COMMENTS


ORIGINAL INTENT DVD














RE:  2246-UDF- ORIGINAL INTENT - How Negative Influences are Destroying the
U.S. Republic
http://www.OriginalIntent.us


Dear James,
On behalf of our Programming staff, I would like to thank you for submitting your
film to the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.  Unfortunately, we are not able to include
it in our program this year.  We received a record 9,800 submissions this year, and
many tough decisions had to be made in order to narrow the field down to under 200
films.  Please know that your work was carefully considered by our team, and we
viewed far more worthy films than we had room for in the program.  I sincerely
hope that this decision does not discourage you in any way.  We wish you the best
of luck with your film, and we look forward to having the opportunity to view your
work in the future.

Sincerely,


John Cooper
Director, Sundance Film Festival




Fuck 'em. There's always Slamdance...
Dear James, I sincerely hope that this decision does not discourage you in any way.
I tried to order the Original Intent DVD but could not activate the Pay Pal ordering windows to purchase it. Please advise!
I have always thought Sundance should be regulated under the federal gaming laws as a form of gambling; I mean, if the odds are 9,800:1, aren't you better off buying lotto tickets, or shooting craps or playing black jack. And I do not believe for one second that they viewed 9,800 films to decide which ones are the best 200. All these festivals that charge admission fees with no guarantee of a film showing are scams, where you roll the dice, the loosers pay for the winners genuine artificial plastic trophy, and Redford stuffs his pockets with sucker money. I think if more filmmakers understood how this game really works, a lot less people would waste their time with it. Jack
I wonder which got chosen? Only .02% got chosen?! Anne
Hi James, Sorry to hear that they wont take it. Glad to see a pre-Chirstmas release. I would like to buy many copies.??? do you have it set up to order it yet
Having worked on staff at film festivals over the years I can assure you we did NOT watch all the films that were sent in. We of course assured the filmmakers that their films would be screened no matter what, but this was only for PR reasons we had to say this. In defense of our selves, I have to say that 98% of the films submitted to us were pure junk. In your case Sundance probably didn't even bother to watch the whole thing as it was over 3 hours long. Also some of selection staff may have been so inept they may have turned the film off after the first 30 seconds thinking that the intended static in the beinning of Original Intent meant the DVD was faulty. Lastly, there will be those who in the Jewish community that will be turned off by Pat Buchanan no natter what the message. I'm sorry to have to say, but yes some Jews are bigots too. Good luck. You have an important film and it's a shame certain elements are trying to keep such information out of the public domain. Mark
Hello James Thank you for your great work. I purchased your movie....I think it is time to start a film festival based on only political science and free market views Excellent material and looking forward to viewing the whole film. I am currently reading Liberal Fascism, so perfect timing for some additional food for thought. thank you Diana
Yea what do you expect from redford. I just ordered 100 copies. Also would you allow a screening in our area. I would pay for the theater. And have your copies available to buy any money from the sale I would buy more dvd's I dont want to make any money off the event period. Jeff
James, Too bad. Thanks for the update. This is a setback, but no permanent obstacle to the enormous amount of good that the film can work. David
Ok that's great I am buying the DVD. Having said that you sound too bitter. Don't worry, the DVD will take time and people will see it. Thanks for your true patriotism. The world is depending on people like you, stand firm and move ahead. Randall
I have to admit, I'm not the least bit surprised. And had they accepted it I would have been a bit suspicious. In my screenplay that I am writing now, I solve this problem when my freedom fighters hack the EBS and broadcast the facts ...
Sorry to hear the bad news bro............ I really like OI, and am going to use it for class purposes when we start in January. I didn't realize they got that many entries. And to pick only 200 is kinda goofy if you ask me. Also, on a side note, I liked the NFL, NBA email. I passed it on to everybody I know. Again bro, that's a shame. I was thinking you might want to try advertising over at "End The Fed". Here's a link to their site: http://endthefedusa.ning.com/ And Aaron Russo's Restore the Republic http://restoretherepublic.com/top-stories/meet-the-federal-reserve But also approach the JBS folks in Appleton Wisconson http://www.jbs.org/#SlideFrame_1 I'm sure you could interest them in Original Intent, and Fiat Empire. The JBS has been getting more and more vocal about the Fed. so I think there may be market there for you. It's worth a try bro, it's worth a try. Oh, you may wish to try to work something out with these folks here: http://www.constitutionparty.com/ Just ideas my brother, just ideas.
Wow, what a ridiculous joke. Michael Moore's films promoting increased government power reach such success, while your vastly superior work teaching freedom would be censored from even being seen. ..But that is the state of things, is it not? We live in a world where the powers that be are not on our side. We are not so unlike the U.S. founders were while working against their English rulers. We have something of an oppressive state imposed onto us as well and like them we need those among us who are intelligent and strong enough to fight for what's right even though we face both powerful individuals and the herd that follows. The movement being in the minority, either in terms of numbers or else apparent power, does not mean that it lacks the ability to influence, endure, and prevail. So for what it's worth I offer my encouragement to keep up the good fight and not let the obstacles along the way stop you or discourage you too much. A major part of why we even experience this life I think is to test ourselves to see how well we deal with and overcome limitations, because that is the method by which any real meaningful change seems to ever occur; whether external accomplishments or internal development. ....But enough lecturing, I'm just trying to offer my thoughts and hopefully help you along your way. Thanks for all the good work and keep it up. -Keith-
Hi James, Robert Redford? You have got to be kidding! He is one of the most liberal mouthpieces out there. I would have been very, very surprised if they had accepted it. He has got to be one of Obama’s biggest endorsers. Your film is, I am sure, way too good for the likes of them anyway! Leslie
I think a little quote from Thomas Paine may help: "These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed, if so celestial an article as Freedom should not be highly rated." I think these words have a good reference right now. What we obtain too cheaply, we esteem too lightly. My God how great these men were in their day. Still pullin' for ya' bro!
Dear James,Congratulations on completion. I intend to buy at least one DVD. What is your opinion on GM foods? Michael
To: John Cooper Director, Sundance Film Festival John, I am surprised that your Festival would reject a patriotic film like ORIGINAL INTENT that's calling for this nation to get back to Constitutional principles and features five major opinion leaders, such as RON PAUL and PAT BUCHANAN. This reflects very poorly on not only the Sundance Institute, but Robert Redford himself, a man supposedly known for his independent thinking and a desire to foster new voices in American film. Would you please reconsider? Having ORIGINAL INTENT accepted by Sundance would do much to get the important, non-partisan views expressed in the documentary out and into the mainstream where change is desperately needed. Thanks, James Jaeger, Producer/Director (212) 933-9375
I'm glad that you requested reconsideration. Your film expresses exactly what is needed for America - a moderate and exact portrayal of what's gotten us off course as a United nation. I hope that they will see the light and accept the film. Ann
Howdy James! That would be great if they would reconsider your film! It's worth them at least doing that much for you. And why they rejected is beyond me, as I just watched it again after the last exchange we had earlier. I mean there's some really good info in this one. But if they don't, I hope you can at least get some responses from the links I sent, and I'll try to dig up some more for you to approach, or if you would like, I can approach and maybe help to get the ball rolling for you, and let you take over once I get a foot in the door. Let me know how it pans out for you! Keepin' my fingers crossed and rubbin' the rabbit's foot! Conrad
I am a Bircher, card carryin' at that and I will try to get with a reviewer at the main office and or the person in charge of media distribution, and try to get them interested in both DVDs for you. We do have a huge membership across the country. So the more exposure we can get you, the better. C
James - Put up an ad on The Daily Paul. Probably pretty inexpensive. Big numbers of die-hards. Bill Philly, PA
Robert Redford is a socialist - he really doesn't make it bones about it. But of course not enough of a socialist to give away HIS money! Johnny, Esq.
Over at JBS.org, they have a forum, and the forum has a Product Suggestions index. So for starters, I have posted a recommendation for Empire, and Intent, and the links to the new web pages for them. Which by the way are absolutely georgeous. I also left a note that if they are interested, to get in touch with me, and I would put them in direct contact with you. So at least there is a place to start, which most don't even have this kind of section. Oh yes, I have no issue with you posting my comments or quotes. Hopefully there is enough wisdom and intelligence that others may benefit from my humble words. Have a good day James! Conrad
James, Your studio is perfect, clean and professional. The ambiance is better than some of the studios in Hollywood where I live. Your social skills and honesty surpasses most. You have impeccable taste! Your skills and work reflect how truly superior you and your crew are! So why didn't Sundance accept? My guess is that they may not be intelligent to appreciate such an excellent work such as yours and their staff is incompetent or maybe doing favors to others not so deserving as you. Best, Adrian
I was grooving with this COLLAPSE trailer (such at http://www.collapsemovie.com/COLLAPSEMOVIE ) until I saw that it was "... from the director of YES MEN." I screened YES MEN (which is about the WTO) last night for the second time. This doc was put out by MGM and is the standard one-sided horseshit from Hollywood-approved movies. Such a movie would be accepted by Sundance without question. All Hollywood-approved movies, such as this one and the semi-crap Moore puts out MUST place criticism on the RIGHT (corporatocracy, banks, Wall Street, Bush, Christians, traditional values, resource depletion, debt, Fed, ad nasium) and totally IGNORE the crimes of the LEFT, specifically the indoctrination of the FrankFurt School that is proceeding with its "march through the cultural institutions," as proscribed by Marcuse in his book, THE PRISON NOTEBOOKS. Since you haven't seen ORIGINAL INTENT, and no mainstream media will ever give it platform by their release, it is inevitable that you -- and millions of other victims -- have no idea what I'm talking about. My heavy criticism of the LEFT and its use of cultural Marxist technologies, such as "critical theory," "cultural pessimism" and "androgyny" are almost totally UNKNOWN in MPAA-infested Hollywood and the consolidated corporate media that is under the domination of "traditional management" and the cultural Marxists that infest the studios, TV networks, major New York media, newspapers, literature, theater, public schools, universities and even parts of the clergy. Of course all the things that COLLAPSE is saying are TRUE, as we exhaustively say in ORIGINAL INTENT, but the crimes of the RIGHT are only half of the picture. Hollywood only points out the crimes of the RIGHT. THUS, THE PROBLEM IS SOCIETY WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO SOLVE ITS PROBLEMS BY TRYING TO BLAME IT ALL ON ONE SIDE OF THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM OR THE OTHER WITHOUT REALIZING THAT BOTH SIDES ARE TAKING US DOWN THE ROAD TO TOTALITARIANISM. THIS is the true conspiracy that the puppet masters above the Dems and GOP are using, and Hollywood Dems have fallen for it just as corporate GOPs have fallen for it. So COLLAPSE is just another part of the general Hollywood spew to continue the Left-Right cockfight, while both the left and the right, the Dems and GOP, the liberals and conservatives permit the endless expansion of government and the totalitarian state under their "watch." WE THE PEOPLE need to wake up and smell the Constitution, James Jaeger http://www.OriginalIntent.us
As a fellow filmmaker who has had her share of festival rejections, including Sundance, I am appalled at the unprofessional manner in which these emails and comments are sent to people in the industry. It's embarrassing. Sundance is an extremely difficult festival to get into. With so many submissions, a filmmaker needs to have a champion for their film. From what I've read in the comments and replies, I am sure it will be difficult for this film to make it into any festivals. I've watched the progress of this film with interest, but after reading everything these past two days, I have no desire whatsoever to see the film. Like movie legend Samuel Goldwyn once said, "If you want to send a message, call Western Union." Please remove me from the email list. Hollywood Film Company
>As a fellow filmmaker who has had her share of festival rejections, including Sundance, I am appalled at the unprofessional manner in which these emails and comments are sent to people in the industry. It's embarrassing. You have obviously not been paying attention at the dialogs going on at http://www.OriginalIntent.us and/or are a typical apologist for the movie industry, Ms. Hollywood Film Company. >Sundance is an extremely difficult festival to get into. This is the standard rhetoric I have been hearing from desperate wanna-bes since 1998 when we started the Film Industry Reform Movement. http://www.homevideo.net/FIRM >With so many submissions, a filmmaker needs to have a champion for their film. Again, you are not paying attention. You are too star-struck by Hollywood. The "so many submissions" scheme is used standard by film festivals in order to "justify" their rejection of any film that does not conform to the biases of the Hollywood control group, such enumerated at http://www.homevideo.net/FIRM/control.htm Also, two people that have worked on staff at film festivals inform us that this "so many submissions" ruse is what these festivals use to attract thousands of submissions, each paying the Festival $75 to $100. Rarely do the Programming staffs actually WATCH the films, at least no more than the first 10 minutes, according to one former festival staffer. Yes the truth hurts tiny ears. The Festival thing is a racket. Unless films can serve a political agenda of the Left. And you say "a filmmaker needs to have a champion for their film." We DO have a champion for ORIGINAL INTENT. Both Ron Paul and Pat Buchanan are in the film extensively. These are MAJOR super stars in the field addressed by the film. HOW CAN SUNDANCE THUS REJECT A DOCUMENTARY WITH RON PAUL AND PAT BUCHANAN IN IT? That's crazy! The ONLY conceivable answer to this is: they REJECT THE POLITICAL VIEWS ESPOUSED NY PAUL AND BUCHANAN, and in doing so, this action flies in the face of the Sundance stated mission, such mission you can see c/o http://www.mecfilms.com/update.htm You are quite naive, and thus have no business making films. But on the other hand, you will probably make another useful-idiot for the Left's propaganda machine. >From what I've read in the comments and replies, I am sure it will be difficult for this film to make it into any festivals. You actually think we ultimately CARE whether ORIGINAL INTENT gets into any mainstream film festivals. We know what we're dealing with. Our last film, FIAT EMPIRE with Ron Paul, was downloaded by about 5 million people on the Internet over the course of 4 years, and as it was being downloaded we called and submitted it to almost all of the major distributors in the US. ALL of them rejected it, even AS Ron Paul was running for President of the United States! Huh!!! Since Sundance is a feeder for these same distributors, what makes you think any of them will give platform to a film that exposes their political biases? It's a disgrace and you are a disgrace for attempting to reprimand us for our email posts and communications on this matter. The mere fact that the mainstream distributors (and now a mainstream festival) rejects our films when, millions of people have watched them PROVES that putting out movies, especially documentaries, that have audience appeal and make money is NOT something that the Hollywood Insiders care about. Their agenda is strictly to cull the filmmaker market for stooges and films that promote their left-wing, liberal, anti-Christian, anti-traditional values spew. Apparently you're one of those filmmakers. >I've watched the progress of this film with interest, but after reading everything these past two days, I have no desire whatsoever to see the film. Oh please. So what kind of a patriot do you call yourself? One that can't watch a film because it causes a little controversy, or rubs across the grain of your apologist attitude towards the scum in Hollywood? Again, you have no business making films because your passion is only email-thin. >Like movie legend Samuel Goldwyn once said, "If you want to send a message, call Western Union." Hey, tell Michael Moore, and all the other Hollywood apologist-filmmakers that the MPAA studio/distributors use to promote their MESSAGES to use Western Union instead of the PUBLIC airwaves. >Please remove me from the email list. No, you are staying on the list as part of your amends project until you recant your idiocy, Ms. Hollywood Film Company. James Jaeger
Well said! Peter B
Here is Cody, but how did he get in our email is my question? Another person as well, Pat Morrison from LA Times??
JAEGER WROTE: Any time I respond to anyone the computers automatically put the email on the list. The theory is we like to involve Americans in the discussion even if they are kicking and screaming (these need it most) and we can and do take people off the lists when they complain (I was just kidding to the Holywood Film Co girl when I told her she would have to stay on the list to do amends... she is off the list now but we charge a reinstatement fee of $500 to get back on the list).
Dear James, I am an independent filmmaker in Dallas, Texas, not Hollywood. I have been a judge for many film festivals and I've watched every film or read every script given to me for competition. By champion for your film, I mean someone that is involved in the film industry, not politics. I recant my idiocy. Please remove me from your email list. How did I get on it in the first place? Hollywood Film Company
>Dear James, >I am an independent filmmaker in Dallas, Texas, not Hollywood. Well you should be proud of living in the state where RON PAUL is from and you should champion anything he does. Anyone who tries in any way to slow his progress down, including the Sundance Film Festival, is counter-productive to the nation. >I have been a judge for many film festivals and I've watched every film or read every script given to me for competition. Well maybe that's you, but I have friends and associates that have also worked at many film festivals and they inform me differently. >By champion for your film, I mean someone that is involved in the film industry, not politics. I have been involved in filmmaking since 1968; in the Hollywood film industry since 1977, and in business as a producer since 1981. My mentor and one of the founders of our company was Lee Garmes, sho shot over 100 classics including GONE WITH THE WIND. One of the other founders managed Errol Flynn for 10 years and I worted with him on many projects for CBS and Columbia Pictures TV. See my bio and resume at http://www.mecfilms.com/jrjbio.htm >I recant my idiocy. Accepted. >Please remove me from your email list. Done. If you want to be put back on the list you will have to pay a reinstatement fee of $500. >How did I get on it in the first place? I have no idea. James Jaeger
Hey John, you're buddies with Robert Redford, at least he would take your call. Would you mind calling him and letting him know he has a bunch of guys on his Programming staff that aren't following the Sundance Mission Statement. (See below) The Mission Statement and History have the word INDEPENDENT all over them yet, ORIGINAL INTENT, perhaps the most independent film ever produced, a film that's even INDEPENDENT of the Democratic and Republican parties, seems to have been accidentally over looked by Sundance. See letter of rejection from Festival Director, John Cooper at http://www.originalintent.us/rejected.htm A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE ANGRY ABOUT THIS. See sample of comments they have written in at http://www.originalintent.us/comments.htm How can this rejection be? I'm sure the Festival and Institute want to live up to their mission statements, but how can they live up to the Mission Statement if they have rogue staffers rejecting independent films like ORIGINAL INTENT, a film which features major independent thinkers -- such as RON PAUL, PAT BUCHANAN, G. EDWARD GRIFFIN, EDWIN VIEIRA and TED BAEHR -- discussing issues that are of VITAL NATIONAL SECURITY & INTEREST. I wrote the Festival Director, John Cooper, asking him to please reconsider (CC sent to you yesterday) but so far I haven't heard from him. What could be going through his and their minds? ORIGINAL INTENT takes a hard look at both the Left and the Right. You think this was a mistake -- criticizing the Left? Or do you think what some say about Redford is true? I believe in Bob, this is why I'm asking you, as a friend I have known since our Scientology days -- when we both escaped from the "dangerous cult" together -- to contact him and see what's up. ORIGINAL INTENT is an important film. It's a clarion call for citizens to get back to Constitutional principles. Only someone that disagrees with this Mission would ever overlook or suppress such an independent film. See http://www.OriginalIntent.us for clips of ORIGINAL INTENT or to get a DVD. Thanks, James P.S. You don't think the Sundance Institute is blackballing ORIGINAL INTENT because the ADL hates Pat Buchanan? Or because Ron Paul ran on the REPUBLICAN platform last election? Ron Paul is an INDEPENDENT at heart. He ran as a LIBERTARIAN last time. He only ran as a Republican this time because he would have received NO media exposure had he run as an independent again. You would think the Sundance Institute, with it's emphasis on independence and all, would be hip to this. Maybe you can wake them up. Maybe Bob is just out fishing or riding horses and can't be on post every minute cracking the whip. I understand. But you know, he DOES have an image to keep up. Look at how he handled ALL THE PRESIDENTS MEN. Well ORIGINAL INTENT is not only trying to handle all THE president's men ALL THE GOVERNMENT'S MEN. Where is Woodward and Bernstein when we REALLY need them? ------------- Mission Statement of Sundance Film Festival: Be a part of Sundance Institute’s mission to discover and foster independent artists. Join us as we advance the work of artists in film, theatre, and music and promote their voices in society. Ensure the longevity of original storytelling by joining the Sundance Family of supporters TODAY. Source: https://donate.sundance.org/page/contribute/2009 Mission of Sundance Insitute: Sundance Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to the discovery and development of independent artists and audiences. Through its programs, the Institute seeks to discover, support, and inspire independent film and theatre artists from the United States and around the world, and to introduce audiences to their new work. Source: http://www.sundance.org/press_subgen.html?articleID=1&colorCode=red History: In 1981, Robert Redford gathered a group of his friends and colleagues in the mountains of Utah to create an environment designed to foster independence, discovery, and new voices in American film. That spring, ten emerging filmmakers were invited to the first Sundance Institute Filmmakers/Directors Lab where they worked with leading writers and directors to develop their original independent film projects. In the remote natural setting and removed from the pressures of the marketplace, each emerging artist was encouraged to take creative risks and to craft a film true to their own, unique vision. In 1984, the Institute's activities expanded to include development programs for theatre when the Utah Playwrights Conference became the Sundance Playwrights Lab. Since those first Labs, the Institute has grown into an internationally recognized resource for thousands of independent film, theatre, and music artists. The Institute's programs include the annual Sundance Film Festival, held in and around Park City, Utah each January and widely regarded as the premier U.S. showcase for American and international independent film. Through year-round support and a series of Labs, the Feature Film Program supports emerging independent screenwriters and directors through the development of their feature film projects. The Documentary Film Program assists nonfiction filmmakers from around the world with a series of workshops in editing, storytelling, and scoring for documentary films as well as providing grants to nonfiction film projects through the Sundance Documentary Fund. Connecting filmmakers with musicians, the Film Music Program's Composers Lab allows accomplished musicians to explore composing for film. With a series of Labs and retreats that provide a creative environment for playwrights, directors, composers, and librettists, to develop new work with dramaturgs and full casts, the Theatre Program supports the development of independent theatre. The Independent Producers Conference brings together emerging independent producers with established industry professionals for an intensive four-day conference that explores the ever-changing independent production landscape. Other special initiatives of the Institute include the Native American Initiative which facilitates the participation of Native and Indigenous artists in the Institute's artistic development programs and the Sundance Film Festival. The Institute also maintains the Sundance Collection at UCLA to conserve and archive the history of independent film. Source: http://www.sundance.org/press_subgen.html?articleID=1&colorCode=red
Maybe the problem with the movie is it might of simply sucked? Or maybe it wasn’t a movie at all but a piece of right wing funded piece of crap? I think both... Thomas
>Maybe the problem with the movie is it might of simply sucked? Or maybe it wasn’t a movie at all but a piece of right wing funded piece of crap? I think both... Or maybe it was neither Thomas. When a movie takes to task the "corporate fascists" that hijacked Congress and calls for an end of the multinational's globalization and puts up pictures of Bush as a religious fanatic along with Osama bin Laden, is that really a right wing piece of crap? Why don't you actually buy the movie and watch it. I would love to hear your take on it because you are exactly the person we are trying to speak to. The movie hits BOTH the left and the right. We are trying to reason with peole on both the Left and the Right. So if you're on the Left, that's okay, so am I on a lot of issues. But if you think the Left can't improve, then I can't help you. Same goes for the Right. Hey, aren't we all Americans. James
PLEASE SHUT THE FUCK UP AND STOP SENDING ME EMAILS. YOU'RE EMBARRASSING YOURSELF. Winzton
From: Jaeger Research Institute [mailto:contact@mecfilms.com] Sent: Thursday, December 03, 2009 7:59 PM To: programming@sundance.org (External Utility Mailbox) Subject: Re: 2010 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL NOTIFICATION Hey Cooper, did any of you assholes at SUNDANCE even WATCH ORIGINAL INTENT before you REJECTED IT? Ron Paul and Pat Buchanan are in this film. You think THEY have nothing to say?! http://www.OriginalIntent.
----- Original Message ----- From: Adam Montgomery To: 'Jaeger Research Institute' Sent: Friday, December 04, 2009 2:24 AM Subject: RE: 2010 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL NOTIFICATION Yes, we assholes did watch it. All 3+ hours of it. We take the submissions process very seriously, and every film submitted is viewed in the same fashion. Out of 1,700 docs submitted, the vast majority have something to say, and usually it’s something at least relatively important. Unfortunately, we only have room for 35 docs at our Festival, so decisions have to be made. In my opinion, Pat Buchanan and Ron Paul are great Americans, and of course we do not believe that they have “nothing to say”, nor do we believe that your film has nothing to say. I watched your film and for me personally it was educational and informative-- you are expressing a lot of ideas that I fully believe in myself on a personal level. However, if you want this film to find an audience, you might consider cutting it down a bit. Just a suggestion, as films of this nature generally run less than two hours, and I am of the opinion that you could stand to cut an hour or so. I have no desire or authority to tell you what to do with your own movie, but since you felt the need to accuse us of not even viewing it, I feel as if the least I can do is offer some constructive criticism since I did watch it-- it wasn’t a film that was simply dismissed. It was viewed by others and discussed. We assholes are nothing if not thorough, I assure you of that. Best, Adam Montgomery Manager, Programming Department Sundance Institute 8530 Wilshire Blvd., 3rd Floor Beverly Hills, CA 90211
----- Original Message ----- From: Adam Montgomery To: 'Jaeger Research Institute' Sent: Friday, December 04, 2009 2:24 AM Subject: RE: 2010 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL NOTIFICATION Adam, I appreciate you getting back to me; I'm just sorry I had to get nasty in order for that to happen and do hereby apologize sincerely for my language. See my civilized email to John Cooper, your Festival Director, such ignored.(Letter above) >Yes, we assholes did watch it. All 3+ hours of it. We take the submissions process very seriously, and every film submitted is viewed in the same fashion. Okay, but here's what one of my advisors says about the math:
"James - Consider the math. Figure a standard 50 minute film duration to make it easy. (9800 films x 50 minutes) = 490,000 minutes = 8167 hours = 340 days. There is no need to determine how many people Sundance uses to "screen" submitted films. They're not doing it because it is near impossible. Numbers don't lie but Sundance obviously does. This would be an interesting story for a journalist to pursue." - Bill
>Out of 1,700 docs submitted, the vast majority have something to say, and usually it’s something at least relatively important. Unfortunately, we only have room for 35 docs at our Festival, so decisions have to be made. I will be very interested to see what information these 35 docs have that is more important than what RON PAUL (former LIBERTARIAN presidential candidate), EDWIN VIEIRA (four degrees from Harvard and one of the nation's, some say THE, foremost Constitutional attorney) and PAT BUCHANAN (a foremost scholar on U.S. and international history and active mainstream political analyst) have to say. >In my opinion, Pat Buchanan and Ron Paul are great Americans, and of course we do not believe that they have “nothing to say”, Well that's good. Nothing IS pretty close to zero, no? >nor do we believe that your film has nothing to say. I watched your film and for me personally it was educational and informative-- you are expressing a lot of ideas that I fully believe in myself on a personal level. Meaning? YOU believe these ideals, great, but there are those on the selection committee that don't. See Adam, here's the exact rub. There have been many that warned me that Sundance is probably left-biased and some have stated to me point-blank that Robert Redford is a socialist. I choose not to believe that, as I have always felt he is a serious independent thinker, and this was one of the major reasons he established Sundance and the Festival. THIS is why I'm so disappointed and frankly surprised that ORIGINAL INTENT was rejected. See http://www.OriginalIntent.US I think whoever is on the selection committee should be ashamed of themselves, as they are not only embarrassing the Festival, but what good name Mr. Redford has with people like myself who are trying desperately to build bridges between the Left and the Right and invite Americans to take a second look at the founding document. I do not believe for one second that, if Mr. Redford saw ORIGINAL INTENT, he would be happy that it was passed on. If I am wrong, I guess I have seriously mis-read him. >However, if you want this film to find an audience, you might consider cutting it down a bit. Just a suggestion, as films of this nature generally run less than two hours, and I am of the opinion that you could stand to cut an hour or so. This is a good suggestion and in fact, right now a 120-minute theatrical version IS in post. Also, when we submitted ORIGINAL INTENT, I had two phone conversations with Landon in the LA office (310-360-1981) and he assured me that the 3+ hour running time was no factor at all. I let him know that we were probably going to cut a shorter version but if the Festival accepted the doc we would definitely do this as we wouldn't expect a festival audience to sit through 197 minutes.(2) >I have no desire or authority to tell you what to do with your own movie, but since you felt the need to accuse us of not even viewing it, I feel as if the least I can do is offer some constructive criticism since I did watch it-- And I do appreciate that Adam. >it wasn’t a film that was simply dismissed. It was viewed by others and discussed. Well I would love to know how many on the selection committee actually screened OI and WHAT these guys/gals political inclinations are. My experience is that most who are connected - directly or indirectly -- with the so-called Hollywood Establishment (MPAA studio/distributors, name talents (such as Redford) and/or ancillary organizations, such as Sundance, Cannes, Academy, ILM, Digital Domain, UCLA, USC, AFI, DGA, WGA, MPAA, mini-majors, agencies, etc. -- even if only by implication -- are serious apologists. And the reason they are serious apologists for the Hollywood film industry is because they are afraid of being blacklisted in the event they speak out or associate themselves with anything that's not politically correct from a Hollywood POV). Since ORIGINAL INTENT delivers some serious and justified criticism of the Hollywood-based U.S. motion picture industry AND provides strong evidence that much of its output has consistently been pushing the cultural Marxist agenda, we Matrixx Entertainment don't find it a huge leap of inference to consider the strong possibility that a deciding majority on your selection staff have some serious bias. On the other hand, you having watched the film should know that we went out of our ways to present a fair criticism of not only the Left, but the right. I mean, we put up Bush's face alongside Osama bin Laden's face and called them BOTH religious fanatics. At the same time ORIGINAL INTENT is acknowledging that the US was Populated by Christians and Biblical principles, both Old and New Testament, went into the Constitution. So, in no way is ORIGINAL INTENT either Left-oriented or Right-oriented, Liberal or conservative, Dem favoring or GOP favoring. This film is ONLY about the Constitution and revisiting the idea of SELF-government. Thus when naive and/or biased KIDS on your selection staff (and I ask, how many people over 40 DID you have on the selection staff), reject a film like ORIGINAL INTENT: those people -- and by mplication the Festival and Redford) -- are rejecting the FRAMERS and the U.S. CONSTITUTION. This pisses me off sincerely. >We assholes are nothing if not thorough, I assure you of that. But thorough doing WHAT, screening out patriotic films? Again, thanks for writing Adam. You are a stand-up guy for writing, but I would like to hear your response to the above and/or talk to you by phone. James Jaeger (212) 933-9375 >Best, >Adam Montgomery Manager, Programming Department Sundance Institute 8530 Wilshire Blvd., 3rd Floor Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Yeah I see my comment up there now. Good, hope somebody reads it and gets something from it. ..I also saw this comment on there: "PLEASE SHUT THE FUCK UP AND STOP SENDING ME EMAILS. YOU'RE EMBARRASSING YOURSELF.Winzton" I found it hilarious actually, so I hope it's crude humor isn't lost on you. I imagine probably not since I figure you must've put it on the page manually, but then maybe you just chose not to censor it regardless of how your feel. -Keith-
It's as if Redford is doing the complete opposite to what his purpose is, such being: "In 1981, Robert Redford gathered a group of his friends and colleagues in the mountains of Utah to create an environment designed to foster independence, discovery, and new voices in American film." Ann
It is interesting the establishment's mentality of calling anything that opposes their agenda as far "right wing."
Thms. - We don't know each other. I don't know Jaeger either. I wound up on his email list by accident when I used a borrowed list server. That's why I read his email stuff. I voted for Ron Paul in the last Presidential race's primary and yet Nader in the general. Other good options for me, had they all been on the general ballot, would have been Cynthia McKinney, Dennis Kucinich or Mike Gravel. There is a common thread that ties them to Ron Paul notwithstanding differing politics generally. Most Democrats and Republicans these days can't see it. It's why the anti-war movement died once Bush left office. The difference between the two main parties is mostly theater. They are a power cult that causes unimaginable death and destruction for mercantile purposes for elite masters. I have not seen Jaeger's film so I don't whether or not it sucks, but I imagine that I'll eventually watch it because its premise is valid. Cultural Marxism and corporate fascism are screwing not merely an entire nation, but an entire globe. It could be a wonderful place. It's time to stop thinking in terms of left and right. There's a paradigm shift going on. Bill
Dear James, The MSM and the film industry are not interested in restoring the American Republic, or promoting films that are interested. In addition, the "Amerikan" traitors and cowards in Congress will remain as long as patriots, and that includes highly influencial "personalities" like Pat Buchanan and Ron Paul, do not organize against the UNverifiable vote-counting system in their states and this country. CA
Please take me off your email list… thanks Cohen
Please remove me from this stupid email list.
Who bought Cooper off...Big PHarm, Big business, the Democratic party the Republican party How much did Cooper get to not show Original Intent Anna
Dear James, Keep up the great work! You are brave, bucking a system that knows it could very well be broken- as they say in Hollywood, you are only as good as your last film. From my view, I see that Hollywood has a thin veneer with no substance underneath, and the American public would watch this film, they are forever hungry to see something new and different. Your cover is superb of Lady Liberty, your chosen interviewees are powerhouses, you are a direct threat to Hollywood. Maybe those publicists that represent Buchanan and Ron Paul could take a look at Original Intent? Our best to you at this Christmas and upcoming New Year 2010. Connie
James: This is certainly too bad. I don't know too much about Sundance, but a docu with such relevance as OI certainly has a place in one of their categories. Ted/
Dear James, I regret that your film didn't make it into Sundance, as the story of the FRB needs to be spread widely. I have also gained an appreciation for Pat Buchanan that I didn't have before, wrt his retoric on returning to the Constitution. However, Buchanan also promotes a theory that the Framers of the Constitution created a Christian Religion Nation, which I believe is nonsense which he wants to believe because he believes in Jesus, while the Framers - having just fought a war - had their integrity sharpened by all that pain, and delivered the inspiration of "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion" which protects us from the 'my religion is best and I'm going to impose it on you' crowd, and is why a number of people came here to settle in the first place - to be free - and they were willing to give up their intolerance of other people's religion in exchange for Freedom. It doesn't mean that they weren't Christians, many or most of them, it means hey understood how important it is to separate it from Federal Law - punishing or favoring any given religion. This references an important flaw in Robertson's interpretation, and a reason why someone who is neither Jewish nor Christian might find his voice offensive. Regards, - Jim
>Dear James, >I regret that your film didn't make it into Sundance, as the story of the FRB needs to be spread widely. Thanks Jim; I appreciate the sentiments. > I have also gained an appreciation for Pat Buchanan that I didn't have before, wrt his retoric on returning to the Constitution. However, Buchanan also promotes a theory that the Framers of the Constitution created a Christian Religion Nation, which I believe is nonsense which he wants to believe because he believes in Jesus, I don't know what Buchanan believes in or not as fare as religion is concerned, but what I do know is he understands the Constitution and the philosophies behind it as well as the history of the time far better than most scholars. I have read most of his books and gone through his interview footage exhaustively and I will assure you NOWHERE does Buchanan give any indication that he believes the Framers set out to create a "Christian nation." What is true and what he does say is the nation was populated by Protestants who were looking for religious freedom and many of the principles in the Constitution were inspired by the Judeo-Christian scriptures. >while the Framers - having just fought a war - had their integrity sharpened by all that pain, and delivered the inspiration of "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion" which protects us from the 'my religion is best and I'm going to impose it on you' crowd, and is why a number of people came here to settle in the first place - to be free - and they were willing to give up their intolerance of other people's religion in exchange for Freedom. Yes, true. And ORIGINAL INTENT reflects this. ORIGINAL INTENT also makes the point that the doctrine of SEPARATION OF CHURCH & STATE is NOT in the Constitution. Secular progressives have attempted to use the letter from Jefferson to imply that the Constitution requires government to treat religion as a plague its practitioners lepers. In other words, the CHURCH must stay out of RELIGION while it's okay for the STATE to stick it's nose INTO RELIGION, in the form of such things as the tax-exempt tax laws. >It doesn't mean that they weren't Christians, many or most of them, it means they understood how important it is to separate it from Federal Law - punishing or favoring any given religion. Right but it's too bad the state doesn't stay out of religion and stop dictating what political affiliations or views people of religion can or cannot express without threats from the state of losing tax except status. Remember, the only thing that can NEUTRALIZE the totalitarian state is religion otherwise the secularists that claim all law comes from the state would soon run roughshod over natural law and/or inalienable rights, such rights the underpinnings of the Declaration of Independence. >This references an important flaw in Robertson's interpretation, and a reason why someone who is neither Jewish nor Christian might find his voice offensive. Robertson? James >Regards, >- Jim
The editors of The Daily Bell are pleased to present an exclusive interview with free-market film producer James Jaeger. Introduction: James Jaeger is a Telly Award-winning filmmaker (FIAT EMPIRE) with over 25 years experience writing, directing and editing feature motion pictures, documentaries, TV commercials and multiple-camera live events. In late 1981, Mr. Jaeger founded Matrixx Productions to continue goals set forth by Lee Garmes and Academy Artists, Inc. and the Independent Screen Producers Association (predecessor to the AFMA), of which Mr. Jaeger is a founding member. In 2007 Matrixx Productions partnered with Cornerstone Entertainment and produced FIAT EMPIRE featuring Rep. Ron Paul and Dr. Edwin Vieira. The documentary about the Federal Reserve System, garnered a Telly Award and became the top documentary on the Internet for six months. Matrixx Productions, now a division of Matrixx Entertainment Corporation, continues to develop documentaries and features. Currently in production is ORIGINAL INTENT (with Ron Paul and Pat Buchanan) and TESLA (based on the life story of Nikola Tesla). Daily Bell: You have emerged as one of the more important figures in the freedom movement from a media standpoint. Can you please give us some background on yourself and how your thinking and professional work has evolved? Interview at http://www.thedailybell.com/640/James-Jaeger-Original-Intent-Fiat-Empire.html
Okay Adam. I get what you're saying. You have restored a lot of my faith in Sundance. I guess it's just the way the cookie crumbles. If ORIGINAL INTENT has merit, the market will acknowledge it. As far as I'm concerned at this point, I don't give a rat's ass what happens. I'm onto my next film. Maybe I'm overly sensitive, but I have been getting all kinds of catch-22 from the studios and the three agencies the past year on our TESLA project. http://www.mecfilms.com/tesla Three studios liked the screenplay but won't set it up until I officially attach a director on a list they gave me. But the directors won't attach unless it's set up. Don't bother answering this as I know you're busy. Thanks for caring. You are appreciated, James
THE DAILY BELL Editor's note: Bad News First. ... Subsequent to this interview being conducted, the Sundance Film Festival has decided NOT to accept Original Intent. This is most unfortunate as we believe a broader cross-section of the world's population would greatly benefit from viewing James' excellent work. We will certainly be encouraging others to watch it and hope you do too. The Good News is that ORIGINAL INTENT has been released. Full Interview at http://www.thedailybell.com/640/James-Jaeger-Original-Intent-Fiat-Empire.html
James - I wouldn't worry about the ADL's position on Buchanan. They hate everybody. -- B
----- Original Message ----- From: sio To: 'Jaeger Research Institute' ; Adam Montgomery Cc: John Cones ; JOHN LONGENECKER ; Johnny Davis Sent: Sunday, December 06, 2009 7:34 PM Subject: RE: Was ORIGINAL INTENT Nixed by SUNDANCE because of ADL Propaganda? Hi, Please stop bcc'ing the Sundance Industry Office on these emails (sio@sundance.org). Shalom, Rosie Rosie Wong Senior Manager, Sundance Industry Office 8530 Wilshire Blvd., Third Floor Beverly Hills, CA 90211 310.360.1981 tel 310.360.1969 fax www.sundance.org
>James-- none of my "seniors" would even be aware of this unless you had >bcc'd them on your ridiculous and paranoid e-mails. I am not answering >your questions because I don't have to, nor does anyone else. If I >granted the same requests for everyone who asked, I'd be working around >the clock just to keep up with the e-mails. We state very clearly in our >regulations that we cannot give any feedback about submitted films. Adam, I told you I totally understand and appreciate how much time you have spent with me and how this just isn't done. It's NOT you I am particularly worried about. I think your intentions and motives are pure and all you want to do is a good job. It's the people above you that I have serious doubts about. Robert Redford, who is supposed to be independent and unbiased is seen by some who have commented as a blatant socialist. Does Redford not even CARE what films a film Festival in his namesake greenlights? If so show him ORIGINAL INTENT. If not maybe he should disassociate with the Festival entirely. >If my "seniors" had told me anything about how to "handle" the situation, >they would've simply instructed me to never engage with people who are >obviously out of their minds. But you and I both know I am not out of my mind. If I were out of my mind I never would have been able to edit a 197-minute documentary. As a filmmaker you should know this intuitively, and frankly, so should your seniors at Sundance, given they're even QUALIFIED to judge films. >As soon as you sent that very first e-mail calling us "assholes", I >should've trusted my better judgment and simply deleted it. Instead, I >opened a dialogue with you in an attempt to tell you that we do watch every >film and that yours was indeed considered -- By how many, and what was their demographic. I am willing to bet anything that at least 2 of them were anti-Buchanan right out the gate and they only watch ORIGINAL INTENT so they could see what an "asshole" they figured he'd make of himself. If you think that's paranoid, howcome the ADL has disparaging propaganda all over their website? Don't you know how sensitive Jewish people are to potential anti-Semitism? To many of them a movie with Pat Buchanan is the touch of death. It's this unfair bias that has me concerned. I guess the only way this will be solved in my mind is when I see the 30 docs you guys actually picked out. If they are truly more important and/or better films, I will owe you an apology. And you will get it. >but your paranoia has gotten the best of you. Contrary to the belief of >you and you alone, the Jews aren't out to get you! I know the Jews aren't out to get me -- BUT they ARE out to get anyone they even remotely perceive as anti-Semitic. Look at Mel Gibson and Marlon Brando. I am not anti-Semitic. I love Jews and I have had many working on my crews over the years. I was raised in a strict Christian family and taught that the Jews were to be respected. I can't tell you how many times my mother has referred me to the Genesis reference to Israel. Orthodox Jews are incredible and lively people, intellectually and spiritually. There are some Jews out there however, just like some Christians, that make a bad name for all Jews, and that is unfortunate. My wife worked in the jewelry business for many years and I have worked in the film business for many years. There is not one single Jew out there that actually knows me personally that feels I have ever in any way been against them or in any way anti-Semitic or disrespectful. >If what you are saying were true, I never would've responded-- the only >reason I did is because your claims are so incredibly bogus that I >couldn't help but respond to tell you the truth. Why would I have wasted >so much time with you if I didn't know what I was saying was 100% fact? >You don't know, you don't listen to reason, and you are not a sane >individual. That is the last you will hear from me, and I have no idea >who these people are that you are cc'ing, but I apologize to them for >having to be subjected to your rants-- I'd run as far away from this guy >as you can. I'm afraid you are a victim of cultural Marxism. They got you. Who is "they"? We explain exhaustively in the documentary who "they" are. I don't see how you could possibly like ORIGINAL INTENT and not see this. Did you understand what the movie was saying or did it go over your head and the heads of your colleagues? I'm not trying to be insulting or condescending. A number of people told me before the movie was done that it was "way too intellectual for a lay public." If this is the case, you could have stated that email-one and I would have understood and not hassled you with my insanity further. Maybe that's the case. ORIGINAL INTENT is simply boring unless the viewer is intellectually attuned to this sort of subject. I can accept this, and in once sense I failed as a filmmaker. Maybe the audience that Sundance caters to is simply NOT the audience ORIGINAL INTENT may cater to. Adam, in my attempt to communicate the Founding principles, I am searching as hard as I can for the reason why I might have failed, everything from Jews rejecting Buchanan to, the corporatocracy that sponsors Sundance to cultural Marxist apologists in the industry. Maybe I AM crazy. I have to get some sleep. I will not bother you further and I will see that you are removed from the MEC list by tomorrow. James
----- Original Message ----- From: programming@sundance.org To: Jaeger Research Institute Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 3:33 AM Subject: RE: Maybe I AM Insane?! James-- The frustrating thing about this is that you are looking far more deeply into this than you should... you are of course entitled to look into it any way that you see fit, but it's actually kind of humorous what conspiracy theories and speculation pop into people's heads. You submitted an incredibly long film, and films of that length are very difficult to fit into a Festival program. Your film was initially watched by someone who didn't necessarily recommend it, but thought that it had merit enough to send it into the next phase of the process. It was of particular interest to me personally, and if anyone here would've been a champion of this movie, it was me-- even I did not think it was blow-you-away amazing enough to program regardless of its length. I gave it to one other member of our staff to check out, and that person (definitely not Jewish) agreed with me. It went no further than that. This is not a situation where Robert Redford watched (or heard about) your film and blackballed you. This is not a situation where someone who was inherently biased against Pat Buchanan watched (or heard about) your film and blackballed you. This is not a situation where our PR department got wind of this movie that is somehow not in line with some set of political beliefs that we are supposedly linked to and instructed me to tow the company line and spew out propaganda without ever answering any questions. Nothing of the sort happened. You don't need to believe me, and I really don't care if you do... but I am telling you the truth, and that is all I can do. As you said, maybe it is "just too intellectual for a lay public", but regardless, it was not the right fit for us, and not because of some made-up political ideal that you believe we adhere to. Could we be wrong in not showing it? Of course. Could we regret not playing it? I hope that we do, for the sole reason that I really do want to see your film succeed... but none of your speculation about a conspiracy against your movie is true. Nobody has ever sent me any correspondence whatsoever regarding your film except for you. Nobody has instructed me as to what I should say to you. Many people have e-mailed me with the same kind of "assholes" response that you did, and many of their films honestly did not have merit enough to warrant a response. If the film is worth seeing, then it will be seen, and you look to be on your way to selling many copies, so I don't doubt that an audience is listening. It was simply not the right fit for us this year. -Adam
All right Adam. You have convinced me that ORIGINAL INTENT was passed on because it's simply too long and probably not suitable for a theatrical audience that probably wants to be entertained a little. I concluded this last night and after talking to some of the people around here. Unfortunately I have really been kicked around by the Hollywood movie industry the past 35 years so I guess it has just driven me a little crazy at times. Two studios and three agencies have me in this catch 22 on my TESLA project even though I have been working on it since 1985 and there are millions of Tesla fans out there. My work never seems to be good enough for Hollywood, an industry and people I deeply loved most of my life. I respect you. You hung in there and took a lot of shit from me and did your best to explain. You are a serious asset to Sundance, whether they know it or not. I hope you don't think too poorly of me as I would like to count you amongst my friends and perhaps even meet one day. We will see what the market does with ORIGINAL INTENT. Since I am a free-market guy, this should please me as a good conclusion to this, and it does. Take care Adam. I will be positive-postulating for you and your career. James
James-- I respect you as well, and I respect your tenacity in the name of your work. I do not believe that you are anti-semitic, and I certainly do not believe that of Mr. Buchanan. I am sorry for the loss that your family is going through. My sincerest condolences to your wife. No hard feelings at all. Best, Adam Montgomery Manager, Programming Department Sundance Institute 8530 Wilshire Blvd., 3rd Floor Beverly Hills, CA 90211
As they always tell you look at and watch the people Obama surrounds himself with, Robert Redford is one of these crazy whacked out idealists. And look at who Redford surrounds himself with Meryl Streep. I still can't find work in the industry in OC California. All the unions have everything tied up. I could be wrong about this. But so be it. I saw a documentary the other day on Hitler and it had to do with true life accounts on possible assasination attempts upon him and then I saw Valkyrie with Tom Cruise and I could see some discrepancies. Not that I follow such things but the documentaries were interesting. God forbid that things like that happen again but sometimes I don't believe in a god either otherwise stuff like that would never happen in the first place. I consider myself an agnostic, NOT the same thing as an atheist. Dennis
Your documentary was ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! This is a MANDATORY MUST SEE for all ages but especially for the baby boomers of which I am one. I know the Oscar is a prestigious award but I believe you deserve better! It's called the THOMAS PAINE AWARD! Thank you for furthering the cause to free America and the rest of the world! Glenn
Read a COMMENTARY on this rejection by Lorraine Sterling of MEC and various COMMENTS from people that wrote in. Watch ORIGINAL INTENT and then contact Robert Redford and/or the Sundance Film Festival at the above and below numbers and let them know what you think.


Watch Clips
Buy ORIGINAL INTENT
Donate

Get Politically Involved
Build a Better World
Reform the Media

About the Director
Where ORIGINAL INTENT was Edited
Make Your Own Film

MEC Home
MOVIE PUBS Home
FIAT EMPIRE Home

ORIGINAL INTENT Home


© 2009 Matrixx Entertainment