Programming the Nation? looks at subliminal messaging and subconscious manipulation in mass-media, pop-culture, politics. We asked writer/producer/director Jeff Warrick (founder of Ignite Productions) to tell us about his film.

Geoff Tate, lead singer of Queensryche / courtesy Ignite Productions

Programming the Nation? is a provocative new documentary about how our American society has allegedly been subconsciously brainwashed. It’s also a modernized retelling of the biblical story of David and Goliath.

In this case, “David” is represented by me, the small, first-timer, indie-filmmaker, going up against “Goliath,” the giant monolith of Hollywood studio, big-budget, franchise-driven, superhero releases. But in this issues-driven, social documentary, “David” also represents YOU—the general, middle class, average American citizen—battling a “Goliath” in advertisers, corporations, politicians and even our own military, for control of your mind and souls.


Director Jeff Warrick / courtesy Ignite Productions

Unlike other current affairs facing today’s society—including the environment, the “War on Terror,” or the declining economy—we often dismiss the overwhelming influence of mass media, all for the sake of entertainment and escapism. We also downplay how interwoven and media driven these issues are. Advertising agencies openly target us—and our children, at increasing rates and ever younger ages—to mold the next generation of rampant consumers. Companies wouldn’t spend millions of dollars pushing their products if it didn’t work. They’ve developed a Science of Consumption, know all the right buttons to push, and will go to any means to generate profits.


Noam Chomsky / courtesy Ignite Productions

Large corporations and government agencies are legally allowed to broadcast Video News Releases, or VNRs—pre-packaged, fake news reports created by PR firms with no disclosure—to a population that believes they are being informed. Army Psychological Operations are currently propagandizing foreign nations by planting false stories in their media, to create “perception management.” In our globalized society, however, such methods often have a “blow-back” effect, achieving the same goal on our own soil.


Dennis Kucinich / courtesy Ignite Productions

For example, Project HAARP in Alaska was reportedly developed for long-range communications. But the use of electromagnetic waves, such as those capable by HAARP, has been demonstrated to create physiological disorders and emotional distortion in the human brain, and can be applied over wide geographical areas. Such techniques are a violation of the Smith-Mundt Act of 1948, which prohibits the use of propaganda tactics against our own population: something Nazi Germany demonstrated very successfully during WWII.

Consciousness and the freedom to think is a fundamental human right. In every religious tradition, the idea of violating free will is something that even God doesn't do. Yet, man thinks he can do this, and is attempting to circumvent these unalienable rights.



In the story of David and Goliath, we all know who ended up victorious, and while the odds may seem heavily stacked against US defeating such tremendous powers in our culture, those of us behind the film wish to provide hope and optimism for all in the face of adversity. In our movie, we bring these disturbing revelations to light with the goal of deprogramming the masses, reclaiming our freedom, and promoting change for the sake of our liberty, and that of future generations.

Programming the Nation? opens in theaters on August 19 at the Quad Cinema in NYC, followed by Los Angeles and San Francisco in late September.

Follow Programming the Nation? on Facebook.

Follow Programming the Nation? on Twitter.

Watch the trailer: