Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
Legal Foundation & Rise
The Supreme Court ruling enables anonymous corporate spending, allowing plutocrats to directly shape political processes and back conservative candidates.
Key Events
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Supreme Court Ruling — Citizens United decision enables anonymous corporate spending.
Location: US Supreme Court
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Koch Brothers Influence — Plutocrats exert direct control over political processes.
Location: Washington DC
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Walker Campaign Support — Koch operatives financially back Governor Scott Walker.
Location: Wisconsin
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Tea Party Emergence — Grassroots movement rises following 2008 presidential election.
Location: National
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Labor Union Attacks — Strategic strikes target organized labor to weaken opposition.
Location: Wisconsin
Campaign Conflicts & Labor
Strategic attacks on organized labor and grassroots Tea Party movements escalate as operatives coordinate multi-state political opposition.
Key Events
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Labor Union Attacks — Strategic strikes target organized labor to weaken opposition.
Location: Wisconsin
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ITVS Funding Withdrawal — Public television pulls initial financial commitment.
Location: ITVS Office
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Censorship Allegations — ITVS cites Koch board memberships as problematic.
Location: Media Offices
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Kickstarter Launch — Filmmakers secure independent funding after public support.
Location: Online Platform
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Sundance Premiere — Documentary debuts to critical industry attention.
Location: Park City
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Academy Shortlist — Film qualifies for best documentary feature consideration.
Location: Hollywood
Funding Crisis & Censorship
Public television withdraws support citing board conflicts, prompting filmmakers to launch a successful independent crowdfunding campaign.
Key Events
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Academy Shortlist — Film qualifies for best documentary feature consideration.
Location: Hollywood
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New Yorker Publication — Article exposes censorship claims to public audience.
Location: Magazine Office
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PBS Ombudsman Review — Ombudsman comments without consulting filmmakers directly.
Location: Public Broadcasting
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Funding Restoration Condition — Support promised post-festival if title references removed.
Location: ITVS Office
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Conservative Billionaire Focus — David Koch serves on flagship public broadcaster boards.
Location: Corporate Boards
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Liberal Opposition Strategy — Operatives coordinate multi-state attacks on progressive groups.
Location: Political Offices
Festival Premiere & Impact
The documentary debuts at Sundance, gains Oscar recognition, and sparks public debate over media censorship and political influence.
Key Events
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Liberal Opposition Strategy — Operatives coordinate multi-state attacks on progressive groups.
Location: Political Offices
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Filmmaker Production Phase — Tia Lessin and Carl Deal compile documentary footage.
Location: Editing Suite
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Anonymous Spending Analysis — Film examines unlimited corporate policy influence mechanisms.
Location: Research Center
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Public Broadcasting Conflict — Institutional tensions arise over documentary content.
Location: Network Headquarters
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Documentary Release — Film reaches audiences despite initial funding hurdles.
Location: Distribution Network
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Political Legacy Impact — Documentary highlights enduring shifts in American politics.
Location: National Stage
