Input: Storyboard 1: The "Listening Post" Voter Interview Modelled on: Mamdani's Fordham Road video — a three-minute video in which he sought explanations from his fellow New Yorkers about why they had voted for Trump. What was captivating was what he didn't say. He held a sign up, along with a microphone and listened as people came up to talk with him. The Bulwark Format: 2–3 min, horizontal, single fixed location Shots: Candidate holding sign in a busy public space → cuts to citizens speaking to camera → candidate listening, nodding, no rebuttal → only at the end does the candidate reveal they're running Why it works for the blog: demonstrates the "show don't tell" empathy play. Cheap to produce. One camera, one mic, one afternoon.
1In our busy lives, it's easy to feel like our voices aren't heard.
Wide Shot — Slow push-in5-6s
2Sometimes, all it takes is a simple invitation to connect.
Close-Up — Static3-4s
3One conversation at a time, real stories start to emerge.
Medium Shot — Static4-5s
4There's so much power in truly listening, without interruption or judgment.
Over-the-Shoulder Shot — Static4-5s
5From different walks of life, with unique experiences and hopes for the future.
Medium Close-Up — Intercutting6-7s
6It’s a reminder that beneath all our differences, we share so many common concerns.
Close-Up — Static3-4s
7Every conversation, every shared thought, helps us understand where we are, and where we need to go.
Medium Shot — Static4-5s
8I've been listening. And now, I’m ready to take these insights and turn them into action. Join me.
Medium Shot — Static, direct address4-5sView Script1The Scene SetterWide Shot — Slow push-in5-6sCUT TO: A bustling public square or busy street corner. Sunlight filters through buildings. A person (the candidate) walks into the frame, carrying a compact folding table, a simple sign, and a wired microphone. They look around, surveying the space, before beginning to set up a small station against a wall or lamppost. The mood is active but not chaotic.
In our busy lives, it's easy to feel like our voices aren't heard.
🎧 SFX: Gentle city ambience (distant traffic, chatter). Light, understated acoustic music begins.
CUT TO: A bustling public square or busy street corner. Sunlight filters through buildings. A person (the candidate) walks into the frame, carrying a compact folding table, a simple sign, and a wired microphone. They look around, surveying the space, before beginning to set up a small station against a wall or lamppost. The mood is active but not chaotic.
In our busy lives, it's easy to feel like our voices aren't heard.
🎧 SFX: Gentle city ambience (distant traffic, chatter). Light, understated acoustic music begins.
CUT TO: A close-up on the candidate's hands as they carefully place a hand-drawn sign onto the small table. The sign simply reads: 'WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND? I'M LISTENING.' Below it, they position a sturdy, no-frills microphone. People's blurred legs and feet walk past in the background.
Sometimes, all it takes is a simple invitation to connect.
🎧 SFX: Subtle clink of microphone being placed. Music softens slightly, becomes more reflective.
CUT TO: A medium shot showing the candidate standing patiently behind their setup. A middle-aged woman hesitantly approaches, then, encouraged by a welcoming gesture from the candidate, leans forward and begins to speak into the microphone. The candidate maintains direct eye contact, nodding subtly.
One conversation at a time, real stories start to emerge.
🎧 VO (warm, genuine): 'One conversation at a time...' SFX: Citizen's voice, slightly muffled but audible, as she speaks. Music remains soft.
CUT TO: An over-the-shoulder shot from the perspective of a different citizen (a young man) looking at the candidate's face. The candidate listens intently, furrowing their brow in concentration, occasionally nodding slowly. No words are spoken by the candidate. Their expression is engaged and open.
There's so much power in truly listening, without interruption or judgment.
🎧 SFX: Citizen's voice (young man, earnest), continuing his thoughts. VO: 'There's so much power...' Music swells slightly, then recedes to underscore.
CUT TO: A series of quick, genuine medium close-ups of different individuals (diverse ages, ethnicities) speaking into the microphone. Their expressions vary: some are thoughtful, some passionate, some a little hesitant. Each shot is brief, focusing on the speaker's face and gesture, with the candidate visible but out of focus in the background.
From different walks of life, with unique experiences and hopes for the future.
🎧 SFX: A montage of short, diverse snippets of citizen voices (overlapping slightly, conveying different emotions). Music builds lightly beneath.
CUT TO: A close-up on the face of an older woman as she speaks into the microphone, a gentle smile or a flicker of emotion in her eyes. The microphone is visible, held steady by the candidate's hand, but the candidate themselves is out of frame. The focus is entirely on the speaker.
It’s a reminder that beneath all our differences, we share so many common concerns.
🎧 SFX: Citizen's voice (older woman, reflective). Music continues, warm and consistent.
CUT TO: The candidate stands alone for a brief moment, looking thoughtful. The sign is still up, but no one is currently speaking. They gaze out at the passersby, perhaps reflecting on the conversations. The bustling street continues around them. The light begins to soften, indicating late afternoon.
Every conversation, every shared thought, helps us understand where we are, and where we need to go.
🎧 Music becomes more contemplative. SFX: Distant street sounds. VO: 'Every conversation...'
CUT TO: The candidate turns slightly, looking directly into the camera with a sincere, earnest expression. The sign is still visible behind them, making the context clear. They hold the microphone loosely. Their posture is confident but still approachable. The background is slightly blurred.
I've been listening. And now, I’m ready to take these insights and turn them into action. Join me.
🎧 Candidate's voice (clear, sincere, direct address): 'I've been listening...' Music swells to a subtle, hopeful close, then fades out.
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