The truth about the Truth About Amsterdam
On 27 July 2009 a video called The Truth About Amsterdam was posted on YouTube. The video responded to views about Amsterdam expressed by an American political TV talk show on Fox News, The O’Reilly Factor. Comments and assumptions made on the show portrayed Amsterdam as a ‘cesspool of corruption and crime’, ‘boasting free drugs and free love’. Two Amsterdam locals — and several more to follow — disagreed.
Proudly supported by the ATCB
Produced by locals Robbert Nieuwenhuis and Elian Wils, The Truth About Amsterdam aimed to cast light on the reality of Amsterdam life – beyond the common stereotypes of the city and blatant false claims of the O’Reilly Factor. They showed the side of the city that residents experience; families on bakfietsen, busy canals and buskers on the Leidseplein, while illustrating the facts about drugs and corruption in the Netherlands against that of the USA.
Nieuwenhuis and Wils pitched their creative concept to the ATCB, who recognised the viral video as a great opportunity to engage the lucrative American market and break through the common misconceptions of Amsterdam. The viral formed part of an inspired marketing campaign for the ATCB. Production remained entirely in the hands of Nieuwenhuis and Wils, with funding and stock footage supplied by the ATCB.
Revealing the truth
To date, there have been over 400, 000 views and thousands of comments (in support of both views) on YouTube. The ATCB also supported the creation of a website for people to express their own Truth About Amsterdam. In November 2009, the ATCB announced their involvement in the video. This had not been revealed earlier, in order to strengthen the impact of the viral and to avoid influencing the reactions and discussion that emerged from the video.
“We stand by our choice”, stated Eduard Peter Oud from the ATCB. “We did not aim to deceive the viewers, but rather to facilitate an open forum and to communicate The Truth to potential visitors of Amsterdam”. The ATCB has been nominated for a marketing award for the film.
J. Carpenter
February 19th, 2010 at 4:22 am #
Your response to the Fox segment on Amsterdam was beautifully done. Unfortunately most people in America are pretty ignorant of other countries and accept such bias lies as truth.
I lived and worked in Holland and Belgium for a number of years as a Harley Davidson technician and always felt more comfortable and safe when in Amsterdam or Antwerpen than any American cities. I must admit I prefer the smaller communities of Eindhoven or Breda to Amsterdam though simply because they’re less crowded.
Until my next holiday to Europe I wish you all well.
Allan Burroughs
February 10th, 2010 at 10:32 am #
Prohibition with the crime and employment it perpetuates is in its death throws and therefore all forms of propoganda and subversive underhanded cut-throat tatctics will be used.
Shame on those that hide the truth.
Vanessa Davis
January 28th, 2010 at 10:52 pm #
I go to Amsterdam 3 times a year. It’s not that I don’t love my Country USA,I do, but I also Love Amsterdam. It is a place I feel safe in, and can be open with my partner. I also love the people who I have made many friends with.
Bill O’Reilly in my eyes is an ass. But what do you think you will get from the bull Fox(I want to be a real news broad cast but can’t because we can’t sell it) sends out.