Days after a 10-song Coachella DJ set that may have won him a new audience, Moby announced on April 16 that he will be donating all proceeds from his festival gigs to animal welfare organizations, including the nonprofit Mercy for Animals. The move is in line with the artist’s long-standing claims that his vegan lifestyle may be the only thing people know about him aside from singles like “Porcelain” and “Natural Blues.”
It was another PR win for Mercy for Animals, as the organization has long had a close relationship with Hollywood through its star-studded galas and cultivates industry talent to rally around its cause. This includes promoting undercover videos showing the dangers of factory farming, featuring narrators and supporting actors such as Joaquin Phoenix, Alicia Silverstone, Pamela Anderson, and Woody Harrelson.
Nick Tyler, the organization’s manager of stars, publicists and activists, has spent nearly a decade with the organization, building relationships with the entertainment industry and connecting artists to the organization’s campaigns. he spoke with hollywood reporter About how that process works.
How did you get involved in this type of advocacy?
I started working as a child actor at the age of 6 and worked on Broadway and TV as a child growing up in New York. So I’m in the entertainment industry, I grew up on sets and I’ve been very involved as an actor. He then took a break from acting and attended film school at New York University, studying to become a filmmaker, but after graduating from college he decided to return to acting and moved to Los Angeles for pilot season.
At that time, I was introduced to someone who had just written a book. new york times A best-selling book about the problems of factory farming and plant-based living, and their impact on the environment and on people and animals. I was really inspired by the concept of people being able to be artists in the entertainment industry while also using that platform to spotlight issues that are important to them.
What kind of projects does your nonprofit work on with your talent?
I’m always looking for opportunities to engage and connect multiple people for a cause or movement, or to unite celebrities to raise awareness about the issues we champion. Moby, Diane Warren, Tom Scholz, these are people who are very involved in what we do, who are ambassadors of the organization, who are involved in our PSAs and video work. A big part of our work is undercover work, which is what put us on the map, going undercover against factory farming.
Although undercover agents are not public figures, there are celebrity ambassadors who participate in undercover operations in terms of sharing footage. In the past, people like Pamela Anderson and Joaquin Phoenix have narrated their videos. There are a lot of celebrities who are lending their names and voices to share this important footage, which is very powerful footage to release, but there are also some really great actors and celebrities who are passionate activists and are very close to their hearts. They are more than happy to shine a spotlight on the atrocities hidden within factory farming.
What are the nonprofit’s areas of focus?
A core area of our focus is alleviating suffering. Therefore, we will continue to work collaboratively with governments and food industry leaders to make animal welfare policies more conscious and reduce suffering for farm animals. Our big focus is to combat cage confinement and inspire and educate about plant-based food options, whether in a restaurant or in a shopping cart.
Do you think the political environment tends to increase support for Hollywood?
I feel that the luminaries who have supported us and have been with us throughout the organization’s 27-year existence have a real passion for this organization. They are very concerned about speaking up for animals and speaking out against injustice not only against animals but also against factory farm workers. I think they would never hesitate to openly share that information because it’s in their nature.
You’re also producing a series of Mercy for Animals short films.
of voice of hope This series will be launched in 2024 in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute. Voices of Hope: Words of Wisdom by Jane Goodalla short film made from decades of Jane Goodall’s public statements. I invited 22 celebrities to co-share her words of wisdom as an ensemble.
second movie, Voices of Hope: Words of Wisdom from Marlon Brandopartnered with Marlon Brando’s trustees to celebrate his work as an activist, his groundbreaking advocacy for social justice and environmental protection, and his affinity for animals. Like the Jane Goodall film, this film was co-narrated by 22 celebrities. This year, on what would have been Ram Dass’s 95th birthday, the trilogy was completed with a short film celebrating his spiritual wisdom and compassion.
What are the most common questions people ask when they want to partner with a celebrity?
For me, talent engagement is about building relationships and inviting people into the community. Inviting celebrities to this activity is something I always do. Whether it’s attending a live or virtual event as a guest, presenting as a presenter at a gala or music festival, or participating in a program such as presenting an award for their advocacy at a gala, I always look for opportunities to invite everyone to participate, no matter where they are in their advocacy journey.
They don’t have to be avid animal rights activists. They don’t have to be vegan or vegetarian. All they need to care about is the cause, whether it’s humanitarianism, environmental protection, children’s welfare, women’s welfare. It’s about someone showing an interest in advocacy and using their voice and platform for the greater good. I’m paying attention to that.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
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