Two Pittsburgh political consultants have teamed up to help create the world's first online network devoted exclusively to the irreverently funny world of politics.
Zolitics.com was created by several prominent political consultants including Pittsburgh's own John Brabender, a Republican media consultant who worked on the campaigns of Rudy Giuliani, Tom Ridge, and Senator Rick Santorum, and political consultant Leslie Gromis Baker, a Mt. Lebanon resident. Baker worked on the Bush 2004 re-election campaign and was a top consultant on the McCain 2008 presidential bid.
"Moving Numbers" is the first up, an originally scripted show that was filmed in Brabender's production studio on Mt. Washington. Shot last May, the dramedy tells the story about the "dysfunctional but never boring" campaign of a fictional Pa. U.S. Senator. Set in Pittsburgh, it gives viewers a real-world, behind the scenes look at the highs and lows of running a high profile campaign, says Baker.
"The candidate is based on people we've worked with in the past," says Baker, who insists this isn't a backdoor attempt to pull any political punches for clients. "We have no other motive than to just be entertaining. After all, look what Tina Fey did for the election last year."
On the heels of "Moving On" is a reality-based show called "Scoops," which allows everyday citizens to compete on real life news stories along with famous politicians and reporters. "Look Who's Coming to Dinner," a joint production of Zolitics and Politics Magazine, introduces viewers to some of the most famous dining establishments in D.C. and allows them to eavesdrop on candid political conversations.
"My America" is a unique social experiment, bringing an outspoken liberal and conservative together to let the diversity sparks fly. The first show will feature former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum and Democratic strategist, author, professor and Political Analyst for CNN, Donna Brazille.
Writer:
Deb SmitSource: Leslie Gromis Baker, Zolitics.com