Joe Presser

Movies

The Great Toilet Paper Scare
Producer
The untold story of a notorious incident involving Johnny Carson, a lot of toilet paper, and millions of fearful Americans. In 1973, as a dire oil crisis plagued the country, Carson made a joke on "The Tonight Show" about a possible paper shortage. This off-hand remark quickly created an actual paper shortage when viewers went and bought up as much toilet paper as they could get their hands on. Compiled entirely of archival footage, and animated sequences based on contemporaneous news reports, the film explores the power and impact of misinformation in the media.
Crooked Lines
Animation
Meet two women fighting against race-based gerrymandering in North Carolina: Val Applewhite, a plaintiff in a landmark Supreme Court case, and Moon Duchin, a mathematician who empowers organizers to use data to advocate for fairly drawn electoral maps.
The Grey Zone
Animation
"The Grey Zone" documents the last remaining land dispute between the US and Canada, which is a 20-acre island in the Gulf of Maine. 277 square-miles of ocean surrounding the island is also disputed, and lobster fishermen from Maine and Canada compete over this precious fishing ground also known as "The Grey Zone".
Caviar Dreams
Animation
Over the centuries caviar (i.e. - sturgeon eggs) was strictly reserved for Russian Czars and royalty throughout the world. Nowadays it’s become synonymous with wealth, fame, and indulgence. But why is that? What's so special about caviar? "Caviar Dreams" delves into the complex world of caviar, weaving a tapestry of caviar tales that leaves you knowing more than you ever thought possible about this unique delicacy. Beyond the assumed glamour and luxury associated with caviar, we uncover a story about over-fishing, poaching, near extinction, and a quest for sustainability.
Caviar Dreams
Producer
Over the centuries caviar (i.e. - sturgeon eggs) was strictly reserved for Russian Czars and royalty throughout the world. Nowadays it’s become synonymous with wealth, fame, and indulgence. But why is that? What's so special about caviar? "Caviar Dreams" delves into the complex world of caviar, weaving a tapestry of caviar tales that leaves you knowing more than you ever thought possible about this unique delicacy. Beyond the assumed glamour and luxury associated with caviar, we uncover a story about over-fishing, poaching, near extinction, and a quest for sustainability.