Newsletter, June 6, 2006
From Tribewanted
Tuesday 6th June Tribewanted partners with Shine Television for developmental stages of potential documentary.
When we launched tribewanted in April - a never-been-done-before global adventure - we were contacted by over 50 production companies interested in filming tribewanted as a 'fly-on-the-wall' documentary. From the start we never wanted tribewanted to turn into a reality TV show. Tribewanted is NOT a game, it is not reality TV – It is real life! However, we were interested in a larger audience being able see what would happen when we bring 5000 people from around the world together online to build an eco-island community that would have a positive impact both locally and globally.
We were approached by some of the best production companies in the world and we maintained our stance of not wanting to turn tribewanted into a reality tv show, rather we wanted to find a talented team that shared our ethos and vision for tribewanted. We can now very proudly announce that we have formed a developmental partnership with Shine, a production company that has Elisabeth Murdoch at its helm. Shine have issued the following statement:
UK independent production company Shine today announced it had signed an exclusive development deal with Mark James and Ben Keene, of Tribewanted.com.
Tribewanted.com is a unique three year, ecologically inspired project that will recruit up to 5000 people to join an online community to oversee the sustainable development of a 200 acre pacific island called Vorovoro located in Fiji. Members will buy the right to become part of the ‘tribe’ and for fees ranging from £120 to £360 members will buy the right to visit the island. Tribe members will design the infrastructure of the island, from solar power systems to non-polluting toilet facilities. Shine will be developing a documentary series about this unique project alongside additional media ventures on other platforms. This is in line with Tribewanted's ambition to create new online communities which make a meaningful impact in the real world.
Elisabeth Murdoch, Chairman and CEO of Shine Productions said today: "Shine is delighted to be involved with such an innovative, exciting and crucially important project. We hope the relationship between Shine and Tribewanted will create many interesting opportunities. Tribewanted is a good example of how modern entrepreneurship can incorporate social values like ecological action with ambition and creative flair"
This is a highly exciting partnership which means that we are in the initial stages of developing a programme idea that would be pitched to television channels that aim to show:
Why we should and how we can travel responsibly. How online technology can create something that is fun, real and meaningful both locally in Fiji and globally through its virtual networks. How individuals coming together to form a virtual community can positively impact a real place. The interesting sociological and anthropological ideas that arise from these unique relationships. The beauty and vibrancy of the Fijian culture and a unique South Pacific perspective on the world. The spectacular and diverse island and sea environments. The challenges and experiences that the tribewanted team and members go through during this incredible journey. Through a development deal we have the potential opportunity to spread the message that has already brought so many people together to a wider audience; that people can make a difference when part of a larger community.
Elisabeth Murdoch, Shine Limited.
We have also had comments from tribe members about the importance of recording this history-making adventure. A world-class documentary would do just that, enabling a larger audience and even future generations to watch the life-changing step that we all took to become 1 of 5000!
This just gets more and more exciting, the adventure has already begun…
MJ & Ben
Meet the Chiefs
We wanted to give you an opportunity to meet the Chiefs this week, so if you are around London or can get to London please do come along:
Date: Thursday 8th June Time: 8.00pm Location: MOOK (Outside Notting Hill Gate Tube)
To see who else is coming please take a look at our forum.
