This half-hour 1993 documentary chronicles the 18-month process that resulted in the citizen-led petition drive to enhance water quality protections for Barton Springs. Shot entirely on S-VHS with a cash budget of $185, “Common Ground,” is the first documentary produced by Austin-based media producer, Karen Kocher and creator of the Living Spring project. Although low-tech, and a student project, the video nonetheless recounts some important history in the citizen-efforts to protect the Springs.
“Common Ground” was awarded a Regional Student Academy Award and won prizes in several other festivals. It was picked up for distribution by the San Francisco-based company The Video Project in 1994.