Direct Effect

Shows

Videos

  • Direct Effect: World Peace

    26 years since this PSA aired, KRS One’s simple question about world peace remains a profound one. 

    In 1989 a non-profit called Direct Effect founded by Michael Stipe, Jim McKay and Tom Gilroy commissioned and produced public service announcements. In 2016 VICELAND is rebooting them for a new generation to see. 

    ORIGINAL 1989 CREDIT:
    Directed by Susan Robeson Featuring KRS-One

  • The History of Direct Effect

    THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON T.V.

    VICELAND associate producer Messiah Rhodes sits down with former lead singer of R.E.M. Michael Stipe and film director Jim McKay to chat about the origins of DIRECT EFFECT and the future of media activism.

  • Direct Effect: Chemical Farming

    Even though this PSA aired over 26 years ago, here in the United States the issue of toxic pesticides and genetically modified organic food continues to be a hot button issue. 

    In 1989 a non-profit called Direct Effect founded by Michael Stipe, Jim McKay and Tom Gilroy commissioned and produced public service announcements. In 2016 VICELAND is rebooting them for a new generation to see. 

    ORIGNAL 1989 CREDIT: 
    Written and Directed by Michael Stipe

  • Direct Effect: What Does Away Mean?

    New York City has the largest sanitation department in the world, generating almost 10,000 tons of waste per day. 26 years after this PSA first aired the question persists: “What Does Away Mean?” In 1989 a non-profit called Direct Effect founded by Michael Stipe, Jim McKay and Tom Gilroy commissioned and produced public service announcements. In 2016 VICELAND is rebooting them for a new generation to see. ORIGNAL 1989 CREDIT: Written and Directed by Jem Cohen

  • Direct Effect: Crime

    Throughout America’s history, crimes of poverty have been labeled one of the most threatening, violent, and dangerous aspects of society. 26 years after this PSA first aired, has our perspective changed? 

    In 1989 a non-profit called Direct Effect founded by Michael Stipe, Jim McKay and Tom Gilroy commissioned and produced public service announcements. In 2016 VICELAND is rebooting them for a new generation to see. 

    ORIGNAL 1989 CREDIT: 
    Written by Dorothy Owusu 
    Directed by Rob Grobengieser
    Sound Design by Brendan Dolan