I didnt proffer that idea.
They didnt ask for it maybe because they were worried I might suggest something like that.
Can we save the ocean while still relying on it to feed us?
David E. Kelley and Shailene Woodley, ‘Hope in the Water’Andrew Eccles/PBS
Yes, according to the experts featured inHope in the Water.
Zimmern and Patrick Weiland are fellow executive producers.
Anything and everything I could do to bring attention to the project, I was game.
PBS
DEADLINE:Had you been wanting to make a foray into documentary filmmaking?
Im not opposed to it.
DEADLINE:Youve been able to tackle topical subjects through scripted television.
Why was this the right avenue to explore this particular issue?
I would love to get into the space on a scripted thing, too.
The tough thing in any project, the burden that you have, is entertaining your viewers.
Its true in the scripted world, its true in the documentary world.
It just resonates with them because theyre interested in the storytelling.
DEADLINE:You mentioned that you were brought in for storytelling purposes.
How do you feel your experience in scripted entertainment has helped in terms of this project?
Im not sure it has.
His compass is pretty fine-tuned on that.
If you allow for people to tune out, they will.
Especially this week, where youve got the Stanley Cup finals on.
Theres good stuff out there.
Were there things that you welcomed learning?
The way Ive been used to doing business, the blueprint is the script.
Youve got your story and then you go out and execute your filmmaking around that blueprint.
Its the opposite here.
DEADLINE:Was it fun for you to be a little off keel?
Yeah, it was.
We joke that Shailene had all the fun.
She got to go and jump in the water.
DEADLINE:I assume Shailene came to this project because of you.
We werent just going out and getting a voice to say the words.
We were looking for someone who inhabited the mindset and the goals that underlay the project itself.
So she was a natural.
We wanted her to jump in, and if you saw the film, she literally jumps in.
DEADLINE:You also have Martha Stewart, Jose Andres, and Baratunde Thurston participating in the series.
What do names like that add to the project?
Youre looking to get traction wherever you could.
Youre asking people to tune into a show that involves that kind of message.
Theres a little bit of, I had a long day, just entertain me.
So anytime you could get someone to help bring people to the trough, thats helpful.
DEADLINE:What were the stories that touched you the most?
All these stories I like, but I think I connect most to farmers and fishermen.
They werent just looking to make a living.
I was also struck by the fishermen.
DEADLINE:Your series is very solutions-based.
How was the decision made to focus on actual ways to do better rather than the doom and gloom?
Its not game over with respect to the climate.
Its so overwhelming when you think about the earth heating up and sea levels rising.
Its easy for an individual or an audience member going, Its too overwhelming.
I cant deal with it.
One of those big little changes can just be with food choices and diet selections.
I love hamburgers and I wont give them up forever, but I can eat less of them.
And if we can just heighten peoples awareness, then thats a good thing.
But again, its got to be an enjoyable piece of film to watch.
Take a trip to the ocean, go be with a lobsterman or a seaweed farmer.
If we can entertain and people can be inspired at the end of the hour, thats great.
DEADLINE:How important was it to focus on the crisis itself, in terms of context?
Were looking to err more on the positive than the negative.
DEADLINE:Whats next for you?
Were in development on a few projects for the scripted world.
But for now, the day job is still the made up stories in the scripted world.
DEADLINE:AnyBig Little Liesnews youd like to share with us, regarding a third season?
No, not yet.
Everyone would love to do it.
So my mantra on that is never say never.
