Filmmaker Ava DuVernay pursued an unusual funding model to get her new film 'Origin' made. The podcast explores her motivation for independent filmmaking, challenges faced, and the unique funding model she used with contributions from organizations like the Ford Foundation. The discussion also highlights the artistic freedom this model offers and how DuVernay's approach to filmmaking inspires hope for the future.
Ava DuVernay adapted Isabel Wilkerson's book 'Cast: The Origins of Our Discontents' into the movie 'Origin' to inspire conversations and actions around race, power, and societal structures.
DuVernay pursued an unusual funding model for her film 'Origin' by seeking support from philanthropists and celebrities, enabling her to maintain creative freedom and tackle complex societal issues without studio restrictions.
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Adapting Isabel Wilkerson's Book 'Cast' into a Film
Ava Duvernay, a renowned filmmaker, has adapted Isabel Wilkerson's book 'Cast: The Origins of Our Discontents' into the movie 'Origin.' The film follows a writer named Isabel as she tries to connect American anti-black racism to other systems of subjugation globally. Duvernay's goal is to inspire meaningful conversations and actions around race, power, and societal structures by bringing this important story to the big screen.
Challenging Traditional Film Funding with Philanthropic Support
Duvernay's movie 'Origin' faced challenges obtaining financing from major film or TV studios due to its serious subject matter. However, Duvernay took an innovative approach by seeking support from philanthropists and celebrities. The Ford Foundation, Melinda Gates, Lorraine Powell Jobs, and various basketball stars contributed to the film's $38 million budget. This alternative funding model allowed Duvernay to maintain creative freedom and tackle complex societal issues without studio restrictions.
Some people said Isabel Wilkerson’s book “Caste” was unadaptable. The subject matter was too heavy and too academic. But Ava DuVernay had a vision – and she pursued an unusual funding model to get her new film “Origin” made.
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When filmmaker Ava DuVernay couldn’t get traditional financing to film “Origin,” the Ford Foundation, Melinda Gates and other philanthropists stepped in. National arts reporter Geoff Edgers says it might be cinema’s new business model.
Today’s show was produced by Peter Bresnan. It was mixed by Rennie Svirnovskiy. It was edited by Maggie Penman.