Changing Content and Constant Curiosity — Neil Patrick Harris
Apr 23, 2020
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Neil Patrick Harris discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the film and live theater industries, his love for physical skills in roles, his experience observing JJ Abrams direct Star Wars, the importance of curiosity and exploration, and the challenges and opportunities for creators during the current time.
Storytelling has the power to connect people, create empathy, and foster a sense of community and belonging.
Neil Patrick Harris's versatility as an artist stems from his curiosity and willingness to explore diverse creative opportunities.
Deep dives
The Power of Storytelling and Community Building
The podcast episode centers on the power of storytelling and its ability to connect people, create empathy, and foster a sense of community and belonging. The guest, Neil Patrick Harris, shares his fascination with breaking traditional storytelling structures and explores non-traditional forms like immersive theater. Through examples like his involvement in web series and Choose Your Own Adventure autobiography, Harris encourages others to embrace their creativity, step out of their comfort zones, and explore their full potential. The conversation also delves into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the entertainment industry, particularly live theater, and the potential for new forms of storytelling to thrive in the virtual world.
Embracing Multiple Creative Endeavors
The episode highlights Neil Patrick Harris's versatility as an actor and creative artist. With a career that spans television, film, theater, writing, directing, singing, and even magic, Harris attributes his multi-talented nature to his curiosity and hunger for new experiences. He discusses the joy of exploring different creative mediums and finding new ways to challenge himself. Harris shares his interest in physical roles, such as those involving wire work and CG, as well as his love for puppetry and the creation of characters through inanimate objects. His pursuit of diverse creative opportunities demonstrates a desire to continually evolve and add new chapters to his career.
The Changing Landscape of Storytelling
The episode acknowledges the current challenges faced by the entertainment industry, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Neil Patrick Harris and the podcast host reflect on the decimation of live theater and the uncertainty surrounding the future of traditional storytelling. However, they also discuss the potential for new forms of storytelling to emerge, driven by virtual platforms like Zoom and social media. They express curiosity about the innovation that may come from this crisis and the opportunities for filmmakers and creators to adapt and engage audiences in new and exciting ways. They emphasize the importance of authenticity, thoughtful storytelling, and adapting to the changing landscape to create positive and impactful experiences.
Screen and stage polymath Neil Patrick Harris discusses the power of immersive theater, the struggles of parenting during a pandemic, and how learning trapeze taught him to stay calm under pressure.
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For more information about Future of StoryTelling, and to sign up for our newsletter, check out fost.org.
The FoST podcast is a production of Future of StoryTelling and Charts & Leisure. This episode is brought to you by PBS American Portrait.
Produced by Carolyn Merriman, Luke Gernert, Anna Hall, Jason Oberholtzer, and Mike Rugnetta, with support from Shannon Fanuko, Meghal Janardan, Zoe Margolis, and Megan Worman.
Edited by Garrett Crowe. Mix and music by Michael Simonelli.
Hosted by Charlie Melcher.
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