Butterfly Trees by Kay Milam

The Butterfly Trees will capture the majesty and dimension of the continents-wide and ancient story of the monarch butterfly, and bring sharp focus to the complexities of modern threats to its habitat, and thus to the very existence of this endangered migratory phenomenon. The story of the monarch illuminates issues of social justice, genetic engineering, mythology, spirituality and metamorphosis, ultimately serving as a powerful reminder that all life on our planet is interconnected. This one-hour broadcast television documentary, shot in Hi-Definition video, will feature rare imagery of Monarchs in winter retreat, stunning migration scenes, and footage featuring the numerous individuals and programs dedicated to preserving the Monarch habitat. The heart of the story lies in the intersection of the politics, economics, and the environmental policies that surround this amazing creature and its heroic journey. The stunning imagery, finely woven with on-camera interviews, and formal narration, will be set to a richly textured soundtrack to create an emotionally compelling, educational viewing experience. The viewer will realize and appreciate the passionate mission: the urgent need to save and preserve the butterfly sanctuaries and oyamel fir forests in Mexico, while exploring viable and sustainable alternatives for the local Mexican peasant farmers. Additionally, viewers will learn about the threats to monarch habitats in North America, and the simple, rewarding things they can do to help ensure their survival. After experiencing this program, the viewer should have a sense of connection with the monarch butterfly and related habitat preservation, plus a new and/or renewed motivation for involvement.

One thing is certain: everyone will have a part to play in the solving of global warming; from citizens to board rooms, from city halls to state houses, from Congress to the White House. Our documentary is the story of the people behind the grass roots movement, behind the businesses, behind the policy, behind the hope and struggle to solve humanity's toughest challenge. We will explore the campaign to solve global warming through the eyes of the lone activist (the Lieutenants), the green CEOS (the Colonels) and the mayors and governors (the Generals) while we observe the hunt for the Commander In Chief to lead the U.S. and the world toward creating renewable, clean, sustainable energy. We hope to show there is reason for optimism and that preventing unfettered global warming may be both cheaper than people fear and an engine for economic growth: the kind of technological and financial challenge that Americans love to tackle. OPTIMISM (continued)

Other Fiscal Agents:

Louisville Film Society

Morgan Atkinson, Duckworks

Michael Breeding, Americana Productions

Neil Cox

Christine Fugate, Grief Becomes Me

Joe Gray, BIG NAM

Cameron Lawrence, Down to Earth Productions

Larry Magnes, Kentucky's Jewish Heritage

Amber Riddington, Song on the Dixie Bee Line

Tom Thurman, FBN Motion Pictures