As the politically engaged, cool people that they are, Benedict and Sophie took part in the Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit 2024 earlier today. Sophie spoke about her project Salt of the Earth (which premiered at the Biennale earlier this month – we wish we could link our tweets about it here) and Benedict announced he’s joined the Green Rider campaign before they introduced speakers José Andrés, Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern, Wanjira Mathai and Christiana Figueres. Check it out below:
On the Green Rider, Benedict said:
”[The Green Rider] is an initiative that brings together actors and producers in finding solutions to the sustainability issues that we face within our industry. By adding a green clause to our contracts, actors can assure climate action is prioritized on set and on screen at every stage of the production process. So, working with our agents, working with sustainability experts, we can help isolate the areas of most importance and impact and develop smart, scalable solutions and kick-start systemic progress across our industry, from the studios, to the guilds, unions and academies.
Yes, actors have stages and moments like this and, therefore, influence, but it’s only best when we lead by example. And we can encourage new norms here that are cleaner, greener and fairer for all of us. So, in so doing, we’re hoping to shift the narrative as well, from fear and doom to possibility and agency. We can signal to audiences that climate action isn’t just about giving things up, it’s also about taking things up that can be inclusive, accessible, innovative and exciting.
– Transcription by Gi, we apologise for any mistakes!
To watch the whole summit, please click here; to learn more about Salt of the Earth, here; and to learn more about the Green Rider campaign, please click here.
