Once the poster child for bipartisan practical politics, the Badger State has become an ideological battleground in recent years. What happened to the middle? Wandering around the state to find out are former state Senators Dale Schultz and Tim Cullen–one a Republican, one a Democrat. Visiting a gun show, an anti-Trump protest, and a conservative talk radio gathering, they look for insight into what to expect for the state’s political future. A film by Brad Lichtenstein, director of the Sundance virtual reality film Across the Line, Peabody nominated radio series Precious Lives, and Emmy nominated film As Goes Janesville. Original music by Trapper Schoepp.

Wandering around the state to find out are former state Senators Dale Schultz and Tim Cullen, one a Republican, one a Democrat, once leaders of their legislative parties, and old friends. Visiting a gun show, a Black Lives Matter anti-Trump protest, Charlie Sykes’ annual “Insight” gathering, and radio talk shows, they look for answers and an insight into what to expect in the state’s political future.

Screenings

Watch now on The Washington Post

Production Team & Partners

Director: Brad Lichtenstein; Cinematographer: Jason Longo; Sound: Jacob Fatke; Associate Producer; Madeline Power; Additional Photography: Colin Sytsma; Editor: Joe Winston; Post-Production Editor: Bradford Coleman; Animator: John Oquist; Musicians: Trapper Schoepp, Oliver Manchon, Clare Manchon; Production Assistant: Emily Kuester; Interns: Joshua Gacita, Sarah Lancaster, Emma Schwartz

Video

Press

July 11, 2016 – Whatever happened to Wisconsin nice?,’ PBS

July 11, 2016 – Whatever happened to Wisconsin nice?,’ The Washington Post

July 12, 2016 – New Film Asks ‘What Happened To Wisconsin Nice?’; Wisconsin Public Radio

July 13, 2016 – Wisconsin in the Heart of the Great Political Divide,’ WUWM, Milwaukee Public Radio

371 Productions