Background & Need
Of course, the idea of being "brainwashed" or manipulated without our knowledge is reason enough for concern. The very foundation of our culture is built on principles such as "Independence," "Freedom," "The American Dream," and "Controlling our Destiny." As a nation, we take great pride and go to enormous lengths to maintain and ensure the survival of such ideals.
Maybe its no wonder that Americans have also had a peculiar fascination with the subject of unseen forces controlling their behavior. In 1949, George Orwell's "1984", (which ironically followed Hitler's period of hypnotic trance over the German people), sent a warning to the masses, end ever since we have been both intrigued and concerned.
Once embarking upon our initial research, we learned of a survey conducted in 1991 by The Roper Group, which asked average Americans if they believed subliminal techniques were being used in advertising. 57% said they believed it was used "on a regular basis." Only 1 in 12 thought "it almost never happens."
Because that study took place over 15 years ago, we wondered how those percentages might change if a similar survey was conducted today. We began by asking some of our expert interview participants for their opinion. Surprinsingly, they almost unanimously agreed that the numbers might be even higher. Their logic was that since the 9/11 attacks, a rising trend of distrust and skepticism toward government, corporations and the media have taken grip on our society.
We decided to see if they were correct by hitting the streets of Times Square in New York City to conduct our own survey. We asked an assortment of average Americans several questions about subliminal advertising and whether they believed it was a technique which the ad industry practiced today. An overwhelming 80% said "yes," while the remaining 20% were "unsure." With this apparent air of uncertainty blanketing our nation, the timing couldn't be better for a documentary such as ours to reach audiences, lay to rest the urban legends, and set the record straight on the purported uses and potential affects of subliminal programming.
For more information on our project, for a Private Placement Memorandum, or any other questions, please contact Jeff Warrick, (Producer / Director), at (831) 247-0729. Or visit our film website at: www.programmingthenation.com.