Investing in Media That Matters - Mission



Investing In Media That Matters
A Gathering at Sundance Village

Spartacus Media Enterprisessm

Mission

To promote public awareness for societal change through the media.

Background

" Erin Brockovich is one of those films that prove you can make an entertaining and financially successful Hollywood movie that is both socially and environmentally relevant."
- Carla Shamberg, executive producer of Erin Brockovich.

 The Opportunity

 Today's media has tremendous power to promote social themes through entertainment so that we can change society for the better. Yet this potential is largely untapped. In this special gathering at Sundance Village, you'll have an opportunity to join with like-minded professionals in the entertainment and investment communities to:
  • Brainstorm in a dynamic, non-partisan setting on ways to create entertainment that addresses themes such as sustainable energy, respect for diversity, better health care and inclusion of underserved communities.
  • Examine case histories of socially responsible entertainment.
  • Begin a process for developing more collaborative pooling of funds and development of highly entertaining shows (film/TV) that include themes that help transform society.
  • Network with industry leaders committed to social change through entertainment.
 Value of Positive Influences In the Media
On September 27, 1977 millions of kids watching Happy Days see the Fonz take out a library card. In the days that follow, according to the series creator, Garry Marshall, requests for library cards grow by more than 500% nationwide.*

A decade later, members of The Harvard Alcohol Project go to Hollywood with a new idea: the "designated driver". After asking writers and producers to introduce this new concept to the public, starting in November 1988, over 160 prime time episodes include subplots, scenes, or dialogue telling viewers that it is okay to party as long as someone stays sober for the drive home. One year later, a Gallup poll finds 67% of adults surveyed recognize the term "designated driver". In 1991 this new idea appears in Webster's College Dictionary.*

These encouraging examples demonstrate the powerful role that the entertainment world can play in both educating and eliciting action for important social issues. It is time to formalize a process to increase the impact that this powerful medium can have on the future of society.

*Examples courtesy of Norman Lear and the Environmental Media Association
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