The Spark Series, Part 2

not another twitter conference

by Michael Sean Wright

Documentary filmmakers Marc Ostrick and Michael Sean Wright continue their journey through the world of social media. Not another twitter conference, explores the various ways people are using social tools like Twitter to empower their voice. Filmed at the recent #140conf in LA, the mini-documentary features thought leaders from around the world who are harnessing the power of real-time connection.

The conference, sponsored by Kodak, was an opportunity to see the way companies and individuals are using platforms to connect and promote their ideas. From major corporations to non-profit initiatives, people are turning to the social web in dynamic and effective ways.

Marc Ostrick and I continue our journey through the world of social media in The Spark Series, Part 2: not another twitter conference.

This is a joyous process for us - collaborating and discovering the story that wants to be told. Filmmaking is about humanity - letting the moment find you. We're inspired by the great work being done by individuals who are making our world a better place. From a woman struggling through homelessness to a young man fighting cancer - these new tools of communication are being leveraged with positive results.

Collaboration pushes the film to another level that wouldn't be achievable otherwise. When we work together, the idea of the moment takes precedent over ego. As a filmmaker, the way to improve is by being open to serving the story. As Robert Penn Warren informs us about sharing our creativity, "This is the process whereby pain of the past in its pastness may be converted into the future tense of joy."

Cancer-fighter, Drew Olanoff (@drew) is auctioning off his enviable Twitter username @drew. Drew Carey (@DrewFromTV), host of "The Price is Right," is new to Twitter, and has offered to donate one million dollars to the LiveStrong Foundation if he can get a million followers by December 31st. If he doesn't get a million followers, the donation will be prorated... for example, he'll donate $500,000 if he has 500,000 followers by the end of 2009. So you - YES YOU - are worth one dollar. All you have to do is sign onto twitter and follow @DrewFromTV - so make a friend, raise a dollar, and spread the word. Cancer has effected most of us in some way, and we need to stop it. Every follower on Twitter gives us a little more hope. So... what are you waiting for? Follow@DrewFromTV and @drew.

Appearances by:

Marc Ostrick, Co-Founder, eGuiders - @ostrick
Michael Sean Wright, Director, nicefishfilms - @nicefishfilms
Jeffrey Hayzlett, CMO, Kodak - @JefferyHayzlett
Jeff Pulver, #140conf - @jeffpulver
Robert Scoble, Scobleizer - @Scobleizer
Robert Kong Hai, Entrepreneur, @WeirdChina
Peter Hirshberg, Co-Founder, The Conversation Group - @hirshberg
Mark Krynsky, Google Lunar X-Prize Foundation - @krynsky
Arianna Huffington, Huffington Post - @ariannahuff
Mark Horvath, Invisible People - @hardlynormal
Ann Marie, Advocate - @padschicago
Natalie Profant Komuro, Executive Director, PATH Achieve Glendale - @anacapa
Drew Olanoff, Super Hero - @drew
Drew Carey, TV Host - @DrewFromTV

A short doc by:

Marc Ostrick

Michael Sean Wright

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