Filmmaker Louie Psihoyos On Creating Weapons of Mass Instruction To Thrill—And Forge Positive Change | The Rich Roll Podcast

Intro

In this episode of “The Rich Roll Podcast,” filmmaker Louie Psihoyos joins Rich Roll to discuss his remarkable career as a top still photographer and executive director of the Oceanic Preservation Society. Psihoyos shares his insights on the power of storytelling, the importance of changing mindsets to drive social change, and the impact of his groundbreaking documentaries. Get ready for an inspiring conversation that will make you think and act differently.

Main Takeaways

Scaling Social Change through Storytelling

• Louie Psihoyos believes that social change happens when 10% of the population is 100% committed to the truth.
• Combining the right words, moving pictures, music, and story can change the way people think and act.
• Transformational changes can happen quickly, and it only takes about 90 minutes to change the way people think and act.
• The power of storytelling is crucial in provoking change at scale.

The Impact of Documentary Filmmaking

• Louie Psihoyos discusses his approach to documentary filmmaking and how intentional storytelling is more interesting than just presenting facts.
• He shares the behind-the-scenes story of his film “The Cove,” which exposed the dolphin hunting happening in Taiji, Japan.
• Psihoyos’s background as a photographer and champion of environmental causes influenced his work in documentary filmmaking.
• His films have had a positive impact on the reduction of dolphin killings in Japan.

Creating Change through Projection Events

• Louie Psihoyos discusses the power of projection events as a way to reach a large audience and create social change.
• He shares the success stories of projection events on the Empire State Building and the Vatican, which raised awareness about endangered species and helped create laws to prevent trafficking.
• Projection events are a powerful tool to scale change and cut through media hype without having to pay for advertising.

The Future of Filmmaking and Environmental Activism

• Louie Psihoyos reflects on the challenges faced by documentary filmmakers in the current streaming landscape.
• He discusses the importance of finding joy and aligning oneself with a North Star in pursuing meaningful work.
• Psihoyos shares his upcoming film projects, including ones focused on sustainable food, plastic pollution solutions, and the Fermi paradox.
• He emphasizes the need for scale and quick impact to address the urgent environmental challenges we face.

Summary

Scaling Social Change through Storytelling

Louie Psihoyos believes that social change happens when a critical mass of 10% of the population is fully committed to the truth. He emphasizes the power of combining the right words, moving pictures, music, and story to change the way people think and act. Psihoyos highlights the concept of neuroplasticity, which suggests that it only takes about 90 minutes to change the way people think and act. He emphasizes the importance of changing mindsets as a bridge to changing behaviors, and how storytelling can play a crucial role in provoking change at scale.

The Impact of Documentary Filmmaking

Louie Psihoyos shares his approach to documentary filmmaking, focusing on intentional storytelling rather than just presenting facts. He recounts the story behind his groundbreaking film “The Cove,” which exposed the dolphin hunting happening in Taiji, Japan. Psihoyos’s background as a photographer and his passion for environmental causes influenced his work in documentary filmmaking. He discusses the positive impact his films have had on reducing dolphin killings in Japan and emphasizes the power of visual storytelling in creating social change.

Creating Change through Projection Events

Louie Psihoyos discusses the power of projection events as a way to reach a large audience and create social change. He shares the success stories of projection events on iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and the Vatican, which raised awareness about endangered species and helped shape laws to prevent trafficking. Psihoyos highlights the effectiveness of projection events in scaling change and cutting through media hype without the need for expensive advertising. He emphasizes the artistry and symbolic meaning behind these events, as well as their potential to bridge the gap between urban dwellers and nature.

The Future of Filmmaking and Environmental Activism

Louie Psihoyos reflects on the challenges faced by documentary filmmakers in the current streaming landscape. He discusses the importance of finding joy and aligning oneself with a North Star in pursuing meaningful work. Psihoyos shares his upcoming film projects, which include exploring sustainable food, plastic pollution solutions, and the Fermi paradox. He emphasizes the need for scale and quick impact to address the urgent environmental challenges we face. Psihoyos also touches on the limitations and political considerations faced by filmmakers in the streaming industry.

Conclusion

Louie Psihoyos’s remarkable career as a filmmaker and his commitment to creating social change through storytelling serve as an inspiration to all. His insights on the power of intentional storytelling, the impact of documentary filmmaking, and the potential of projection events highlight the importance of engaging audiences and provoking change at scale. As we navigate the challenges of the streaming landscape and environmental activism, Psihoyos’s emphasis on finding joy and aligning ourselves with a North Star reminds us of the importance of pursuing meaningful work that serves the greater good. Let’s embrace the power of storytelling and take action to create a more compassionate and sustainable world.