Zero Hour with James Poulos: Episode 78 | Co-Founder Reveals Why Angel Studios IS the New Hollywood | Jeff Harmon

Release Date: December 23, 2024
Host: James Poulos
Guest: Jeff Harmon, Co-Founder of Angel Studios

Introduction

In Episode 78 of Zero Hour with James Poulos, hosted by the Blaze Podcast Network, James Poulos engages in a comprehensive discussion with Jeff Harmon, the co-founder of Angel Studios. The episode delves into why Angel Studios is emerging as the new Hollywood by revolutionizing media production and distribution. The conversation spans various topics, including the creation of family-friendly content, the integration of Bitcoin into their business model, and the role of technology and AI in shaping the future of filmmaking.

Jeff Harmon and Angel Studios

[01:08]
James Poulos introduces Jeff Harmon as the co-founder of Angel Studios, highlighting his significant contributions to independent media, including hit TV series like The Chosen and the influential film Sound of Freedom. Poulos also notes Harmon's role in developing the skip ad button on YouTube, underscoring his visionary impact on the visual media industry.

[01:32]
Poulos: "How are you, Jeffrey?"

Harmon: "Good to see you."

"Homestead" Trailer and Project Details

[01:45]
The discussion shifts to Angel Studios' latest project, Homestead. Harmon presents the trailer, which portrays a post-apocalyptic scenario where Los Angeles is devastated by a potential nuclear bomb, leading survivors to seek refuge in a meticulously prepared homestead in the Rockies.

Notable Trailer Quotes:

• [02:06]
  Character: "After today, our lives will never be the same."

• [03:53]
  Character: "Is this an ark or is this a fortress?"

Angel Studios vs. Hollywood: A New Approach

[05:24]
Poulos contrasts Angel Studios with traditional Hollywood, emphasizing that Angel Studios focuses on content that resonates with real-world issues and family values. Harmon explains that while Hollywood often gravitates towards grandiose fantasy or deeply depressing narratives, Angel Studios aims to produce authentic, relatable stories that reflect the current societal landscape.

[06:23]
Harmon: "We actually want to see real heroes... What we're doing is we're pulling out of that. We come from outside of that world. It's funded by people from outside of that world. It's built on stories that are outside of that world that represent the rest of the world. Humanity."

The Angel Guild and Audience-Driven Content

[07:10]
A pivotal aspect of Angel Studios' success is the Angel Guild—a community-driven platform where over 450,000 members from 155 countries collaborate to greenlight and refine projects. This democratic approach ensures that the content produced aligns with the values and preferences of its audience.

[33:02]
Harmon: "As long as the filmmakers are accountable to the audience, we're going to have much better content."

Bitcoin and Financial Philosophy

[12:29] - [19:41]
Harmon delves into the integration of Bitcoin into Angel Studios' financial model. He articulates a philosophy where Bitcoin represents "hard money" tied to energy and time, contrasting it with fiat currency's rapid devaluation. This approach fosters a long-term mindset, encouraging saving and legacy-building over immediate consumption.

Notable Quotes:

• [13:11]
  Harmon: "All money is energy. All of It. If you go back to gold, the reason why gold's valuable is because it's the cost of the energy, plus the tools and the ability to refine the gold."

• [15:19]
  Harmon: "Do you trust someone who says, hey, I came up with my own cryptocurrency and because I have the most of it... or do you trust the person who has skin in the game, time in the game, energy in the game?"

The Role of AI in Creativity

[43:52] - [48:42]
The conversation transitions to the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the creative industries. Harmon asserts that AI is a tool that augments human creativity rather than replacing it. He emphasizes that timeless art requires emotional depth, derived from human experiences like pain and suffering—qualities AI cannot replicate.

[45:13]
Harmon: "AI is absolutely a tool... coders that are increasing their output by working with AI tools can perform like nobody's ever performed in history."

Upcoming Projects: "Bonhoeffer"

[38:10] - [41:14]
Harmon discusses Bonhoeffer, a forthcoming film centered on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a pastor who opposed anti-Semitism in Nazi Germany. The film aims to combat rising anti-Semitism by offering a narrative that underscores moral dilemmas and the significance of standing up for righteousness.

[40:39]
Poulos: "If you are trying to buy tickets for this film, there's a twist, right?"

Harmon: "We have a campaign that we're giving free tickets to anti-Semites... to come to the movie. So you can change your mind about being an anti-Semite."

Storytelling and Cultural Impact

[26:20] - [37:31]
The episode emphasizes the enduring power of storytelling in shaping societal values and individual beliefs. Harmon draws parallels between biblical storytelling and modern filmmaking, advocating for narratives that uplift and reflect the Creator's intentions. The Angel Guild's role in refining scripts ensures that stories not only entertain but also inspire and instill moral values.

Notable Concepts:

• Timelessness in Art: Creating content that remains relevant across generations.
• Community Accountability: Filmmakers being responsive to audience feedback to enhance narrative quality.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a reflection on the evolving landscape of media production and distribution. Jeff Harmon underscores the importance of community-driven content, the integration of sustainable financial models like Bitcoin, and the pivotal role of authentic storytelling in fostering a better society. James Poulos commends Harmon for his visionary approach, highlighting Angel Studios' commitment to excellence and cultural resonance.

[51:50]
Poulos: "That's as good a place to leave off as any. Jeffrey Harmon, thanks so much for joining us."

[51:55]
Harmon: "Thank you."

Key Takeaways

• Angel Studios as the New Hollywood: By prioritizing authentic, family-friendly content and leveraging community input through the Angel Guild, Angel Studios is redefining media production.

• Integration of Bitcoin: Embracing Bitcoin fosters a long-term financial perspective, aligning with Angel Studios' mission to create timeless art.

• Role of AI: AI serves as a tool to enhance human creativity, not replace it, ensuring that art retains its emotional depth and authenticity.

• Community-Driven Storytelling: The Angel Guild empowers audiences to influence and refine content, ensuring that the stories told resonate deeply with societal values and individual beliefs.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [06:25]
  Harmon: "Hollywood lives in a bubble... they're all nihilists and they all have the same worldview."

• [15:01]
  Harmon: "Satoshi publishes his white paper on the same day as Martin Luther nailed the 95 thesis... to separate money from the state forever with this new energy money."

• [28:26]
  Harmon: "Every Guild member is... looking for content that the films represent this set of values."

• [37:31]
  Poulos: "But the auteurs. Absolutely. There's a place for them."

This episode of Zero Hour offers an insightful exploration into how Angel Studios is pioneering a new era in filmmaking—one that values authenticity, community input, and sustainable financial practices. Jeff Harmon's vision underscores a commitment to producing meaningful, enduring content that reflects and shapes societal values.