Published on: Saturday, October 1, 2016 Takoma Park Newsletter

Three simple steps to $5 Million

How do you motivate all 17,000 citizens of Takoma Park to start practicing energy efficiency? Make a funny video to show them how (ridiculously) easy it is.

Gina Mathias, the City’s Sustainability Manager, asked Takoma Park-based Sister Eden Media to create a funny video to help spread the word about the Georgetown Energy Prize and the three easy steps everyone can take so that the City can win the $5 million.

Led by husband and wife team John Robinette and Lori Hill, Sister Eden Media creates how-to and satirical videos that show audiences how to take care of themselves and the planet. “When I was looking for ways to help spread the word about what we all need to do to win the Georgetown Energy Prize, I immediately thought of teaming with Sister Eden Media because their videos are so funny, but also have a great message,” Mathias said.

“Also, John and Lori live in the Long Branch-Sligo neighborhood of the City, which was the co-winner of the Neighborhood Energy Challenge,” she continued. “Lori was that neighborhood’s team leader for the Challenge, so they really understand the importance of this competition and the simple things we all can do to reduce our energy consumption and win the prize.”

The two-minute video, which is a satirical spoof of a dramatic movie trailer, features a determined Mayor Kate Stewart, a frustrated sustainability manager and a husband and a wife in conflict. Mystery and intrigue are also featured in scenes shot at Roscoe’s Neapolitan Pizzeria, Lee Jordan Field and other familiar spots around town.

The video, entitled “Help Takoma Park Win $5 Million,” can be viewed on the City’s web site or YouTube channel as well as on SisterEden.com or the Sister Eden Media YouTube channel. Be sure to watch it, and then share it with your neighbors, so Takoma Park can win $5 million.

For more information on the $5 Million competition go to takomaparkmd.gov/government/sustainability/georgetownuniversity-energy-prize-competition.

This article appeared in the October 2016 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.