Idea for video based on the IE-DK dialog

--> Contest material, Contest

The following script assumes the use of this soundtrack: http://www.itia.ntua.gr/~anthony/tmp/soundtrack.ogg (320 K)

Example of movie based on this script (except for the Microsoft stuff, as it's mostly besides the point, no matter how interesting it looks at first sight):

• http://www.elis.ugent.be/~jmaebe/nobackup/council2.mov

Script:

(We start in silence, and the following words fade in)

• One day, the European Commission made a proposal that could have a profound effect on the future of innovation in Europe.

(Fade out, fade in, might also show a photograph from demos together with the text below.)

• Some said it was essential to the European software industry. Others claimed it would be catastrophic.

(Fade out, fade in)

• So the Council carefully considered the issue, discussed it in great depth, and made very thoughtful decisions.

(Fade out. At this point, the IE-DK dialogue from the council starts to play, http://www.itia.ntua.gr/~anthony/tmp/soundtrack.ogg. The text below then fades in so that the audience follow the dialogue on their screen.)

• Irish Chairman: Belgium: abstain.
  • And Denmark? Can I hear from Denmark please?
  Denmark: I would really like to ask the commission why they couldn't
  • accept the last sentence put forward by the Italians, which was in the original German proposal.
  Ireland: I think the Commissioner already answered that question, I'm
  • sorry Denmark. So are you yes, no, abstain?
  Denmark: I think we wouldn't, we're not hap... Ireland: I assume you're a "yes". Denmark: We're not happy. Ireland: Are you 80% happy? Denmark: But... I think we... Ireland: We don't need you to be totally happy. None of us are
  • totally happy.
  Denmark: Oh, I know that, I know that. Ireland: If we were, we wouldn't be here! Denmark: I think we're not very happy, but I think we would, we would... Ireland: Thank you very much. Denmark: ... we would like to see a solution today. Ireland: Thank you very much, Denmark.
  • Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm happy to say that we have a qualified majority, so thank you all very very much indeed, and thank you to commissioner Bolkestein.

screenshot from:

• http://www.eu2004.ie/sitetools/sponsorship.asp

  • (zooming from "The Irish Presidency also wishes to acknowledge the contribution of the following companies to specific elements of the Irish Presidency:" to Microsoft) when the Chairman is speaking.

(Last part of dialogue fades out. Then we fade in again, in silence.)

• Why was the Irish Chairman so eager to get Denmark's support?

(Fade out, fade in.)

• Get the facts. Find the answers.

  http://swpat.ffii.org/

(The end.)

Note: We've deleted part of the discussion between the last "Thank you very much, Denmark" and "Ladies and Gentlemen". It doesn't change the meaning, because in between these two it is only said that Spain and Austria are "no" and "abstain". So Denmark's votes were the ones that resulted in the majority.