Shapiro Jody - Green porno: a book and short films

When I envisioned Green Porno I had a specific look in mind. A number of talented friends helped me realize it. In fact they are so talented that they enhanced my vision. I am grateful to the following people for their enthusiastic collaboration: Photography Jody Shapiro Lighting Sam Levy Costume and Set Design Andy Byers and Rick Gilbert Scientific Consultant Claudio Campagna

Before I explain the origins of the book you hold in your hands, let me first say something about storytelling and what it means to me. I think visually, without words, perhaps because I come from a family with deep roots in the cinema (my mom is actress Ingrid Bergman and my father is filmmaker Roberto Rossellini), or perhaps because I grew up speaking multiple languages; no one language is truly mine. I always felt more comfortable modeling than acting, for example, because modeling is like being a silent movie star.

When Robert Redford, founder of Sundance, had the idea of short environmental films for the Internet, I knew it was a unique opportunity. I particularly love short silent films (George Mlis, Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton), and the idea that this classic format could be adapted to the Internet where shorts are so popular was appealing. I also knew if I didnt muster the chutzpah to make my writing and directorial debut in my late fifties, I probably never would. Laura Michaelchyshyn, my friend and executive at Sundance, suggested the films be a bit flashy. To me the word flashy translated into sex. Ive always been interested in animal behavior, and I certainly know a lot of people who are interested in sex.

So, here you have the three elements that make the core concept of Green Porno: short stories, animals, and sex. In each of the films I imagine myself as a particular animal and I make love as that animal would. Each film is scientifically accurate; nature is infinitely scandalous! The first animals I portrayed are the ones that live in my gardenthe bee, the earthworm, the snailand in my home: the spider, the fly. When we set out to make these little films we thought they might strike a chord, but we had no idea over four million people would take an interest. Suddenly I found myself talking about Green Porno on the David Letterman Show. Who knew.

Given the groundswell of interest in the first series, I was able to reach out to people in the scientific community to create a second set of films. The second Green Porno series, Marine Animals, has more of an overt environmental message and features the wonderful biologist Claudio Campagna. I cut meat out of my diet a few years ago when I learned about the harmful effects of antibiotics and excessive hormones, but believed fish was a healthy choice. After working with Claudio, I lost my appetite for fish too. Now, Im sure you are wondering: How did these unusual short films turn into a book? I believe a story can live in many different forms. In the case of Green Porno, I wanted the audience to be able to choose between the big screen, the mobile phone, or, in this case, a book and DVD.

There is so much talk about the death of cinema or the death of the book. My hope is that storytelling will exist in all forms and utilize all technology that is available. I hope Green Porno will give you two emotions. I hope it will make you laugh and will make you say, Oh, I didnt know that about animals. By discovering the diversity, the mysteries, and the greatness of the animal kingdom, I also hope you'll fall in love with it and protect it. Isabella Rossellini