Tracking an energy revolution

The benefits of renewable energy are clear: job creation, a clean environment, energy security and, above all, an end to the threat of catastrophic climate change. While politicians on the international stage bicker about commitments to reduce CO2 emissions, it is the engineers and entrepreneurs among us who are actually ushering in the green energy revolution. The role of the policy maker is to make the regulatory environment friendly to a growing renewable energy sector. In many progressive jurisdictions — often at the sub-national level — this is indeed what is happening.

Shape Shift identifies the hurdles that any renewable energy project must overcome on the long, winding road from the drawing board to the electric grid. Along the way, it provides glimpses of the remarkable technologies now being used to harness the inexhaustible supply of wind, solar, tidal, wave and geothermal energy on the planet.

Why this documentary is being made

The radical transformation of our generations-old energy regime is anything but simple and straightforward — but it is happening nevertheless. In places like Germany and California, the shift to renewables is well under way. New ways of thinking about energy are coming to the forefront. Behind the scenes on the international level, there is growing cooperation in green energy research, development and deployment. Meanwhile, the entrenched coal, oil and gas industries are doing everything they can to protect their economic position in the energy supply chain.

There is a lot at stake, and a great need for clarity. When policy-makers, industry, and the general public achieve that clarity, there will be a greater over-all understanding and acceptance of renewable energy — and a greater probability of a timely, cooperative and just transition.

About the project

This is a bare-bones production favoring mobility and easy rapport with its subject. As a rule, video recording is done with a pro-sumer HD video camera, using available light, and with lavalier mics when needed. Editing is done on a PC with Premiere Pro.

Shape Shift is an independent production. Companies and individuals involved in the project have provided generous support in the form of interviews, site access, and b-roll footage.

Project status

An important initial phase of the project is complete. A 12-minute rough-cut lead-in sequence has been shot and assembled, and is shown to prospective participants. The current production phase — the main body of the documentary — involves further research, interviews and video recording in Canada and the United States. This is expected to be completed by the fall of 2012.

Interviewees (watch for updates)

• John Robinson, University of British Columbia
• Mark A. Delucchi, University of California at Davis
• Mark Z. Jacobson, Stanford University
• Mark Jaccard, Simon Fraser University
• Monte Morrison, Alterra Power Corporation, Soda Lake, Nevada
• Paul Rai, Future Renewable Energy Resources Inc, Richmond, BC

How a financial contribution will help

Your contributions will be used to complete the production phase. Expenses will include:
• equipment rentals and supplies
• travel to various destinations in Canada and the US as required for research
• location videotaping
• interviews with experts in the field
• purchasing stock footage.

Other ways you can contribute

The project welcomes inquiries from those interested in making a material or creative contribution. Areas of interest include:
• HD video footage of a utility scale wind or solar facility in your area, and community reaction to it.
• Interviews with professionals and decision-makers familiar with the regulatory environment of their jurisdiction and how it supports renewable energy.

A link to the 12-minute rough lead-in sequence is available on request.

Contact: click on the link below.