The Ralph Waldo Emerson Institute
A Proposal for a Video/DVD Project

Emerson: The Ideal in America

Emerson’s Legacy:  Emerson was the first, and arguably is still the most articulate, exponent in English of Idealism, the Western philosophical tradition that reaches back to before Socrates.
In his essays and lectures, Emerson sought to evoke “the infinitude of the private man.”  His aim was to show the individual its true relationship, that of identity, with “the Supreme Cause.” He taught and embodied a spirituality that transcended sects and even religions, and in a world where people are defining themselves in more and more narrow terms, his words still resonate with those seeking an authentic experience of “the Over-Soul.” 

Project Description:  Books by and about Emerson are abundant, but there is nothing available on film or video.  A filmed biography by Jean Mudge intended for broadcast is in the works; however, “Emerson: The Ideal in America” is intended as a multimedia project, distributed on DVD, and will occupy its own niche.
            Emerson’s words are available now only in print, but he was in his lifetime also famous as a lecturer and orator. This program will make extensive use of excerpts from his journals, essays, and lectures read by a carefully chosen voice, but will not attempt historical recreations.  While it will include some elements of standard historical documentary technique, e.g., use of period images, it will use an on-camera host and location photography to bring his words into the present.  It will also feature interviews with Emerson experts. 
Given Emerson’s continuous inspiration from the natural world, it will also feature many shots of nature.  Given his vocation as a writer, a recurring image will be the application of words with ink on paper. 
Technically, the project will use state-of-the-art digital production equipment, but will use special effects sparingly, and only insofar as they enhance the appreciation and understanding of Emerson’s words.

Outline:  This project will include the following elements:
·        A main section, approximately sixty minutes long and largely biographical in nature, which will serve as an introduction to his life and teachings.
·        Additional video features such as extended interviews with RWE experts, as well as a tour of Emerson’s home in Concord and possible other sites.
·        Additional audio features such as readings of entire essays.
·        Additional text features and links to websites.

Schedule:  Principal photography is scheduled to be completed by the end of June 2006.  The DVD is projected to be released in November of 2006.

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David A. Beardsley for the Ralph Waldo Emerson Institute,  30 April 2006