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Making The Difference

Reimagining Our Imagination Infrastructure

Season 3, Ep. 1
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In this episode of "Making the Difference," host Kirsty Gilchrist sits down with Dan Edelstyn, a film-maker who has transitioned from running Rebel Bank to his latest venture Power Station with his partner Hillary Powell. They explore how storytelling can drive community activism and tackle pressing issues like the energy crisis and cost of living.


Key Points Discussed:

  • The importance of a clear goal or KPI in project decision-making.
  • How realistic goals that are believed achievable are essential.
  • The journey from Bank Job to Power Station, focusing on reimagining energy infrastructure as well as imagination infrastructure.
  • Insights into connecting monetary systems with climate crises and implementing practical solutions on a local level in East London's Walthamstow area.

Highlighted Topics:

  1. Rebel to Power: Transitioning from blowing up high-interest debt at Bank Job to addressing energy sustainability through art projects at Power Station.
  2. Community-Centric Projects: Emphasising grassroots movements by empowering communities through solar panel installations on a single street as an example for broader change.
  3. Art & Activism Intersection: Discussing art not just as aesthetic contemplation but also deeply embedded within community action towards societal change.
  4. Challenges Faced: Struggles with funding, navigating media systems, and promoting political storytelling despite resistance from major networks like Netflix and Channel 4.
  5. Personal Drive & Vision: Exploring personal motivations fueled by childhood experiences, social responsibility ethos, rage against systemic failures; all channeled towards impactful filmmaking/storytelling.
  6. Strategic Thinking & Goal Setting: Utilising vision boarding and detailed planning even when it comes to income levels or future aspirations aligned with one’s work impact goals.
  7. The Future Pathway: Scaling up community engagement via email list growth targeting 100k subscribers which would support full independence without grants or side jobs necessary currently.


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