Topic: Fight For Space (Paul Hildebrandt documentary)
Paul Hildebrandt New Member
Posts: 3 From: Chico, CA USA Registered: Jun 2012
posted 06-04-2012 10:08 AM
I'm a film director/writer currently in production of a documentary film with the working title of Fight For Space, which will take a very critical look at the future of our nations manned space program. The film is rooted in the belief that the space program is not just a jobs program, but a motivator for science, innovation, education, technology, and human inspiration.
We are not creating your typical space film where we show a bunch of pretty video with voice over. This is more of a exploratory documentary where we go out and ask the hard questions to the people that know what is going on. We are also also talking with people off the street, asking them what their opinions are with the space program and taking all of this into account. At the end of the film we will form a general solution to the problem after we have gathered the proper evidence from all sources.
To give you a general idea as to where we have gone with this documentary so far: In April we visited the National Space Symposium where we interviewed just to name a few: Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Bill Nye, Astronaut Leroy Chaio, Robert Zubrin, NASA employees, executives from Lockheed, Grumman, Rocketdyne, Honeywell, and more. Just recently I traveled to Southern California where I interviewed Congressman Dana Rohrabacher. Many more on the way.
To help with research, I would like to ask for your input. Serious and humorous. Let me know what you think the problem is with our space program. Any stories about how space has impacted you or someone else. Is there someone we should be talking to?
This film will explore all sides of the argument for and against space. This information will help to structure the film's story and I appreciate any assistance given.
Please respond by posting in this thread or by emailing paul@fightforspace.com.
Tyler Member
Posts: 27 From: Auburn, Alabama, United States Registered: Aug 2009
posted 06-04-2012 01:39 PM
I believe the problem with today's space program is that it is not destination driven. In the manned space effort of the 1960s, NASA officials had a destination to reach (the Moon) and developed the capability to reach that destination. But in the decades since, NASA officials have developed technology without a destination driving their effort.
I will always be for a space program that involves humans traveling beyond Earth orbit and to a physical destination. A trained geologist can explore large swaths of territory in a much smaller amount of time than a robotic vehicle and can make split second determinations of what is and isn't important to explore. Send people to an actual destination, and we can attempt to understand our solar system's history while inspiring people here on Earth. So my opinion is really right in line with Andy Chaikin's and Bob Zubrin's.
Jay Chladek Member
Posts: 2272 From: Bellevue, NE, USA Registered: Aug 2007
posted 06-04-2012 05:59 PM
Destinations are all well and good, but I consider that something akin to a "house of cards" approach. In my opinion, one needs a good solid infrastructure and foundation to do things. Reason being is say you put all your eggs in a Mars mission basket... and say something happens on that mission which kills the crew. What then? Do you have anything to fall back on?
One thing I liked about the Constellation proposals is they had a good idea of going back to the Moon to help prove some of the technologies they wanted to try for Mars. Reason being is if a problem developed on the Moon, home was potentially still two or three days away. You can't do that on a Mars flight. So if a solid infrastructure was in place as a building block approach, with LEO efforts, then lunar ones and ones intended for a Mars goal, a Mars mission failure wouldn't end up killing everything. The guys that propose "Go to Mars, forget the Moon since we've been there" aren't really taking advantage of the potential benefits of a more measured approach.
So while destinations are good, they aren't the only thing needed. If one tries the risky destination without a fall back, when a problem or a failure crops up in this fickle litigation happy society... the results can do A LOT of damage. NASA was well known for designing backups to critical systems... I just wish a whole manned exploration program could be done that way if it were possible.
mode1charlie Member
Posts: 1169 From: Honolulu, HI Registered: Sep 2010
posted 06-12-2012 11:32 PM
Interesting premise. I think you are on the right track in how to approach the subject in a way that can resonate with the broader community (i.e. non-space nerds) - which is where it counts. And no offense to space nerds, as I'm obviously one myself.
I have some suggestions and will send you an email.
Paul Hildebrandt New Member
Posts: 3 From: Chico, CA USA Registered: Jun 2012
posted 07-20-2012 01:57 PM
Previously many of you helped me with advice and information concerning my documentary film, Fight for Space.
Today, on the anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, we are launching our trailer and Kickstarter funding campaign. We are asking all of you to please support our project so that we can make this film come to life.
We are also asking that you please share our campaign on Facebook, Twitter, e-mails, etc, however you can and as much as you possibly can during the next 30 days while we try to fund our project.
Thank you!
englau Member
Posts: 110 From: tampa, florida, usa Registered: Mar 2012
posted 07-27-2012 06:36 PM
Just came across this and was wondering what others' opinions was of it.
413 is in Member
Posts: 628 From: Alexandria, VA USA Registered: May 2006
posted 06-26-2017 10:24 AM
As an original backer of this project on Kickstarter, I’m pleased to say that this documentary has, after five years in production and two rounds of funding, recently come to fruition. Last month saw a limited theatrical release of the film followed by a much wider digital distribution on most major VOD platforms, Amazon, iTunes, and Vimeo to name a few. DVD/Blu-Ray release date is still TBD as far as I can tell.
Unfortunately, I can’t review at present due to a glitch in communications on the Kickstarter site. I’ve yet to receive a link to the digital download.
I would be interested in hearing anyone’s thoughts on the documentary if you have already seen it. In the meantime, I’ll keep checking my messages on Kickstarter.
posted 06-04-2012 10:08 AM
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