A single heat‑wave episode of Grey's Anatomy didn't just raise the stakes on screen — it boosted viewer understanding of heat dangers, sharpened concern about real‑world risks, and helped audiences remember life‑saving actions long after watching. Join Rare's Entertainment Lab, NRDC's Rewrite the Future, and Green Screen to explore how grounded, high‑impact storytelling can ripple far beyond the script and stay with viewers when it matters most.
Participants*
Ellis Watamanuk, Senior Director, Rare's Entertainment Lab
Ellis Watamanuk is a media strategist with over 15 years of experience in entertainment and social impact. He's worked on environmental campaigns for major studio releases such as Wicked: For Good and Don't Look Up, as well as acclaimed documentaries and unscripted series including Blackfish, Down to Earth, and Paris to Pittsburgh. Previously, he served as a distribution executive, overseeing the theatrical releases of award-winning films like The Miseducation of Cameron Post, Marjorie Prime, and The Witness. As the Sr. Director of Rare's Entertainment Lab, Ellis bridges the organization's social science expertise with the entertainment industry to support stories that engage audiences and inspire change.
Daniel Hinerfeld, Director, Rewrite the Future
Daniel is a two-time Emmy-winning filmmaker and journalist. He founded NRDC's documentary film unit and directs Rewrite the Future, NRDC's initiative to support environmental representation in entertainment. Previously, Daniel was a reporter, producer, and senior editor at NPR, where he launched the Tavis Smiley Show and co-created Left, Right, and Center at KCRW.
Meredith Milton, Creative Director, Rewrite the Future
Meredith is the Creative Director of Rewrite the Future, and a producer and former studio executive at Searchlight, Lionsgate, and Summit. She was an executive producer on The Eyes of Tammy Faye and oversaw a diverse slate of films, including The Favourite and the Step Up franchise.
Carolyn Sims, Co-Founder, Green Screen
Carolyn Sams Mason is the co-founder of Green Screen, a Hollywood-based initiative that encourages creatives to authentically reflect our climate reality in film and TV, driving new cultural conversations around our changing planet while also encouraging industry best practices. Founded in collaboration with CAA and working closely with a network of grantees, studios, and creative leaders, Green Screen aims to make it easier for the industry to tell the story of what it feels like to live in our world. Previously, Carolyn was at GOOD Magazine and Participant Media, where she supported impact campaigns for films ranging from Food, Inc, The Cove, Contagion, and The Help. She has led marketing and social impact initiatives for a wide range of leading brands and nonprofits, including Disney, Sundance, YouTube, American Express, UCLA, and City of Santa Monica.
*Participants subject to change
Special Thanks to NRDC ReWrite the Future and Rare