Eden Stiffman’s latest for the @Philanthropy captures the strategic bet behind our work: inspiring the entertainment industry to create better stories of us: “This Nonprofit Whispers in Hollywood’s Ear About Polarization. They Hope You Tune In.” Stiffman explains that BEL focuses on turning research into practical insights that storytellers can apply. The goal isn’t to make storytellers “eat their vegetables” or to introduce explicit bridging themes into every story; instead it’s to make small changes that might encourage audiences to think more deeply about a certain character or group. As BEL CEO @StevenOlikara says, stories don’t merely inform people. They shape what feels normal, what feels possible, and who feels recognizable. With Bridge Entertainment Labs, the goal is to move beyond “us versus them” narratives. . This work is also subtle. As Erica Lynn Rosenthal, director of research at the Norman Lear Center at the University of Southern California, puts it, “When people feel like they’re being preached to or manipulated … they tend to shut down and reject the message.” The best stories feel authentic, not didactic. As Steven says: “If it feels like a lesson, it doesn’t work.” As Stiffman points out, our work is about reaching a Hollywood that values viewpoint diversity. “There are many more people in the entertainment industry, storytellers we work with who are more heterodox in their views, beliefs, and political opinions, than people would realize,” Steven says. “They almost come out quietly to us. They feel like we are a trusted space where they can truly be their full selves and not have to silence certain parts of them for fear of being canceled.” And, while this kind of work can be slow, it’s also very powerful. Hollywood has used storytelling to move the needle on issues from drunk driving to gay marriage. Indeed, BEL’s efforts are already driving real change within the entertainment industry. As Steven puts it: “We just see more and more of an effort among storytellers to connect our mission to the work that they’re doing. It’s now really part of the zeitgeist in the industry.” 🙏🙏@flyingwrestler Link to the article in comments!

Last week we were thrilled to bring our Storytelling Principles for Creating New American Stories of Us, and the 4 C’s they're based on (Curiosity, Complexity, Contact, and (Good) Conflict) to Sundance Collab! One of our favorite moments was when veteran TV writer/producer Dave Caplan, Ph.D. (The Conners, The Drew Carey Show) (who helped inspire our Storytelling Principles) spoke about how telling complex stories can help push back against the Division-Industrial Complex. "One of the cultural norms we've been taught by these news organizations and other kinds of digital media and even legacy media is that people are one dimensional. They're one thing or another. And that can't be farther from the truth. If you want to write a crappy story, make people one dimensional." Stay tuned for the full recap and how to access the recording, featuring moderator @StevenOlikara (CEO of Bridge Entertainment Labs), Dave, and accomplished TV director Valerie Weiss (Suits, Scandal, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds).

I joined @AliciaNievesTV on @NewsNation to discuss Senator Lindsey Graham and his American story from pool hall to the halls of Congress. piped.video/YEHvAzNuBzY?si=nPSP…

Looking forward to leading this session at @aspenideas this summer!

We are leading a conversation at this year’s @aspenideas Festival about the opportunity and obligation our culture’s storytellers have to imagine a healthier democratic society. This panel is born out of this year’s festival theme: independence. Who has it, who’s fighting for it, and how do we build it together? “Building Bridges at the Box Office” July 1st at 10:35am Paepcke Auditorium For more than a century, film has been telling stories that bring us together. As America turns 250 and the distances between us seem harder to cross, our most powerful storytellers are reckoning with what cinema owes – and offers – the country. Hear filmmakers reflect on the craft and conscience behind storytelling that connects. Panelists: @JSeftel (Oscar-winning director, “All the Empty Rooms”) Christina Voros (director, “Yellowstone” and “The Madison”) @BrianGrazer (Co-Founder and Co-Chairman, @RealImagine) Moderated by @StevenOlikara (CEO, Bridge Entertainment Labs) Let us know if you will be there! #AspenIdeas

Can movies and TV help Americans move beyond caricature, contempt and political division? It was a pleasure joining @USATODAY’s The Excerpt to discuss. Watch our conversation here: art19.com/shows/5-things/epi… @BridgeEntLabs @BuildersMvt