CCCo Supervisor's Documentary Trailer Isn't What It Seems, But He's The Influencer Of The Show

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — A post on a Contra Costa County supervisor's Facebook page announced a forthcoming Netflix documentary chronicling his journey from a closeted police officer to elected office. However, there is more to the story than meets the eye.

In this case, the TikTok and Instagram trend inviting people to imagine their own Netflix documentaries has reached local politics, with one elected official sharing his take on what viewers might see if cameras followed his life and career.

The promo filmed at the Contra Costa Television studio in Martinez is presented as the story of District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson's path to becoming a Contra Costa County supervisor.

From the lighting to the music, the clip has all the hallmarks of a trend described by The New York Times in which users on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and other platforms film videos imagining themselves sitting down for Netflix documentaries about their own lives.

Emulating the real genre's style, dramatic orchestral music begins to play as Carlson comes into frame in a dramatically lit room while a makeup artist readies him for a camera that does not exist.

"It's gonna be a long documentary," the post reads. "Preparing for my Netflix documentary about going from closeted cop to the 1st openly gay supervisor in Contra Costa."

District 4 Influencer

Communications Associate Victor Benedict Tiglao said he suggested the idea to the supervisor as a way to engage constituents.

The hook is that people imagine moments in their life that might lead to sit-down dramatic interviews. Imagine a 60-minutes lead-in with a famous person preparing for a dramatic revelation.

From actor Jon Hamm to singer Rufus Wainwright, the faux documentaries are being embraced by people who might have a dramatic revelation or two.

Jenna Bush Hager, the "Today" show co-host and daughter of former President George W. Bush, posted a video sitting down for a faux documentary. Actor Morris Chestnut shared one about his character's tragic death in "Boyz n the Hood." They have become a popular among product influencers and now at least one supervisor.

Tiglao said the Carlson was pleased with his reel. "He's a bona fide influencer," Tiglao said.

Real history

The documentary would have told the story of a public career spanning law enforcement, local government, and county leadership while reflecting changing attitudes toward LGBTQIA+ representation in public office.

Carlson did make history on Nov. 8, 2022, according to his official biography. Voters elected him to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, making him the first openly LGBTQIA+ member of the board.

During a 29-year career with the Concord Police Department, he served as a patrol officer, crisis negotiator, and investigator before retiring.

He later served on the Pleasant Hill City Council from 2012 to 2022. Carlson also served on the boards of the Rainbow Community Center, the Contra Costa Family Justice Center, and the John Muir Community Health Fund.

Since joining the Board of Supervisors, Carlson has focused on expanding services for immigrants, underserved residents, and animal welfare.

Carlson lives in Pleasant Hill with his husband, Jeremy, and their two dogs, according to his official biography.