Summary of Martin Durkin on “Climate: The Movie” | Tom Nelson Pod #204

00:00:00 - 00:50:00

Martin Durkin, the producer of the controversial documentary "Climate: The Movie," discusses its widespread success and positive reception on social media platforms, with over a million views on one Twitter account alone. Durkin compares the release of "Climate: The Movie" to his 2007 film "The Great Global Warming Swindle," noting that social media was barely around at the time and the film faced more censorship and self-censorship due to pressure from regulatory bodies. Durkin believes that the film's message about climate change is resonating with a large audience due to growing skepticism and anger towards publicly funded institutions and politicians. He also shares his experiences facing backlash and censorship after producing "The Great Global Warming Swindle," and the international reach and impact of the film on YouTube and other platforms. Durkin expresses his belief that the film will continue to be relevant and influential in the future, as he plans to translate it into Asian languages and reach a growing international audience. The film's production process involved securing the right people for the film and keeping the science discussion simple and based on indisputable facts, while addressing the consensus surrounding climate change and the people behind it. Durkin also discusses his evolution from a green advocate to a climate skeptic and the need to secure endorsements from influential figures like Joe Rogan. He argues that the climate debate is not just about science but also a social issue, with those who question the narrative facing social ostracism. Durkin is currently working on a book about the new class behind the climate change scam and the historical origins of this ruling class.

• 00:00:00 In this section of the podcast, host Tom Nelson interviews Martin Durkin about the success of Durkin's new film "Climate: The Movie." Durkin expresses his excitement about the film's widespread viewing and positive reception on social media platforms like Twitter. The film, which has been viewed over a million times on one Twitter account alone, has also received favorable reviews in publications like The Spectator. Durkin compares the release of "Climate: The Movie" to his 2007 film "The Great Global Warming Swindle," noting that social media was barely around at the time of the Swindle's release and that the film faced more censorship and self-censorship due to pressure from regulatory bodies. Durkin believes that "Climate: The Movie" will be much more successful than "The Great Global Warming Swindle" and expresses his belief that the film's message about climate change is resonating with a large audience.
• 00:05:00 In this section of the podcast, Martin Durkin discusses the backlash he faced after producing the documentary "Swindle" on climate change for Channel 4 in 2007. Durkin explains that the response was much more intense than anything he had experienced before, with complaints orchestrated by groups using similar language to report issues to the media regulatory body, Ofcom. The fallout led to Channel 4 hiring a barrister and another producer to help defend the film against complaints, which lasted for six months. Durkin, as an independent film producer, had to defend the film unpaid for the best part of a year, leading to a significant drop in income and commission from Channel 4. He empathizes with scientists who are hesitant to speak out about climate change due to potential career-ending consequences. Durkin believes that the current climate around trust in authority and the establishment makes it an opportune time for the movie to be released, as people are increasingly questioning the motives and expertise of those in power. He notes that there is growing skepticism and anger towards publicly funded institutions and politicians, with figures like Donald Trump gaining popularity by being perceived as opposing the "establishment blob." Durkin also mentions that people involved in the production of the movie were afraid to use their real names for fear of losing work.
• 00:10:00 In this section of the podcast, Martin Durkin discusses the international reach of the documentary "The Great Global Warming Swindle." He mentions that there are already ten translated versions of the film, but it didn't have a long-lasting impact in each country where it was broadcast. However, the film has gained a second life on YouTube and other platforms, leading to a resurgence of interest. Durkin expresses his belief that the film will continue to be relevant and influential in the future, with plans to translate it into Asian languages and a growing international audience. He also highlights the importance of the film as a tool for those who question the mainstream narrative on climate change, allowing them to justify their arguments and spread the message further.
• 00:15:00 In this section of the podcast, the host discusses the process behind creating the movie "Climate: The Movie" by Martin Durkin. Durkin did not have a formal outline, instead focusing on securing the right people for the film and getting the science right. He aimed to keep the science discussion simple and based on indisputable facts. The film also addresses the consensus surrounding climate change and the people behind it, which was a more challenging aspect to illustrate in the film. Durkin wanted to ensure that the audience understood that those who disagree with the mainstream climate change narrative are not "nut cases" or "from Mars." The film's entertainment value was also a consideration, making it a challenge to turn complex topics into engaging visuals and music.
• 00:20:00 In this section of the interview, Martin Durkin discusses the making of his documentary "Climate: The Movie" and the value of conducting lengthy interviews with scientists. He mentions that these conversations often suggest the direction of the film and reveals unexplored topics worth exploring further. Durkin expresses his interest in conducting follow-up podcasts with scientists to delve deeper into their thoughts. He also shares his experience in producing documentaries for commercial TV, emphasizing the importance of keeping viewers engaged and entertained. Durkin expresses his belief that the climate debate is one-sided and affects real people with real jobs, and he hopes his movie will provide knowledge for them to push back against the issue. Durkin also reflects on his own evolution from a green advocate to a climate skeptic, having conducted over 200 podcasts on the topic.
• 00:25:00 In this section of the podcast, Martin Durkin discusses how his understanding of climate change has evolved over the years. He was initially a skeptic but has since gained a wider and deeper knowledge of the issue through his podcast work. Durkin mentions the numerous people he's spoken to and the various rabbit holes they've explored together. He admits to being a casual believer in climate change in the past but now feels embarrassed by his naivety. Durkin has become an advocate for climate skepticism and has been exposed to numerous arguments from both sides. He criticizes those who dismiss skeptics' views and hold a cartoonish image of them. Durkin also notes that many people who have praised the film "Climate: The Movie" are not known climate skeptics but have broader political interests. He believes that people are starting to realize that the climate issue is not just about the environment but also about much larger social and political concerns.
• 00:30:00 In this section of the podcast, Martin Durkin discusses the making of his film "Climate: The Movie" and the need to secure endorsements from influential figures like Joe Rogan. Durkin also reflects on the political divide surrounding the climate issue, noting how it exposes the difference between what is meant by "left" and "right" in today's political landscape. He argues that the left has shifted to become pro-big state, while the right has become populist and pro-working class. Durkin is currently working on a book that aims to define and describe this new social class, which he refers to as the "blob" or the "elite," arguing that it is the ruling class and that its form of anti-capitalism is not in favor of liberating and enriching the workers but rather milking them and constraining them. Durkin argues that this form of anti-capitalism is topsy-turvy and that capitalism is actually an enormously liberating force.
• 00:35:00 In this section of the podcast, Martin Durkin discusses the desire of ordinary people to live in capitalist countries and the historical origins of the new class, which he argues is behind the climate change scam. Durkin recalls his experience trying to sell left-wing newspapers and magazines to working-class people, who instead wanted to go to America. He describes capitalism as a "workers' revolution" and the medieval Catholic Church as the biggest owner of serfs, making the new class entirely parasitic. Durkin believes that the climate change debate is not just about science but also a social issue, with those who question the narrative facing social ostracism. He suggests that a movie or podcast about the new class would be an effective way to reach a wider audience and increase understanding of the issue.
• 00:40:00 In this section of the podcast, Martin Durkin discusses his wife's reaction to his work on the controversial documentary "Climate: The Movie." He mentions that she was upset when he mentioned the film to her and may not be ready to hear about it again. Durkin then expresses his gratitude for Tom Nelson's positive feedback on the first part of the book and invites him to have a few nights out in London to discuss making another film. Durkin also reveals that he tends to put on a posh English voice for voiceovers and that the process of making the movie involved paying for all rights to the archival footage and music, as well as finding the right flow and argument for the film. Durkin also shares that working with a producer who knew the subject matter well made the filmmaking process a pleasure.
• 00:45:00 In this section of the podcast, Martin Durkin discusses the collaboration between himself and Tom Nelson in creating the film "Climate: The Movie." Durkin expresses gratitude for Nelson's extensive knowledge and resources within the skeptic community, which significantly facilitated the filmmaking process. He also mentions the popularity of the Canadian truckers scene in the movie and how it resonates with audiences due to the class divide surrounding the climate issue. Durkin shares anecdotes about encountering climate skepticism in various social settings and how the film aims to explain this divide. He also recalls experiences from his past projects, such as filming a series about gangs in London, and how audiences responded to footage of people opposing environmental activists.
• 00:50:00 In this section of the podcast, Martin Durkin discusses the class divide in climate change beliefs, with the trend being among the upper middle class who are the "real climate warriors." He questions whether this new class seriously believes they can force a dystopian lifestyle on working people, despite having little support among them. Durkin points out the immense power this class holds through their control of media, education, and politics, making it difficult for working-class people to challenge their agenda. He also mentions some working-class resistance movements, but ultimately expresses concern about the power dynamic and the lack of political representation against green policies.