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The unexpected impact of Julia Roberts and George Clooney’s political ads
How Hollywood heavyweights stirred political conversations
As the campaign season reached its frantic climax, few could have predicted that a couple of political ads would spark such intense debate among conservatives, even drawing former President Donald Trump into the conversation. The man himself was notably vocal about these ads, which featured prominent stars Julia Roberts and George Clooney as narrators, stirring a national dialogue that echoed through media outlets and social platforms.
The controversy behind “your vote, your choice”
One of the ads in question, titled “Your Vote, Your Choice”, showcases two women at the voting booth, visibly defying their husbands’ expectations by checking the box for Kamala Harris. Roberts’ voice resonates in the background with a powerful line: “What happens in the booth, stays in the booth.” This ad, produced by Vote Common Good, a progressive voter advocacy group, aims to underline the privacy and agency of voters.
“Remember who we love the most when we vote”
The companion ad flips the narrative. “Remember Who We Love the Most When We Vote” features men secretly casting their votes for Harris, honoring the significant women in their lives while standing up against peer pressure. Clooney’s deep, reassuring voice echoes a similar sentiment: “You can vote any way you want, and no one will ever know.”
The filmmakers’ journey and the unexpected reaction
These ads, which emphasize voting privacy, became a lightning rod for conversation. Not just among the general public, but also within conservative circles, leading to discussions that ranged from voter privacy to the broader implications of the ads’ messages. The brains behind these poignant pieces? Filmmakers Colin Keith Gray and Megan Raney Aarons, siblings and co-founders of GRAiNEY Pictures. They credit their team, including writer Dode Levenson and producer Jill Leiderman, with the spots’ impact.
The magic of collaboration and creativity
Aarons describes the moment Trump’s commentary on Fox & Friends hit their threads: “It’s the holy grail when you get the opponent to speak about a campaign ad. It’s a bit of a mic drop moment.” She reflects on how their work unexpectedly ignited a conversation about women’s voting rights. Gray adds, “It’s shocking how threatening it appears to be to the other side that women might vote their conscience.”
How these transformative ads were born
Gray moved to Michigan to immerse himself in the heart of the political discourse. “Our company, GRAiNEY Pictures, has always been about social impact stories. We lean into projects that challenge and engage.” Their connection to Vote Common Good came through Jill Leiderman, linking them to the brilliant Dode Levenson, who had this unique vision rooted in data-driven insights.
Levenson noticed that evangelicals, typically conservative pro-Trump voters, showed a small but significant percentage that could be swayed by an ad appealing to voter conscience. And so, a script was born, initially targeting women but also extending to men facing similar societal pressures.
Pulling off the project on a shoestring budget
Aarons explains, “We had very little time and money, but our Hollywood experience allowed us to move swiftly.” They rallied a team of top-notch talent, enlisting casting director Lesley Wolff and securing a dedicated crew, many of whom worked for reduced rates, deeply believing in the message.
“Both Colin and I did everything ourselves,” Aarons reminisces. “From wardrobe sourcing to art department tasks, it was a true labor of love. Authenticity was key, and we ensured the casting and atmosphere resonated genuinely with the audience.”
The power of stars
Securing Julia Roberts and George Clooney elevated the ads significantly. Aarons recalls, “Although we had the footage, we lacked a narrator and a release plan. The female voice was imperative to us, and when Julia and George agreed to lend their voices, we knew we had something impactful.”
Moving forward and reaching wider audiences
These ads not only sparked national conversation but also pushed GRAiNEY Pictures into the spotlight, showcasing their commitment to creating meaningful, impactful content. Their dedication to authenticity and storytelling demonstrates the power of thoughtful media in shaping public discourse.
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From the silver screen to the voting booth
In the closing days of a heated campaign season, two political ads featuring Hollywood icons Julia Roberts and George Clooney ignited a firestorm of controversy. These ads delved into the themes of voter privacy and personal conscience, resonating deeply across the nation and even drawing comments from former President Donald Trump. What made these ads so provocative, and why do they continue to stir such intense debate?
The narrative behind “Your Vote, Your Choice”
One of the standout ads, titled “Your Vote, Your Choice”, creates a vivid scenario where two women, against their husbands’ expectations, cast their votes for Kamala Harris. Julia Roberts’ narration, with the line “What happens in the booth, stays in the booth,” underscores the personal agency and secrecy of the voting process. Produced by the progressive group Vote Common Good, the spot aims to remind voters of their right to vote independently of external pressures.
Flipping the script: “Remember Who We Love the Most When We Vote”
The complementary ad, “Remember Who We Love the Most When We Vote”, shifts focus to men. It portrays them voting for Harris in honor of the women in their lives, resisting the societal pressures exerted by their male peers. Clooney’s narration reinforces the message of secrecy with, “You can vote any way you want, and no one will ever know,” empowering voters to make their choices privately.
Crafting controversy: The masterminds behind the ads
The creative force behind these advertisements is the sibling duo Colin Keith Gray and Megan Raney Aarons, founders of GRAiNEY Pictures. With the help of writer Dode Levenson and producer Jill Leiderman, they conceptualized and executed these impactful ads.
Insights from the creators
Aarons recalls the moment Trump’s comments on Fox & Friends hit their group chat. “It’s the holy grail when you get the opponent to react to a campaign ad. It’s a mic drop moment.” Gray adds, “The fear and misogyny these ads have surfaced are shocking. It’s alarming how threatening the notion of privacy in voting is to some.”
The journey from concept to screen
Gray’s move to Michigan was instrumental in immersing himself in the political fervor of the region. “GRAiNEY Pictures has always been about telling social impact stories. This connection to Vote Common Good came through our collaborator, Jill Leiderman, which eventually led us to Dode Levenson and his unique vision,” says Gray.
Data-driven insights
Levenson tapped into data indicating that evangelical voters, historically conservative, could be swayed by appealing to their conscience. This data-driven approach formed the foundation of the ad scripts, initially targeting women but also expanding to address men facing societal pressure.
Producing on a shoestring budget
Despite the tight budget and timeline, Aarons highlights how their Hollywood experience made it possible. “We had little time and money, but our industry connections allowed us to pull together an extraordinary team quickly.” They roped in casting director Lesley Wolff and a dedicated crew who, guided by a shared belief in the ads’ message, worked at reduced rates to bring the project to life.
Julia Roberts and George Clooney: The magic touch
Aarons recounts the serendipitous route to securing Julia Roberts’ narration. A longtime acquaintance with Roberts’ husband, Danny Moder, allowed them to make the ask. “Once Julia saw the spot, she was eager to jump on board. She even offered to share it on her social channels.”
Clooney’s involvement
Securing Clooney’s narration for the second ad was no easy feat. “We met with our production team in Detroit who were helping with our swing states documentary. We needed Clooney to record on short notice, and he delivered within hours,” Gray shares. The turnaround was rapid, with the ad cut and released the next day.
Creating a dialogue
The ads have notably sparked conversations around the gender dynamics in voting. Aarons believes the women’s ad struck a deeper nerve due to societal views on female agency. “It’s harder to criticize a dad supporting his daughter than a woman exercising her agency in the voting booth,” she notes.
Exposing societal divides
Gray highlights the discussions these ads have spurred. “Some suggest this election pits matriarchy against patriarchy. While that’s a simplification, it’s clear the ads touched on deeply ingrained societal issues. We’re happy that they’re provoking necessary conversations.”
Sibling synergy at GRAiNEY Pictures
Gray and Aarons’ work complements each other, bringing together their distinct experiences and skills. Gray’s background in documentary filmmaking and social justice blends seamlessly with Aarons’ visual and character-driven storytelling approach.
Upcoming projects
Gray teases their ongoing documentary on swing states, while Aarons hints at several feature films in development, including a UK-based project. Their combined focus on impactful storytelling continues to drive forward their creative endeavors.
If you found this story engaging, share it within your network and stay tuned for more insightful content from the intersection of film and social advocacy.# Hollywood’s surprising role in 2020 election ads
When Julia Roberts and George Clooney brought their star power to the ballot
As the 2020 election reached its fever pitch, two political ads defied expectations and stirred nationwide debate, even drawing sharp reactions from former President Donald Trump. The spots, featuring Hollywood legends Julia Roberts and George Clooney, emphasized voter privacy and personal conscience, resonating deeply across America. What are the behind-the-scenes stories of these impactful ads, and why have they generated such strong emotions?
The message of “Your Vote, Your Choice”
The first ad, “Your Vote, Your Choice”, presents a powerful narrative: two women stand at the voting booth, carefully casting their votes for Kamala Harris, despite their husbands’ expectations. Julia Roberts’ voice underscores the pivotal line, “What happens in the booth, stays in the booth,” highlighting the individual agency and confidentiality of voting. Produced by Vote Common Good, the ad targets voters who might feel pressured by external influences, reminding them of their right to a private vote.
“Remember Who We Love the Most When We Vote” focuses on men
The companion ad, “Remember Who We Love the Most When We Vote”, flips the perspective. It features men discreetly voting for Harris, motivated by the women they cherish, while resisting societal pressures from other men. Clooney’s narration reinforces the privacy of their choices with, “You can vote any way you want, and no one will ever know,” offering a message of empowerment and personal integrity.
The filmmakers behind the controversy
The creative vision for these ads comes from sibling filmmakers Colin Keith Gray and Megan Raney Aarons, co-founders of GRAiNEY Pictures. Working with writer Dode Levenson and producer Jill Leiderman, they transformed compelling scripts into gripping visual narratives that sparked widespread discussions.
The creators’ reflections
Aarons recalls the moment Trump’s remarks about their ads were discussed: “It’s the holy grail when your campaign ad gets the opponent to react. It’s a defining moment.” Gray adds, “The backlash highlighted the deep-seated fear and misogyny present in some segments. It’s alarming how the simple concept of voting privacy can be so threatening.”
From concept to screen
Gray relocated to Michigan to immerse himself in the political landscape of a swing state. “Our company has always been dedicated to social impact stories. This project, while connected to Vote Common Good, materialized through shared industry contacts and aligned visions,” Gray explains.
Data-driven insights shape the ads
Levenson’s insights into evangelical voter behavior played a crucial role. Data suggested that while evangelicals typically voted conservatively, a small but significant percentage could be swayed by messaging that appealed to their personal conscience. This insight drove the initial script targeting women and eventually expanded to include men facing similar societal pressures.
Creativity on a budget
Despite a limited budget and tight deadlines, Aarons highlights how their industry experience made the project manageable. “We had minimal resources, but our relationships in Hollywood allowed us to assemble a talented team quickly.” They enlisted casting director Lesley Wolff and a dedicated crew, all of whom worked at reduced rates, unified by a belief in the project’s message.
The star power of Julia Roberts and George Clooney
Aarons recounts the pivotal moment when Julia Roberts agreed to voice the ad. A longstanding acquaintance with Roberts’ husband, Danny Moder, facilitated the connection. “Once Julia saw the spot, she was onboard and ready to lend her voice without hesitation.”
Clooney’s rapid response
Securing Clooney’s involvement for the second ad was another win. “When we reached out, we knew time was short. Clooney recorded his lines on his phone and sent multiple takes within hours,” Gray reveals. The rapid turnaround allowed the ad to be edited and released swiftly.
Catalyzing conversations
Aarons observes that the ad focusing on women provoked a stronger reaction, pointing to societal dynamics. “It’s more controversial for a woman to exercise agency than for a man to act in support of his family. This ad exposed deep-seated misogyny,” she notes.
Sparking societal reflection
Gray points out that the ads have sparked discussions about gender dynamics and voter privacy. “Some argue that this election seemed like a clash between matriarchy and patriarchy. It’s reductive, but the conversation it inspired is valuable. We’re uncovering pressing societal issues and encouraging meaningful dialogue,” he explains.
The sibling synergy at GRAiNEY Pictures
Gray and Aarons’ collaborative efforts balance distinct experiences and perspectives. Gray’s background in documentary filmmaking and social justice complements Aarons’ expertise in visual storytelling and character-driven narratives.
Upcoming projects
Their current work includes a documentary on swing states titled, Swing States: Fear, Fallout, and Voting in America. This film intends to dissect the election process, investigate the complexities of the Electoral College, and highlight the efforts of election officials who safeguard the democratic process.
Election night plans
Aarons plans to stay with her family, anxiously awaiting results. Gray, however, will be in the thick of it, filming at polling centers in Detroit and documenting the unfolding events.
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