THE STORY SPOT

Franco Sacchi tells the story of how, against all odds, Nigeria created the world’s 3rd largest film industry. Producing 40 to 50 independent films per week, Nollywood exists largely without foreign investment nor government aid. Many films are made within a matter of days for less than $10,000 and are the filmmakers’ primary means of supporting themselves and their families.

Filmmakers produce “stories about our people from our people” carrying on a tradition that is as old as communication itself. As Sacchi says, “The key to a healthy society is a thriving community of storytellers. The Nigerian community has proven this.”

Franco Sacchi: Welcome to Nollywood on TED.com

Creativity Expert Sir Ken Robinson explains how we grow out of creativity via our global educational mores rather than into it. As Sir Ken says, “If you’re not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come up with anything original.” Another fascinating and entertaining talk brought to you by TED, my new best friend.

And while you’re at it, you may want to give his books a read:

Out of Our Minds: Learning to be Creative

Arts in Schools

Sir Ken Robinson: Do schools kill creativity? on TED

Crossposted today on Canuck Out of Water

Novelist Amy Tan takes a look at her personal sources of creativity. It’s lengthy at 22 minutes (as if that matters) but entirely endearing and great fodder for the grey matter. But Amy, let’s try to make friends with PETA, shall we?

“Amy Tan: Where does creativity hide?” on TED.com

Here’s a heartfelt look at what we do down at 826LA.
Thanks, Judd.