CoinDesk Podcast Network 'Minted': Documentary Filmmaker Explores the Rise to Reckoning of Digital Art
Jul 12, 2025
Nicholas Bruckman, the filmmaker behind the documentary 'Minted,' shares his insights into the rise and fall of the NFT industry. He discusses his fascination with digital artists like Beeple and how the hype transformed their careers. Bruckman highlights the financial challenges and emotional journeys artists face in a fluctuating market. The conversation emphasizes the balance between creativity and commerce, and how art's evolution continues to shape perceptions of digital work, advocating for artistry over mere investment.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Early NFT Filmmaking Journey
- Nicholas Bruckman began filming the NFT scene during its early rise in 2021, focusing on digital artists like Beeple and Justin Aversano.
- He captured the sudden surge of value and cultural impact on artists who were previously unknown, chronicling their rapid success and challenges.
Beeple's Cultural Documentarian Role
- Beeple, a suburban dad, gained massive success through dedicated daily work on digital art.
- Despite criticism, he is seen as a key cultural documentarian of internet life, similar to a political cartoonist.
Crypto Mirrors Traditional Patronage
- The crypto art world repeats the traditional patronage system where elites influence artists' success.
- Technology itself is neutral; it can either empower or disempower artists depending on how it is used.