| Subject: Mega TV_Athens_Greece_Hacktivism, Anonymous and Internet Freedom_Interview Request |
| From: Vasilis Samourkas <billsamoy@gmail.com> |
| Date: 2/20/12, 09:21 |
Dear Mr. Brown
My name is Vasilis Samourkas and I am a journalist and producer for MEGA channel, Greece's leading private TV network. I am currently working for ''War Zone'', a documentary series which focuses on international crises, political, economic and social conflicts. Our program is hosted by Senior International Correspondent Sotiris Danezis, who has overall produced documentaries in more than eighty countries of the world. (Please feel free to check our website for more info).
Our team is currently working on a 60-minute documentary on an important phenomenon that has over the past two years impacted the world and our troubling greek society as well: "Hacktivism" and the rise & contribution of the "Anonymous". For the needs of our program we will be looking into the reasons and events that led to the spread of "Hacktivism" as a form of online protest/activism, and the impact that actions, such as the ones taken out by members of "Anonymous" have on a global social, financial and political level.
Amongst other issues, we would like to present our viewers with initiatives take out by "Anonymous", such as the most recent strike on several Greek state and political parties' websites or their last message claiming "payback in the name of greek citizens". We would also like to look into the debate regarding the controversial acts "SOPA", "PIPA" and "ACTA", which -according to the acclaimed hacktivist open group- "restrain even more the Internet's plurality and free speech", as well as measures taken by a part of the social media industry to restrict online access in several regions of the world.
As all the above, in addition to the global financial crisis and the ongoing conflicts in several parts of the world, form a boiling puzzle, we believe that your expertise could provide us with a thorough insight into real facts and the series of events surrounding "Anonymous" and "hacktivism" as a whole. In addition, after having the privilege of talking with Commander X of the PFL, he strongly recommend to get in touch with you and benefit of your supreme knowledge over the aforementioned topics and keep our attention to your twitter account as well (@BarrettBrownLOL)
Our plan is to travel to the United States and most likely film in New York between February 22-25, and Washington DC between February 26-28. We would be more than grateful if you would agree to meet with us and grant our program an interview either in New York or Washington DC.
Our crew consists of two persons. Ms. Janine Louloudi coordinator editor in chief and Mr. Aris Vitalis, camera man. The program will be broadcast in Greece on March 18 through Mega TV and in Europe, USA and Australia by Mega Cosmos. It will also be uploaded to our official website (currently reachable only within Greek Territory). The documentary will be subtitled in Greek (no voice over, just comentary).
I remain at your disposal for any further questions about this project, and I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you in advance for your interest.
Respectfully,
--
Vasilis Samourkas
Twitter: billsamoy
Skype: billsamoy