Newsletter – Python Issue

Posted on 25. Jun, 2010 by Howard Salus in Newsletter

LOST IN THE OIL: THE RELATIONSHIP OF OIL AND PYTHONS

An Appeal to Bring the Tremendous Importance of Producing This Film Back Into Focus -

By Wayne Rassner

How can it be possible that the current oil spill disaster is affecting the invasion of pythons in the Everglades?

In the answer lies the realization that the oil spill disaster will have detrimental effects so far reaching that only one’s imagination is the limit.

It is certainly not too far of a stretch to imagine the BP oil spill having a direct impact upon the Everglades; just turn on your TV and watch one of the many projected paths of the oil flow, should the oil get caught up in the loop current outlining the Florida coast.  Yet it is not the potential intrusion of oil directly reaching the coastal boundaries of the Everglades that will impact the efforts of the python project

Joe Wasilewski, Wildlife Biologist with Environmentalist/Ranger Wayne Rassner

Now that you have a mental picture of a 20 foot python, coated in BP oil, which could of course happen – Hollywood never even had a story line like that – you must reach far deeper into your imagination to understand the connection of an oil spill and an invasive species issue.

Still hasn’t hit you? – of course not – and it probably never would, as it is human nature to focus on the impact of a disaster that we actually see or experience directly.  So, I have no doubt that were it not for my direct involvement in the python project within Everglades National Park, in my wildest dreams I would not have considered how the oil spill disaster could impact the hugely important endeavor of reducing the python population in the Everglades.

I will keep you in suspense no longer, not because I don’t enjoy building the suspense, but because we don’t have the luxury of time.  What has happened is this.  Filmmaker Elam Stoltzfus, who recently produced an award-winning film on the Big Cypress, has agreed to make a film on the pythons invading the Everglades.  The reason this is so important is because such a film will bring more attention to the issue, on a scientific and educational basis, rather than the current sensationalism being employed by other media.  The idea behind such a film is that it will tell the entire factual story, starting in Southeast Asia, where the pythons came from, culminating with their current existence in the Everglades.  This will open many avenues of awareness, leading to potential funding sources, which can be used to assist the efforts of removing pythons from the Everglades.  This is not speculation.  One only needs to look to the results of Mr. Stoltzfus’ Big Cypress film to realize that within months of the release date, substantial funding came into various projects affecting the Big Cypress, as an immediate and direct byproduct of that film.

Considering the appropriate mate

Well, understandably, the oil spill disaster has overwhelmingly been occupying Mr. Stoltzfus’ time, not only because he is an environmental filmmaker, but also because the oil spill is in his backyard.  It’s almost a Catch-22 but Elam is very willing to re-establish his focus on the Python Film Project as soon as some of the necessary funds begin generating.  And here lies the reason for our urgent plea. In addition to the fact that  we can’t afford to lose any time in the python battle, but there is much hope that the python film will launch a series of documentary films on invasive species.  The issue of invasive species is as important as any of the issues facing our National Parks.  For instance, the undertaking to restore the Everglades, which by the way is the largest environmental restoration plan in the history of the world, is a daunting task.  Yet, even with the enormity of this task, it is being done.  Yes, we are winning the battle.  In the words of Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, the mother of the Everglades, “The Everglades is a test – if we pass, we get to keep the planet.” Well, in the case of the Everglades, it looks as though we are going to pass the test.  This is great, to say the least, yet we may pass the test, only to have the majority of wildlife threatened by the new apex predator, the Burmese Python.  Of course the python is an invasive species that is not too difficult to observe – 25 feet of reptile just may capture your attention.  But what about the other invasive species?  There are many invasive species, both flora and fauna, yet as difficult as it is to get resources to fight the python, one can only imagine how much more difficult it is to get resources to fight apparently benign plants and animals.  Well, that is exactly what the plan was with the production of the Stoltzfus python film; to lead into a series on invasive species, which would circulate through the environmental world, the school systems, and all of the other nature and science media.

These two alone could become 100 invaders with one copulation

This is not being written in anger at the people responsible for the worst environmental disaster in history, but rather, as a cry for help.  It is far too overwhelming emotionally to focus on being angry at the BP disaster, so why not put that emotion into solving some of the issues being impacted by the disaster.  It is axiomatic to state that one should not complain if they are not doing something to fix the problem at hand.  So, with minimal effort on the part of many, this obscure connection of oil and pythons can be addressed successfully.  If each person reading this article would send in $5.00 (or more, if you are comfortable), this film can be made, and the rest will be history.  This is so important that each individual who contributes to making this film a reality, will be named in the credits at the end of the film.  I do not believe this has ever been done before, except for donors of large sums of money; certainly not for $5.00 contributions.  This is being offered because the people involved in this film understand that it is each individual doing their part that makes the world a better place, for its current stewards, and for future generations.  Once the film is made each contributor will receive a DVD of the film, which of course will have your name in the credits.  Pretty cool.  Let’s make history.

Thank you so very much. If you could send this link to all of your friends and loved ones you would make such a fabulous impact. Estimated cost for initial production stage approximates $40,000.

Below, there is a Pay Pal icon – click on it and fill in the blanks. Under “Purpose”, please type in “Python Film Project”. ENV Magazine will be transferring 100% of all money received directly to this venture.  Alternatively you may send a check to ENV Magazine and mail to 880 NE 69th Street, Suite 7-S, Miami, FL 33138 (and specify “Python Film project” on the memo portion). For more information about our sponsorship packages please call Howard Salus at (305) 761-6366.

Jacket Design for DVD

Some Very Special Packages for Some Very Special People

$40,000.00 Executive Sponsorship:

There will only be four Executive Sponsorships available, as it is customary within the nature and science networks to limit these types of sponsorships to four, as this is the type of sponsorship which, in the beginning of the film, are recognized by an introduction which states “This film made possible by…”  In addition to such prominent recognition around the globe each time this film is viewed, the few Executive Sponsors shall be invited to accompany the film team to Thailand for the filming of the initial part of the story.  Additionally these sponsors with be the guests of honor at all openings of the film, and will be recognized at all award ceremonies at which the film is honored.  These sponsors shall also have the option of being on stage at all public and private showings which have the format of a presentation, conference and/or Q and A prior to the actual viewing of the film.

$25,000.00 Associate Sponsorship:

These sponsorships will be accepted until the full anticipated budget of $200,000.00 to $250,000.00 is received.  These sponsors shall receive all benefits of the Executive Sponsors, except for joining the film team in Thailand, however, they will be invited to observe most other filming domestically and all filming within the swamps of the Everglades.  Also, due to the restrictions by the networks as described in the Executive Sponsorships, such intros at the beginning of the film cannot be offered.  Associate Sponsors shall however be on the credits at the end of the film.

$10,000.00 Supporting Sponsorship:

These sponsorships will be accepted until the full anticipated budget of $200,000.00 to $250,000.00 is received.  These sponsors shall receive all benefits of the Associate Sponsors, except joining the film team during filming, other than three days of filming in the swamps of the Everglades and two days of filming during python captures.  Also, due to the restrictions by the networks as described in the Executive Sponsorships, such intros at the beginning of the film cannot be offered.  Supporting Sponsors shall however be on the credits at the end of the film.

$5,000.00 Sponsorship:

These sponsorships will be accepted until the full anticipated budget of $200,000.00 to $250,000.00 is received.  These sponsors shall receive all benefits of the Supporting Sponsors, except joining the film team during filming, other than two days of filming in the swamps of the Everglades and one day of filming during python captures.  Also, due to the restrictions by the networks as described in the Executive Sponsorships, such intros at the beginning of the film cannot be offered.  Sponsors shall however be on the credits at the end of the film.  Also, due to possible venue size restrictions, there may not be adequate space to accommodate Sponsors for stage participation as described in the Executive Sponsorship.

Note – in addition to the above,  the 4 – $40,000.00 sponsors will have logo/name placement.  The logo along with an audio tag will be placed at the beginning or end of the film.  Also on the cover of the DVD box and on the websites along with active links.
The $25,000.00 sponsors will have logo name placement on the DVD cover and website along with active links.
The $10,000 and $5,000 sponsors  will have web links.
Finally, all sponsors  will have text credits in the ending rolling credits.

Thank you so much for your time and please know – whether you donate $5, $50, $100 or, indeed $40,000 you have this very important project’s immense gratitude. For more information about our sponsorship packages please call Howard Salus at (305) 761-6366.Would you take a moment and click “Donate” or pull out the check book? And again, thank you very, very much!