[PREVIEW] The Machine - Honest Government Ad
Dear Patrons
Here's the preview of our next Honest Government Ad.
But first - I hope you and your loved ones are doing okay? I know for a lot of people the lockdown has been hard, whether it be for mental health or financial reason. For others, it's been a rather liberating experience. I hope most of you fall into this camp.
Not gonna lie, we've struggled: isolating with a toddler and newborn has been hard. But most of all, we feel incredibly grateful that our Patrons have got our back. Thank you for sticking with us during this time, when many people are facing financial uncertainty.
I want you to know that we have passed it forward: our actors Zoë and Ellen are among the many performers and actors who fell through the cracks of our Government's JobKeeper program. So the Juice Media stepped in to help them out with our own stimulus support scheme.
The lockdown is one of the reasons why it's taken me longer than expected to make this Honest Government Ad.
But the other reason is that I wanted to take some time to reflect on something *meaningful* to say for this HGA.
This is a historic moment for humanity. So I decided to use the "generic Government" voice again: it works so well for covering international, global issues such as these which affect all of us.
Don't worry, the Australien Governmnet will be back soon. It just didn't seem right to attack a Government that, for once, has not completely mishadled everything (barring some obligatory cock-ups along the way). But give them time, it won't be long before the shitfuckery resumes.
I also didn't want to just be another voice in the (already very loud) chorus of people covering Trump's insane response to the pandemic. We will be covering the US shitshow in future HGAs, especially as we approach the November election.
For now, I wanted to try and tap into the feeling of this moment we're in, and to make an HGA that is a bit more... "big picture".
Please let me know what you think. Whilst filming the closing scenes, Zoë said she felt this is a turning point in the series. I don't want to pre-empt your response, so I'll let you decide!
There are some things that might not make sense without the visuals, but I hope you can fill the gaps for now.
Oh and: I'm taking suggestions for the Authorised By message - let me know in the comments if you have an inspired idea (the more poetic the better!)
I'll catch you in a few days for the video. Until then, take care
Giordano & fam
PS. to listen to the preview please log into to your Patreon account to access the file
Comments (78)
I just wanted to tell you at this early point in the video release that the response in my climate change support group has been - interesting and heartfelt. Between MMoores Planet of the Humans and this and the general feeling of 'change' people are crying at the end - a sort of grief for what might have been, for what we really have lost and just a hint that something new could emerge. Just wanted you to know it is seriously moving people.
Wendy, its so good to know this! Thank you xo
Love it Giordano! The most hope I've felt from an HGA yet :) Sounds like it may have been authorised by the "Department of Vaccinating Against the Disease of Capitalism. Wish Us Luck." :) Keep em coming bro! Hope to catch you in Melbs sometime when things settle. I'm happily locked down in Daylesford, so not too far from the shitty :) Take care mate.
Hey Charlie! Great to hear from you, glad you liked the ray of hope in this last HGA :) Yes, please come and say hello when you're next in town, would love to have you round for lunch or a cuppa and meet our two little boys. Sending much love and warmth up to chilli Daylesford xo
Welcome to the house of cards eh. Who woulda thunk we'd have tinpot authoritarians panhandling a pandemic. I had no idea what was going on in the rest of the world outside of my fence, let alone beyond our Peter powered secure border, so secure it couldn't even stop an unarmed cruise ship. Of all the dodgy shitshows you mentioned I would go for Belorus. Not sure if covid can survive Vodka Immersion Therapy but it's worth a shot or 30. As usual, fucken awesome Giordano. How's your ASIO file going btw? Did you RTI it yet?
Thanks Kim your comment made me chuckle. Maybe one day when I'm long gone Luca can apply to see my asio file lol
Powerful and well delivered.
Cheers Dave
Brilliant! This "big picture" approach is absolutely perfect in the current context, and linking it all together with the reference to the four decades of global neoliberal dominance gives the piece conceptual coherence, and makes it a highly relevant reflection both to explain the crisis, to reveal what had been hidden/undervalued before for the crisis, and what might be possible after the crisis. In my view, this is an instant classic: truly one of the all-time best Honest Government Ads.
Thank you Benito! I see you also enjoy a bit of the big picture :) If this one goes well, I might try making more inter/trans-national HGAs to show how things connect on a bigger scale.
The NZ reference made me "ha!"-out-loud.
Overall I really like it, looking forward to seeing the visuals. Loved your reference to New Zealand!
Well balanced, for me. I liked the China references: it doesn't do for us to be frightened - we need to be adult. My only constructive thought is more praise for the Aus Government's safety net, but add some abuse at the exclusions, like people on temporary visas etc..
Yep. The China bit makes me uncomfortable. I think it plays into the hands of whack-job conspiracy theorists and Governments looking for a scape goat. The Chinese response has been swings-and-roundabouts. They've done some things very well, and others poorly. They had the disadvantage of starting without any information about the nature of the virus, whereas other countries got to rely on the information they shared.
Thanks Craig, I get what you mean. If we were *only* criticising China's response, I would understand the problem. However, everyone gets a dose in this HGA. And I hope you agree, the proposition that we cannot critique or question China in all this, is equally uncomfortable.
G'day Giordano My concern with this clip is it doesn't go far enough. A few things I find puzzling about the Aus government is they are offering no support to NZ citizens, even though we have been close countries since before the ANZACs. But we seem to just bend to whatever mad ideas the US come up with for an excuse. There is a definite anti china sentiment running with the US at the moment and that is in no small way related to the pressure of the Chinese to issue a new world currency (as opposed to everyone using the US dollar) which is probably related to the US starting so many wars on one pretext or another. Yes we are under a shift in politics to a Neo-Liberal globilisation... which is why we (Australians) keep getting forced into secretive Free-Trade agreements- which are unlikely to work for the benefit of the citizens of the countries involved in them, just the corporations. There is a lot more to be addressed, but I have a busy day in front of me. So the last point I'll make is that the Chinese did not create this virus. Immediate study of the virus has shown that the latching mechanism is unique (If the virus were created then it would have a differently "evolved" latching mechanism... This witch hunt by the US is all about blaming the Chinese for causing this pandemic, which is just not possible. Why would the Chinese release it into its own citizens is another problem with that silly assertion. The US are using this as another reason to attack the Chinese and I think Juice Media should be more careful about the implications they are putting forth. Of course governments cover up to start with- Just look at the US government... or our own- "Watergate" I think the Chinese government has taken a reasonable stance. Buying back all available medical supplies is a clue to their first response- not sure how bad the thing is, but we need help and we're not going to ask. Then later producing massive amounts of medical supplies and giving away for nothing. It all makes sense to me, for a (socially aware) government.
Thank you. For a future piece, the coronavirus app in Australia is cause for concern to me. My elderly mother was sent the app by mygov. She opened the link and it instantly installed. She did not wish to participate, but had no choice. The next day she received a message asking her to contact Human Services (or whatever they are called this week) to explain what she is doing 20 minutes away from her house. Further the message advised that she had 15 minutes to contact the number provided. She didn't see the message for 6 hours as she wasn't using her phone. She was extremely upset and frightened that the police may come or she may be arrested. She recently had heart surgery and is in lockdown with her friend so she is not alone. Anyway, just an idea.
Why does this smell like a scam? Surely the app doesn't work like this at all.
So, this is the fault of 40 years of neo-liberal policies? Uh, that line needs more analysis, or maybe I didn't follow your reasoning. In the US it's been the neo-conservative evangelical prosperity gospel greedy bastards undoing all social progress and support systems.
Well, "neo-liberal" as I understand it is not at all liberal: a bit like "economic rationalism" is not at all rational. That's the difficulty with misleading terminology. Another is those referred to as "christian" who are most definitely not Christian at all: failing to follow the most basic teachings of the carpenter of Nazareth.
"Backwards countries and failed states, like the U.S." -- actually laughed out loud. Really liked the overall message! Thanks to you all!
Most succinct closer I can think of is "Authorised by the Department of turning it off and on again."
Loving it! Once Ive run it through the PG Machine - Its On air this week :)
I’ve been watching the majority of Trumps live pressers. Quite an investment of time. I am shocked at the msm reporting of what he says. It’s blatant lying and manipulation. I’m not saying he’s done better or worse than any other world leader but if you watch what he is actually saying compared to what is reported. Very different story. The MSM are trying to take him down. Why?
Trump is a malignant narcissist doing the bidding of the nation states that own him. He is incapable of admitting that he's made mistakes. He also has dementia.
Nice one. Thank you for keeping your staff above water.
PS: "Making WHO our bitch" is definitely mainstream media propaganda.
I respectfully disagree with you and agree with Giordano on this one.
I think that the Chinese govt were deceptive for the first week. Other govts have definitely been deceptive much longer and been using this to bring in authoritarian measures. Some of the criticisms of the Chinese government in this were used as mainstream media propaganda Giordano. Some are true, but I think I'm sensitive at present to criticisms of the Chinese government's handling of this crisis when there's a massive attempt (even from folks who are said to be on the left) to vilify China because the US wants to either destroy China economically or even invade them according to John Pilger. Have you seen Australia Strategic policy institute's rabid propaganda about China? PS: Here's a good article: New Anti-China Propaganda Uses Russiagate Playbook https://original.antiwar.com/dave_decamp/2020/04/26/new-anti-china-propaganda-uses-russiagate-playbook/
More like the first 6 weeks.
Very, very, very good. Once again, thank you, Giordano and team.
Authorized by: "The conscience capitalism never had" or "The nuclear apocalypse emergency broadcast system"
Authorized By TIME (The Incredible MachinE)
Even after all this and despite the end results staring in front of us, my Oxbridge Economists friends (I am 63 yrs old) still can't see through the agenda driven Economics they taught us in late 1970s
I feel with you. I see discussions erupting on Twitter that should have been handled a decade ago. And here we are as the Titanic is sinking, we are discussing if we have hit an Iceberg.
Perfect, as always! 💯
Spot on. Thank you for all your great work :o)
Fantastic! Thank you so much for the preview 🙏🏻😊
Authorised by the Department of Life will never be the same again so get f#$&ing used to it!
Yet again, direct, succinct, witty and spot on!
Nice! I look forward to the video.
Very well done - it strikes the right tone. Looking forward to the video!
That's great. I can't wait for the very serious face of your spokemodel presenting ti
It's great!
Brilliant as usual. Can't wait for the video version
Still laughing over the "sentient ham dying of irony"... genius... I've always loved the image of him as a mop pushed through a ham...
As ever you've divined a creative way to encapsulate the madness we're all witnessing and struggling with. Special thanks for nailing Boris's gonads to the Hillrom bedpost.
Authorized by the human race, crowdfunded by Mother Nature😉
Very nice :)
Nicely done, as always!
anyone read The Machine Stops? EM Forster? yeah that..... that is what we need.
No, thanks for the suggestion!
Ahhhh Shit Goblin In law!!!!! i lost it lol Authorised By the Departments of Financial Fuckchops Fascist Failures. In NY things have got so 'interesting' that my husband essential worker setting up machines that make medical equipment for the pandemic - has not been home for...... a long time i think we are at week 5 - got exposed at a manufacturing plant and is in quarantine in a hotel for a few more days then back to work. It is such a strange feeling. A lot of low level shitfuckery by those 'resisting' the sensible precautions but mostly in the climate community i facilitate - a growing background sense of at least SOME PEOPLE might have a revelatory experience - everyone is baking bread, and making memories and a real sense of camaraderie is blossoming. Creativity is seeing a real resurgence and between that creative response and the malignant narcissist IQ45 its a neck snapping bipolar experience. No one is untouched. Blessings to you all and this is WONDERFULLLLLLLLLLLL! REALLY it gave me a lift and i am sure MANY MANY people will totally love it.
Aw Wendy, I am very sorry to hear your husband is in that situation :( I hope both of you stay safe. Please take care! xo
Authorized by the Department for Economic Trickle-Up Decency
Yes. Perfect time to use the flatten the curve for the CO2 crisis of which Coronavirus is but a small indicator/ symptom. But let’s hope it is sufficiently significant to scare the world into addressing the existential threat. Loved the international sweep. We don’t know we’re born here in Australia. You’re such a tonic JM. THANK YOU.
Not bad. Yes It was right not to pressure them while they seemed to be actually doing something. But now cracks are showing- “SnapBack” mmmmmm. Many told them now is the opportunity for a UBIncome but they laughed seriously. We were lucky to get 70% of Europe’s 80% and for everyone to wait for over a month. And what about the gig economy they created? They took too long to close the ports and airports. There will be a second wave. We may miss this now, but the borders will open at some point. The slow herd immunity method? We are watching Sweden closely. Note that no corona virus has ever had a successful vaccine created. Hopefully with the amount of push behind this one they will actually get it done, but 18 more months......We need to keep being the ghost in the machine. Zac
Get great comments on my shitfuckerry hoodie.
Such a topical good one Giordano, right on the money as usual. Looking forward to seeing the full video version.
I am so grateful your coronavirus ad went crazy. Looking forward to this ad, and many more! 40 years of neoliberal deception and theft is being gnawed at by the virus. Need to strike while the iron's hot. Renewable energy push...NOW!!!! UBI...now!!!!
Great job as always
Wow guys, absolutely nailed it! The machine manufactures fear, then it persuades you that the only way to be safe is to do what it tells you. And that machine has been running for an awful long time, organisations in power have used it very effectively - religions, governments, dictators, media.... I'm glad you know about it. Brought to you by the department of 'Have you tried turning it off then on again?' :)
Thanks Peter <3
I think that you will have to do something on JobKeeper at some point. Such a badly designed system for moth employees and small businesses with marginal cash flows. Six week wait, and you need to be paying your employees full rate the whole time. Many businesses have literally zero cash flow right now so will have to get bridging finance, from banks processing hundreds of thousands of similar loan requests. Madness.
excellent work Giordano, Zoë and Ellen - "authorised by the Shit Machine Bots" - looking forward to the video
just, sooo goood! Love it!
The department of paving paradise to put up a machine?
I was gonna suggest leaving the "flatten the climate change curve" to a followup HGA of its own. You could do a mostly looking back ad on the covid crisis in passing, but actually everything you're saying is about the looming climate crisis. Would be quite impactful.
I really, really, really like the last section on discovering "what we've lost"...hopefully we will heed the words of Arundhati Roy "Nothing could be worse than a return to normality."
Thanks Alpheus, I love what Arundhati Roy said about that :)
Authorised by the department of Tracking everyone and allowing the US government to collect the data from their corporations.
fantastic! looking forward to the visuals too :-)
I like it. There's generally a worldwide reluctance as to being candid about the misdeeds of the communist Chinese government, and you're a refreshing exception. They deserve worse than ridicule, but ridicule is a good start.
Extremely well put very excited for the final ad
Quite good!
Brilliant as always
Another Masterpiece! :)
Oh… can't WAIT to see and share this! Such a bullseye!