THE MAKE BELIEVERS

A documentary about Scottish independence and media propaganda

Scots will soon take the biggest decision in their country’s history—whether to become an independent nation again.

As we head towards the independence referendum in 2014 political propaganda wars are raging, with bitter spats breaking out over whether BBC Scotland is biased towards one side or the other.

MEANWHILE WHAT THE PUBLIC WANTS IS TOTALLY IGNORED!

In “The Make Believers” the people of Scotland finally get their say.

We ask ordinary Scots: is BBC Scotland and the rest of the Scottish media fairly representing the reality of public opinion about independence vs. the union? If not, how does media coverage need to change to ensure a fair vote?

A world-renowned propaganda expert warns of the dangers of allowing politicians to hijack the media for their own ends, muddy the waters, and cheat the public out of their right to hear ALL the facts they need to make an informed decision.

The UK’s top expert in the ethics of spin reveals simple steps the media could take to ensure a fair debate for everyone, provided, that is, they are as “impartial” as they claim.

And a stark warning is made that unless the propaganda stops, the country could be plunged into decades of resentment and bitterness regardless of who wins the vote—all because the public was denied a fair debate. 

THE MAKE BELIEVERS will be released before the Scottish independence referendum in the autumn of 2014.

WHAT WE NEED

We need your help to raise £2999.

One hundred per cent of all money raised will go towards the making of the documentary:

Your money will be used for travel costs whilst shooting the film, making a high-quality downloadable and copies of the DVD available to our big-ticket backers, and publicity costs for the premiere screening and its promotion.

The major production costs of shooting, editing and distributing the film to the wider public are being absorbed by Equinox Scotland Ltd.

The target amount is the minimum needed in order to make sure the project goes ahead. If we raise substantially more it could make all the difference to the quality and ambition of the finished film.

The success or failure of this project now lies in the hands of those who believe in a free and democratic Scottish media.

Note: Your username as a backer is the only data that is publicly displayed on the site. Choose a generic username or change your username to something generic in order to donate anonymously.

WHAT WE OFFER

We don't just expect you to hand over your hard-earned cash without as much as a "by your leave"! Every person who donates to our project will receive a reward (see "Rewards" for full details).
However, the main reason for supporting this project is the satisfaction you will feel from knowing you are safeguarding the democratic right of every Scot - regardless of their political beliefs - to an open and honest debate about Scottish independence.

ABOUT THE FILM MAKERS

DAVID MCDOWELL is an independent documentary script writer living in Aberdeenshire. A professional journalist with many years experience in the Scottish newspaper and broadcasting industry, David is a passionate believer in the democratic right of all Scots, regardless of their political beliefs, to a free and fair debate about Scottish independence.

EQUINOX TV is part of Equinox Scotland Limited, a company set up to help regenerate Scotland’s media and production industry. 

The film makers are contributing their skills to the making of the documentary for free.