Anyone know about Form Media?

[luvpain (imported)]

Has anyone seen any videos, interviews, etc. done by Form Media (http://www.formmedia.co.uk/)?

I was contacted by them to do an interview for an documentary on Eunuchs.

[kristoff]

Has anyone seen any videos, interviews, etc. done by Form Media (http://www.formmedia.co.uk/)?

I was contacted by them to do an interview for an documentary on Eunuchs.

Someone from their organization recently signed up as a member under the name Form London. Another film crew. Perhaps someone can dig around and see what they do, how they do it, if they are responsible, fair, and so on, and post it up here. Better that folks are aware of them before responding to them. We all know how badly we've been presented before - all except the story in the Philadelphia paper, which was done pretty well.

To any and all: Beware and be wary, please.

[JesusA]

Jonah Weston of Form Media has been interested in producing a documentary on voluntary eunuchs for Channel Four television in England for some time. This is not the first time he has approached the Eunuch Archive. His original proposal was at least as bad as that of the disasterous "American Eunuchs" (http://www.eunuch.org/vbulletin/showthr ... an+Eunuchs). He has read, talked, listened, and learned a great deal since then. Even so, I'm not sure what direction he is currently taking. Like all such attempts to study the community, one needs to be very cautious until the intent is absolutely clear.

An informal (not recorded for later use) discussion with him might move him toward a better documentary. I'm convinced that he will eventually produce something; we all want it to be the best documentary that is possible.

Please keep us all informed of your contact with Jonah Weston. If he is going in the right direction toward producing an ACCURATE documentary on the eunuch community (even with all of our warts showing), we ought to help and applaud him. If it is clear that the documentary will be another exploitation film, we need to know to shun him.

[talula]

I hope their other media skills tend to be better than the web site.

tal

[Riverwind (imported)]

Talula, you beat me to it.

There front page

Form Media was founded by award-winning television director Jonah Weston. Form Media is a new type of media company with expertise in traditional broadcast and cross-platform media.

Form operates in two distinct but related areas:

broadcast (http://www.formmedia.co.uk/broadcast.htm)

We make intelligent and provocative films for some of the world's biggest broadcasters.

x-platform (http://www.formmedia.co.uk/x-platform.htm)

We exploit new technologies to directly engage audiences in powerful media experiences

There are a couple key words that make me wonder.

Provocative, exploit,

It sort of sounds a little like the Enquire.

I have herd this line before for Bulls Eye TV who is also in the UK.

Think about it.

River

[JesusA]

The person who registered on the Archive as "Form Media" did not use Jonah Weston as a name, nor was Jonah Weston the person who contacted Luvpain. Rather, contact was made by someone taking the name "Ruth Anderson", which is probably her real name as there's no reason to use any pseudonym.

The following are some things to keep in mind for any Archive readers or members who might be contacted by Form Media or who might be interested in being part of any documentary that they produce:

1. Ruth Anderson is NOT listed as an employee of "Form Media" on their website. It would be important to find out who she is and, especially, what her background is. How much research has she done on the eunuch community before plunging into this project? Is she a sociologist or an art major? Etc.

2. Everyone should be warned not to interact with her or Weston until they have reviewed ALL the video clips on their website (www.formmedia.co.uk).

3. Form Media seems to have a history of sensationalistic documentaries with a focus on deviancy. This is neither good nor bad, per se, but it does advise caution.

4. The website indicates a pattern Weston has of using actors to "recreate" provocative scenes. What you say in an interview (or even an informal conversation) may be "dramatized" by actors in ways that you would not approve, or even recognize.

5. That they plan to go with their original title, "Make me a Eunuch," severely undermines their own efforts/claims that they will produce a "film which will sensitively convey the thoughts and beliefs of people today." It is hard to justify that title with their claim that "Form Media make[s] intelligent, respectful and thought provoking films...[that take] a serious and intelligent look at" any topic.

With all of this said, however, if Jonah Weston and Form Media decide to do an accurate documentary of the voluntary eunuch community, this could be an outstanding work. Jonah Weston's work has fine cinemetography and excellent production qualities. He is a fine storyteller.

We don't need a "puff piece" saying how wonderful we all are, but we certainly don't want to be portrayed as a three-ring freak circus. This community is made up of a wide variety of real people struggling with real problems and questions, trying to find the best possible solutions for their own situations. To gain a TV audience, the documentary will need to have some sensationalism, some shock value, to drag them in. The question is how much and what kind. What will be the impression left with the audience at the end of the hour?

The best journalistic piece on the eunuch community to date is Ashlea Halpern's cover article The Battle of the Sexless

(http://www.eunuch.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=

8750) in the Philadelphia City Paper. It's far from perfect. It begins with a very sensationalistic opening:

"He could've filled three Pepsi cans. Maybe three and a half. That's how much blood Talula estimates he lost the first time he tried to castrate himself." But, by the end of the article the reader understands WHY some men may decide that they need to be castrated and the reader has gained some sympathy with them and their difficulties in achieving that goal.

While it would certainly be very nice to have a documentary as well-constructed as Kate Davis' Southern Comfort, a portrayal of the last year of the life of Robert Eads, a Female-to-Male transsexual, we are likely to get something less, but still, hopefully, a work we can be proud to show to friends.

[Form London (imported)]

Dear Archive Members

RE: FORM MEDIA

I can see from your posts that there are several aspects of this company and this documentary that remain unclear. I will take this opportunity to respond to some of your concerns and queries and to address some inaccuracies that I feel are misrepresentative.

Firstly, I am grateful to Jesus for the time and effort he has gone to in trying to portray Form Media to the community. Indeed, we have exchanged several emails privately prior to these postings and spoken at length on the phone. I have also spoken with one of Jesus' closest colleagues several times. These have often been long and complicated conversations. However, despite some initial disagreements and misunderstandings I feel that I have now arrived (as Jesus himself acknowledged in his previous post) at both a truer understanding of the community and consequently, a better vision of how our eventual film might ultimately reflect it.

In this it is important to point out that I am not the expert, nor (no matter how much I learn) will I ever be. That is why this process of learning and listening is so important if we are to achieve something of which both I and you, the community can feel proud. Ultimately this is your world, your lives and your message and as such should ultimately be your film. That is why it is so important that we hear what you have to say. Any documentary relies on the caliber of its contributors and that is why myself and my researcher, Ruth Anderson, are keen to reach out to as many of you as possible and have the opportunity to hear your thoughts and experiences. This is what will shape and determine the nature of this documentary and I hope that you will give us the benefit of the doubt and allow us into your lives and give us the opportunity to make a film that we can all be proud of.

I am of course pleased that Jesus labeled me a "fine storyteller" who employs "excellent production values" and "fine cinematography." However, he poses several points that I feel I should address as well as some inaccuracies that I feel it is important to clear up.

1."Ruth Anderson is not listed as an employee on the Form Media website." This is because Ruth Anderson is a freelance researcher whom I specifically appointed to work on this documentary as she has the appropriate skills for such a sensitive subject matter. Ruth, as anyone who speaks with her will find out, is genuinely empathic and a very grounded individual who is doing her best to genuinely understand the community and its members. Originally from an arts background, she has worked for the UK's national broadcasters including Channel 4, ITV and recently completed a book for the BBC looking at the psychology of happiness.

2. Jesus suggests people watch ALL the clips on my website. I welcome this. They show a small selection of the work that I have made. Some are more lighthearted than others and all (for obvious reasons of impact and brevity) come from the film in question's more dramatic moments. However I would stand by each of these films and would suggest that for a more informed view of the programs from which those clips were drawn community members should also look at my on-line resume which can be found under 'People' on the website.

3. "

Form Media seems to have a history of sensationalistic documentaries with a focus on deviancy.

" I would dispute this. I tend to make films that are complicated and often psychologically driven but I do not agree that they focus unduly on deviancy - as a study of the film clips within their full context (as suggested above) will reveal.

4. "

The website indicates a pattern Weston has of using actors to "recreate" provocative scenes.

" This is not, in fact, a technique I employ often and the majority of the films I have made contain no use of this device whatsoever. In fact I have only ever used it once, in a light-hearted documentary about Prince William (though this was fully and openly explained within the film - which was always advertised as the most light-hearted factual entertainment).

In the case of the two men kissing, in the BAFTA nominated 'Anatomy of Disgust', this is patently untrue. Both were my friends, not actors, and both agreed to take part in this scene (at the risk of abuse and possibly violence from the bigoted bystanders the film shows) to illustrate an important point about the ongoing and continued prejudice that they as gay men faced in our so-called tolerant society.

This was not willful sensationalism or provocation. Rather, it was essential to film this sequence in this way to draw these bigots out from the usual niceties that people like this use to hide their hatred of outsiders. Having to actually watch two men kiss broke them out of their comfort zone, and the effect is both shocking and unsettling and makes a powerful point about ignorance and prejudice - a point that I would hope archive members might appreciate better than most.

What is more, within both programs these scenes were fully and openly explained. I WOULD NEVER "dramatize" the words of a contributor and place them in the mouth of an actor. To do so would be both UNETHICAL and VISUALLY WEAK and I reject this assertion wholeheartedly.

5. "Make me a Eunuch" is what is known as a working title - used to conveniently label a program while it is in production (a very common practice by the way). I have no real allegiance to this title and will happily take suggestions for alternatives should one not be forthcoming during production.

I think that this addresses all the points that Jesus made. I had wanted to avoid direct intervention in the debate and rather, let archive members decide for themselves. However, certain points cannot go unmet if they seem inaccurate and it seemed that more information on us and our intentions would be welcomed at this point. Please do let me know if there are others areas you would like me to address.

Thank you also for comments on the website. I'm sorry that it appears to be unclear in any way and I will be having a meeting later this year with my website designer where I shall raise your points. For the time being, let me say that I undertake to be as transparent as possible, this is my work and I am not trying to hide it. Not all production companies are this open.

My intention here really is to make the best film possible, a film that perhaps for the first time truly reflects the community and lets them speak about their lives in their own voices. It won't be perfect, films never are. But I come to this project with a track record of which I am proud and a clear-conscience as to my intentions.

I will do my best to represent you honestly and fairly but I cannot do it without you. I hope you will feel that this is something worthwhile and that you participate with us in furthering our research and in contributing to this film.

Yours sincerely,

Jonah Weston

Form Media

[email protected]

[email protected] or [email protected]

[Riverwind (imported)]

There is a way that this could happen.

First Form Media meet in person with several of the Administrators of the Eunuch Archive.

In that meeting the show will be laid out.

The finished product must meet approval of the Administrators of the Archive.

Only then will a release be given to put such a film on the air.

How do we insure that this happens, well we may need a leagle contract with a lot of leagleeze.

And last, I dont want any part of it.

River

[Quillman (imported)]

Just to put some minds at rest I have been in contact with Jonah and at the same time received some most excellent advice from Jesus and some other members of our community. I have put many points of view across to Jonah and even queried if the world is ready for yet another Eunuch documentary. One thing I will add if I may, and that this is perhaps one opportunity to make sure that if the documentary is made, then we are seen in a good light and nothing detremental is portrayed as in the past. If we ignore the bloke then we throw that opportunity to influence the results away, and that would be a pity.

Cheers

Quillman UK

[Losethem (imported)]

RUN!

[Riverwind (imported)]

Losethem,

You have such a way with words,

River

[Losethem (imported)]

Ok, a couple days ago I posted the one word post that said RUN!

I have, in fact been in contact with this group of people and they are going to be sending me a couple examples of their work which I will view and give all of you here my honest opinion of their work.

Here is the reply I sent to Tanya at forum media this evening:

Tanya--

Pleasure to make your acquaintence.

I'm not sure how far I am willing to participate in your venture at this point. What I will do is review the materials and assess it for the community in general. I've noticed there is a flurry of activity there as well and I think whatever my opinion is will carry weight with the people on the Eunuch Archive.

We are a VERY distrustful lot with our most recent disaster appearing in the American magazine called Details. As such, we are rather skittish when it comes to people wanting to interview us. Working with media folks I know what the ultimate goal is for most television or other media works.

As for the ability to only view on my computer... that is fine... that is the only DVD style player I have in my home.

My address is:

LT

123 Fake Street

Anytown, ZA 12345

USA

I will give it my own honest review to the community, whatever my view is.

[JesusA]

Losethem and Quillman are not the only Archive members who have been in direct contact with Jonah Weston and Form Media. Richard Wassersug, a professor of medicine and a person who is very much out as a eunuch, has spoken extensively with him. I have spoken at length with Jonah and will be meeting him in person in about two weeks when he will be in my area for work on a very different documentary that he is producing.

I'm glad that a number of people are in contact with him. There is the potential for this to be the documentary that we all want and need. Though, we do still need to be very cautious. The goals of a documentary filmmaker may overlap with, but will not be identical to, those of the Eunuch Archive community.

I would encourage others to talk with Jonah and with Ruth Anderson, his research assistant. Just maintain caution until we have a much better idea of where he is going.

Please, also, keep the rest of the community informed.

[Losethem (imported)]

I just received and watched two full-length Forum Media documentaries in the mail. My intial review is that this might be the group of people we've been looking for.

The first video I reviewed was "Wild Child" about feral children. Esentially kids that were abandoned and left to be raised by animals, etc. They handled the subject rather well. Documented how the medical/educational/legal fields helped these children once they were found to be feral. The video mostly spoke about how to treat these children and find ways to assimilate them into society. Very stong basis on learning language.

The other video was called, "Anatomy of Disgust". It's definately not what you would think by looknig at the title. It was mostly about caste systems and how people use disgust to hold down lower classes. IE rich vs. poor.

Both of these videos were VERY well done.

That said, I'd still exercise some caution as it is a media production, but from what I can see even though they have provacative titles, these are no repeats of "American Eunuchs".

I think Wild Child has even been on the Discovery Channel here in the US, and you know what kind of stuff they usually show on that.

Use your best judgement, but I think this is our best shot at a legitimate, non-shock value documentary we've had in quite some time.

[JesusA]

Jonah Weston and one of his research assistants spent three and a half hours yesterday sitting in my living room discussing their proposed documentary on the voluntary eunuch community. While I would never trust someone working on such a project one hundred percent, I was impressed by their seriousness and by the direction that they indicated they hoped to take the documentary.

I tried a couple of times to distract them by bringing up those with BDSM castration fetishes and those who have been castrated for pedophilia. Jonah made it very clear that either topic would distract attention from the far more important point of gender diversity - that there is much more than just "male" and "female" in the world and that "eunuch" is a valid gender.

He was also interested in those who have used castration as a means to drop their libido to match that of a long-time partner - saying that it was a true expression of devoted love. He thought that it might be one significant "hook" both to capture the audience's attention and to provide a positive reaction to the eunuch community.

He also mentioned that a good hook might be to tell the, mostly young, audience of the TV program that there was a good chance that THEY might well become INvoluntary eunuchs as a result of prostate cancer. That castration was a very real possibility in their own lives. That they probably already knew at least one person who had been castrated, but who was too fearful of the potential reaction to let it be known.

Jonah seemed as appalled by the sensationalism of "American Eunuchs" as I'm sure every member of the Archive is. He thought a much better documentary on eunuchs was one produced (and shown ONLY in the UK) in 2000 that featured two active members here: Talula and JeffEunuch. He said that he thought that the "cutter", who was kept in shadow during his interview, should not have been part of the presentation and that he wished that more time had been spent on the motivations for castration of the three subjects who were voluntary eunuchs.

I was favorably impressed and plan to help this to become a documentary that is both accurate and sympathetic to the community it portrays.

If you decide to participate in this project, maintain caution, of course, and please let the rest of the community know about what you are doing. The documentary will be completed with or without our help. We want to make certain that it is the best one possible.

[HairyHarry (imported)]

I have also received an approach by PM, but the researcher is known as Rachel Tracy. I'll wait a while before I respond, one way or the other.

I agree, the website index page is TERRIBLE!

[Karisma (imported)]

I have also received an approach by PM, but the researcher is known as Rachel Tracy.

So has I, becouse of "posts" i've made to this forum and such -- stated as the reason. Which makes me wanna re-read all i've written so I know what bullshit(and not) i've written over the years lol.

[thefraj (imported)]

I spent a wonderful afternoon/evening with Jonah et al. on Monday, and was very pleasantly surprised! They seem very genuine and enthusiastic to understand and paint a fair picture of our community.

Given our past problems with the media - and resulting unwillingness of many to talk - it would have been very easy for them to pick the first five 'bizarre-seeming' people who responded and have a shockingly sensational piece with little effort! This didn't happen.

I trust their intentions

Instead, They have persevered to win our trust, been very transparent and engaged in our community even addressing some of the concerns raised by members in this very thread! These are not the actions of someone who doesn't care. I trust their intentions and think we need to work together to make this the program we have all been hoping for!

But good intentions in themselves is only the start. This whole subject needs to be approached with such incredible sensitivity - more so than any other aspect of human sexuality - due to it's relative obscurity. I think both of us started off on the wrong foot with their members not realizing how terribly hurt we have been in the past with the media. And us, for pre-emptively (but quite sensibly!) assuming the worst until proven otherwise. They have convinced me that they are different. But I will still say more sensitivity is needed.

Concerns

Among the one or two things over which I voiced concerns was details of my self-harm before castration. While I accept that this was a reality for me, I would question the value in focusing on graphic details which the public can only find very disturbing and not terribly informative. By all means report it as fact, but do so briefly with such incredible sensitivity.

I was also very greatful (and a little concerned!) with being informed that their currently planned opening of the documentary, in which the case of the North Carolina 'dungeon' (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12102319/) will be explained. I don't doubt it's usefulness as a device. But one which must be used with extreme care. Barts article opened with a child-molesterers fantasy about abducting a child, and we saw where that went! However, the Philadelphia City article (http://70.87.42.251/articles/2006-04-06/cover.shtml), opened with an account of Talulas self-castration attempt but - many thought - was quite favourable!

The difference? I don't know. Perhaps it was because the latter article only spent 16 words describing the gore, and then spent several paragraphs focusing on his feelings and motivations, playing into peoples sympathy. Or perhaps it is easier to dehumanize a pedophile? I'm not sure. I can only say as loudly as possible that the opening will need to be directed with such extreme care.

But very impressed

But - all that aside - I was very impressed. I really hope I don't live to regret being involved .

[sduyck_2000 (imported)]

I am always curious why eunuchs are something media wants to document.I dont see many amputee documentarys.

They are working hard at this as I got a backdoor invite yesterday from a completly differant source.I was surprised.

[homptydumpty (imported)]

What a novel idea, give eunuchs a chance to explain them selves, so other don't attempt to.

[Burdizzo Bill (imported)]

Well I came in on the tail end of this whole project but I have talked with Tanya at Form Media at great length and from the nature of the questions that she asked me my feelings are that the intent is to produce a show that honestly portrays the motivations and goals of a prospective eunuch.

She has convinced me that their goals are sincere and I intend to help them where I can.

Some may feel that being quiet is "safe". They will produce this show with or without our help. By helping them, and demonstrating the normal lives we live, we can give them facts that will help them produce an honest portrayal of us.

By being quiet, we may feel safe, but we will not be safe. If we fail to give them our input they will get input from people who know nothing about us.

[Uncle Flo (imported)]

Some may feel that being quiet is "safe". They will produce this show with or without our help. By helping them, and demonstrating the normal lives we live, we can give them facts that will help them produce an honest portrayal of us.

I don't think that "being quiet is safe" is the issue at all. There have been other projects of this sort that have portrayed the participants, including some contributors to this board, in the worst possible light. The issue is more of complete distrust in the motives of producers and of refusal to participate in ones own destruction. As a marginalized group we have no influence in how we are portrayed. I have no wish to slander this group by participation in a project that seems to have more chance of being a shock and smear campaign than any representation of reality. That said, everyone must decide individualy to participate or not. But, there has been more bad than good reporting of us. --FLO--