[nagdu] Blind / Guide Dog Documentary Television Series

[Marion Gwizdala]

Dear All,
    I spoke with the writer of this message at length yesterday concerning this project. I shared with him how other such projects became sensationalized and projected a stereotypical view of blind people and the role of a guide dog in their lives, such as the ridiculous Extreme Make-Over" in which they included texturized entries so the blind person "knew they were at their house" to the textured walls so the blind person knew which room he was in! Brent assures me that the show is not going to be sensationalized; rather, it is intended to give a realistic look into the everyday life of a blind person. I also asked if we would be able to offer any consultation on the final product and he said, "In one word 'No!'" I feel he is very genuine and wishes to give an accurate portrayal. Read on!

Fraternally yours,
Marion Gwizdala, President
National Association of Guide Dog Users
National Federation of the Blind
813-626-2789
President at NAGDU.ORG
HTTP://NAGDU.ORG





Dear Marion,


Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with me this afternoon.  Per our conversation, I've included a brief introduction to our company and project listed below:


I'm writing to you from Sirens Media, a television production company based in Silver Spring, MD, just outside of Washington, DC.  Sirens produces programming for all of the usual suspects in cable: Bravo, MTV, Discovery, TLC, and MSNBC among others. In 2009, we produced over forty hours of programming.  For a full credit list, please visit our website: www.sirensmedia.com


I'm a member of the development team here at Sirens and currently casting an upcoming documentary television series for a major network surrounding a family, business, or group of friends where one or more members and visually impaired and use guide dogs in their everyday lives.  Whew that's a mouthful!  


In addition to finding a great group of characters, the real trick is finding a cast who's involved in something cool to boot.  That could be anything from running a family business, working in an interesting field, having a budding family etc. etc.  The guidelines are pretty wide open.  Ultimately the tone of the show is being aimed after that of TLC's hit series, Little People, Big World.  It's very much a earnest and non-sensationalistic view of how real people live their lives under unique circumstances.  We're excited about the program and feel it could be a really positive opportunity as well as a first of its kind. 


Please find a copy of our general casting call information listed below (specified to our casting email account).  Additionally, if I can answer any questions or provide any additional information please don't hesitate to contact me.  Any help in spreading the word amongst the blind community or point in the right direction would be a terrific help.


Thanks so much and any help would be greatly appreciated!


Best,
Brent




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GUIDE DOG DOCUMENTARY TELEVISION SERIES CASTING


Are you or someone you know visually impaired and employing a guide dog in their everyday lives?  Sirens Media, a prominent television production company working in conjunction with a major television network, is casting a documentary television series centering around a fascinating family, small business, or close group of friends where one or more members use guide dogs to help navigate their lives.  


If this sounds like you or someone you know, drop us a line ASAP!  We'd love to hear from you!


Please send an email with the following info to:  assistanceanimals at gmail.com


- Your name, age, gender, profession
- Contact information – email, phone, and physical address
- A recent photograph of yourself
- A short biography and description of why you and the people in your life might make great TV


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--
brent hatherill
development manager
sirens media
8505 fenton st.
suite 206
silver spring, md 20910

o:  301.920.9839
f:   301.830.6100
bhatherill at sirensmedia.com