French Documentary Transcript: "Voyage to the Land of the New Gurus"
Aired to approximately 1.5 million viewers in France
France 3 Pieces a Conviction "Incriminating Evidence"/May 24, 2004
Directed by Karima Tabti

HOST ELISE LUCET

Good evening. Tonight, a special edition of "Incriminating Evidence." An unprecedented investigation of the secret world of the new merchants of happiness.

In a society thatłs losing its bearings, there are more and more of them, coaches promising to improve your performance, live better with others. We are going to dive into the heart of one of those companies. It never opens up to television cameras. Maybe this is what they donłt want you to find out.

CUT TO LANDMARK FORUM LEADER ALAIN ROTH, LEADING SEMINAR

Let the fear enter your body, your breathing, your gut.

NARRATOR

This is a company with surprising methods. 80 people closed up in a big hotel for 3 days, subject to the whims of one man.

CUT TO ALAIN ROTH

(coaching a woman in The Forum)

Youłre an asshole.

WOMAN

Yes Iłm an asshole, but I love her.

ALAIN ROTH

Itłs serious. No, you donłt love her! You love yourself!

NARRATOR

Try to imagine. We made our preparations in utter secrecy. With this miniature camera and high-tech equipment, we got inside this company. Itłs called Landmark Education. Started in America, itłs in 26 countries. At least 700,000 people have been seduced by it.

CUT TO ANONYMOUS LANDMARK PARTICIPANT

They made me feel I was valued, exceptional. I would open a four-lane highway in my life.

NARRATOR

But itłs not harmless, at least thatłs what French authorities think. Since 1995, Landmark Education has actually been considered a sect.

CUT TO PSYCHIATRIST JEAN-MARIE ABGRALL

These guys arenłt trained, as if tomorrow you set up shop as a psychotherapist. Thatłs whatłs shocking.

NARRATOR

Improving your life, happiness, reconciling with loved ones. Everyone wants that. This company understands that well. But in the voyage through life, no one walks away unscathed.

CUT TO COUPLE SITTING AT DINING TABLE, WIFE:

Anyone could be taken in. Anyone could be taken in by this.

HOST ELISE LUCET

In a few moments, wełll go inside Landmark Educationłs world. Or rather, wełll infiltrate this organization. The images youłll see are sometimes shocking, Some of the people youłll see are mistreated, destabilized. They crack. Wełll talk with our guests: lawyers, experts in brainwashing and sects, but also with men and women like you and me, who once thought Landmark Education could help them feel better. But first, the facts. Here we begin our unique voyage.

FIRST DAY AT LANDMARK

NARRATOR

On a cold morning in December, we were given an appointment in a three-star hotel in Paris. Inside, a company is offering a 3 day personal development workshop in exchange for 395 euros. Disguised as an unemployed man looking for direction, we arrived that morning equipped with hidden cameras. We are immediately directed by several peoplewearing name tags bearing their first names, toward a meeting room. The first test on the road to personal development is signing a document thatłs referred to here as a contract. Six pages, actually written by Landmark Education, the real organizer behind this big working weekend called The Forum. This is what we can read to you from it.

VOICEOVER, READING EXCERPTS, LANDMARK FORUM CONTRACT

Each client certifies that he/she will take responsibility for any physical or psychological damage or emotional disturbances that may occur during or after The Forum. Each client also agrees that Landmark Education is free and clear of any liability.

NARRATOR

And an even more unsettling question:

VOICEOVER, READING CONTRACT

Have you ever been hospitalized for psychiatric care or mental problems?

NARRATOR

If the answer is yes, the document recommends not taking part in The Forum. Once this matter is taken care of, the workshop can begin. In a room completely cut off from the outside world, over 80 people will spend 72 hours together. The rules are strict: no note-taking, no leaving without permission, and only one meal per day. The staging is exact. Facing the audience is a directorłs chair. On this chair is a man. His name is Alain Roth. He calls himself a coach. Hełs actually the director of Landmark Education in France. On the first day, he explains the agenda to us, which is called The Forum.

LANDMARK FORUM LEADER ALAIN ROTH

The Landmark Forum is a place, for 3 days, for you to fuck with the course, be unreasonable, do the things that you have never done, and abandon all your reasons and explanations for not doing it. Are you interested to win a game called: "You bust out and nothingłs the same" ? Is that possible? It is. And there are things that produce these results: Technology itself. We invented a technology -- a conversation that literally revolutionizes what is possible. If you do The Forum as it is meant, therełs a 99.99% chance it will work for you. If you do it your own way, I canłt guarantee it.

NARRATOR

A life transformed in 3 and a half days. A life where everything becomes possible. In these first three hours, Alain Roth never lacks for arguments to lure in his audience. First break. A chance to find people whołve come here to become coaches in their daily lives.

FORUM PARTICIPANT 1, MAN

What I want is to succeed in selling myself, to say OK, this is what I want to do, this is what Iłm doing. A sort of recognition.

NARRATOR

More confidence in yourself?

FORUM PARTICIPANT 1, MAN

Yeah.

FORUM PARTICIPANT 2, MAN

For me itłs about knowing if I make good decisions at the right time. I donłt always feel like I make good decisions.

FORUM PARTICIPANT 1, MAN

Itłs funny because Iłm also wondering - Is Landmark a sect?

FORUM PARTICIPANT 2, MAN

Yes, I asked myself the same question.

FORUM PARTICIPANT 1, MAN

Where are we?

NARRATOR

Among the participants, doubt already exists. The question has already been asked. A chance to continue forming an opinion, because everyone is to return to their seats. Now, they tell us, is when the course really begins. In the first exercise, everyone is asked to take the floor to divulge their personal problems to the audience. Daniele is the first to give it a try. Alain Roth invited her to confide to the attendees. Her troubles: she doesnłt get along well with her daughter.

DANIELE, FORUM PARTICIPANT, AT MICROPHONE

My daughter, right now, when everything could be going well, right now, what Iłve told her applies: "You canłt trust men." So, shełs with a man whołs no good for her, and I canłt stand him.

ALAIN ROTH

Whatłs this? Shełs going out with a man youłre not in love with?

DANIELE

Well, I control her since, in any case

ALAIN ROTH

You are right that men

DANIELE

that men cannot be trusted.

ALAIN ROTH

Exactly.

DANIELE

Shełs heard that all her life. She was barely born when it was: "Theyłre all bastards." Iłve always made sure to
secretly
to make her believe that men are difficult.

ALAIN ROTH

So you do that subtly. You release the poison slowly.

DANIELE

I realize that shełs totally taken it in

ALAIN ROTH

You used your daughter to show your point of view. You ruined her life. It must be hard to look in the mirror. Thatłs the cost, huh? And whatłs more, you claim you love her. Are you kidding or what?

DANIELE

I love her. I warned her about it.

ALAIN ROTH

Youłre getting your revenge by living through her. Youłre an asshole. Yeah.

DANIELE

No, no. She

ALAIN ROTH

Wait. You have to wake up a little and start to accept how much of an asshole you are. Really. And stop pretending otherwise. Whatłs controlling your life is a mechanism thatłs about destroying your daughterłs happiness to get your revenge on men. And you tell yourself, you tell yourself you love her. Itłs a disgrace!

DANIELE

Yes, Iłm an asshole. But I love her.

ALAIN ROTH

Itłs serious. No, you donłt love her. You love yourself! No, no, no. You are a

DANIELE

I sacrificed myself for her.

ALAIN ROTH

No, you didnłt sacrifice yourself. You sacrificed her for you!

NARRATOR

This public humiliation has now been going on for 30 minutes. Under the violent words, Daniele cracks.

ALAIN ROTH

You spend your life whining. Itłs not a pretty sight: "Boo, hoo, hoo. Iłm not happy." At the same time, you assassinate everyone. Seriously, there are limits.

DANIELE (crying)

I admit, I admit that I managed to


ALAIN ROTH

Youłre the one who did it!

DANIELE

I admit that I managed to convince her that men are jerks


ALAIN ROTH

No. To destroy her romantic life!

DANIELE

Yes.

ALAIN ROTH

Bravo! And to make her feel guilty. Bravo! So donłt be indecent and say you love her.

DANIELE

But since I didnłt want her to


ALAIN ROTH

You claim you want her to be happy. You make it so shełs unhappy. Itłs a racket. Itłs inauthentic.

DANIELE

But shełs in a relationship and needs to


ALAIN ROTH

And now you want her to get away from this guy who you got her together with. Or some other guy, or to make it so she isnłt with any others. You have destroyed what is possible in her life. You! And you have the indecency to say you love her.

DANIELE

I admit it. Yes, I admit it. But what do I do about it?

ALAIN ROTH

Stop feeling guilty, to begin with.

NARRATOR

50 minutes later, Daniele is worn out. It doesnłt matter, he pushes even harder.

ALAIN ROTH

Guilt is even more disgusting. You spend your life kicking yourself to make yourself feel better, by letting those youłve destroyed die off. If you want to do something for her, I donłt know, you could kill yourself. No, thatłs not good enough. No, kick yourself. Find something that makes you suffer. Get cancer. Make it last for 29 years, so you suffer and die. That way youłll feel better about your daughter croaking. So you have to accept it.

NARRATOR

Alain Roth now takes the opportunity to teach everyone a lesson, in his own words.

ALAIN ROTH

We are criminals when we feel threatened. This is called "a racket." Thatłs the distinction "racket," when you feel threatened in your identity. Itłs not even a physical threat. No one is dying. Youłre rejected, not wanted anymore. You write off all men, and you instill this in your daughter. You use her for revenge. Itłs about destroying. Itłs not about loving!

(END OF FIRST DAY)

CUT TO SET OF PIECES A CONVICTION

HOST ELISE LUCET

In a few moments, wełll continue this voyage into the heart of Landmark Education, and witness the rest of it hour by hour. But after this particularly violent scene, we should discuss what happened with out guests: Brigitte Thelier, who attended a Landmark Education workshop, Pierre, who lived through the same experience and wants to remain anonymous, and Jean-Pierre Jougla, a lawyer and a specialist in brainwashing in sects. First, I turn to you, Brigitte and Pierre, because I saw you react very strongly during that clip, as if it still hurts to see these images.

BRIGITTE THELIER, PAST PARTICIPANT, THE FORUM

Thatłs true, I attended this workshop in ł96. And seeing Alain Roth again in his chair, really, it makes my stomach turn.

ELISE LUCET

It hurts you?

BRIGITTE THELIER

It hurts me a lot.

PIERRE, PAST PARTICIPANT, THE FORUM

Itłs very, very difficult to see that again. Iłve seen even worse. But this sets the tone well. They put someone in the hot seat for 50 minutes and destroy them.

ELISE LUCET

You have also see students break down on stage? You mean that this is what really happens in these Forums?

PIERRE

Yes, itłs even a little watered down. Itłs worse than that sometimes. Thatłs about a mother-daughter problem, we see how abusive it is. Therełs no reason to make a scene. So, imagine about subjects that are much more painful. There, they canłt take it.

ELISE LUCET

And how was it for you, for the 3 days inside this workshop?

BRIGITTE THELIER

Well, I think Iłm like anyone else. I have my share of problems, now and then. But when I saw some people, like in the clip, how they were able to explain their problems in depth, how he was able to say, "How youłve ruined your life! Do you realize the destruction youłve created around you? All problems come from you. But, now Iłm going to fix it. Thatłs why Iłm here, to fix everything." I didnłt want to. I found myself with 200 people that Iłd never seen before, with a character who knew absolutely nothing about me. And even if deep inside I had problems, I didnłt want to air them there.

ELISE LUCET

Did either of you ever just want to get up and walk out of the room?

PIERRE

No, because at that price you stay until the end.

BRIGITTE THELIER

Maybe so. But youłre also being watched closely. The point is that you just donłt leave the room like that.

ELISE LUCET

So, Jean-Pierre Jougla, youłre a lawyer and also an expert in brainwashing. Could it be said that what happened between Alain Roth and Daniele is brainwashing?

JEAN-PIERRE JOUGLA, COMMENTATOR

First I'd like to go back to your question, "Did you ever want to leave the room?" No. They were simply in a state that made it impossible to leave. From the beginning you saw the brainwashing set in motion, through things that seem harmless. For example, confining people for 3 or 4 days in a room with no windows. No sense of time passing.

ELISE LUCET

No bearings?

JEAN-PIERRE JOUGLA

No bearings. And, commitment to a completely objectionable contract.

ELISE LUCET

But a valid one?

JEAN-PIERRE JOUGLA

No. If you brought it to court, if would be thrown out immediately. But people there don't know that it's invalid, and so are put in a position of inferiority, passivity.

ELISE LUCET

Is it dangerous to put a person through that in front of 200 people?

JEAN-PIERRE JOUGLA

Of course it is. No one would think of playing around with this. Roth using techniques that could be used in behavioral psychology groups, but where people know it's reciprocal.

ELISE LUCET

Meaning "face-to-face"?

JEAN-PIERRE JOUGLA

Face-to-face, removed from any public confessions. That's where you get into totalitarian methods.

ELISE LUCET

For breaking down the mind?

JEAN-PIERRE JOUGLA

It completely breaks a person down, while preventing most people from realizing it. But brainwashing is just that: it happens without the victim knowing it

ELISE LUCET

In a few moments we will continue our infiltration of Landmark Education, and you will see the surprises that lie ahead. But you are surely wondering where Landmark Education comes from. Who created it? How many students does it have? Is it a sect, as some speakers have wondered? Here are the answers to your questions.

AN UNDER-REPORTED COMPANY

NARRATOR

Landmark Education: To know more about it we did a quick search on the internet. In the Yellow Pages, this company is just a continuing education firm. On its website, this American company, based in San Francisco, provides films that sing its praises. Smiles and applause, the workshops seem to take place in a perfectly good mood.

CLIP FROM PROMOTIONAL VIDEO

"Created in 1991, Landmark Education is one of the global leaders in personal development."

NARRATOR

The company confirms it is present in 25 countries with more than 475 employees. As of today, Landmark Education has over 700,000 clients around the world. In France, Landmark Education is directed by an HEC [business school] graduate, by this man, Alain Roth. Registered with the Registry of Commerce in 1993, the French subsidiary today occupies offices in the 10th district of Paris.

But as early as 1995, the companyłs name appeared in a parliamentary report [Les sectes en France], that listed 172 movements with a sect-like nature. Between the river bank suicide and the About-Men Club, is Landmark Education. To establish this list, the Assembly members relied on work conducted by police officers in the General Information Division, where they considered 10 criteria that define a sect. In the investigation notes, there is a question of brainwashing and mind control at Landmark Education.

We contacted the French headquarters by phone, asking to speak with Alain Roth.

ALAIN ROTH

Hello?

REPORTER FROM PIECES A CONVICTION

Mr. Roth?

ALAIN ROTH

Yes, hello.

REPORTER

Iłm calling because we are preparing a show


NARRATOR

At the same moment, the reporter we planted is next to him, in the Landmark Education offices.

REPORTER

- so I wanted to contact you to have a chance to meet with you.

ALAIN ROTH

So, what needs to happen in that case is that you go to our department that deals with the media.

NARRATOR

Impossible to ask Alain Roth the slightest question, he sends us to his superiors in the U.S.

ALAIN ROTH

Listen, youłll have to speak with them first.

REPORTER

Very well. Thank you.

ALAIN ROTH

Youłre welcome.

REPORTER

See you soon.

ALAIN ROTH

Good bye.

ALAIN ROTH (TO STAFF)

OK, well, Yeah, theyłre doing a show on sects.

NARRATOR

As soon as the call is over, Alain Roth tells his American superiors about it.

ALAIN ROTH [ENGLISH]

This is Alain Roth. I donłt know if we know each other.

NARRATOR

Negotiations last for a few weeks. In the end, Landmark Education agrees to an interview. But surprise, it will not be with Alain Roth. Instead, the company offers us an interview with this woman, Sophie McLean. Coming from New York for the occasion, here is how she presented the companyłs activities to us.

SOPHIE MCLEAN, SPOKESPERSON, LANDMARK FORUM LEADER

It is an international personal development company for which we created this teaching that is known to have a first course called The Forum. 3 days and an evening that examine what it means to be a human being. So, in general, you come and look at your life. You look at your values. You think. Itłs a weekend that was designed to examine what a human being is. And it gives extraordinary results in the areas of your life that interest you.

NARRATOR

Landmark Education also wants to point out that its courses are meant for people in good emotional and physical health, as signified in the contract signed by every client.

SOPHIE MCLEAN

People who are not doing well do psychology or psychotherapy. Right? People who are doing well do personal development.

NARRATOR

As for the classification by the French Parliament of Landmark Education as a sect, Sophie McLean disputes it.

SOPHIE MCLEAN

First of all, itłs totally untrue of course, but I will tell you that we learned about it in the newspapers that we were considered a sect. No one did an inquiry. We were not
No one came to observe our seminar.

NARRATOR

According to Sophie McLean, several international experts say the same thing in different studies: that Landmark is not a sect.

SOPHIE MCLEAN

There is this extraordinary person in America, his name is Dr. Raymond Fowler. And we also have someone in Germany, Dr. Nedopil.

NARRATOR

According to her, a French expert also vouches for Landmark Education.

SOPHIE MCLEAN

The expert on cults in France is Jean-Marie Abgrall. We allow you complete freedom, you can take all the notes you want. And then let us know. Make us a report and then tell us
huh?
what you think.

NARRATOR

Jean-Marie Abgrall: A psychiatrist and legal expert, who has, according to Sophie McLean, written a report stating that Landmark Education is not a sect. But Landmark refuses to release this report. To try and learn more, we met with Jean-Marie Abgrall. He says hełs never really taken a stance.

JEAN-MARIE ABGRALL, PSYCHIATRIST, LEGAL EXPERT

It's not true that I said it's not a sect. I neither wrote that it is a sect nor that it's not a sect. I haven't taken a stance.

NARRATOR

According to our information, for his work Jean-Marie Abgrall was paid more than 45,000 euros. He agreed to let us in on the important points of his report. In the report, he says that during a Forum he has not found any element of constraint or allegiance to a charismatic leader. Nevertheless, he confirms that he warned the company about insufficient selection and monitoring of the students at Landmark. He says that such methods could put some participants in danger.

JEAN-MARIE ABGRALL, M.D.

My critique is of techniques that haven't been mastered at all. There is no control of a psychologist. They just put anyone in there, which means that if this guy takes a blow, he leaves alone in a daze, there's no one to take control for him. They don't exchange information - there's no real inspection of the technique. These guys aren't trained, as if tomorrow you set up shop as a psychotherapist. I mean, that's what's shocking

BACK TO SET, PIECES A CONVICTION

HOST ELISE LUCET

You have surely gathered by now that we wanted to invite Alain Roth to the set. Despite multiple phone calls and repeated faxes
and I have the latest one here
he refused to come on the set, and of course wełre sorry about that. Letłs go back to Brigitte Thelier and Pierre who are, I remind you, former students of Landmark Education. Since both of you attended your workshops, have you also asked yourself the question: cult or not a cult?
Pierre?

PIERRE

Yes, because thatłs what motivated me to register for The Forum. When I first heard about Landmark, I had two close friends who were doing it. And when we got together I asked questions. It was never possible to get the least bit of information. I only heard itłs "what happens," itłs "what was said," itłs "extraordinary." The responses, the vocabulary used was completely incomprehensible. The questions were only a "racket," a "winning formula," etc. When you donłt have the keys, you canłt detect it. So when you ask for details, it wasnłt possible. They told me, "Do it! Youłll see how good it is."

ELISE LUCET

So wełve heard Pierre. Brigitte, as far as youłre concerned, was it important for you to know whether Landmark Education is a sect?

BRIGITTE THELIER

I would simply answer that, having lived through those three days, my experience tells me it is a sect. Itłs a sect because itłs a place where youłre treated like a puppet or marionette. As soon as Iłm treated like a puppet
like an object
Iłm not myself anymore. It means someone has power over me. And in that case itłs a sect.

ELISE LUCET

On that note, Jean-Pierre Brard, you are deputy mayor of Montreal. You were vice-president of the investigating committee on sects in the Assembly. As we heard, Landmark Education says that you classified them as a sect, without having investigated it. Whatłs your response?

JEAN-PIERRE BRARD, DEPUTY MAYOR, MONTREAL

I say that Ms. McLean must be Pinocchio's little sister and that, little by little as she's talking, her nose must be growing longer. Because, obviously, she's lying.

ELISE LUCET

But precisely what are the criteria that lead you to say itłs a sect?

JEAN-PIERRE BRARD

It's very simple. Clearly, there's a guru who destabilizes people to enslave them, to make them subservient, which has been said by witnesses. You can also see that they make you relinquish critical thought, and break the person down so that they can pick up the pieces. You can also see that there's a network of money. This hasn't been mentioned yet: The ultimate goal is to press its power and clean out the students' wallets. And by using the students, to attempt to earn more. So, there are the criterion of domination, a network of money, subordination and brainwashing. So it's a sect.

ELISE LUCET

But you know, for those watching, itłs far removed from the caricature they have of a sect. Itłs not The Mandarom Sect. Itłs far from The Order of the Solar Temple. Why?

JEAN-PIERRE BRARD

Itłs not that far. You still have a group, you have a pyramid structure. You still have jargon that separates you from your family and society. And you still have the element of money from people that are victims.

ELISE LUCET

Jean-Pierre Jougla?

JEAN-PIERRE JOUGLA

What influences public opinion is only the storefront. The sects you cited have a religious pretense, and hide behind that screen. Here, therełs no religious element. But therełs still a doctrine. The basis of Landmarkłs doctrine essentially rests on a philosophical concept. Itłs the concept of authenticity. "Wełre going to teach people to be authentic."

ELISE LUCET

Wełll see that.

JEAN-PIERRE JOUGLA

So, wełll get back to it.

ELISE LUCET

Now with these initial explanations, we return to our immersion back at The Forum. Despite what we saw, no one objected. Everyone decided to return. But this time, the session begins with questions that are not necessarily welcomed, as youłll see.

(SECOND DAY AT LANDMARK)

NARRATOR

Back to the workshop. Before continuing with the course, Alain Roth makes a proposal. For those who want to leave the workshop, the door is open. For those with questions, they should ask them now.

ALAIN ROTH

So, if you have a question, raise your hand and ask it.

NARRATOR

Up front, a woman voices a criticism.

MURIELLE, WOMAN WITH QUESTION

Yes, I would like to know why there is so much harassment.

NARRATOR

Murielle complains of being harassed by the Landmark staff, of incessant phone calls to get her to register for the workshop.

MURIELLE

When people


ALAIN ROTH

Wait, wait. Turn on the microphone. Donłt destroy the microphone. Thanks.

MURIELLE

What I wanted to say was


ALAIN ROTH

Wait a second. Wherełs your name tag? Because I donłt want to harass you too much. Thanks. You donłt make a distinction between whatłs happening and your interpretation. You confuse the two, as wełll see: There is no harassment. There is what happens.

MURIELLE

May I say something?

ALAIN ROTH

Wait, wait. You will say what you want, The Forum isnłt "I go to the microphone and I talk." Therełs a leader who leads the discussions and Iłm the leader. So, I will give you the floor, but let me create a certain context first. So, "harassment" never happened. Thatłs an interpretation.

MURIELLE

So, if you tell me "Itłs not true," I donłt see how I can talk to you.

ALAIN ROTH

Yes, but hold on. You didnłt have ten people demanding, "You will enroll, you will enroll."

MURIELLE

No, I also had someone call to ask me if I had a problem. Another one asked something else.

ALAIN ROTH

Ok!

MURIELLE

But when you get three, maybe four calls in the same week, youłre overwhelmed.

ALAIN ROTH

Ok, but you call that harassment?

MURIELLE

Yes, I call that harassment.

ALAIN ROTH

But is it harassment?

MURIELLE

Well, yes.

ALAIN ROTH

Thatłs because you interpret it that way. You could interpret it another way.

MURIELLE

How?

ALAIN ROTH

That people are calling to support you, theyłre committed to making something happen for you.

NARRATOR

In all, an exchange of 15 minutes. Clearly, it is difficult to make criticisms.

LANDMARK STAFF MEMBER

Wełre going to take a 30-minute break. Itłs now 4:10 PM. Be back in your chairs, ready to start, at 4:40 PM. Thank you.

NARRATOR

During the break, we head to the hotel bar. We find Murielle, who was complaining about harassment. For her, Alain Rothłs verbal abuse is unacceptable.

MURIELLE

I feel a bit of something. The approach is a bit terrorist.

REPORTER, PIECES A CONVICTION

Why terrorist?

MAN, PARTICIPANT IN THE FORUM

Wait. Hełs coming. Suddenly wełre interrupted. Alain Roth comes by in person to convince Murielle not to leave the workshop.

ALAIN ROTH

Whatłs happening with you, Murielle? You tend to go it alone, instead of looking for people who can support you. It would be good if, before leaving, you spoke, since youłre suffering and worn out because you resist.

NARRATOR

A few minutes later, the operation of seduction is successful. Murielle has changed her mind.

MAN, PARTICIPANT IN THE FORUM

Still alive?

MURIELLE

Yes. No, hełs very nice. I was afraid he wasnłt listening, but he was. He head it. All of it. I felt
not kindness
but I felt something very human.

MAN, PARTICIPANT IN THE FORUM

Lending an ear?

MURIELLE

No. More. Guys in communication are taught to lend an ear. No, I felt something searching on a deeper level.

NARRATOR

Itłs 9:30 PM. The day is almost over. But before leaving, therełs one more exercise in store for us. For this one, Alain Roth asks us to close our eyes.

ALAIN ROTH

No one will enter this room, so you donłt have to worry. There are two people sitting next to you. Create an experiment where you fear the two people next to you. Get ready to do this experiment, where youłre terrified, terrified of the two people sitting next to you. Let the fear enter your body, your breathing, your gut, your entire life.

NARRATOR

This introspection is perfectly orchestrated by the coach. No improvisation, everything is written down.

ALAIN ROTH

You are trying to escape. There is no place to go. How to continue to be with yourself, and be present?

NARRATOR

In this row, the man in red is going to crack.

ALAIN ROTH

When you were a little boy or a little girl, you said to yourself, "Never again. I wonłt go through that again."

NARRATOR

With these words, he starts to sob.

ALAIN ROTH

You decided it is better not to feel anything again, so suffer as you have. And your whole life became about making sure you would never suffer again. At that moment, you sentenced yourself to death.

NARRATOR

Itłs been more than 48 hours since the workshop began. The students are beginning to feel the physical and emotional fatigue. Years later, those who went through it still remember the experience.

PIERRE, ANONYMOUS FORUM GRADUATE

It was very annoying, very annoying, because wełre cut off from everything. We start at 8 AM and finish at 10 PM. Therełs a meal break at 5 in the afternoon. We are only allowed to drink, and only at certain times. We have no contact with the outside world, with curtains and only inside lights. So, we donłt know any more. We lose our sense of time.

LAURENT MOURNAIS, FORUM GRADUATE

Itłs difficult to get a perspective
impossible. And thatłs what I understood. At Landmark, they donłt let you get a perspective.

REPORTER, PIECES A CONVICTION

Critical thinking isnłt possible?

LAURENT MOURNAIS

Thatłs just it, we donłt have the time to.

PIERRE

At any given moment you defenses are down and, Itłs not that you accept it, but you enter into it, If you donłt go along with it, it canłt work.

(END OF SECOND DAY)

SET OF PIECES A CONVICTION

HOST ELISE LUCET

Brigitte Thelier and Pierre, as former students of Landmark Education, You lived through this moment of returning to early childhood fears. What were you feeling at that moment?

BRIGITTE THELIER

I took it as a game of his, a game that makes you very, very scared, But still a game, so, I didnłt want to be a part of this mechanism. I understood that it wasnłt the right place for me.

ELISE LUCET

Already?

BRIGITTE THELIER

Already. So, of course, I did what everyone else was doing. And itłs frightening to see again, as in the clip, people breaking down, crying. Itłs emotional abuse. Why, in a personal development workshop, bring out suffering through abuse, bring out fears?

ELISE LUCET

Same for you, Pierre?

PIERRE

I remember the exercise very well, but I didnłt do it. I thought it was stupid. I didnłt get into it at all. I opened my eyes and looked around, and when you open your eyes, itłs appalling. Therełs a little bit of giggling and some more or less go along with the game, But some people are completely taken in who break down like that man, absolutely.

ELISE LUCET

So, Christian Lujan, you are a psycho-sociologist and psychoanalyst. Why did Alain Roth bring out these fears from childhood? Whatłs the purpose?

DR. CHRISTIAN LUJAN, PSYCHOANALYST

He is in a position of total power. And we're in a mechanism that has no place for the subject. Individuals are objects, objects of this total power. Everything is in coded language. Everything is organized, everything is structured. The goal is to destabilize the individual and to negate - and I emphasize this - the notion of the subject. The individual doesn't own his own past. Only they know what's good for him. At any moment, an exercise like this can take away a person's introspection.

ELISE LUCET

So, Jean-Pierre Jougla, youłre an expert in brainwashing. Wełre quite struck at the beginning of this clip where Murielle canłt even ask a question. Whatłs happening there?

JEAN-PIERRE JOUGLA

He makes fun of any response of hers. But thatłs not the problem. Itłs the stranglehold he puts in place. And what frightens me is that in very little time, 3 or 4 days, wełre seeing what takes a sect 2 to 3 years to instill. The sect phenomenon is gaining momentum. And reviving childhood fears is not harmless. It puts the students, at least the ones who go along with the game, in the position of a child. This sets up the strangle hold of the guru. Because therełs an incest-like relationship between an all-powerful father and a child who is not even allowed to doubt, to question, to think critically. The only thing left is to listen.

ELISE LUCET

Letłs return to our voyage into the heart of Landmark Education. The students are beginning their third day of The Forum. Many of them are worn out, awaiting new ordeals. But the tone is going to change radically.

(THIRD DAY AT LANDMARK EDUCATION)

NARRATOR

Sunday morning, in the north of Paris, the Landmark Education personal development workshop continues, on the third day. At the entrance to the room are two assistants. Their mission: hand out name tags to the participants. For the, volunteering for Landmark changed their lives.

REPORTER

Iłll keep the name tag.

LANDMARK VOLUNTEER ASSISTANT 1, MAN

Oh! Bad boy.

NARRATOR

Youłre a volunteer here? For a long time?

VOLUNTEER ASSISTANT 1

No, this is the second time. In any case, the second Forum.

NARRATOR

And really feeling the change?

LANDMARK VOLUNTEER ASSISTANT 2, MAN

My family says Iłm completely transformed. In my professional life, they trust me like they didnłt trust me before. For people who live an ordinary life, Iłve become the guy they go to. But I donłt have more technical skill than before.

NARRATOR

Because you got the possibilities you wanted to create?

VOLUNTEER ASSISTANT 2

Yeah, because I confirm, because I take into account what people say, because Iłm present for people, present for everyone, for my colleagues as well as my bosses. Itłs Landmark that transformed me.

NARRATOR

This man admits that he is heavily recruiting people around him.

VOLUNTEER ASSISTANT 2

My ex-wife and daughter are coming, I have colleagues that are coming, There are people I work with in other associations that are coming, They go nuts. They ask me "How do you do it?" You want to see? Fine. Iłll invite you to a presentation. Itłs no mystery.

NARRATOR

Today the workshop takes a new direction. Forgotten are the insults and public humiliations. Today, Alain Roth offers the workshop participants what, according to him, is a different way of life.

ALAIN ROTH

So, how to be authentic? Herełs the bad news: For everyone, without exception, it starts by being authentic through your inauthenticity. Thatłs how it starts. We enroll people by saying, "Iłm a great guy." Thinking positively by saying, "Iłll talk about myself, and reveal Iłm an asshole."

NARRATOR

To make his point, Alain Roth prompts Jacques, a doctor and father, to call his son to ask his forgiveness. Word for word Jacques rehearses his lesson with Alain Roth.

JACQUES

Iłm calling because Iłm thinking about you. I was reflecting on the relationship we have and Iłm not on a good course with you. What I wanted was for you to make me happy, and I didnłt really think of you. Iłd like that to end. Would you help me do that?

ALAIN ROTH

No! And I created the possibility
I created the possibility

JACQUES

And I created the possibility by calling you, so we can discuss it.

ALAIN ROTH

No. To be -

JACQUES

- to be your father.

ALAIN ROTH

Will he be moved?

JACQUES

Oh yes.

ALAIN ROTH

Not, "Oh yes!" Will he be moved?

JACQUES

I will make sure he is.

NARRATOR

Once these phrases are learned, Alain Roth asks everyone to write to their parents, or call up friends with only one goal: to ask forgiveness. Most of the students do it.

LANDMARK FORUM PARTICIPANT, WOMAN

I just wanted to talk with Mom just for 3 minutes, if she has time.

NARRATOR

Back in the room, Jacques, the father, is relaying to the audience the details of his conversation with his son.

JACQUES

Hey big guy, Iłm doing something thatłs about you. I talked about you because that was why I came to this Forum. And I noticed something, that Iłve spent my life doing this shit to you to make you into this gem, into an image that flatters who I am. The kid cracks. He cries. And I say, "I propose a solution. Now I will be your father, and be there to help you, and not give you shit all the time. Do you want me as a father like that?" "Oh," the kid says, "Yes, Iłll take it." "Good. Listen, wełll talk. I love you." He says, "I love you." I havenłt said that in 25 years.

NARRATOR

Therełs general euphoria. Like Jacques, many students are under the spell. The rest of the exercise is instructive. We now have to learn to help others. How? By inviting them to an evening at Landmark Education.

ALAIN ROTH

Ultimately, what creates dignity in being human is to be prepared to make a difference in othersł lives. If you could bring your parents together again, your father and brother the joy of being brothers. And for you and your brother, and for your wife, a taste for life. Nothing would make you happier than that. That takes the courage to say, "It shall be." Now, therełs a path that takes you there, and itłs called The Forum. Itłs necessary, and effective. It lasts 3 and a half days. Does it mean more clients for Landmark Education? Yes. So what?

NARRATOR

Itłs almost midnight. Before the workshop ends, surprise! Alain Roth has homework for us to do. With at least three people who havenłt done Landmark Forum, share what is has done for you, and invite them here for your graduation Tuesday night.

(END OF THIRD DAY)

PIERRE, ANONYMOUS LANDMARK FORUM GRADUATE

It was part of our exercises and thatłs what we had come for, the exercises. So I spent my evenings on the telephone, at work too. Sure. It wasnłt difficult, since itłs why we were there, part of our exercises.

LAURENT MOURNAIS, FORUM GRADUATE

I wasnłt pushed to invite my parents. It was I who decided to, but they did push us to invite people close to us, with whom we werenłt authentic, and be able to explain ourselves.

(TUESDAY NIGHT)

NARRATOR

Tuesday night. Another big Paris hotel, where the last evening of the Landmark workshop is taking place, which began four days earlier. Jacques, the doctor, is here with an acquaintance who is pretending to be a guest.

GUEST

Iłm his mom.

JACQUES

Shełs my mom.

REPORTER

How are you?

NARRATOR

He has also heeded Alain Rothłs advice, his mother is with him.

REPORTER

Youłre bringing


LANDMARK PARTICIPANT, MAN

My best friend, a boy who decided to live.

NARRATOR

True to their commitment, each of the participants arrives accompanied by one, two even three people theyłve invited. In all, over 250 people are here this evening. Gathered in a large room, Alain Roth asks the students to approach the microphone to praise Landmark with the aim of getting new guests to sign up.

LANDMARK FORUM PARTICIPANT, WOMAN, AT MICROPHONE

I made the decision and what Iłm going through is, Well I really woke up and I feel alive, like never before in my life. Right now, whatłs happening is really very strong.

FORUM PARTICIPANT, MAN, AT MICROPHONE

I promise you itłs extraordinary. No? Hełs gonna tell me itłs not extraordinary. Itłs the choice you make to be responsible for your life.

ALAIN ROTH

Itłs the possibility
Yes
Itłs the possibility


FORUM PARTICIPANT, WOMAN, AT MICROPHONE

Itłs the possibility to be happy to be alive, whatever the circumstances.

JACQUES, DOCTOR, FORUM PARTICIPANT

Today I went to operate. I operated like never before. In complete simplicity. All was in good form. My assistant didnłt recognize me. So, if you have 5 minutes or 3 days, Donłt hesitate. Do it. Whatever your purpose in life, itłs really worth it.

NARRATOR

After this set of testimonies, each with more praise than the other, each new guest is taken aside. In another room, following a well-oiled ritual, the facilitators attempt to convince them to sign up.

PIERRE, ANONYMOUS FORUM GRADUATE

They had a gathering with presentations, there, I understood nothing. I said, "Theyłre crazy." Then the guests are isolated into groups in little rooms, where theyłre told how it will change their lives, etc. The rest of the time was nothing but the seduction. I had to sign up at all costs. They put all their energy into it. They made me feel I was valued, exceptional. I would open a four-lane highway in my life.

LAURENT MOURNAIS

They promised exceptional results, the kind that would change your life, without explaining what that means. But still, itłs "Youłll see exceptional results!" Thatłs what my two friends told me, so Iłm still into it. So I think I will see exceptional results. Yea, why not? Wełll see.

NARRATOR

As for the students in The Forum, personal development has only begun. He (Alain Roth) strongly recommends that we continue by signing up for another workshop.

ALAIN ROTH

This will revolutionize your existence, without changing the circumstances in your life. Itłs worth every euro, every single euro, and every minute that you spend. And Iłm certain that if you knew the kind of results that the Advanced Course produces, everyone would have signed up. The Advanced Course, which your Forum has prepared you for, itłs this one with these dates. It costs 625 euros. But if you sign up tonight or by Friday at 3 PM, it costs you only 525 euros.

(END OF TUESDAY NIGHT, END OF THE FORUM)

BACK TO SET OF PIECES A CONVICTION

HOST ELISE LUCET

Jocelyne Berthelot is with us. You also participated in the Landmark Forum. And you still volunteer for the organization today. You have watched this show from the beginning. What do you think about everything that has been said?

JOCELYNE BERTHELOT, FORUM GRADUATE, VOLUNTEER FOR LANDMARK

Well, Iłm stupefied. I didnłt
All that I saw, on the television, I didnłt see anything like what I went through. For me it was a wonderful experience. And Iłm stupefied.

ELISE LUCET

Your involvement in Landmark Education goes back many years?

JOCELYNE BERTHELOT

I took part in a Forum in December 2002. Then I did 4 seminars with them.

ELISE LUCET

Yes?

JOCELYNE BERTHELOT

And then
Well Iłm not really a Landmark volunteer. I only volunteered at a Forum, because
it was a good experience for me, so I wanted to relive it.

ELISE LUCET

So, what did they do for you?

JOCELYNE BERTHELOT

Made me feel more at peace with who I am. People talk about self-confidence. It gave me confidence in myself. I came here right away because I thought I could be part of a debate. Well, I would have been until a while ago. Iłm not saying that youłre wrong, simply that I didnłt see it.

ELISE LUCET

Mona Vasquez, youłve been listening for a few minutes. And I see you were listening intently. Your experience is totally different. You spent several years in Scientology. You entered when you were 20 years old. Are there similarities with what youłve heard so far? Did you go through this?

MONA VASQUEZ, FORMER SCIENTOLOGIST, AUTHOR

Yes, I was also stupefied, I should say. But not in the same way as her. First Iłd like to correct one point: I didnłt "enter" Scientology. Someone lent me a book It didnłt contain the word "Scientology." A friend lent me this very interesting book, So there wasnłt any question of me getting into a movement


ELISE LUCET

But you spent 7 years there


MONA VASQUEZ

7 years I didn't see go by. But it's important to point out that the follower doesn't realize he's in a sect. If he did, he'd run the other way. Once he's put under, bamboozled, hypnotized, you're in a sort of haze, and you don't realize it. The follower is the last to realize it. The family takes action, but not the follower. To answer you, I was glued to the video clips. I was a little uncomfortable because I heard all the terminology from Scientology. There was a whiteboard at the beginning with exactly the same words that Hubbard would use, the founder of Scientology. I worked in Denmark at the parent organization of Europe. So I was at the heart of Scientology. So I know the terminology very well, and all of it's the same. On the other hand, I think they may have diversified. If I may


ELISE LUCET

Thatłs why youłre here.

MONA VASQUEZ

I think that cults are very quick. As soon as they sense they are being labeled by the press, or in government reports, they rush to diversify, to take another angle.

ELISE LUCET

Wełve obtained a document, obviously kept secret by Landmark Education, from a presentation of the Landmark Forum that you must have attended, Jocelyne. And itłs pretty shocking, because right from page 1, for example, it says that the introduction doesnłt last more than two minutes. On page 2 it says that you have to write key words on the board. On page 16, it says you have to move the chair to the right. On page 22 you have to move the chair to the left. There are even possible answers from participants so the facilitator knows exactly what to say. Did you realize this, Jocelyne?

JOCELYNE BERTHELOT

Um, Iłm absolutely stupefied, again. What you said seems impossible because every person, when he goes to share his experience, will say something different. That means itłs not possible that Alain, for whom I have the utmost respect


ELISE LUCET

- You call him "Alain?" -

JOCELYNE BERTHELOT

Yes, for me hełs a very great person. That there was a plan, um, for his entire seminar, I totally agree. But he canłt plan what hełs going to say, since he doesnłt know what theyłll say. Everyone is different.

JEAN-PIERRE JOUGLA, ATTORNEY, VICE PRESIDENT, UNADFI

He doesnłt care at all what the response is. He takełs a word from what you say, and develops it, embellishes it and makes it personal. Since youłre involved in a situation, you donłt notice. You just saw a clip in which they ask each of you to make two or three family members or friends come to The Forum. For Roth, that means getting new followers who are immediately trusting. They are brought by someone close to them, Dad, Mom, sister, brother. You bring people you donł hesitate about. This makes it even harder when you realize that someone has pulled a fast one on you. You would bear guilt for the fact that you personally brought people into something that you suddenly discover is negative, or even harmful, for personal development. With that, the mechanism of brainwashing is clinched. The circle is complete, and it will be very difficult for the person in it, who has come to love Alain Roth, to see him as a manipulator.

ELISE LUCET

You seem completely shocked.

JOCELYNE BERTHELOT (Crying)

Yes, yes. I almost want to
I want to cry. But I didnłt see any of that. And, for me hełs a great person. What youłre telling me


ELISE LUCET

I assure you itłs not meant to cause you any problems Jocelyne, honestly.

JOCELYNE BERTHELOT

Well, it has. Iłm fine. We have the right to have problems. But I canłt seem to explain how
I feel like
Iłm fifty years old, I feel like I donłt even have half a brain.

ELISE LUCET

No, no. You seem OK.

JOCELYNE BERTHELOT

I
I came here to tell you my experience. For me itłs great. What Iłm seeing, Iłm floored. Iłm having a hard time believing you
Very difficult.

JEAN-PIERRE JOUGLA

Absolutely.

ELISE LUCET

I also want to talk to you all about something you hear both in Landmark Education and Scientology: vocabulary that, for people on the outside, is completely incomprehensible. Youłve heard this of course, Jocelyne. Alain Roth says you have a "racket," you must be "authentic," you "create a possibility." Why control vocabulary like that?

JEAN-PIERRE JOUGLA

There are several reasons. Iłm sure Mona could add examples from Scientology. Mainly, it lets them say things that only mean something to those who share this knowledge. Itłs a feeling of superiority, because when you use these terms, you know very well that people who havenłt been initiated, canłt understand it.

ELISE LUCET

So now, we continue our voyage. As I mentioned, we didnłt stop at filming the Landmark Education Forum. A second inquiry was conducted at their offices, and chance really helped things when our investigator, Laurent Richard, was asked to become a volunteer for Landmark.

(THE INFILTRATION)

NARRATOR

In the 9th district of Paris, a building like any other: the French headquarters of Landmark Education. The Forum finished a week before. Someone called to offer a chance to master the teaching without paying a thing, by becoming a volunteer assistant. Still equipped with a hidden camera, I accept the offer, and continue my voyage to the heart of the company. My first meeting is with the Financial Director of Landmark Education. Shełll be supervising my work at the companyłs financial department.

LANDMARK FINANCIAL DIRECTOR, PARIS OFFICE

Would you be interested? For being an assistant, itłs an agreement for 13 weeks, at 3 hours per week. As we discussed, it can be at different times of the week. What there is to do
Well, therełs data entry. It looks like this, in fact. Itłs called the "DFC", or the "Daily Financial Controls." Itłs the receipts for the previous nightłs course.

NARRATOR

A real accountantłs job. No contract or salary, no health insurance and nothing to sign. In this apartment, 20 people work full time. Most seem to have the same status: volunteer. Theyłre everywhere, even in the bathrooms.

[Laurent Richard, reporter for Pieces a Conviction, speaking with a Landmark Education volunteer who is cleaning the bathroom] :

LAURENT RICHARD, REPORTER, PIECES A CONVICTION

You're a volunteer too?

PHILIPPE, VOLUNTEER, LANDMARK EDUCATION

Yes.

LAURENT RICHARD

And this is volunteering?

PHILIPPE, VOLUNTEER

As you can see. So here I am, an assistant. And it's OK. I'm happy to do it because it's why I'm here. I'm here. This needs to be done. So I do it. It's not hard, you can say.


NARRATOR

I've already met this man, on the third day of the Forum. He was handing out nametags to participants, already as a volunteer.

PHILIPPE, VOLUNTEER

It's a little hot. I'm tired, but otherwise ok. It's true, I don't want to do this all the time. I have other things to do, you know. But stuff like this here, I chose it. I said, "OK, I'll do it." I like a challenge. You know, try to come up with something. And to see what brings me, to see into my life. As it brings me things that are real. Yeah. Really. Given that I can share with people, and when there's a person here at the same time, like a coach, we share things that are happening in our lives, make challenges. In fact, I notice that it has really changed things. And concretely. Because, sometimes you just say, "It's changing."

LAURENT RICHARD

But yeah it really, it changed things?

PHILIPPE, VOLUNTEER

Yes. It really taught me things - a breakthrough. Because you train yourself to live differently from before, you know?

NARRATOR

Suddenly we are interrupted. A man pokes his head in.

PHILIPPE, VOLUNTEER

Yes Antoine?

ANTOINE, SUPERVISOR, ALSO VOLUNTEER

It's sparkling. Bravo!

PHILIPPE, VOLUNTEER

Yes, it's sparkling. I didn't use water, because drying takes forever. With "Mr. Clean" everywhere, I got off as much as I could.

NARRATOR

He's a supervisor; and also a volunteer. In fact, his job is to supervise Philippe's work. Volunteers, assistants, constantly being overseen by other volunteers: another side of the Landmark company.

LAURENT RICHARD

How many assistants are there right now?

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

Well, I have no idea. I
I donłt know. I know from Guillaume, there are a lot. Maybe 25.

LAURENT RICHARD

25 assistants?

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

I donłt know. But they told me once. Itłs a lot.

NARRATOR

Volunteers working in the headquarters of a commercial company, is it legal? Officers from General Information, in this confidential note about Landmark, were worried about undeclared associates in violation of the Labor Code. The document dates from 1994, so the situation is not new. More recently, the National Assembly report on sects and money emphasized the problem once again, but apparently didnłt change anything. [Les sectes et lłargent].

To make the organization known and help recruit, the methods vary. Today, for example, Iłm asked to organize a gathering at home.

MAN, VOLUNTEER, LANDMARK PARIS OFFICE

Do you know about "Introduction to The Forum" at home?

LAURENT RICHARD, REPORTER

Uh, No.

VOLUNTEER, PARIS OFFICE

We have to talk about it. When are you here until?

LAURENT RICHARD

Well, Iłm doing a group later, but Iłm eating here around 6:00.

VOLUNTEER, PARIS OFFICE

Youłre eating at 6:00? So maybe wełll get a few minutes. Otherwise, another time. Itłs something I take care of. Itłs the possibility to have an introduction to The Forum at your place.

LAURENT RICHARD

Okay.

VOLUNTEER, PARIS OFFICE

To organize it, invite some friends. A facilitator will come. At the same time, your job is to organize a nice event where you invite 3 or 4 friends, family, parents.

LAURENT RICHARD

But in my apartment?

VOLUNTEER, PARIS OFFICE

In your apartment.

LAURENT RICHARD

And how many of you come to my place?

VOLUNTEER, PARIS OFFICE

No, no. You can decide. Itłs just a facilitator who comes.

NARRATOR

Presentation meetings, dialogs with people close to you, phone calls to family, to friends.

VOLUNTEER, PARIS OFFICE

Thatłs why itłs better to first call, people from your address book.

NARRATOR

To make Landmark known and recruit even more followers, everyone pitches in, the boss as well as the volunteers. After all, thatłs their mission when theyłre at headquarters. My job as junior accountant doesnłt exempt me.

PLAYS ANSWERING MACHINE, LAURENT RICHARD

FIRST MESSAGE

Laurent. Iłm the communicator, and Iłm offering you to do a summary of the course for you. So you can get back to me.

SECOND MESSAGE

Hello, Iłm calling on behalf of Landmark Education.

NARRATOR

He also asks me to enroll everyone around me. The harassment is ever-present.

THIRD MESSAGE

Iłm calling to see if you have people youłve invited, or people to contact.

NARRATOR

One day, Iłm asked to call back for a workshop on perfection. A chance to invest myself more by attending a very strange course, called the ILP.

LANDMARK VOLUNTEER, ON PHONE

Iłd like to speak to you about coming to a presentation of ILP.

LAURENT RICHARD

ILP. Remind me, what is it?

LANDMARK VOLUNTEER, ON PHONE

Itłs the most remarkable, and the most crazy, program that we have at Landmark Education. Itłs training for mastery of the conversation of enrolling and getting sign-ups. It consists of 4 weekends that are in Amsterdam.

LAURENT RICHARD

How long does it last?

LANDMARK VOLUNTEER, ON PHONE

The program? Thatłs the thing. It lasts 6 months.

LAURENT RICHARD

6 months!

LANDMARK VOLUNTEER, ON PHONE

Yes.

NARRATOR

Six months of unpaid labor for Landmark Education, an offer Iłm going to refuse, like all the others.

My infiltration has lasted a month now. Tonight, I have an appointment with a Forum participant, from the weekend when it all began. Itłs the doctor, the father who went up in front of everyone to talk about reuniting with his son. The workshop changed his life. Thatłs why, he tells me, he launched a large recruitment operation.

JACQUES, DOCTOR, FORUM PARTICIPANT

When I left I was ecstatic, ecstatic. But at the same time, since I know I tend to want to impose on others, I said to myself, this time, I wonłt be stupid, and say, "Youłre going to do it! Itłs amazing!" I tried and I managed to do the enrollment. I said to people, "I had an amazing experience. Iłd really like you to experience it, I wonłt make you do it. I donłt want it because I told you to do it, but for you to be at peace." Really sharing it does me good.

LAURENT RICHARD

It does you good?

JACQUES

It does others good, too. Itłs going to bust out everywhere!

LAURENT RICHARD

Who did you enroll?

JACQUES

My whole family. My wife, my kids, my associate, my assistant.

NARRATOR

But this doctor doesnłt only enroll people close to him. With trust built through common experience, he reveals that hełs been recruiting well beyond his family circle.

LAURENT RICHARD

Your associate is a surgeon?

JACQUES

Yes.

LAURENT RICHARD

Is she signed up for The Forum?

JACQUES

Well, she hasnłt signed up yet, but shełs coming to the presentation.

LAURENT RICHARD

There are a lot of doctors here!

JACQUES

Lots! You saw them. Doctors, nurses, psychiatrists.

LAURENT RICHARD

Why are there so many doctors and nurses?

JACQUES

Because wełre all in the shit. When wełve tried every possible treatment on a patient, and theyłre useless, what do we do? We give up. We do nothing. We donłt care. And it bugs you.

NARRATOR

In a few seconds this doctor admits that he just sent his first patient to Landmark Education.

JACQUES

You share it with the patient. And I can tell you, these guys are great for enrollment.

LAURENT RICHARD

Just like that? A patient you see?

JACQUES

I did it. Just like that.

LAURENT RICHARD

Meaning?

JACQUES

I did it once. I said, I canłt let him miss out on it. Itłs too obvious that he needs it. So I told him about it. But I kept him guessing. I told him, "What you need is relaxation, self-confidence." "Oh yes," said the patient. "Well, there is something that could interest you." I donłt know if he did it, I didnłt ask about it. I didnłt take responsibility.

LAURENT RICHARD

Did you want him to do it?

JACQUES

Oh yes. The guy needs it. If he does it, hełll be transformed.

(END PART ONE)

Pieces a Conviction staff

Elise Lucet, Host/Moderator

Laurent Richard, investigative reporter, narrator

Pascal Richard, Lionel de Coninck, editing

Elise Galano, reporting

Marc Felix, reporting

Jean-Antoine Boyer, reporting

Expert commentators

Jean-Pierre Jougla, Attorney, Vice President, UNADFI

Jean-Marie Abgrall, Psychiatrist

Jean-Pierre Brard, Deputy Mayor, Montreuil, France

Christian Lujan, Social psychologist, Psychoanalyst

Mona Vasquez, former member of Scientology

Landmark Education staff

Alain Roth, Landmark Education, head France, Forum Leader

Sophie McLean, Landmark spokesperson, Forum Leader

Landmark Education participants

Jocelyne Berthelot, Landmark volunteer

Laurent Mournais, former Landmark student

Brigitte Thelier, former Landmark student

Pierre, anonymous former Landmark student