FLASH: PBS To Produce Documentary about the Sorensen Institute

WHTJ-PBS in Charlottesville has announced that it is launching production of a one-hour documentary about the work of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia. Funded entirely by a gift from a generous benefactor, the documentary will focus on the 2007 Class of the Political Leaders Program, Sorensen's flagship program that first launched in 1993. The documentary will premiere in the spring of 2008 and receive statewide and national distribution. We will bring you regular production updates throughout the year here on the Sorensen  Blog.

Sean O'Brien of the Sorensen Institute and D.J. Crotteau of WHTJ joined Coy Barefoot on WINA's "Charlottesville--Right Now" yesterday to discuss the project in detail. Here is a podcast of that interview (12 mins.):

And here is the press release from WHTJ-PBS:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Political Leaders training program to be subject of new WHTJ-PBS documentary

WHTJ-PBS partners with U.Va.’s Sorensen Institute to create a reality-style documentary of a training program destined to become the national model

Charlottesville, Va., January 18, 2007 — Yes it is possible to return trust, civility and respect to politics. And the formula for such an enormous challenge – developed and refined by U.Va.’s Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership since 1993 – will now be captured in a reality-style, one-hour documentary film to be produced by WHTJ Charlottesville PBS in 2007, with a premiere date set for spring 2008.

Each fall, citizens from all over Virginia apply to participate in The Political Leaders Program at the Sorensen Institute, a non-partisan organization dedicated to improving the quality of governance and the strength of civic engagement in Virginia.  Approximately 35 participants are selected, reflecting the demographic and geographic make up of the state, and striking a balance among political affiliations.

The 35 participants meet one weekend a month over the course of a year, and are exposed to ideas, locations and scenarios around the state of Virginia that open their minds and challenge their personal political beliefs. The weekend-long seminars provide a strong foundation in ethics, public policy and practical politics – with unparalleled access to political activists, media experts and top government officials.

In addition to these seminars, the students enjoy opportunities to see the results of public policy decisions by touring a correctional facility, the commercial ports in Norfolk, even a poultry processing plant. They negotiate civic budgets, face tough mock-questions from real reporters and are compelled to argue for positions they disagree with. In the end, they are not only ready for truly effective and informed political leadership, they have learned to reach out across partisan divides and build friendships with “the other side.”

Beginning in February 2007, WHTJ’s Emmy-nominated senior producer, Paul Roberts, will lead two film crews as they follow participants through the Sorensen Institute’s nationally unique Political Leaders Program. The documentary “characters” will be interviewed on location throughout the course of the training program. Sorensen alumni will also be featured, as they demonstrate how the program prepared them to navigate the political waters in a run for office. The arc of transformation in all the characters will be interspersed with segments about the history of the Sorensen program, poignant interviews with legislators, activists and lobbyists about the national significance of the Sorensen model.

WHTJ Station Manager D.J. Crotteau said, “From the moment this idea was hatched, it just took off. Everyone who heard about it jumped on board, and in only a few months we had a solid plan and full funding in place. It’s the perfect blend of modern television reality programming with trusted PBS quality content. The documentary serves so many purposes: bringing the outstanding Sorensen program to a wider audience, demonstrating the effectiveness of collaboration among Charlottesville organizations, and using the power of television for its highest good, which is to positively transform society.”

“This is an incredibly exciting project,” said Sean O’Brien, Executive Director of the Sorensen Institute. “We are thrilled that WHTJ has recognized our work with this honor, and are looking forward to a memorable year.”

Funding for the documentary was generously provided by an Albemarle County resident who believes that the work of both partnering organizations (WHTJ-PBS and the Sorensen Institute) can affect positive change locally and nationally.

The Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership
The Sorensen Institute has established itself as a powerful and effective force for restoring public confidence in our political system. Former Virginia Governor Mark Warner has commented that “Sorensen has become the model of successful bipartisan leadership training for the nation.” Sorensen aims to create ethical, principled leaders who are eager to put aside partisan stereotypes and work cooperatively with others who have different political affiliations than their own to improve the quality of life for all Virginians. Though it is housed at UVA, the Sorensen Institute relies entirely on donations and grants from individuals, corporations and foundations to support its programs. The Sorensen Institute, itself, is non-partisan and does not participate in campaigns.
(www.sorenseninstitute.org)

WHTJ Charlottesville PBS
WHTJ is the only locally licensed PBS member station serving Charlottesville and central Virginia. Its mission is to enrich community life in the Charlottesville region by creating, producing and delivering non-commercial programs and services that educate, entertain and inspire; promoting understanding, culture and citizenship.
(www.whtj.org)

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If you have any questions about the project, please contact Coy Barefoot at the Sorensen Institute.