DISNEY FORBIDS DISTRIBUTION OF MICHAEL MOORE FILM THAT CRITICIZES BUSH

[bluestateguy]

From drudge. No link yet

www.drudgereport.com

[mbperrin]

1. here ya go:

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/05/national/05DISN.html



WASHINGTON, May 4 — The Walt Disney Company is blocking its Miramax division from distributing a new documentary by Michael Moore that harshly criticizes President Bush, executives at both Disney and Miramax said Tuesday.

The executives said that Disney had forbidden Miramax to distribute the film, "Fahrenheit 911," which links Mr. Bush and prominent Saudis — including the family of Osama bin Laden — and criticizes Mr. Bush's actions before and after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Disney, which bought Miramax more than a decade ago, has a contractual agreement with the Miramax principals, Bob and Harvey Weinstein, allowing it to prevent the company from distributing films under certain circumstances, like an excessive budget or an NC-17 rating.

Executives at Miramax, who became principal investors in Mr. Moore's project last spring, do not believe that this is one of those cases, people involved in the production of the film said. If a compromise is not reached, these people said, the matter could go before an arbitration panel, though neither side is said to want to travel that route.

more......edited to add paragraphs

[fortyfeetunder]

13. LETTERS TO THAT #$#*$ WEASEL EISNER

I own Disney stock, well that ain't saying much, but I will print that article and send a copy of it to that effing weasel Eisner telling him to stop censorship of an Academy Award receipient. What is Disney trying to prove?

letter to the Disney BOD...

[calimary]

134. Here's how you can call and make a stink...

PLEASE NOTE MY SIG LINE – TO CALL YOUR REPS, TOLL FREE!!!

OR, TRY (877) – 762 – 8762. It’ll get you there, too! (Thank you, DUer redqueen!)


Please note, here, The World's Greatest Lists of Media Contacts – updated April 30, 2004– in the following thread:

LINK:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x1504379

IF THEY THINK WE DON’T CARE, THEY WON’T, EITHER!


I will be reposting that whole thread in GD in a moment - updated yet again with the Disney/Miramax stuff from Jen6.

[rocktivity]

20. Go straight to video, then

You'll make a lot more money!!!

:headbang:
rocknation

[BattyDem]

23. Sell the DVD from your website, Michael

We'll buy it ... and we'll buy some extra copies for our "sheeple" friends!

[trogdor]

95. Anybody have a version-free DVD player?

But Disney executives indicated that they would not budge from their position forbidding Miramax to be the distributor of the film in North America. Overseas rights have been sold to a number of companies, executives said.

OK, so get the UK release. Basta.

[BattyDem]

156. I don't have a region-free DVD hardware player ...

but a software player can be purchased for as little as $40. There are also ways to make your hardware DVD player region-free, but I don't want to post any links that might violate the DMCA ... do a Google. :)

[namvet73]

77. I stopped liking Disney long ago...

for non political reasons. Disney has often been used as an adjective to describe something family oriented or innocent, even in movies. For many reasons I can't remember anymore, I have gradually come to see Disney as just another greedy corporation. I even avoid Disney memorabilia when I go antiquing. Disney now evokes thoughts and feelings of unpleasantness or evil in my mind....just the opposite of how I thought, when I used to see Walt Disney himself come on the screen to introduce each show with his kindly demeanor. Disney has become an icon of disappointment to me.

[dbt]

79. Well said, namvet73.

Welcome to Democratic Underground, DU as we call it here. Watch for saigon68's posts!

Cheers,
:toast:
dbt

[llmart]

93. Me too.

Well said.

[Heddi]

2. That's okay---I'm sure there are a few independent film co's that would

give their left leg to distribute this movie.

Michael Moore's name behind it ALONE is a guarantee of success. Add that to growing numbers of "dissatisfied customers" of Bush, Inc. Add that to an upcoming and close-numbers elections coming up soon.....

This movie is going to be BIG. If Disney doesn't distribute it, someone else will in a heart-beat. Someone who doesn't care if Republicans threaten to Boycott their companies (Which you know would happen, and has been happening in the case of Disney, who can never be counted on to look past the bottom line).

This is also really good news. There's no such thing as bad publicity, you know. Keep "Michael Moore" and "Movie That Criticizes Bush" "Iraq War Movie" in the public's ear. Make them curious about it. Don't let them forget it's being made. Create a buzz......

[Rosco T.]

6. Locked in a mouse hole?

Problem will be if DI$NEY locks it up so no one ELSE can distribute it...

however, I'm sure if that happens, it will 'leak' out...

[0007]

46. ..and the documentary will become more popular - Thanks Disney

[redqueen]

106. Hi Rosco!

Welcome to DU!

:hi:

[LittleApple81]

9. Does this sound like O'Reilly's Fox suit against Al Franken?

I sure hope he finds a distributor quick to take advantage of this. Maybe it will come out before the expected date?

[hang a left]

45. My first thought was this is a publicity stunt.

Just like the other suit ended up being.

[NMDemDist2]

15. KABOOM freepers shoot themselves in foot again

hehehehe

I just sit and marvel at by trying to be "non political" they make the biggest political statements, first Sinclair and Nightline now Disney and M. Moore,

We couldn't have planned it better in our favor if we had a think tank working on "best case" scenarios

[Tellurian]

81. Yep, apparently there are distributors willing to take on the project..

from the article:

"While Disney's objections were made clear early on, one executive said the Miramax leadership hoped it would be able to prevail upon Disney to sign off on distribution, which would ideally happen this summer, before the election and when political interest is high."

It's only a matter of time.. and this movie WILL be released, even if they have to take it to court!

[RapidCreek]

83. Sad thing is Disney OWNS it.

If Disney doesn't distribute it it ain't getting distribut.

RC

[hayduke1]

119. Yes it will!

Fortunately, there is an excellent new distribution system that allows one to simply place a copy of a censored project such as this on a file server for download. Its called P2P and its the great equalizer.

The people are starving for information ... this will get out!

[ElementaryPenguin]

122. Right on, Heddi! Let Disney bring it on! "Passion" release problems

Sure hurt it at the box office, didn't it?

[slinkerwink]

3. fuck disney!

[Langis]

4. I feel sick

:puke:

[BattyDem]

5. We're so lucky we live in a democracy ...

I'd hate to live in one of those dictator-controlled countries that don't have freedom of speech. :eyes:

[zonmoy]

149. what makes you think

that our country is a democracy anymore.

[BattyDem]

153. I don't

I was being sarcastic. That's why I add this :eyes: to my post.

:)

[dusty64]

7. Media consolidation is evil.

>>>Mr. Moore's agent, Ari Emanuel, said that Michael D. Eisner, Disney's chief executive, asked him last spring to pull out of the deal with Miramax. Mr. Emanuel said Mr. Eisner expressed particular concern that it would anger Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida and endanger tax breaks Disney receives for its theme park, hotels and other ventures there.>>>>

[makhno]

12. This, in a nutshell, is how our brand of state censorship works

Safer than armed goons in the middle of the night. Same result.

[Mikimouse]

14. Oh, how awful...we wouldn't want Disney to lose those tax...

incentives just because a few whiney soldiers got their hair mussed, and someone decided to make a silly movie about how we got here in the first place,now would we? Excuse me, Mr. Eisner, sir? Come here sparky, got something to tell you, come real close so you won't misunderstand it, OK that's good, now listen carefully: GO FUCK YOURSELF, YOU MISERABLE CORPORATE WHORING SON OF A THREE LEGGED PIG!

[NMDemDist2]

18. them's strong words from a person with your nic ROFL n/t

[Mikimouse]

30. Ehhhhhh, he's been trying to put the moves on Pluto lately, so

I don't feel any loyalty for him anymore. :evilgrin:

[trogdor]

90. You've never heard of the term "mickey mouse"?

An adjective, meaning small-time, amateurish, and/or insignificant. It is used thus:

"How did I get involved in this mickey mouse outfit?"

Maybe if I were to refer to the Bush administration, Fox News, or some agent of the Religious Reich as mickey mouse, I could get sued by Di$ney. Bring it on.

[tabasco]

114. My sentiments EXACTLY.

You even brought up some bile by paraphrasing Coulter. People in positions of power who cowtow to a corrupt, warmongering government are COWARDS. True patriots step forward and enourage andd allow criticism of the government.

[DAGDA56]

33. Disney's afraid of Florida?...

...I always thought it was the other way around.

[drfemoe]

56. that sounds interesting ..

does that mean the film shows jebbie taking off in the transport plane loaded down with election fraud and nine-11 evidence ?? ha!

[priller]

58. Yep, that's the "money" quote right there.

n/t

[Generator]

8. They just play into our hands (evil laugh)

It's just going to get even more press because of this.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/05/national/05DISN.html

Mr. Moore does not disagree that "Fahrenheit 911" is highly charged, but he took issue with the description of it as partisan. "If this is partisan in any way it is partisan on the side of the poor and working people in this country who provide fodder for this war machine," he said.

Mr. Moore said the film describes financial connections between the Bush family and its associates and prominent Saudi Arabian families that go back three decades. He said it closely explores the government's decision to help members of the bin Laden family leave the United States immediately after the 2001 attacks. The film includes comments from American soldiers on the ground in Iraq expressing disillusionment with the war, he said.

***
I think some "Hollywood" elites will be able to pony up the dough. OR lacking that, there's always France.

[Heddi]

17. Michael Moore is treading on dangerous ground

I really really really really like his movies. I've not been able to read any of his book (although I want to DESPERATELY). He says what needs to be said. He *IS* the voice of the working class. I don't care if he's a millionaire. He KNOWS and he's DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT (which very few people have the balls to do).

I sometimes fear for Michael Moore. He's a valuable resource to those who are sympathetic to his message which makes him quite a target in many ways.

[frylock]

36. i fear for him as well..

hopefully he doesn't get

[mulethree]

74. yeah free press, and some inoculation on the tax issue

If Disney wanted to release it, and needed to cover their ass .... they would .... publicly oppose it and then get 'forced' into it.

I'm sure it will be worked out with some distributer by the end of Cannes

[LibertyorDeath]

10. It must be excellent for the pin heads at DISNEY to ban distro

This will back fire on DISNEY I think.

Moore has a massive audience and they want to see his latest work.

He will find a way to get around this I hope.

[samsingh]

108. its still being played at Cannes

it will win a lot of awards. the pressure on disney will build. isn't eisner on his way out anyway?

[chookie]

11. I bet they have Michael Moore quaking in his boots

-- NOT!

Maybe they're trying to boost sales. Look what Fox's lawsuit did for Franken's book.

Isn't Disney in enough trouble as it is? I mean, loosing Pixar, and having put out a cycle of dogs, and I don't mean the "Dog of Flanders" type.

[madeuplikebowie]

19. What the hell?

this is getting to be outrageous. I can't believe I'm reading this stuff anymore. This is seriously sounding scary.

[paulk]

25. beat me to it...

Maybe maybe maybe just drumming up some publicity here?

[belle]

47. No; but Miramax can find another distributor.

Which would cut into the profits, but the controversy should make up for it.

[Eric J in MN]

16. Disney broadcasts the "Michael Savage" radio show

Is partisanship ok, as long as it's on behalf of the Republican Party?

[saigon68]

72. Savage is a NAZI Thug and 10 times more Dangerous than any other cretin

on talk radio. I have nothing but admiration for Moore, this media exposure is worth millions in free advertising.

Eisner himself worth millions, is no friend of the common person, or supporter of any worth while principle, he is just another corporate prostitute who has slept his way to the top.

[Just Me]

91. OMG!!! That has destroyed my image of Disney!!! They appease Savage.

That man is the absolute scum of humanity.

[Just Me]

21. So, does that make "disney" a BFEE/rightist whore, too?

If so,...oh, well.

See ya! :hi:

[prolesunited]

22. Look what happened

when they tried to have the publisher bury his last book. I agree with previous posters that the controversy simply generates more buzz and even more people will be clamoring to see it.

[loftycity]

24. Who would you lay bets on Eisner or Harvey Weinstein?

I'm going with Harvey. Eisner has just made this movie into a goldmine.
Eisner should know good and bad public relations---what an idiot.
Bad PR is better
No wonder the board of directors at Disney want to get rid of him.
Eisner has just sealed his fate.

[calimary]

131. Eisner's already on the ropes.

Maybe this'll be the knock-out punch?

Yeah, like Michael Moore is gonna be deterred by this!

Let's just generate some more buzz, then, 'eh? And knowing how the rest of the world feels about the US right now, and its lovely, darling "never having to say you're sorry" regime, Moore will probably take the top prize at Cannes.

While bush lumbers down the highway in his FRENCH-canadian tour bus...

Freedom Fries, indeed.

[Tatiana]

26. This will backfire bigtime. Remember "Stupid White Men?"

And the librarians getting in such a furor because they were going to "pulp" that book. It, of course, went on to become a bestseller.

This will be wonderful publicity. Even the title of the movie is sensational. If it goes to arbitration, Moore will likely win and the movie will probably become a box-office smash.

[0rganism]

31. Makes me think Disney might be doing this to boost ticket sales

Hehehe, the more they wail and gnash their teeth, the more it sells.

[mouse7]

32. Eisner isn't that smart.

Eisner got outfoxed by one of Walt Disney's family members... people notorious for being unintelligent.

[0rganism]

35. Intentional or not, he may have given up a shot of priceless publicity

Nothing like the ol' "forbidden fruit" effect to perk the ears of the apathetic.

[mouse7]

27. Fahrenheit 911 is scheduled to be shown at Caanes

Do they know what kind of shitstorm there will be if they try to block the distribution and showing of a movie at the Caanes Film Festival?

The whole fucking entertainment industry could go on strike.

Disney/Miramax will lose every exclusive director/actor deal they have in their portfolio. Also, every crew and creative team will walk out in mid-production on every project Disney/Miramax has underway.

This is complete insanity. Nobody in Hollywood is going to stand for this.

This also ensures that "Fahrenheit 911" will be the next "Passion." This will shove the box office from probably the 20-30 million it would have had up to 150-200 million.

Disney is about to make Micheal Moore a VERY RICH man.

[makhno]

29. It should win a prize

Best PR ever: Special Jury Prize - Banned in the USA! Would be a nice parallel with banned prize-winning Soviet movies as well.

[maggrwaggr]

60. sorry I think those assertions are completely wrong

Miramax will lose every exclusive director/actor deal?

Don't think so.

Crews and creative teams will walk out in mid-production on every project?

Don't think so.

The whole fucking entertainment industry will go on strike?

Wrong.

Sorry but I work in the industry and that just won't happen. Hollywood is the mother of all media whores.

Plus I'd bet you twenty bucks the whole thing is just a publicity stunt.

[Skittles]

28. remember they tried to stifle Stupid White Men

librarians came to his rescue

[llmart]

96. I work in a library

in a small, conservative leaning town and that book and his movie and his other book are still in tremendous demand! I recommend it every chance I get.

[Skittles]

102. I dontated my copy to my local library

I don't know what I would do without my library - I'd be spending a heck of a lot more money for my reading habit, that's for sure.

[Lorien]

34. I think this is Eisner's email:

[e-mail] (I work for Disney, and pretty much all the e-mail accounts are set up this way).

[abelenkpe]

113. that does look right

[Lorien]

120. If it doesn't bounce back

then it is right.

[sidpleasant]

148. that address doesn't work, too bad

You get this from [e-mail]:

Your message was not delivered to the following recipient:
michael.eisner: User unknown

[catzies]

167. Jen6, what do you think of the Disney employees' PAC?

I clicked the newsmeat.com link down thread listing Esiner's contributions and saw that. Would love your opinion.

[Emillereid]

37. Anybody know the contact information for Disney.

Email addresses, phone numbers, addresses, etc. I want to urge all my friends, contacts and groups to boycott Disney and write/call etc. giving the company Hell.
I did a search, but I came up empty handed.

[Lorien]

121. HERE:

Miramax Films, 99 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10013, USA. Tel: [phone]
see post #34 for Eisner's e-mail

[9215]

38. On the positive side

the ratings of Moores work should go up when the controversy hits the news. Like Koppel and Stilichco (sp)showing the pictures of the war dead.

[President Jesus]

39. Eisner's campaign contributions

I'm sure wingnuts will dance all over this...
http://www.newsmeat.com/fec/bystate_detail.php?city=BURBANK&st=CA&last=Eisner&first=Michael

[Toucano]

40. Excellent Publicity!

I'm so glad! The squabble will make it a Must See Mo-vie! Just like the Nightline prohibition.

[jackstraw45]

68. Exactly...Disney is going to double the amount of eyes on this film

Let's home Michael Moore can get it out this summer.

F-Disney. I mean, what kind of company pulls childrens DVDs from the shelves for years at a time?!?

[trogdor]

92. One that can get away with it.

How else do you generate buzz over a 60 year old film?

[AussieInCA]

41. this act adds to the credibility of the film lol

[AngryWhiteLiberal]

42. Mother F'ers...they'll hang it in litigation until after Nov. You watch!

Just threw out the two Disney DVDs we own. And, from now on, my children will not purchase, see, or participate in any Disney event.

PEOPLE we have to be just as steadfast as the Repuke boycotters. Disney will NOT get our business, and that means NO ABC TV watching.

JB

[belle]

48. No; Miramax will shop it to someone else if it comes to that.

[AngryWhiteLiberal]

50. Disney ISN'T going to budge, so why aren't they shopping it NOW.

Miramax should tell Disney to f'off and move immediately to set up competing bids from other distributors. No doubt, the Bush fascist regime will muscle these other distributors and attempt to scare them off, but if enough controversy and word-of-mouth is generated, someone will pick it up.

NOW, here's a bigger question. Who wants to bet that theater companies in the "Red" states will refuse to show the film? These will be the same theaters that let minors into the sadistic "Passion" film for religious reasons, no doubt.

Looks like local picketing of theaters may be necessary in some cases...

JB

[Shakespeare]

125. Wrong--there's already an agreement in place to deal with this.

Miramax is free to shop the film to other distributors, but will take a cut in profits if they do so. Fuck Disney, but what this boils down to is whether the Weinstein bros are willing to give up a little cash to make sure the movie gets out. My hunch is they will--Weinstein loves to rock the boat, and the publicity that this is generating will likely result in bigger box office receipts, helping to offset any lost profit.

[leesa]

43. I'm sure he can manage to find another distributor if Disney wimps out

It's a no-win Disney...it WILL come out, may as well make your loot off it.

This is great! They'll make it a blockbuster!

[JohnOneillsMemory]

44. Distribute it for free, make that a news story, free publicity or

donations pay for the publicity.

This film will get out some way and no matter how many of our Fallow Merkins go see it, the nattering nabobs will chat it up and Bush* will lose more approval points.

And our brave Democrats may ask questions raised in the film the way Woodward's book motivated them to meekly inquire about that $700million used to illegaly prep the Iraq invasion.

[SnohoDem]

49. Boycott Disney - immediately

and publicize it.

This will hurt. I love animation, hell my avatar is Stitch.

[Emillereid]

51. I need Disney contact info -- anybody know

the email addresses, street addresses or phone numbers??

[mouse7]

52. Boycott Disney thread already started in GD

Here's the link...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x1530512

[SnohoDem]

54. Thanks.

Just logged on and noticed the F-911 thread. Boycott was my first thought.

[NMLobo]

59. It never made sense

to me that Disney was backing this film. When I heard it just didn't sound right. Go figure.

[dawn]

64. No problem! I've been boycotting them since Nov. I was a temp there.

I hated my two weeks there with a passion. :puke:

[NJmaverick]

84. Boycotting is good

Giving money to Kerry and the DNC to end the republican tyranny is better!

[nolabels]

112. It gives me the good feeling I am helping give one of those little...

Effing cuts that help bleed these ungodly monsters dry. The world will not be free till we dismantle them or bend and emasculate them to the point making them work for welfare of us all rather than for the whims of a wealthy oligarch.

[DS1]

53. Perfect! Free Publicity! Hell I'll bet not many people outside left wing

websites even knew it existed!

[JCMach1]

55. Nothing on Moore's website yet... Michael would not be silent

about such BS...

[drfemoe]

57. "The American People Understand"

.. that the media arm of the Empire knows what they should and shouldn't view!!

[lakeguy]

61. From Moore's Site

Disney Has Blocked the Distribution of My New Film... by Michael Moore

Friends,

I would have hoped by now that I would be able to put my work out to the public without having to experience the profound censorship obstacles I often seem to encounter.

Yesterday I was told that Disney, the studio that owns Miramax, has officially decided to prohibit our producer, Miramax, from distributing my new film, "Fahrenheit 911." The reason? According to today's (May 5) New York Times, it might "endanger" millions of dollars of tax breaks Disney receives from the state of Florida because the film will "anger" the Governor of Florida, Jeb Bush. The story is on page one of the Times and you can read it here (Disney Forbidding Distribution of Film That Criticizes Bush).

The whole story behind this (and other attempts) to kill our movie will be told in more detail as the days and weeks go on. For nearly a year, this struggle has been a lesson in just how difficult it is in this country to create a piece of art that might upset those in charge (well, OK, sorry -- it WILL upset them...big time. Did I mention it's a comedy?). All I can say is, thank God for Harvey Weinstein and Miramax who have stood by me during the entire production of this movie.

http://www.michaelmoore.com/

[JCMach1]

67. Boycott Disney NOW!

http://www.thesyndrome.com/archives/00000812.htm

[troublemaker]

62. After letting this story sink in for a few hours...

Americans react negatively to this sort of thing, and on the heels of the Nightline controversy and Howard Stern there's a critical mass factor. So I love this as a national story, but I'm troubled to think that Disney must be one of Florida's biggest employers, and one has only to look at Michigan's view of auto emissions standards to see how employment can shape voter attitudes.

[nadinbrzezinski]

63. STTOOOPPPP and Think for a second

Disney has this thing with the Fundamentalist RW, who'd love to
close and censor them... most of them are IN FLORIDA.

Disney is the parent company of Miramax

Realize the BAD EYE Disney just gave Jeb... "we are not allowing
this to be distributed because Jeb Bush has directly threatened
us."

Oh and yes this is a publicity stunt and Moore has won... and...
Disney is looking for a way to give Jeb a black eye.

This is how I read it.

[truthisfreedom]

73. i agree. this is perfect really, to build up the pressure about this film

so that when it is finally released it will have record crowds.

[nodehopper]

65. Someone else will pick it up. I never understood why Disney sponsored i

in the first place

[The_Casual_Observer]

66. Pretty fragile democracy we have here

If a the events captured in a movie can't stand the light of day.

[villager]

69. from Wednesday's edition of Variety -- "bloodiest political battle yet"

Mouse blocks Moore doc
Pic to preem in Cannes; M'max promo work still going

By DAVID ROONEY, CLAUDE BRODESSER

The Mouse House has moved to prevent subsid Miramax from distributing Michael Moore's controversial documentary "Fahrenheit 911." The Disney dictate could herald the bloodiest political battle yet between Harvey Weinstein and Disney CEO Michael Eisner.

<snip>

"Fahrenheit" does not appear on Miramax's summer schedule but rumors had been circulating of a July release date. It was perhaps only a matter of time before the Disney veto came down on a film that links George W. Bush with powerful Saudi families including that of Osama bin Laden.

Moore's agent Ari Emmanuel pointed out to Daily Variety that "Bowling for Columbine" cost only $3 million but brought in $120 million (with DVD). He said Eisner's decision in this case is thus financially wrongheaded as well as politically obtuse.

Miramax spokesman Matthew Hiltzik told Daily Variety that the company was "looking forward to resolving this amicably." He added that a hybrid solution similar to that of "Dogma" -- on which another indie, Lions Gate, handled physical distribution while Miramax controlled marketing -- is being studied.

However, given current tensions over the renegotiation of Miramax co-chairmen Bob and Harvey Weinstein's contracts with Disney, Eisner might not be so willing to agree to such an arrangement this time.

full article at Variety's subscription site:

www.variety.com

[OneBlueSky]

70. I remember being surprised when I heard that Disney and Miramax . . .

were involved with this film . . . now I'm thinking that maybe they did so in order to kill it . . . had it planned right from the get-go . . .

[Habibi]

76. I wondered about that too

And I hoped that Moore got some guarantee from them that they would *not* interfere with distribution. Apparently he didn't--I wonder why?

[huellewig]

71. Michael D. Eisner

Steve Jobs is looking to kick your ass. You lost Pixar. Now you lose this. Hey Steve, want to be the CEO of a third company? This should pay better then the 53 bucks per year from Apple and Pixar. The man works for crumbs..

[nolabels]

139. Yea baby, one US nazi-fascist down and 20 to 90 million to go

I get in heated little flare ups with one them at my work daily, he instigates, I lead him on and he gets more outrageous to where others get to see him for what he is. Negotiating with him rationally never had much of an effect and so I threw that strategy out quite awhile back.

I don't like using a M.O. of Pavlov, but I think the turning the cheek a thousand times expired last year sometime.

I think after * gets kicked out of office, a course in the discipline of martial arts and the dance it brings to free ones mind will be next for me.

"To become wise, one must wish have certain experiences and run, as it were, into their gaping jaws. This, of course, is very dangerous; many a wise guy had been swallowed. -Nietzsche"

http://www.miniluv.com/mt/mt-comments.cgi?entry_id=47

[symbolman]

75. Two Words

I knew they were gonna do this.. I wondered what the hell Moore was thinking, DISNEY and BIN LADEN/BUSH?

I URGE Michael to stream the movie over the web for everyone to see for free since it's important and he's getting his accolades early at Cannes..

I'd be glad to set him up with a company that will stream it online for about 20 cents per viewing to anyone that wants to watch it..

all he needs to do is make a few changes so that Disney doesn't sue..

any takers? Michael?

[wicket]

78. kick!

[NJmaverick]

80. Republiicans are a sick freedom hating bunch

More then ever we need to remove that evil bush and his congressional goons from power, before freedom is just a distant memory!

[DoYouEverWonder]

82. So the great big rat that ate Orlando

is trying to eat up Michael Moore. I can't wait to see who wins this one.

[Bridget Burke]

85. Michael is a pretty big mouthful....

I'm not betting on the rat.

[farmbo]

86. Howard Dean is right: Economic power has captured political power.

Censorship is no longer carried out in the twilight of the politician's back room. Just a phone call to one of the MediaTitans is all that's required. They can accomplish the dirty deed in the glaring light of their corporate boardroom, without recourse and, apparently, without regret for the loss of our First Amendment.

[THUNDER HANDS]

87. Moore should never have sold the film to Disney in the first place

He put handcuffs on his work when he did that. You'd think he'd know better by now.

[Shakespeare]

126. You don't understand Moore, his deal OR his history with Miramax.

Moore's not cuffed by anything, and Miramax will find a way to get the movie into theaters.

[Corgigal]

88. Harvey Weinstein

My money is on him. He has a reputation for being a prick for a reason. He will get what he wants and Moore will be fine. It's easier to replace Eisner then Weinstein.

[BlueEyedSon]

89. kick

[mmonk]

94. Fine then

The next time we visit Florida, I'll make sure we visit Universal Studios, Sea World, and then move on to other destinations, such as the Keys, bypassing Disney.

[EV1Ltimm]

97. meh.

[bkcc]

98. Moore's posted a statement on his site:

http://www.michaelmoore.com/

[Misunderestimator]

115. From Moore's Statement:

"There is much more to tell, but right now I am in the lab working on the print to take to the Cannes Film Festival next week (we have been chosen as one of the 18 films in competition). I will tell you this: Some people may be afraid of this movie because of what it will show. But there's nothing they can do about it now because it's done, it's awesome, and if I have anything to say about it, you'll see it this summer -- because, after all, it is a free country."

GO BROTHER, GO!!!

[wubbathompson]

99. It will

Find its way over here if it has been distributed overseas. No need to worry

[calimary]

133. And remember, they tried to suppress those torture photos, too.

Did a great job there, didn't they?

[Jackpine Radical]

100. Fahernheit 441, the namesake of Fahr. 911, was a book about

book burning. Isn't it just too ironic that they're trying to suppress this movie?

[tinanator]

110. ahem- 451

bradbury, right?
1984, Brave New World, Farenheit 451. These used to be considered Science FIction didnt they?

[Jackpine Radical]

123. Yeah. "441"=stupid typo.

Honest--I know better. Refers to the ignition temp of a book, as I recall. Yes, it was Ray Bradbury. Originally printed in the '50's IIRC. I read it many years ago.

[tandot]

101. Government control of the Media. This is how the Nazis got started

Keith Olbermann showed a bunch of emails/faxes yesterday that he received from the White House before he had Joseph Wilson on his show. All those White House messages had the same talking points, trying to discredit what Wilson was saying.

I bet all the major media outlets receive WH talking points every time the have an anti-Bush guest on their show.

If people don't wake up soon, we can kiss our freedoms good-bye

[dolstein]

103. No big deal -- the same thing happened with Dogma

I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that the articles in the Times and the Post don't mention that the EXACT same thing happened with Kevin Smith's film, Dogma. After all, most reporters these days are idiots. Disney prohibited Miramax from releasing Dogma, even though Miramax had financed production of the film. So what happened? The Weinsteins formed their own distribution company and released it themselves. If anything, the publicity surrounding Disney's refusal to distribute the film proved beneficial.

Frankly, I can't help but laugh at all these cries of censorship. After all, the major studios wouldn't touch Mel Gibson's film with a fifty foot pole. Was that censorship? Here, a major studio actually helped FINANCE Faranheit 911. They just don't want to distribute it. And their contract says they don't have to. Big f'n deal.

[MetaTrope]

104. Miramax is NOTORIOUS for shelving completed films

Though usually it's just to ensure no other company can profit from foreign releases.

Movie Wars: How Hollywood And The Media Conspire To Limit What Films We Can See

[dArKeR]

105. CBS - Disney Blocks Anti-Bush Film

Disney has ordered a subsidiary not to distribute a Michael Moore film critical of President Bush's stance on terrorism, a newspaper reports.

The New York Times reports Disney has barred Miramax films from distributing "Fahrenheit 911," an upcoming film in which Moore explores alleged connections between the Bush family and wealthy Saudis, and criticizes the president's counter-terrorism policies both before and after Sept. 11.

A Disney executive says it told Miramax last May that it did not want to be connected to the North American distribution of the film because it could be politically divisive.

But Moore's agent tells The Times that Disney chairman Michael Eisner asked him not to sell the film to Miramax because the company could lose tax breaks it gets in Florida, where the president's brother Jeb Bush is governor. Disney denies that.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/05/05/entertainment/main615648.shtml

[Shopaholic]

109. I've just sent Michael Moore an e-mail asking him to post

some contacts for us to get in touch with and letting him know that we are all willing to boycott Disney and all of its many, many products. They'll lose far more from our boycotting them then they'd ever gain in tax breaks from Jeb!I'm outraged, enraged and generally pissed off about all of this. We need contact information for Eisner, for Disney, and for Miramax (letting them know that they need to go straight to video with this or find another distributor). Surely somebody out there in DU land has contacts in the entertainment industry and can help us out here.

[seemslikeadream]

107. Mickey Mouse Club

[dArKeR]

111. Reuters - Film linking Bush and the Bin Ladens blocked

Los Angeles - Oscar-winning filmmaker Michael Moore's documentary linking American President George Bush with powerful Saudi families, including that of Osama bin Laden, is stirring up controversy even before its release.

That's if it even gets released.

Hollywood trade paper Daily Variety said in its Wednesday edition that Walt Disney has moved to prevent its Miramax Films unit from distributing Fahrenheit 911.

The Disney edict could herald the bloodiest political battle yet between Miramax's feisty co-chairperson Harvey Weinstein and Disney CEO Michael Eisner, who oversaw the purchase of Miramax a decade ago, Daily Variety said.

http://iol.co.za/index.php?click_id=3&art_id=qw1083740940943B214&set_id=1

[Misunderestimator]

116. Disney will distribute the work of a convicted pedophile...

Powder... words don't describe the irony.

[abelenkpe]

117. Blocked means you won't see it

According to these articles it does not appear that Disney is interested in selling the distribution rights to anyone. They clearly stated that they intend to block the film. That means they intend to keep it away from audiences everywhere. That is censorship. Disney could very well keep the film out of theaters and off shelves during a lengthy court battle lasting past the election. After the election it won't have anywhere near the same impact as it would if it were seen today. Short of getting our hands on some bootleg copies things are look kinda grim.

For everyone who is dissapointed by this, there are equally those who will be overjoyed. Our country is pretty much split down the middle. So I don't think boycotting disney will help. A protest, might embarrass disney but I don't know if it would change anything. Letters, maybe. It's too early to tell, but I've got a bad feeling about this.

And about the election in November, too.

Hopefully I am wrong.

[Shakespeare]

127. Nope, this is what it means:

Disney very publicly issues its decision not to let Miramax distribute. Miramax cuts a deal with another indie distributor (such as Lion's Gate, just as they did with Dogma), and splits the profits--a good percentage of which GO RIGHT BACK INTO DISNEY'S POCKETS.

So, Disney gets to make its little pro-Bush statement, AND still put money in the till. They may be soul-less and craven, but they're not stupid.

[rocktivity]

118. Um, wouldn't this be illegal?

Mr. Moore's agent, Ari Emanuel, said Michael D. Eisner, Disney's chief executive, asked him last spring to pull out of the deal with Miramax. Mr. Emanuel said Mr. Eisner expressed particular concern that it would endanger tax breaks Disney receives for its theme park, hotels and other ventures in Florida, where Mr. Bush's brother, Jeb, is governor.

Does this not amount to an abuse of power? Would this even be legal? Any statement from Jeb on the matter? And does this mean that DISNEYLAND PAYING ITS FAIR SHARE OF TAXES???

:headbang:
rocknation

[a_random_joel]

124. Don't panic... this is Great!

It's a publicity stunt. It will get MORE media. It will get MORE publicity. (Or should I say MOORE?)

This is a classic media move... can anyone say "Passion"?

[NashVegas]

128. MM Should Have Done What Mel Did

Finance it on his own, and let the capitalists fight over who gets to rake in the money from distribution.

[jpak]

129. Disney is right - Our Great War President can't handle criticism

He's not man enough...and never will be.

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

130. If the moviedoes well at Cannes it will have an effect on distribution

Think about it. He wins an Oscar with one movie and awards at Cannes with another (though the RW will say that it's just some wussy french awards) and the money grubbers will sing a different tune.

[regnaD kciN]

132. Even worse news from Disney...

According to Salon, the Disney leadership is seriously considering Mel Gibson to replace Eisner as CEO!

:puke:

[narcjen]

135. Why Eisner's excuse is BS

"Eisner expressed particular concern that it would endanger tax breaks Disney receives for its theme park, hotels and other ventures in Florida, where President Bush's brother, Jeb Bush, is governor."

That's a bogus excuse for blocking the film. Since when has Disney surrendered its artistic freedom to the state of Florida? What the hell are we living in, communist China??

The state has no business granting or denying favors to companies based on whether it likes the political content of that company's products. That's just outright unconstitutional. If Jeb Bush threatened to deny the tax favors if the film was released, a huge powerful corporation like Disney would certainly have the means and the grounds for fighting it in court. Jeb Bush wouldn't stand a chance.

So Disney's excuse is BS. Though the controversy it creates would be free publicity for the film anyway, so its all good.

[maveric]

152. So its an extortion issue from Jeb's camp?

He's afraid that Jeb will not give him a tax break if he releases the film? That my friends is extortion.

[BraveDave]

136. What's the big deal?

Simple business really. Disney in Florida doesn't have to pay some certain taxes to the state because the Disney corporation brings in tourists that spend more in taxes to the state in other areas.

If Disney's subsidiary shows support and distributes Moore's film, of which half the Disney consumers hate, then they have effectively alienated half their market share who will go to vegas for vacation instead.

[Misunderestimator]

137. With that logic:

"If Disney's subsidiary shows support and distributes Moore's film, of which half the Disney consumers hate, then they have effectively alienated half their market share who will go to vegas for vacation instead."

The same could be said...If Disney's subsidiary does not show support and does not distribute Moore's film, of which half the Disney consumers want to see, then they have effectively alienated half their market share who will go to vegas for vacation instead.

[BraveDave]

140. Sure.

But I can understand them not wanting to back a politically motivated film, no matter whom it's critical of.

[Shakespeare]

142. Gee, then perhaps they should stop their involvement in Savage's show

:eyes:

[BraveDave]

143. Maybe they should,...

...I'm all for big business staying as far away from politics as possible.

[narcjen]

144. Political content is allowed

as long as it bashes the left.:-(

[Misunderestimator]

145. And of course they KNEW when they paid for it to be produced...

what the subject matter was.

[BraveDave]

146. Yes...

And maybe the finished product was far different than what they had in mind for a product they wished to endorse.

If I were to back the production of a music album for someone, and it turned out to be far from a product I wished to have my name on, I would chuck it on the shelf and mark it up to experience before I'd distibute it.

I don't care if it was a film about Mother Teresa. If Moore's film turned out as accurate as his Columbine film, I can't say I blame Disney at all.

[Misunderestimator]

147. Right. They didn't have a clue what MICHAEL MOORE would produce. n/t

[bobbyboucher]

151. The leopard can't hide his spots.

Your slip is showing, miss.

[narcjen]

138. In that case,

Moore should have known Disney would have never released it in a million years.

Why he chose them as the distributor is beyond me, unless it was a calculated move to stir up public interest in the film. Yep, that must be it.

[BraveDave]

141. Exactly what crossed my mind.

[demgrrrll]

150. Another good article this month in Vanity Fair about Eisner and all

the rest of the Disney players. They break it down as Eisner
being the player, Roy Disney and Stanley Gold as the Grumpy old men
and the three amigos, Brian Roberts of Com cast, Harvey Weinstein and
Steve Rattner who is described as a banker who is clever and desperate enough for a big deal. The LA story is Michael Ovitz and Jeffrey Katzenberg.


I didn't know that the Disney nieces and nephews, "the Kids" were fundies.

Curiouser and curiouser.

I'm betting on the Weinstein team too although the description of Weinstein notes he is the 52 year old "child" striving to get his way and Michael as the father, punishing him when he can.

[Snellius]

162. Moore may have been pushing Disney to show its true colors

If Moore was purposefully confronting Disney, knowing that they would never go along, I say "Brilliant move." The whole point is to force these megamedia corporations to expose themselves for the anti-democratic cultural tyrants they really are.

BOYCOTT EISNERLAND!

[osaMABUSh]

154. Moore on NPR today "this movie will be in theaters this summer"

"even if I have to drive around the country in a van and distribute it myself like in the old days"

The pub around this reminds me of Al Franken's 'Liar' book and the Fox News lawsuit.

[BattyDem]

155. "even if I have to drive around the country ... and distribute it myself"

I have a feeling many DUers would be happy to drive around the country, too. Hmmm ... there must be DUers in all 50 states, right? ;)

[serryjw]

157. Colorado here!

anytime...any place!.......just give me the copies!

[gasperc]

161. "you called me, I didn't call you"

when the reporter asked him that Moore's objection to Disney's decision seemed like a publicity stunt.
The reporter was speechless.

[BattyDem]

165. LMAO!

That's a very good point. I wish I could have seen the look on the reporter's face. I love Michael! :loveya:

[flaminbats]

158. so it really is a smirk world after all!

It's a world of capture
A world of tears
It's a world of hopes
And a world of fears
There's so much that we share
That it's time we're aware
It's a smirk world after all

There is just one regime
And one golden son
And a smirk means
Friendship for only some
Though the patriot acts divide
And the profits are wide
It's a smirk world after all

It's a smirk world after all
It's a smirk world after all
It's a smirk world after all
It's a smirk, smirk world

[Tripmann]

159. Petition against Disney

Sent this yesterday to Michael Moore, fromm little acorns and all that.
>>
>>

Michael,

I reckon an online petition should be set up in protest to this. Even if another distributer takes your film on, unless Disney change their decision I will personally not touch another Disney product. I'm sure a lot of people on your mailing list would feel the same if asked to sign it. If a petition stating this was sent to Disney with a huge number of names, they would have to weigh their tax breaks against their projected losses and damage to public/shareholder relations.

I'm not technically proficient enough to set up such a petition, but I'm sure your webmaster could handle it.

This is a disgrace, cowardly stealth censorship at its worst. I can't believe that there are men and women, who grew up enjoying Disney, dying to bring 'freedom' and an end to state censorship to Iraq.

Best of luck with the distribution Michael

Tony

[Snellius]

160. By saving Disney World, will Euro Disney be Nevernever land?

What's stupid of Eisner's decision is that, by trying to be nonpartisan and not alienating Bushbots, he has alienated every freedom-loving democrat in the world, who'll never again set foot in Eisnerland. And if Eisner was so concerned about the tax breaks in Florida, what will this decision do to the bottom line of Euro Disney in France who already hate us anyhow?

BOYCOTT EISNERLAND!

[dArKeR]

163. Moore's 9/11 film sparks firestorm - IOL

By Gregg Kilday

Los Angeles - Controversy over Michael Moore's upcoming documentary Fahrenheit 9/11, which promises to be critical of President George Bush, has escalated into a call for a congressional hearing into corporate censorship of the news media and the entertainment industry.

Reacting to media reports that the Walt Disney is refusing to allow its Miramax Films subsidiary to distribute the Moore documentary, Senator Frank Lautenberg sent a letter on Wednesday to Senator John McCain, chairperson of the Senate Commerce Committee, requesting a hearing "on the disturbing pattern of politically based corporate censorship of the news media and the entertainment industry in recent weeks".

Said Lautenberg: "While corporate leaders rarely exercise discretion over gross indecency or violence, we have seen a number of corporate conglomerates censor material recently based on a political viewpoint."

http://iol.co.za/index.php?click_id=3&art_id=qw1083828961474B214&set_id=1

[Sivafae]

164. Thanks for the link!

I find that interesting that those in congress are now looking at corporate censorship.
I have been boycotting Disney for years now, after I found out that they do not hire people with tattoos, even if they are in costume head to foot.
As much as I like Mike, I do believe that he is doing this for publicity, and I say, "So what?" If he is the only person to reveal the truth, unlike the media, then I say more power to him.

[bullmoose]

166. Boycott of Disney for censorship launched

A boycott of disney for censorship is in the works. Please join it at:

www.conservativecensorship.com