Early on in my career, I didn’t feel like I was pursuing a higher purpose. That’s how Photics got started. The idea was to create something more significant. While the topics have changed over the years, the general idea was to do something good. This is a place to learn and have fun. However, there’s something else. There’s a bigger mission. Growing up with 1980s culture, the idea was always there, but I hadn’t seen it put it into words so eloquently.
There’s something called “The 1776 Report”, which was created by the “1776 Commission” at the end of Donald Trump’s first term as United States President. Joe Biden dissolved the Commission on day of his presidency. Trump then returned as president and reinstated the commission. American politics is currently quite contentious.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1776_Commission#The_1776_Report
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Executive_Order_14190
In the report, there’s a section called, “The American Mind”. It mentions how the nation desires inspiring stories. Here’s the part that’s relevant to Photics…
It is up to America’s artists, authors, filmmakers, musicians, social media influencers, and other culture leaders to carry on this tradition by once again giving shape and voice to America’s self-understanding—to be what Jefferson called “an expression of the American mind.”
To them falls the creative task of writing stories, songs, and scripts that help to restore every American’s conviction to embrace the good, lead virtuous lives, and act with an attitude of hope toward a better and bolder future for themselves, their families, and the entire nation.
Authors… filmmakers… social media influencers?! Isn’t that Photics?! Apps, books, games, and videos are made here!
The simple reality is that modern entertainment needs help. It needs to be more uplifting, more inspiring, and more patriotic. A strong United States is good for the world.
Trump has recently stated that he wants movies to be made in America, using tariffs as encouragement. Hollywood is part of the culture. It inspires people… from all over the world… to think big and to achieve success.
So, when I see that Donald Trump named Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson and Jon Voight as special ambassadors to Hollywood, I find that funny and yet interesting.
Rocky IV is clearly one of those wrap yourself in the American flag movies. It was part of the Cold War. Instead of WWIII, we had exercise montages. While exercise is tough, clearly the latter is preferred. Ultimately, it’s an excellent example where pop culture made a difference. Then President Ronald Reagan, previously an actor, was part of that 1980s culture. Lots of needless deaths were avoided.
Now obviously, you don’t want the government producing propaganda. That’s not the American way. But to have respect for one’s country, to encourage others to achieve greatness, to entertain in an inspirational manner, these are good things — and that’s what Photics is about!
The 1776 Commission got it right…
Americans yearn for timeless stories and noble heroes that inspire them to be good, brave, diligent, daring, generous, honest, and compassionate.
Now, I’m just one guy. Photics can’t fix all of the problems in the world. But, if it can be a “nudge” that inspires someone to start something awesome, then it’s fulfilling its mission. Hopefully you take these high ideals into your next project. Just like the tagline in Knight Rider, it can make a difference.