Indie Doc Filmmaker need help: Absinthe in NYC.

I have recently been "commissioned" to create a 3 - 5 min short documentary on absinthe in nYc.

This short doc. is like my BIG BREAK. (like a pilot) will be shown on tv for 20 million homes.

My big problem is I don't know where to begin.
Extreme case of writers block.
My deadline for submission in 1st week of March, so I am stressing a bit.

I turn to you guys for some research:
and maybe some help in the absinthe question.
the producers want a verite' type documentary.
i'd like to monatge between the two...
(the history and information on absinthe montaged with my search for the green faerie.)

Although I have found a plethora of information on absinthe, its history, and the types, as well as dangerous imitations, I cannot find any information about it specifically in nyc (only san francisco and new orleans).

Does anyone know...
Is it still banned?
Is there REAL absinthe in nYc? (the old european kind.)
Are there any bars / lounges / clubs / speakeasy's that serve the real thing?

I understand that one drink will do nothing as to "wilder / van gogh" like effects.. (hallucinations)
Which leads me to believe maybe it is not the drink but the OVERCONSUMPTION that made them see what they saw.

Does anyone have any particularly interesting experiences from drinking absinthe?
Is anyone in the new york area interested in being interviewed for this short doc? (their experiences, how to drink it, where to drink it, etc. any information @ your discretion.)

ANY INFORMATION would be extremely appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Please let me know if you are still interested in help ith this project...
I just found this post, and I hope you are still interested.

the internet is full of misinformation unless you know who/what to trust

email me via the following address... it has been altered to protect me from spambots.
jeffroweATjeffroweDOTnet