‘Talladega Nights’ Producer Goes Back to School With Social Media [EXCLUSIVE]

Filmmaker and producer Adam McKay (Talladega Nights, Anchorman) is partnering with director Jason Pollock to develop what they are calling a “social media documentary” that sheds light on the high school dropout rates in the U.S.

The goal of the documentary: use social media to tell the stories of students and communities that grapple with high dropout rates. Pollock and McKay believe education is an important issue in the 2012 election and want to use the film as a way to educate voters and politicians.

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A recent report shows that while graduation rates in the United States have increased, 1 in 4 students still fail to get a diploma. Moreover, 10 states had declines in graduation rates from 2002 to 2009.

Production of the documentary is slated to get underway this month. Pollock and McKay are working with Sharon Chang of Yoki to produce the film. In addition to the social media campaign surrounding the film, a website will launch in the next few weeks that focuses on supporting the schools selected for filming.

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The filmmakers are working with Get Schooled to launch the social media side of the project that will coincide with the development of the film.

McKay and Pollock are no strangers to using social media to help tell a bigger story. McKay created FunnyOrDie.com with actor and comedian Will Ferrell. FunnyOrDie frequently uses its platform and audience to raise awareness about social issues.

Pollock is an active social media user with over 100,000 followers on Twitter. His last film, The Youngest Candidate, profiled four teens running for public office.

What do you think of filmmakers using social media to craft their stories of social good? Let us know in the comments.

Image courtesy of iStockphoto, kevinruss

This story originally published on Mashable here.

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