The Amazing Earth is drawing to an end... or is it? Our companions look back on what they achieved and try to find meaning in their adventure. Greta congratulates them on their success, but the four amigos don’t feel quite ready to move on from their saga... Their commitment is stronger than ever!
Five months later, we find them in studio at Tunebird Productions. Each has continued to be involved in individual and collective actions for the environment: active mobility, community initiatives, community gardens, sharing reliable information, etc. Their actions are so inspiring that Greta Tunebird invites them to continue The Amazing Earth adventure well beyond the conclusion of the program! Akio, Billie, Slinky and Paola thus become spokespersons and agents of change who motivate the public. A new adventure beckons!
Transcript of episode 6 of The Amazing Earth
Narration
Stop everything, it's time for The Amazing Earth. Your time-limited endlessly committed reality TV! Where we always work extra with or without the cameras
Musical punch
Chapter 6: Taking Action
Entire weeks have passed since the storm struck… And the team bonded around the project to rebuild on the island. The Amazing Earth challenge has faded from their thoughts: Out of their media adventure arose a small tight-knit community, one that is all the more authentic given that they have no idea they're still being filmed! Much to the delight of Tunebird Productions.
We find them at the pavilion for their end-of-day meeting.
Ding-dong!
Paola
Let's begin! Now, I've gathered you here today because Greta's questions are still knocking around inside my head… You know, when she asked…
Greta
What lessons can we draw from what has happened?
How can you use your successes in facing challenges and the support that you've shown one another to fuel your motivation to stay active and involved?
And lastly, can you find joy in what you've done?
Paola
Exactly that, mind-reading robot… So, your thoughts on the matter?
Billie
Uh… It's not easy to find meaning on the spot, when something that intense happens to you…
Slinky
Personally, the way we got organized… The way we got each other's back… If it wasn't for the storm, I'm not sure that I would've ever experienced that in my life. Of course, it was difficult, but at the same time quite empowering, to work together in an effort to ensure that our lifestyles on the island were in greater harmony with nature.
Paola
Hmm. Robot, can you please sum up all that we've accomplished on the island so far?
Robot
Sure thing. Since the storm, you have:
Rebuilt your garden, this time adding indigenous plants, as some of the fruits and vegetables planted initially, like the tomato and basil, are not native to Canada.
Replanted species that attract insect pollinators.
Billie
Yessss!
Robot
Created and looked after a protected area for bank swallows.
Akio
The amazing swallows!
Robot
Reduced your meat consumption to a minimum and cooked with seasonal fruits and vegetables for the duration of your stay.
Paola
The kitchen is my flavor laboratory…
Akio
And you sure know your way around labs, chef!
Robot
… You also took the time to get informed about your consumption habits and the small gestures you can make on behalf of the species that share the island with you… And you took it upon yourselves to inspire more people to take action in favour of the environment.
Slinky
I can't wait to have Internet again… So I can upload all my videos!
Robot
Also:
- You repaired the objects that you used in the pavilion.
- You did not use or throw out any plastic.
- You saved on energy and reduced light pollution, specifically by turning out the lights in the evening.
- You kept the heat at a very low temperature and adapted the way you dress.
- You composted the organic waste that you produced.
- You didn't use means of transportation that generate pollution.
- You learned to identify fake news on the environment and climate change, and what needs to be done to prevent it from going viral.
- And above all, you showed ingenuity and resilience in dealing with these challenges!
Sound of recorded applause
Greta
BRAVOOO!
Akio
Ms. Tunebird, you always show up when we least expect you.
Greta
The Amazing Earth's big challenge is now o-ver!
Akio
… We're leaving?
Billie
I'm not ready!
Paola
Our bags aren't packed yet!
Slinky
And we still have to clean up the pavilion, go through the stuff we used, figure out which ones we recycle… Put together some donation bags with whatever we don't bring home with us… Plus, we also have to deal with the batteries, the detergents, the paints…
Greta
There's no need to panic! We're not going to kick you off the island! (Sad music)But look at the bright side, my friends… Because you're going to be eco-superstars when you get home, household names in all of Quebec and beyond!
Slinky
Is the program on air?
Greta
The cameras captured all your comings and goings… And the program is a smash hit! You're going to become idols for an entire generation! Chop chop! You have 24 hours to bid goodbye to Terracosti. Then you'll have a slew of interviews to give… Before you're finally able to return home.
Caring music
Paola
I can't wait to move back into my digs, but I will miss you all. Even the robot voice!
Robot
They always do!
Akio
I can't imagine my life without you, guys…
Billie
… So, we won't be seeing each other anymore?
Slinky
… I'm afraid to go back to my semi-basement.
Billie
Hugs, please.
Soft music
Narration
And as the minutes stretched into hours, our companions, before long, made their merry way back home: Paola to her laboratory at the university, Akio to the weight room at the local gym, Billie to the performance stage and her beloved plants… And Slinky to his virtual community to renew ties with his followers. We will catch up to them again in five months' time, to see where they are at in their lives.
Up-tempo background music
Akio
The Amazing Earth changed my life amazingly. I straight-up sold my car, and now I walk – or rather I run! – to places! And don't get me wrong, it doesn't feel like torture, quite the opposite. I love it!
Paola
I used to be quite the loner, but now, I know that change happens through community actions. I've since joined a group of ecologists in my region that organize shoreline cleanups every spring.
Billie
I'm still singing, of course! My new hit, “La vie en green”, is on all the platforms... Singing is a great way to support the values that I developed on Terracosti. I take part in fundraising events... One of them is for a project in my neighbourhood: we're creating an artistic space and community garden! We called it “The Articulture”! Its benefit concert, The Articulture Show, is actually tonight: Are you coming or what?
Slinky
My community responded well to my transformation. Sure, I lost a few subscribers… But others have come on board, like-minded people with whom I have lots to talk about! I truly am a changed man, and that's thanks to The Amazing Earth. I came here to uncover the dirt; I dug, I dug, and all I found was gold.
Narration
We've arranged to see them again in the Tunebird studios for a homecoming … Full of surprises.
Ding-dong!
Paola
Billie?
Billie
Ah, my amazing friend…
Akio
My favourite people!
Billie and Paola
Put us down, Akio! I don't like being picked up!
Ding-dong!
Slinky
Could that be MY AMAZING GANG?
Akio, Paola and Billie
Sliinnkyyyyy!
Robot
Welcome to Studio3R at Tunebird Productions.
Akio, Paola, Billie and Slinky
THE ROBOT VOICE!
Akio
I missed that voice!
Robot
Please give it up for the one who makes us believe we can fly, Greta Tunebird!
Sounds of applause
Greta
Dear AmaZING Earthlings. Boy, am I happy to see you all again. And I'm pretty sure our millions of viewers are, too!
Flurry of cell phone notifications
Greta
I've gathered you here today, because the Amazing Earth challenge has exceeded our expectations. Everywhere you look, communities are taking action on the environment, and it's thanks to you:
We're building community gardens and green alleyways, we're composting.
We're fighting to preserve protected areas and the threatened species that inhabit them.
We're reducing our use of pesticides, not to mention light pollution, and we're working to preserve wetlands.
At home, at the restaurant, the grocery store, and at every step along the supply chain, we're reducing food waste…
And many companies are even eliminating single-use plastics in their stores…
Meanwhile, disinformation is being called out on social media networks, and public transit has become so efficient that practically no one drives a car in the city!
In short, your impact is obvious for everyone to see: You're on your way to turning the triangle of inaction into the triangle of action. Citizens, politicians AND companies—all have begun to take responsibility, and it's a-ma-zing!
Akio, Paola, Billie and Slinky
Wow …How cool is that? Madre mia!
Greta
Now, The Amazing Earth has one more mission for you.
Tense music
Greta
The world needs your expertise to undertake citizen science projects, for example…
Akio
Citizen what now?
Greta
Citizen science projects are projects under which volunteers of all ages are invited to contribute to scientific research, for example by providing data from their outings in nature. This way, ordinary citizens like you – at least before the start of your adventure! – can help advance scientific research and play a part in protecting biodiversity at their local level.
Paola
… Living the dream…
Greta
We also need you to publicly express your support for or opposition to, as the case may be, projects that have environmental impacts. Your calm presence and your poise will not go unnoticed, whether you're signing open letters and petitions, or participating in demonstrations and marches in favour of the environment.
Billie
Sign me up!
Greta
The world is calling out to you! You must once again unite your forces and go create, all around our amazing Earth, small community cells like yours in order to build our collective resilience. Because that's the biggest lesson we've learned from you: When we work together, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.
Slinky
Here comes the waterworks again…
Narration
We find the four companions outdoors, in front of Tunebird Studios.
Billie
This new challenge sounds like… A LOT!
Paola
… all around the Earth?
Slinky
That is round, I know that now. She also said something about a triangle? The triangle of inaction… Is it round too, Paola, what does that mean?
Paola
The triangle of inaction is made up of companies, governments and individuals: Three opposing camps that keep putting responsibility for the environment back to each other. Greta seems to suggest that we could play a role in all of this…
Sound of a huge binder falls from the sky and hitting the floor
Paola
Who just dropped a giant binder from the sky?
Akio
Sound of pages turning
Ooh la la… It's our itinerary… Our bucket list of places to visit… We're not done with The Amazing Earth quite yet…
Billie
I don't even know where to begin…
Slinky
I have an idea! What if we organized climate cafés, like Meet & Greens, at each destination that we visit? In fact, we could use the gatherings to discuss the triangle of climate inaction.
Paola
Niiice… Yep…Yep…
Slinky
I feel like if, at every place we go, we start by discussing our ideas and how we feel... we will create fertile ground for connection. And then, bam! We present a bunch of ideas that are accessible to people, so they can start taking action on a small scale first...
Billie
… Which will inspire them to become more and more active in the future!
Akio
I never thought I'd be saying this, Slinky, but you're a genius.
Paola
Quick, we need to go home and start packing!
Slinky
Yippee!
Narration
And thus concludes our presentation of The Amazing Earth. It certainly marks the start of something… Greater!
Speaking of the devil, remember Episode 1… When Greta Tunebird promised to grant them one wish if they accomplished their mission on the island?
Slinky
My wish is that my platform grows and has a positive impact on people.
Billie
My wish is to continue practising my art while also taking part in initiatives that inspire me as a citizen.
Akio
My wish is to put my strength and skills at the service of the communities I encounter, to help them succeed in their projects.
Paola
My wish is for everyone to make it a point to better educate themselves about the environment: instead of feeling overwhelmed, let's give each other energy and support!.
Narration
Awwwwn… Now that's what you call a happy ending! The entire team at Tunebird Productions wishes to remind you that every day, you can make a difference.
CALL TO ACTION! Here is what we suggest: identify a group in your region, like the Amazed Earthlings, that are undertaking initiatives that inspire you. Whether you're interested in the arts, sports, science… video games, animals, or good jokes, surely there are folks, where you live, who need young people to advocate in favour of inspiring initiatives that you, too, could join.
Thank you for spending time with us. Parting is such a sweet sorrow,
But don't you feel blue Life goes on… And this amazing Earth we live on will keep spinning with the stars!
Until we meet again… Stay green… and stay amazed!
Credits
- Production: la Puce à l'oreille for Espace pour la vie, a service of the Ville de Montréal
- Text: Véronique Pascal
- Voices: Florence Blain Mbay, Francesca Barcenas and Vincent Kim
- Co-direction: La puce à l'oreille and Bakery Studios