In preparation for making a film about Utopia, French film director Louis Malle persuaded Commonwealth United Productions to arrange a small symposium on how to design an 'Optimal Society' in July 1969 at the Hotel Hesselet, Nyborg, Denmark, with representatives from a number of disciplines. Well known zoologist and socio-biologist Desmond Morris attended as the biology representative, with American journalist Max Lerner acting as chairman. Having just enjoyed major success with Easy Rider, Dennis Hopper was also invited and was eager to participate, however was only allowed to act as an observer. Grateful for Morris' support in objecting to the silencing of his 'rebel' voice, Hopper put his own personal views on a utopian society down on paper for Morris.