The #FIBEREDUP campaign that is designed to help convince Google to deploy its Google Fiber network in the Triangle culminates with the premiere screening of a film with the same title that backers hope gets good reviews from Google management.

“Fiber is important because it improves the quality of life for people here,” explained Arik Abel, the man behind social entertainment production company Everest Live. He is running the #FIBEREDUP campaign, the “#” representing a hashtag and the related Twitter campaign. There is also a website for the campaign.

#FIBEREDUP will be unveiled at 7 p.m. at the Contemporary Art Museum in Raleigh’s warehouse district.

Google Fiber has already listed the Triangle as one of its next potential targets and is in talks with community leaders. And signs of community support have been cited as a factor in the selection process by Google.


WRAL TechWire coverage of fiber for the Triangle:

  • Google puts Triangle on possible deployment list
  • Google’s love affair with the Triangle
  • AT&T wants to deploy fiber to Triangle
  • RST Fiber to test network in Wake Forest

The Triangle also could get fiber access from AT&T if a proposal endorsed by the North Carolina Next Generation Network consortium of cities and universities is embraced by municipal leaders. Raleigh and Cary have already signed on.

And privately held RST Fiber is preparing to test its fiber network in Wake Forest.

But Google Fiber remains a jewel in the eyes of Abel and other supporters. So they are continuing to lobby for Google to put a fiber footprint in the Triangle, too.

According to Abel, the film is designed to drive buzz about the importance of improving the Triangle’s broadband infrastructure.

“Our citizens are ready to make good use of fiber,” said Abel. “The purpose of the premiere is to bring people together to celebrate a one-of-a-kind collaborative project.”

It’s a project that is unique to the Triangle, he added. Though the Google Fiber team is investigating other potential regions to deploy their high-speed broadband network, the Triangle is uniquely poised to utilize the technology to extend Internet access and increase the growth capacity of small businesses, Abel insisted.

Deployment of Google Fiber in the Triangle “opens up Internet access to people that ordinarily would not be able to afford it,” he noted.

In addition, “it frees up our most valuable and non-renewable resource – time – by giving us faster access to everything on the web.”

And, of course, Google Fiber “makes our community more attractive to new residents,” said Abel.

How the Film Was Made

The film, scheduled for its “world premiere” screening at the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) in Raleigh’s warehouse district, is a labor of love.

The film was made in the style of “Choose Your Own Adventure,” said Abel, giving volunteer filmmakers the autonomy to do, film, and document the stories they deemed most important.

Production on the film began on March 5, 2014, and concluded on April 17, 2014. Abel and his team then manipulated the film, editing it down to its final version.

The team used as many Google products in the production of the film as they could, said Abel, hoping to demonstrate the Triangle’s commitment to Google. They include:

  • Drive for sharing production materials, shot lists, marketing copy, etc.
  • Groups as a collaborative inbox for idea sharing
  • Google+ for Events and social sharing of YouTube videos
  • Hangouts for twice weekly production meetings
  • Hangouts on Air for interview footage for the film
  • YouTube for releasing behind the scenes footage and leaking interviews throughout the campaign

The film features a variety of local residents, including:

  • Ryan Boyles, Global Social Media Strategist, IBM
  • Ashley Christensen, local restaurateur behind Poole’s, Beasley’s, Chucks,
  • Harry Halpin, who works alongside Tim Berners-Lee at the W3C
  • Mitchell Silver, Chief Planning Officer, City of Raleigh

At least 100 of those Triangle residents are expected to attend the premiere, said Abel. At last check, tickets to the screening were still available. 

Can’t attend the event? The movie will become available on YouTube after the world premiere, said Abel. Those interested in the movie – or in bringing Google Fiber to the Triangle – can get involved in the conversation using the hashtag #FIBEREDUP.

A trailer about the movie also is available at YouTube.