This manifesto was written for the now shuttered Thicket Creative Agency.

On this side of the pandemic, things are no longer what they were. 2020 struck that death knell to an epic conclusion.

 The incandescent rage of countless peoples and their voices too long ignored has finally reverberated through every layer of the earth, and is now ebbing away. The unwilling cynicism of the capitalist grind has been sucked dry. Space has been made for the next era to emerge.

Each of us now faces the question of how to respond to what is to come, which makes this a precise and perfect moment for a manifesto: A clear framework for the act of storytelling that can channel the needs of the many into stories that expand our vision, explode remnants of old harms, and shine a bright light on the kaleidoscopic wonders that have always been there.

 Manifestos are an act of revolution. This is our manifesto for creative storytelling in 2021.

WE MAKE THE WORLD

A Manifesto for Creative Storytelling in 2021

Values

●     We showcase bold, authentic, and fearless storytelling that values kindness, community, and connection.

●     We uplift a diversity of perspectives and voices from around the world. 

Scope

●     Regardless of whether a project is mainstream or breaking new ground, clarity of vision, social contribution, and/or the depiction of underrepresented or marginalized communities is prioritized alongside the background and perspective of the creative team.

Casting

●     A character from one or more underrepresented or marginalized communities is played by a person who belongs to one or more of those communities.

●     In the casting process, if we meet people we resonate with, we can and do introduce characters they can play -- regardless of background, but in ways that are true to the story and setting.

●     A performer cast in a role has the opportunity to play the character in ways the writers didn't have in mind.

Writing

●     A single story, narrative arc, or character does not carry the weight or expectations of being directly representative of a real world culture, era, region, or community.

●     Main characters are written as unique individuals and not produced from a pre-existing mold nor expected to interact with other characters in stereotypical ways. 

Recruitment

●     Recruitment sustains the employment of experienced creative professionals while also providing paid opportunities for new creative professionals.

●     The cultivation of creative partnerships and teams is valued and supported across projects.

Compensation

●     The scope of any unpaid labor is agreed upon in advance and limited to the pre-income phase. If any of us make money, we all make money.

●     All compensation is transparent, equitable, and industry standard or higher.

Ownership, Copyright, and Royalties

●     Joint ownership by the original creators is the starting point for negotiating investment, licensing, and distribution deals.

●     Copyrights, patents, and trademarks is facilitated from the early stages of a project to protect royalty payments for the original creators.

●     Documentation of the chain of title to establish proprietary rights or ownership in the project from its concept through completion and beyond is collected, maintained, and accessible upon request to the owner(s) of a project.