PDF Summary:Like Brothers, by Mark Duplass and Jay Duplass

The bond between brothers Mark and Jay Duplass grew from childhood closeness into an interdependent creative partnership. Like Brothers explores their evolution across personal milestones and filmmaking endeavors, delving into the joys and challenges of maintaining harmonious personal and professional relationships while pursuing artistic independence.

From their earliest creative collaborations to navigating the dynamics of family, spouses, and clashing work styles, the brothers navigate paths to sustain both their deep connection and individual identities. The book offers insights into indie filmmaking, storytelling methods, and embracing diverse perspectives beyond one's own experiences.

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Their creativity shone through during the creation of the independent movie "The Puffy Chair," with most scenes shot within their own homes, utilizing Mark's vehicle, and in Milbridge, Maine, where Katie Aselton grew up. By recognizing their limitations and leveraging their interpersonal connections, they crafted an authentic method of filmmaking that resonated with audiences and garnered critical acclaim. This approach became a defining characteristic of their work, allowing them to maintain creative control while circumventing the financial constraints of traditional filmmaking.

Practical Tips

• Turn your living space into a creative studio by rearranging furniture to create a dedicated filming area, using household items as props, and leveraging natural lighting. This approach maximizes the potential of your immediate environment for content creation without the need for expensive equipment or rentals. For example, a well-lit corner of your room can serve as the setting for a vlog, while a lamp could be repurposed to create dramatic lighting for a short film scene.
• Map out your personal network to identify untapped resources and connections. Start by creating a visual map of your friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances. Next to each name, jot down their skills, assets, or connections that could potentially be leveraged for mutual benefit. For example, a friend who's a graphic designer could help you with a logo for a project, and in return, you could assist them with writing content for their website.
• Develop a "governance diary" where you track all your decision-making processes for a month, noting the reasons behind each financial decision and the outcomes. This can help you understand your own governance patterns and make more informed choices in the future.
• Organize a micro-budget film challenge with friends or community members to foster creativity and collaboration. Set a small budget limit, such as five dollars, and a theme or genre for the films. Participants can use their phones or any available camera to shoot their films, and the focus should be on resourcefulness and storytelling rather than production value. Host a viewing party at the end of the challenge to showcase the films and celebrate everyone's efforts.
• Explore your local town or city as a source of inspiration and setting for your creative endeavors, much like Milbridge, Maine, was used in "The Puffy Chair." Take a day to walk around your area with a camera or notepad, capturing elements that catch your eye, whether it's the architecture, people, or natural landscapes. These can serve as the foundation for a series of paintings, a collection of poems, or the setting for a novel, grounding your work in a real and relatable place.
• Create a personal advisory board composed of individuals with diverse skills and experiences. Reach out to contacts from different backgrounds and ask if they'd be willing to provide you with occasional advice and perspective. This could include a financial guru, a creative thinker, or a tech-savvy friend. Use this board as a sounding board for decisions and to gain insights that cover your blind spots.
• Write and perform a monologue about a significant event in your life for a local open mic night. This allows you to connect with a live audience through storytelling that's both personal and relatable. You might talk about a memorable trip, a life-changing decision, or a funny family anecdote, emphasizing the emotions and lessons learned rather than just the facts.
• Collaborate with local businesses or communities to secure locations and resources for your creative endeavors. Reach out to local shops, restaurants, or community centers that might be willing to let you use their space for filming in exchange for featuring them in your project or providing them with promotional content. This barter system can help you avoid hefty location fees and foster community support.

Navigating Packaging's "Waiting Place" With Hollywood Studios

The Duplass siblings' ascent in the independent filmmaking sector precipitated their navigation through the intricate Hollywood studio system. They recount the exasperating "packaging" ordeal, during which filmmakers may spend years attempting to gather funds and attract top-tier actors for their work, a situation that could lead to alterations in their original creative concept. Despite the originality of their concepts, their early screenplays named "Unlimited Night and Weekend Minutes" and "Boobs in the Night" were deemed inappropriate for widespread audience appeal by movie business executives.

Preserving their original vision while resisting the influence of outside forces

Despite the allure of monetary backing and the potential for higher profits through movie companies, the authors steadfastly committed themselves to preserving their autonomy in artistic endeavors. Aware of the risks associated with prolonged development periods and the need for concessions, they chose to persist in producing films according to their own stipulations. Their dedication to autonomy cemented their reputation as directors valuing genuineness and innovation above the pursuit of conventional fame.

Practical Tips

• Create a personal vision statement for your projects to guide decision-making and maintain originality. Write down what you want to achieve and why it's important to you, then refer to this statement whenever you're faced with choices that could dilute your vision. For example, if you're working on a novel, your vision statement might emphasize the importance of maintaining the story's integrity over commercial success.
• You can explore your creative interests by setting aside a "no-strings-attached" hour each week. During this time, engage in an artistic activity purely for the joy of it, without any intention of monetizing the outcome. For instance, if you enjoy painting, use this hour to experiment with new techniques or styles without the pressure of selling your work.
• Use social media to showcase your adherence to personal standards in any projects you undertake. If you're a hobbyist photographer who prefers candid shots over posed ones, consistently post your candid photography on Instagram to build an audience that appreciates your specific style. This helps establish your unique brand and attracts a community that supports your artistic choices.
• Implement a "sprint" approach to tackle tasks by working in short, focused bursts. This method encourages you to work efficiently and with greater focus, knowing there's a break on the horizon. For instance, if you're learning a new language, study intensively for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break before starting another session. This can help maintain your momentum and prevent the task from dragging on indefinitely.
• Develop a habit of giving feedback that celebrates originality in others, whether it's through comments on social media, reviews, or personal interactions. This encourages a culture that values innovation over fame. For instance, if a friend starts a project that is out of the ordinary, offer constructive and supportive feedback that acknowledges their courage to be different.

The book explores the impact and importance of producing films beyond the conventional industry boundaries.

The Duplass brothers chose to invest their earnings from screenwriting into the production of "Baghead," showcasing their belief in the significance of creating films independently rather than depending on the monetary backing of a major studio. They emphasized their dedication to guiding their creative path by carefully selecting those they work with and staying faithful to their unique perspective. Their success at a prestigious film festival known for celebrating independent cinema reinforced their commitment to continue creating indie films. Their achievements showcased a feasible route for emerging directors, underscoring the opportunity for both artistic and monetary triumph via independent filmmaking.

Context

• Investing personal earnings into a film project involves significant financial risk, but it can also lead to substantial rewards if the film succeeds, both in terms of profit and career advancement.
• The Duplass brothers' film "Baghead" was featured at the Sundance Film Festival, which is one of the most prestigious festivals for independent films. Sundance is known for launching the careers of many filmmakers who prioritize creative control and unique storytelling.
• Independent filmmaking often allows directors more creative freedom compared to studio projects, where financial backers might impose changes to appeal to broader audiences.
• Indie films often foster a collaborative environment where filmmakers, actors, and crew members work closely together, which can lead to a more cohesive and passionate production process.

Brothers' Strategies For Sustaining a Prolific Indie Filmmaking Career

The narrative segment outlines the strategies utilized by the authors to sustain a fruitful and effective career within the independent film industry. By emphasizing their autonomy in the cinematic process, building robust partnerships, and enhancing their array of abilities, they crafted a distinctive filmmaking method that enabled them to reliably create superior work according to their own conditions.

The Duplass brothers highlight the significance of collaborative effort while preserving their own artistic independence.

The Duplass brothers emphasize the importance of maintaining creative control during all stages of production. They implemented stringent rules for their film productions, prioritizing a lean team and a versatile timetable that emphasized the importance of genuine acting and engaging narratives. They fostered a collaborative environment where everyone, from those in front of the camera to the team working behind the scenes, had a shared sense of ownership and influence.

They recognized the need to adapt their collaborative methods when working with a larger team during the production of "Cyrus," and established guidelines for scenes involving nudity to maintain the comfort of the actors and minimize interruptions on set. This approach exemplifies their commitment to fostering a creative environment that prioritized performance and authenticity, even within the constraints of a larger production.

Other Perspectives

• The focus on creative control might make it difficult to work within the studio system, where compromises are often necessary to meet the demands of investors, distributors, and marketers.
• Flexible schedules, although beneficial for actors' performances, can lead to inefficiencies and logistical challenges that might compromise the project's timeline and budget.
• While fostering a sense of ownership and influence among all team members can be beneficial, it may also lead to too many conflicting opinions, which can slow down the decision-making process.
• While setting guidelines for scenes with nudity to ensure actor comfort is commendable, it could be argued that such measures may not fully address the power dynamics and potential for exploitation that can exist on film sets, suggesting that more comprehensive measures may be necessary.
• Prioritizing performance and authenticity does not automatically ensure commercial success or critical acclaim, which are also important factors for the sustainability of larger productions.

Diversifying their revenue by venturing into television, acting, as well as content creation endeavors.

Mark and Jay Duplass expanded their skill set and developed various income streams to navigate the evolving landscape of the film industry. They made their television debut with "Togetherness," and went on to produce a wide variety of films through Netflix. Their foray into television production enabled them to achieve a steadier stream of revenue while preserving their autonomy in creativity.

Mark's individual success in acting, apart from their collaborative efforts, also significantly contributed to their financial stability and increased public recognition. Their strategy of broadening their pursuits acted as a safeguard against the capricious nature of the indie film sector, thus providing them with the resources and opportunities to progress in their creative pursuits. Ultimately, their flexible and enterprising strategy enabled them to meet the industry's constantly evolving requirements while remaining faithful to their independent filmmaking principles.

Context

• Platforms like Netflix have changed the distribution model, allowing creators to reach global audiences and secure funding for diverse projects.
• "Togetherness" is an HBO series created by Mark and Jay Duplass, which premiered in 2015. It explores the complexities of adult relationships and the challenges of balancing personal aspirations with family life.

Other Perspectives

• The assumption that television provides a steadier revenue stream may not always hold true, as the success of television projects can be unpredictable and subject to ratings, viewer trends, and network decisions.
• Public recognition can be a double-edged sword; increased visibility might lead to typecasting or overexposure, which could potentially limit Mark's opportunities for diverse roles in the future.
• Diversification, while providing a safety net, may dilute the focus and energy that could be dedicated to mastering the craft within the indie film sector.
• The success of such a strategy may not be universally applicable, as it heavily depends on the individual's adaptability, existing reputation, and the nature of their primary industry.

Perspectives on Art, Storytelling, and Collaboration

This section delves into the Duplass brothers' approach to storytelling and examines the complex interplay involved in their collaborative creative efforts. Their emphasis on personal experiences, genuine character development, and nurturing a collaborative spirit forms the foundation for their unique filmmaking approach.

Brothers' Focus On Mining Personal Experiences and Emotions For Stories

Mark and Jay Duplass refined their skill in incorporating personal experiences into their storytelling, a technique that was further affirmed by the positive response to their early works, "This Is John" and "Scrapple." They realized that the authentic, subtle elements of their personal journeys resonated with viewers, providing narratives that were relatable and imbued with profound sentiment.

Inspiration From Lives, Feelings, and Relationships

Their progression from the daring ideas of "Unlimited Night and Weekend Minutes" and "Boobs in the Night" to narratives that explore their own life stories is exemplified by their work on the movie "Cyrus" and their involvement with "The Puffy Chair," demonstrating their dedication to producing work that mirrors their individual paths, feelings, and distinctive bonds. They acknowledged the unique position they held in representing a generation navigating the complexities of long-term relationships, family dynamics, and the pursuit of creative fulfillment.

Context

• Both films are associated with the mumblecore genre, characterized by naturalistic acting and dialogue, low-budget production, and a focus on personal relationships. The Duplass brothers are considered pioneers of this movement, which emphasizes authenticity and relatability.
• Their work often blurs the line between fiction and reality, drawing heavily from their personal lives and relationships to create authentic narratives.
• This generation often faces challenges such as balancing career ambitions with personal commitments, navigating dual-career households, and redefining traditional roles within partnerships.

Creating genuine, universally relatable narratives of a modest scale.

Mark and Jay Duplass conveyed a universally relatable human experience by emphasizing the commonplace elements of their daily lives, thus transcending genre limitations. The awkwardness, vulnerability, and humor present in their stories resonated with audiences who saw reflections of their own lives and struggles on screen. Their filmmaking style became distinguished by their dedication to creating genuine characters and delving into issues that, while seemingly minor, resonate deeply with audiences.

Context

• They frequently use improvisation in their films, allowing actors to bring authenticity to their performances and making the dialogue feel more genuine and relatable.
• Their work often explores universal themes such as love, family, and personal identity, which transcend specific genres and resonate with a broad audience.
• Genuine characters and realistic scenarios often lead to a more immersive viewing experience, as audiences see reflections of their own lives on screen.
• They frequently set their stories in everyday environments, such as suburban homes or small towns, which can make the narratives feel familiar to a wide audience.
• The brothers often draw from their own life experiences and relationships, infusing their characters with relatable traits and emotions that reflect real-life complexities.
• They find humor in everyday situations, making their stories accessible and relatable, as audiences can see the lighter side of their own mundane experiences.

Evolving Creative Partnerships and Maintenance Challenges

Mark and Jay Duplass openly discuss the difficulties they faced in sustaining their collaborative creative endeavors over time. They acknowledge their differing work styles and paces, as well as the inherent difficulties of navigating creative differences and ego within a close-knit relationship. Their willingness to adapt, compromise, and prioritize their bond through open communication became essential for their continued success.

Balancing Strengths, Paces, and Visions In Writing

Throughout the advancement of their individual careers, the brothers encountered challenges in aligning their creative viewpoints and approaches to creation. In their work on "Cyrus" and "The Do-Deca-Pentathlon," they embraced a joint method, taking turns to pen initial versions and subsequently honing them as a team, showcasing their adaptability to evolving requirements. Their partnership flourished as they reduced the friction associated with a joint creative space and capitalized on their unique abilities.

Practical Tips

• Use a shared digital workspace, such as a Google Doc or Trello board, to plan a joint venture with someone, such as organizing a community yard sale or starting a book club. This will give you practical experience in coordinating efforts, delegating tasks, and merging different viewpoints. As you both add ideas, tasks, and updates to the workspace, you'll see how a joint method can lead to a more organized and successful outcome.
• Implement a 'round-robin' storytelling game with your family where one person starts a story and each member adds to it in turn. After the story has made it around the circle, work together to refine and enhance it. This not only fosters creativity and family bonding but also teaches the value of collaborative improvement.
• Start a "flexibility journal" where you track daily changes and how you respond to them. This practice will help you become more aware of your adaptability in real-time. For instance, if an unexpected work assignment comes up, note down how you rearranged your schedule or shifted your priorities to accommodate it. Over time, you'll be able to identify patterns in your adaptability and areas for improvement.
• Schedule regular, brief check-in meetings with a strict agenda and time limit to streamline communication. This ensures that everyone is on the same page without spending excessive time in meetings. For instance, a 15-minute weekly video call where each person has three minutes to update the group on their progress can keep the creative flow going without bogging down the process.
• Set a monthly 'Skill Application Day' where you focus on using your unique ability in a new context. If you're great at organizing, for instance, volunteer to coordinate a community event or help a friend declutter their home. This not only reinforces your skill but also expands its application, potentially leading to new opportunities or insights into its value.

Trust and Embrace Unique Creative Instincts

The disagreement over the initiative "Children of the Mountains" highlights the important lesson of recognizing and embracing our unique artistic instincts. Mark's well-intentioned but overly intrusive interference ultimately hindered his brother's pursuit of a unique approach to filmmaking. This incident underscores the importance of maintaining independence and room for personal growth within a collaborative artistic endeavor, ensuring that each person's unique perspective can thrive free from outside influences. Trusting the inherent value of their individual perspectives, even if those perspectives differ, became crucial for their artistic growth.

Context

• Trusting a collaborator's vision, even when it diverges from one's own, is vital. This trust fosters a supportive atmosphere where unique ideas can flourish and contribute to the project's success.
• Filmmaking often involves multiple stages where creative input is crucial. Interference at any stage can disrupt the flow and evolution of a unique vision, affecting the final product.
• Encouraging personal growth within a team setting can lead to increased motivation and satisfaction, as individuals feel their contributions are meaningful and valued.
• Each person brings their own expertise and experiences to a project. Respecting and valuing these unique contributions can enhance the quality and depth of the work produced.

Empathy: Stepping Into Characters' Shoes

The Duplass brothers exhibit a commitment to exploring a diverse array of human conditions that extends beyond their own life narratives. They utilize storytelling as a tool for building empathy, creating characters from vastly different backgrounds and circumstances. These activities designed to foster understanding compel audiences to venture beyond their usual boundaries and interact with viewpoints that are frequently disregarded by the predominant media outlets.

Exploring Diverse Perspectives and Experiences Beyond Their Own

The authors showcase their commitment to exploring perspectives outside their own by crafting characters like a young male fan of a famous heavy metal band, a single mother struggling with a broken television, and a grieving woman seeking solace through unorthodox means. These stories explore the intricate nature of feelings and actions, encouraging audiences to reflect on the personal battles and driving forces within people whose existence might appear distinctly unlike their own.

Context

• They might use varied narrative techniques, such as multiple points of view or non-linear storytelling, to deepen the exploration of different perspectives.
• These stories can serve as a mirror to societal issues, reflecting on how external pressures and cultural contexts influence personal struggles and decisions.
• Characters may encounter moral or ethical dilemmas that force them to confront their values and beliefs, prompting readers to consider similar questions in their own lives.
• Exposure to different perspectives can challenge personal biases and assumptions, promoting personal growth and a more inclusive mindset.

Storytelling to Build Understanding and Connection

The Duplass brothers' narrative technique is fundamentally based on their capacity to empathize with and convey the emotions of others. They craft multifaceted and intricately designed individuals that captivate viewers, encouraging deeper engagement with the stories beyond mere labels like "endearing underachievers." Their narratives often resist providing easy answers or judgments, instead inviting audiences to witness the complexities of human experience and fostering a sense of understanding and connection.

Other Perspectives

• Relying heavily on emotional empathy might sometimes overshadow other narrative elements such as plot complexity, thematic depth, or conceptual innovation.
• The notion of captivation is subjective, and what captivates one demographic may not have the same effect on another, suggesting that the appeal of these characters may not be universal.
• Overly intricate character designs can sometimes overwhelm or confuse the audience, leading to disengagement.
• Some individuals prefer narratives with clear resolutions and may feel unsatisfied or frustrated by stories that resist easy answers, which can hinder their sense of connection.
• In some cases, the portrayal of characters and situations might inadvertently reinforce stereotypes or misunderstandings, rather than promoting empathy and connection.

The influence of success within a large film studio on independent spirit and interpersonal connections.

This section explores the impact of unexpected success in the film industry on the creative perspectives and the relationship between the Duplass brothers, Mark and Jay. From navigating creative compromises within a demanding system to recognizing the need for more individual space outside their collaboration, they confront the challenges of balancing artistic integrity with personal well-being.

The siblings' efforts to preserve their autonomous spirit amidst the conventional movie business.

Throughout their foray into significant film production, the Duplass brothers consistently endeavored to maintain their independent ethos. Their experience on the film "Cyrus" provided them with vital understanding regarding the importance of artistic flexibility and comprehending the hierarchies in the film industry. They struggled to reconcile their vision with the demands of executives, feeling stifled by a perceived lack of trust and a constant pressure to conform to established norms.

Creative Compromises and Tensions With Larger Studios

During the production of "Cyrus," the authors expressed their dissatisfaction when those in charge prioritized aesthetic appeal over preserving the authenticity of the characters. This incident underscores their steadfastness in maintaining the integrity of their creative vision, despite facing pressure from financial backers who prioritize marketability. Their commitment to preserving genuine artistry, though commendable, frequently led to stress and unease as they navigated the complex landscape of large movie production firms.

Context

• "Cyrus" is a 2010 comedy-drama film directed by the Duplass brothers. It features a unique blend of humor and emotional depth, focusing on complex relationships, which is a hallmark of their filmmaking style.
• Authenticity involves staying true to the characters, story, and intended message of the film. Filmmakers who prioritize authenticity may resist changes that could dilute the original vision, even if those changes might make the film more commercially appealing.
• Large movie studios typically have multiple stakeholders, including producers, marketers, and financiers, who may influence creative decisions to ensure a film's commercial success.

The partnership faced tension during rigorous studio projects.

While working on "Cyrus," the siblings observed a growing strain in their relationship. Adjusting to script changes that did not fully align with their original concept, as well as managing a significantly expanded team, hindered their collaborative efficiency. The early endeavors, previously characterized by impeccable teamwork, began to encounter uncertainty about their shared destiny as growing exasperation and a heightened need for artistic compromises emerged.

Practical Tips

• Create a tension-release ritual for your team to use after intense work sessions, such as a group walk or a fun, unrelated challenge. This can help dissipate stress and restore harmony. For example, after a long day of collaboration, you might initiate a quick game of charades or a team puzzle-solving activity to shift the mood and encourage laughter.
• Create a "relationship checkpoint" routine with your sibling where you both set aside time each week to discuss any tensions or issues that have arisen. This can be a casual coffee meeting or a structured sit-down. The goal is to address small problems before they grow into larger ones, maintaining a healthy working relationship.
• Use a "flexibility feedback tool" such as a simple online survey or feedback form to gather insights from your team after adapting to a script change. Ask specific questions about how the change affected their work and collaboration. Analyze the feedback to find ways to streamline the adaptation process and preserve collaborative efficiency.
• Implement a peer-mentoring program within the team. Pair up newer or less experienced team members with those who have been on the team longer. This can facilitate knowledge transfer, build team cohesion, and help you manage the expanded team more effectively. It can also reduce the time you need to spend onboarding new team members, as they can learn from their peers.
• Develop a "Shared Destiny" conversation starter kit for use with friends, family, or colleagues. This kit could include thought-provoking questions and scenarios that encourage open discussions about hopes, fears, and expectations for the future. Use these tools during get-togethers to foster deeper connections and understand how others cope with uncertainty about shared futures.
• Practice immediate mood shift techniques when you sense exasperation. For example, take deep breaths, count backward from 10, or visualize a calming scene. These quick interventions can help prevent a full-blown feeling of exasperation from taking hold.
• Host a small art swap event with friends or community members. Each participant brings a piece of their own art and discusses with others to trade pieces, requiring negotiation and compromise on what each person values in art. This activity not only fosters community engagement but also challenges you to let go of your creations and appreciate the diverse tastes and preferences of others.

Balance Between Personal and Professional Priorities

The Duplass brothers encountered a crucial turning point when their film "Baghead" garnered positive reactions and they received the green light to produce "Cyrus." The realization that creating movies independently of the mainstream film industry could yield both personal fulfillment and economic security, along with the growing pressures from big-budget film endeavors, prompted them to reevaluate their highest priorities. They understood the importance of finding equilibrium between their intense professional pursuits and the vital sustenance of their private lives.

They realized the importance of having time apart and personal space within their collaboration.

The production of the series "Togetherness" for the premium cable network HBO added additional layers of complexity. The program's success in fostering innovation was rewarding, but the relentless rhythm and constant proximity intensified existing strains. Jay's desire for more independence and private time led to disagreements, which in turn sparked sincere conversations that recognized the inherent limitations of their profoundly intertwined relationship.

Other Perspectives

• Some individuals or teams may thrive under conditions where they work in close quarters, as it can create a dynamic environment that encourages rapid iteration and feedback.
• Fostering innovation could potentially alienate viewers who prefer familiar formats and storytelling, thus impacting the show's ability to build a loyal audience.
• The relentless rhythm and constant proximity could have also served as a catalyst for strengthening the partnership by forcing the collaborators to address underlying issues directly and promptly.
• The need for personal space might have been a mutual feeling among collaborators, not just Jay's individual concern.
• Sincere conversations can occur without prior disagreements, as individuals may engage in open dialogue proactively.
• Conversations about limitations might overlook the strengths and unique benefits that an intertwined relationship can bring to a collaboration.

Amplifying Diverse Voices and Underrepresented Stories

Following the discontinuation of "Togetherness," the Duplass brothers found themselves in a position where they had to thoroughly reassess and alter their filmmaking approach. They shifted their business approach to prioritize collaboration with frequently disregarded voices and used their clout to elevate stories that went beyond their personal journeys. This shift signifies their deliberate separation from a solely joint artistic collaboration, allowing for personal endeavors to flourish while leveraging their shared expertise and influence to elevate a variety of viewpoints.

Context

• By shifting their approach, the brothers allowed themselves to pursue individual projects, which contributed to a broader range of creative outputs.
• They can offer mentorship to emerging filmmakers, sharing their knowledge and experience to help new voices navigate the complexities of the industry.
• Separating from joint projects can allow artists to explore personal creative interests, experiment with new genres, or tackle subjects they are passionate about, which might not align with their previous collaborative work.
• By publicly advocating for diversity and inclusion in media, they raise awareness and encourage other industry leaders to prioritize these values.