting forces. Each episode
follows the military’s latest and greatest prototypes from the early designs to the heat of
battle, and meets the engineers who are creating them and the soldiers who need them
to stay alive. The series will give insight to DoD’s more than sixty facilities known as
“battle labs” where tomorrow’s technology is being created and tested. Each episode
will be organized around a theme –such as “night fighting,” “battling mother nature” and
“space wars”. Coordinating with OSD(PA) and services. ASSESSMENT: Estimated
viewership of 6-8 million viewers nationally per week. Supports Maintaining our Combat
Edge. (b) (6)
(FOUO) “FUERZAS COMANDO 2011”, SOUTHCOM (FOUO) (SAPA-CRD) Spanish
language station, Univision, interested in producing documentary on one of
SOCSOUTH's most successful partnership and military capacity-building exercises, the
annual, “Fuerszas Comando”, and held this year in El Salvador, 15-23 JUN. Coverage
will include the annual SOF competition and multi-national Airborne operation. The
exercise showcases partnership between U.S., Latin America and Caribbean militaries.
The production will involve USSOCOM, SOCSOUTH, 7th SFG, and Department of
State. SOCSOUTH PAO will coordinate access and support for Univision.
ASSESSMENT: Univision’s will give the exercise visibility throughout Mexico, the
Caribbean, Central and South America. The documentary may also be shown on U.S.
English speaking networks such as Discovery or National Geographic Channels.
Supports Maintaining our Combat Edge. (b) (6)
(FOUO) 12TH COMBAT AVIATION BRIGADE (CH-47) DOCUMENTARY (FOUO)
(SAPA-CRD) KÖNIG MEDIA PRODUKTION E.K is documenting the arrival of the CH47F Chinook in Germany. This documentary film will follow the journey of 12 CH-47F
aircraft flying from the Boeing Manufacturing Facility in Ridley Park, PA to Baltimore,
MD for the load out to Germany. In Germany the aircraft will be loaded onto barges and
ferried on the Rhine River to Mannheim, GE. From there they will be reassembled in
Coleman Barracks and flown to Katterbach, GE the home of the 12th Combat Aviation
Brigade (CAB). ASSESSMENT: This documentary will air on Germany television.
Supports Maintaining Our Combat Edge. (b) (6)
(FOUO) ‘FOLLOW THE HONEY’, DOCUMENTARY ON 2-45TH ADT (FOUO) (SAPACRD) OCPA-LA was approached to support a documentary profiling the humanitarian
work of the 2-45th Agricultural Development Team (ADT) of the Oklahoma National
Guard on deployment in Afghanistan. Filmmakers Karen Koch and Alexander Paul
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developed a relationship with the 2-45th ADT and began filming the unit in March, 2010.
At that time the unit had come to New Mexico to study Permaculture in preparation for
their field work in Afghanistan. The 2-45th is now in the midst of a successful
deployment and conducting agricultural missions in areas such as Gardez, Paktiya
province. The documentary filmmaker will embed with the Soldiers in Afghanistan. The
Soldiers possess a range of unique civil-military skills for Coalition success in
Afghanistan. They often visit farms and work with Afghan villagers to advance the
production of agriculture, irrigation and livestock, as well as guide the building of farm
structures. The 2-45th ADT commander, U.S. Army Col. (b) (6)
has
expressed a strong interest in supporting this documentary profiling his Soldiers and
their mission. The documentary will serve to educate and inform the American people
about the ongoing humanitarian efforts by U.S. forces in Afghanistan. ASSESSMENT:
Independent documentary likely limited to PBS or film festival circuit. While the scope
of influence limited, the subject is beneficial to showcasing Army’s multiple skills and
roles. Audience size: UNK. Supports Maintaining Our Combat Edge. (b)
(6)
(FOUO) ‘ARMY'S DRILL SERGEANT OF THE YEAR COMPETITION’ (FOUO)
(SAPA-CRD) OCPA-LA was approached to support a documentary on the Army's Drill
Sergeant of the Year Competition, which takes place at a different Army base every
year, and involves bringing the top Drill Sergeants from five different regions of the
country for a six day competition to determine the Best of the Best. The competition
involves Drill Sergeants being judged on physical fitness, weapons systems, land
navigation, obstacle courses, and hand-to-hand combat, among many events.
Newman and his team previously covered the 2010 Drill Sergeants of the Year, Sgt.
and Sgt . (b) (6)
for Fox News Channel and which proved very
(b) (6)
inspirational piece and well received by audiences nationally. Newman is aiming this
project at the History or Military Channels. OCPA-LA coordinating. ASSESSMENT:
While distribution not locked, programming still promising for recruitment benefits.
Viewership likely ideal demographic of Male 18-36 y.o. Audience size, UNK. Supports
Maintaining Our Combat Edge. (b) (6)
Video Games/Music Video/MISC
(FOUO) MUSIC VIDEO, BILLY RAY CYRUS (FOUO) (SAPA-CRD) OCPA-LA
contacted by Disney Music to review images for the album packaging on the new Billy
Ray Cyrus music CD, titled, “I’m American”. The booklet designed to accompany CD
contains images of Billy Ray Cyrus with uniformed members of the 101st ABN DIV and
their families. The images were shot at Billy Ray Cyrus’s Ranch in Nashville, TN on
Labor Day for his upcoming. The album is scheduled to be released this summer.
Assessing images. No issues with lyrics; uniformly patriotic. ASSESSMENT: Supports
Building Resiliency and Restoring Balance. (b) (6)
(FOUO) MUSIC VIDEO (FOUO) (SAPA-CRD) OCPA-LA contacted by producer of
new Country-genre music video, titled, ‘Soldier’, requesting support for various video
footage; formations, ‘soldiers crying and hugging each other’, Soldiers saluting the flag,
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as well as historical footage from War I & II, Vietnam, and Iraq. Have reviewed lyrics;
no issues. Coordinating with DVIDS. ASSESSMENT: Supports Building Resiliency.
Mr (b) (6)(b) (6)
(FOUO) HISTORICAL TRUTH 101: ARMY WOMEN'S MUSEUM PROJECT (FOUO)
(SAPA-CRD) (b) (6)
was contacted by the Combined Arms Support Command
Sustainment Center of Excellence regarding interviews with senior leaders. (b) (6)
is working PAA for the production company Blue Water Publishing,
www.Authoring101.com, interested in filming at Fort Lee, VA. ASSESSMENT: Fort Lee
wants to support. Supports Adapting our institutions. (b) (6)
Community Relations
(FOUO) Guys Choice Awards (FOUO) (SAPA-CRD) The Spike TV Guys' Choice
Awards is an awards show, patterned after the MTV Movie Awards. The award given is
a golden pair of antlers on a wooden pedestal which is to symbolize the stag which is
often associated with masculinity. Spike TV has invited 12 members of each Service to
attend this annual event. Soldiers from the US Army Recruiting Battalion, Los Angeles
will attend the event. ASSESSMENT: This Spike TV awards show draws an audience
of 1.5 million viewers. It is an opportunity for celebrities to meet Soldiers, sometimes for
the celebrities first time. Supports Building Resiliency. Mr (b) (6)(b) (6)
(FOUO) Army Birthday Ball – “Army Wives theme” (FOUO) (SAPA-CRD) (b) (6)
is coordinating with the Greater Los Angeles AUSA leadership to potentially
theme this year’s birthday ball around the cast and crew of the hit television series
“Army Wives.” The special project officers for GLAC of AUSA and the production
company are meeting next week to discuss details and possible way ahead. LTG
Richard Formica, Commanding General, US Army Space and Missile Defense
Command will be the senior Army Office in attendance. ASSESSMENT: Would be an
excellent opportunity to combine the Army community with the entertainment
community, especially a program so committed to telling the Army story. Supports Care
of Troops and Families. (b) (6)
Administrative
FACEBOOK: U.S. Army Entertainment Office (as of 23 MAY 11)
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