A New Film Pitch From a Political Insider

The idea of raising money online for an indie movie has moved from YouTube channels to big names in politics and tech. A former partner of a presidential hopeful is now listed as an executive producer for a comedy that pokes fun at the COVID‑19 crisis. The film, called “The Rash, ” follows a public‑health professor who mirrors the real‑life views of Jay Bhattacharya, the NIH director known for his criticism of lockdowns and vaccines. The project is being backed by a nonprofit called The Brownstone Institute, founded in Texas by libertarian thinker Jeffrey Tucker. The group started after the pandemic to challenge government actions and now says it can sponsor the film because the story fits its mission. On its website, Brownstone describes a pandemic that spreads fear and greed, with a fictional drug called Zenvidia that makes people forget the rash but causes big side effects. The plot revolves around a Stanford professor who speaks out against this craze, leading to comedic moments.The screenplay is being written by Walter Kirn, the author of “Up in the Air. ” He has met with Bhattacharya to gather material and shares a skeptical view of COVID policies. Nicole Shanahan, who became wealthy after divorcing Google co‑founder Sergey Brin, will produce the film alongside Jacob Strumwasser. They claim a budget close to six million dollars and have released a pitch deck and short video for potential investors. The project cites classics like “Wag the Dog, ” “Thank You for Smoking, ” and “Dr. Strangelove” as influences, hoping to blend satire with political commentary. It shows how celebrity, politics, and tech funding can converge on a single creative venture.