Award-winning filmmaker celebrating what’s good and inspiring change where it’s needed
As someone who has spent over 10 years pursuing stories and films that I hope can make a (small) difference, I am deeply troubled that Participant, the company that inspired me more than any other, has just folded. But I draw inspiration from Brad's message here - that the work mattered, beyond the bottom line. I'll carry on focusing on that, and worry about if I ever make something that pays my rent second. Because that IS the way to make things that matter (not to mention feel good to put your name to). Step by step. With the help of those who connect with each project. Theme by theme. Personal story by personal story.
I find this article incredibly crass -- Participant was always a double bottom line company that cared about content more than profit and set a standard in the industry with thoughtful films, new and marginalized storytellers and contributions to our culture that single bottom line companies would never undertake. To measure their success as the decrease in Jeff Skoll's net worth is like measuring the success of a president or general or nobel laureate the same way - ignoring their accomplishments and impact while uplifting only their bank accounts. In fact, we should be lauding Participant for sticking to it for 20 years and mourning the loss -- not just for filmmakers like me lucky enough to work with them, but for raising the bar in our entire culture industry. I look forward to the autopsy of our media industry post this era of consolidation and hope we account for the kinds of stories that get told from approximately 2022 to whenever this phase ends.
Award-winning filmmaker celebrating what’s good and inspiring change where it’s needed
1moMy latest project Safe Unsound, follows the lives of three displaced Ukrainian families living in rural Ireland. It's about confronting the march of right wing propaganda with hope. Please support us maximise it's potential by donating towards our stretch goals here: bit.ly/SupportSafeUnsoundLI