A lot of people have asked how we got the idea for the extended version of the movie, What the Bleep - Down the Rabbit Hole, which is due out in theaters in February. Here’s how it happened.
We listened to feedback from people as we were going around to the original movie’s openings. We were feeling very good because so many people went to see it. We were like, “Wow, they'll tolerate this kind of filmmaking!” Because there was always a big question in our heads making What the Bleep!? about whether or not people would really sit through a two-hour movie with a bunch of talking heads. As it turned out, not only would they – people were asking for more.
In February 2005, a year after Bleep’s release, we were going to the Bleep Conference in Santa Monica, California. Just for fun, we decided, “Hey. We're going to have all the scientists there. Let's interview them again now that the movie’s been out.” So we got everybody together and we re-interviewed them and asked, “What did we miss in the first movie? What did we do wrong? What did we do right? What scientific developments have come along since the movie? What's new?”
As we interviewed the scientists over again, we found out a lot more stuff. And because we had the sense that people wanted more information, we decided that audiences would really go for it. Also, one of the cool things we decided to do was present things like the double slit experiment – which we left out of the original because we thought it was too boring and scientific. But that seems to be what we were missing. And we did it in an animated form that’s really fun for people to watch.
And then obviously one of our big things was that we wanted to respond to the people who kept running around saying, “There’s no science to prove any of this” - which is a statement that just baffles me. For example I just got a letter yesterday saying, “There's no experiential proof.” And I'm like, “How can anybody at this stage in the game actually say that?” I mean, you can say that you don't believe this data. But you cannot say that it doesn't exist. In fact, there’s so much science we wanted to make a three and half hour version of the movie, but theaters wouldn't play it. So we’re stuck again in our little confines of around two and a half hours.
Both the book and Down the Rabbit Hole sort of became this next evolution adventure of ours. Just going back over the original interviews with fresh eyes was amazing. We have learned and experienced so much this last year we would go, “Wow, look at that!” Now we were able to understand what the scientists were saying.
And I think it’s so interesting that audiences are experiencing this with us. We're all on this journey together. We’re all learning together, and it’s a process. You hear something once, you hear it again, and then you hear it a third time in a different way. And all of a sudden it goes, “Ah hah.” So you had What the Bleep!?, the first movie. You have the book. Now you have Down the Rabbit Hole. Every time you read or hear the information you pull in a little piece of the puzzle that maybe you didn't pull in before.
I hope you enjoy this month’s article on Spiritual Cinema. So many more directors, producers, and writers are turning to this developing genre, presenting important messages and information. Even “normal” people like Ward Powers, a lawyer from Detroit and producer/director of the new film One, are stepping into the vanguard of this amazing movement. We are all the beneficiaries.
Regards,
Betsy Chasse
What in the World is happening with Bleep Groups!!
By Janet Rae
Hi Everyone! We are beginning the process of locating existing Bleep Groups and creating groups around the globe. In addition, we are working on creating an effective and efficient communication system for all leaders and members. This system will facilitate the exponential growth of the new community which revealed itself after What the Bleep!? hit the streets.
Lots of changes and good stuff will be happening so stay tuned and keep checking for updates.
Here’s what we know so far about our groups around the globe. There are 21 groups in the U. S., Canada, Mexico, and the UK with over 800 total members in these groups. In addition there are 15 groups starting up in January 2006 including groups in South Africa, the District of Columbia, San Diego and two start-ups in Chicago!!
What does it take to start a Bleep group or be a Bleep Group leader? Mainly just a passion for the information. If you’re interested, an initial phone call will answer your basic questions. We do have a couple of guidelines to follow, but mostly it is a creative process where you expand and grow out of serving others by providing a place for expanded thinking. If you’re interested in starting a group, send an email to Janet Rae at
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Some of our groups have created T-shirts for their group; others have an “Ask-it Basket” where your question could be the topic of discussion for the night.
Some groups have completed the study guide and are bringing in new information about quantum physics through videos and books.
There are even a couple of online groups if that seems more your style. One of the leaders of an online group says it’s more convenient and you can talk to people all over the world. In addition, you can take your time mulling over a response to an idea.
As of now we don’t know of any groups in Northern California, New York, Washington or Oregon - to name a few. We also would love to hear from other countries like Australia, Russia and Japan. If you have a group in one of those places and would like to be listed on the website for others to find you, please contact Janet Rae at
If you are interested in joining a group, look for your city and send an email to the leader. If you don’t find your city, fill out the form to join a study group.
by Betsy Chasse
By Janet Rae