The United States of Conspiracy. Inspired by and based on the 'Pizzagate Incident' of December 4th, 2016.

Interview with Director/Producer Stuart Valberg

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

The Short was conceived during the Covid-19 pandemic. I was considering what sort of narrative I could create with a scaled-back Cast and Crew.

While watching a Frontline episode featuring conspiracy theories I came across the 'Pizzagate Incident' and thought it was a story that needed to be told. Despite it happening seven years ago back in 2016, the themes are still relevant today.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

The Short is meant to be a cautionary tale about the consequences of unconsidered propaganda. Even if something appears to be so outlandish it's benign, others may take it seriously. To the point where they drive across state lines armed with an assault rifle.

Some people are vaguely aware of the 'Pizzagate Incident' but most are shocked it actually happened.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The themes of responsibility and culpability run through the Short. How our desire to protect can be preyed upon and negligently twisted. Ultimately, there can be consequences for the things you say, especially if you have a large audience.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

The Short is based on True Events and there isn't any dialogue, so there wasn't much in the way of a script, just a beat sheet.

There was a decent amount of evolution during the editing process. Striking a balance between dramatic and documentary footage, while still retaining a narrative through line was a challenge.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The Short is primarily at the 'Friends and Family Stage' so that feedback tends to be a bit biased. There were some good notes during Post Production that we were actually able to incorporate into the final piece!

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

This is the first Docudrama I've made, so I found it challenging to walk the line between wanting to keep the narrative compelling, yet still retain our message about the topic.

We went through many different edits to try and perfect that balance. This is a Short that ideally has a definitive point of view, yet is still engaging to watch.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

For this particular project, we're hoping to gain more visibility for film festival programming.

In the larger, more personal goals, the aim is to get more exposure for eventual management or representation.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

We're primarily looking for Film Festival Directors and Journalists.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

Ideally, a strong Festival run, along with positive critical reception.

This is the type of project that will be put in a portfolio, along with other completed projects, to be used as a springboard for bigger and more ambitious films.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

Who bears the most responsibility for the outcome of the 'Pizzagate Incident' and how can we prevent things like this from happening in the future in the thundering climate of 'Fake News'?

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

Stuart Valberg is developing a Horror Anthology, along with his first feature.

Brandon Lescure is the Senior Producer at Sympatico Media and is working on the advertising campaign for TuneCore.

Interview: June 2023

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

#Pizzagate

The United States of Conspiracy. Inspired by and based on the 'Pizzagate Incident' of December 4th, 2016.

Length: 6:05

Director: Stuart Valberg

Producer: Brandon Lescure

Writer: Stuart Valberg

About the writer, director and producer:

STUART VALBERG is a Boston native who has made an international career as a DGA Assistant Director on features and series such as Mindhunter and Army of the Dead. While Assistant Directing is his profession, Directing is his passion. Using the knowledge and resources from being an Assistant Director, he Directs and develops personal projects.

BRANDON LESCURE is a producer and screenwriter from Washington, D.C. Since 2016, Brandon has produced several shorts and streaming pilots, as well as one theatrically released feature film - the 2020 Sundance Official Selection, Strawberry Mansion. Brandon’s films and screenplays have appeared in over 175 film festivals worldwide and have taken home over 50 awards. He currently works as the Senior Producer for Sympatico Media.

Key cast: Ian Hayes (Edgar)

Looking for: film festival directors, journalists

Facebook: Stuart Valberg

Instagram: @stuartvalberg

Website: www.stuartvalberg.com

Other: IMDb

Made in association with: Sympatico Media

Funders: Self-funded

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?

Dances With Films / Chinese Theaters, Los Angeles - Tues. June 27th @ 5PM