Local health reform video makes national finals

Health care reform is a hot-button topic and, as Internet viewers, we have a right to vote.

A local candidate is hoping we will push the right “hot button” by the Nov. 6 election day.

No, I don’t mean Nov. 3.

You have until midnight Nov. 6 to press the button that will put a local filmmaker on national television.

Erica Arvold, from Plumcot Productions, helped cast and produce a new short video that was selected for the Organizing for America’s Health Reform Video Challenge.

Of course, Arvold knows her way around a movie set. The Charlottesville resident has helped cast 90-some productions ranging from “Frasier” and “Wings” to “Backdraft” and “Rudy.”

A few weeks back, she teamed up with local filmmaker Eric Hurt to film two spots for one shot at making a national commercial to promote President Barack Obama’s health care reform.

Hurt “had so much good material” that he ended up directing two videos. Arvold did what she does best. She lined up the talent.

“We had a local crew at Riverview Park in Woolen Mills and 24 local actors, plus one actor from North Carolina,” Arvold said. “[They were] all children ... some with and some without experience.

“Everyone involved participated enthusiastically on a volunteer basis.”

Last week, they heard the good news. One of their videos, “I Deserve Health Care,” made it to the Top 20 in the nationwide competition. Now those 20 will be viewed, reviewed and voted on by an expert panel … and you.

“It is now at the public voting stage,” Arvold said.

And votes must take place before midnight on Nov. 6.

So exercise your right to vote … and support our local filmmakers, to boot. Besides, the kids in this video are quite good.

Check it out at http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/hrvcratings?vmkDhKHD52tk.

Oh, and by the way — all you voters are in good company.

The expert panel of judges includes will.i.am from the Black Eyed Peas, Seth McFarlane from “Family Guy,” Kate Walsh from “Private Practice,” Rosario Dawson from “Rent,” Olivia Wilde from “House,” Dule Hill from “The West Wing,” John Cho from “Flash Forward,” Brandon Routh from “Superman Returns” and Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine.

AT a glance

Voting lasts until Nov. 6 at

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/hrvcratings?vmkDhKHD52tk.