STANDING ON PODIUMS

<p><em>Standing on Podiums: The Death of Impact Storytelling in Hollywood and the Birth of a Nonprofit Studio</em> is the story of Brett Rapkin. He began his career producing award-winning films for NFL Network ESPN and HBO earning an Emmy and six nominations. A visit to the eye doctor inspired him to document Olympic gold medalist Steven Holcomb's journey from a 2007 suicide attempt to Olympic glory. Tragically Holcomb passed away shortly after their interview leading Rapkin to explore the widespread mental health struggles among Olympians.</p><p> </p><p>Teaming up with Michael Phelps and other Olympic icons Rapkin's documentary <em>The Weight of Gold</em> reached billions during the COVID-19 pandemic with its message It's ok not to be ok inspiring Team USA to secure $12 million for mental health resources. This experience led him to transform his production company Podium Pictures into the first nonprofit studio dedicated to using storytelling for global change.</p>