Text by Koura-Rosy Kane
In a time where virtual experiences are taking more and more space in our daily life, what are the possibilities for creatives to embrace the shift?
Kiera Chaplin – granddaughter of silent filmmaker Charlie Chaplin – is going even further with the idea of ‘living with her time’ with the introduction of her NFTs project named ‘Savvy Kiera’. Although this technology is still quite a niche, the former model and actress has understood their power and the opportunities that lie in such technology.
But to truly grasp Kiera’s initiative, we have to first introduce NFTs. Recently, the technology has caught the attention of the general public even though the way it works remains a mystery for a lot of people. Creative fields nonetheless have started to include NFTs to their strategy. The notion of NFTs refers to Non-Fungible Tokens. It means that contrary to money or even bitcoins, it cannot be exchanged as its value is unique. The metadata is what makes NFTs’ value unique. Non-Fungible tokens are assets created through blockchain technology. Even though they are not exchangeable, they are easy to trade. NFTs are not new. They’ve been in circulation since 2014. While investing in any creative work through NFTs technology, the tokens get added to the buyer’s digital wallet. An NFT does not give the ownership of the artwork itself which can be quite tricky to understand. There is a difference between owning NFTs and owning the rights to the creative work associated with an NFT. Nevertheless, it has attracted more and more investments. Indeed, only this year, it represents 10 billion dollars traded in the third quarter of 2021.
As a result, Kiera Chaplin – innovative creative and hypermodern hero – has invested in this universe with a NFT series part of her CryptoChaplin project. ‘Savvy Kiera’ takes place in 2888 and the earth is ruled by the oppressive Evilia Galaxy. The hero – Kiera – aims to save the planet from this governance. By purchasing one of the artwork on the platform Rarible not only the buyer is able to contribute to a good cause, but Kiera also offers them one-of-a-kind virtual experiences made in collaboration with the Digitfully, a NFT creative engine and laboratory. All the funds collected through the auction closing on December 20th will be used to support Charities and Foundations defending causes dear to Kiera’s heart.
Flanelle Magazine had the pleasure to speak to Kiera Chaplin about her Earthly Missions and the world of NFTs.
You started as a model and actor. Later on you focused on social causes related to women and children. Why is it important for you to get involved in charity?
It kind of happened naturally for me. First I got into women empowerment as I was always a firm believer that women can do pretty much anything a man can, and then by advocating this I came across Waris Dirie and that changed me. Her story and all her work made me want to do more and do better, so I became President of the Desert Flower Foundation France and started helping out building schools in Sierra Leone. I always felt lucky, but going there and seeing how little these kids have really puts things in perspective and makes me want to do more.
Among the various forms it exists to raise money for charity, why did you turn to NFTs to raise awareness about the necessity of creating education access for children in Sierra Leone?
I think NFT’s are a game changer and they have already helped raise millions a month for charities so why not be a part of this new world and use it to help the causes that are close to my heart all the while having fun and being creative? It’s a win win for me.
Cryptochaplins is a line of charity-based artwork. This project is based on a virtual story involving Hero Kiera. She aims to save the world from the oppressive reign of Evilia Galaxy. The story takes place in 2888. Could you describe further this universe and the mission/role of Keira in this universe?
Cryptochaplins are from planet Chaplinton, and people there strive for good energy and positive emotions. They do not know what hatred or jealousy is. It is an idyllic state of mind where everyone is self-sufficient. Kiera is from there and when she hears how far gone earth has become due to the dark Lords of Evilia, she conjures up a magical sphere with the help of CryptoChaplin members to go back in time under different forms to help stop the bad influence of Evilia at its source in order to change the disastrous outcome of planet Earth in 2888.
“Savvy Kiera” will also offer one-of-a-kind virtual experiences and other benefits. What to expect from these unique virtual experiences?
I plan on giving people access to places they wouldn’t normally have access to virtually and in real life, and have perks with different brands and create unique experiences. I want to create a community of like minded people: people who enjoy art, fashion, adventure, and philanthropy.
For this project you are collaborating with Digitfully, a NFT creative engine and laboratory. This universe is still a niche. How did you get introduced to this company? And what is your opinion on non-fungible tokens?
I had met one of the co-owners of Digitfully a while back. We always got along and one day he told me all about what he was doing and about the world of NFT. I loved the whole aspect of this platform and slowly started learning more and more, and then one day we started brainstorming and voila! We see very eye to eye on everything and it’s just been such a fun process. To be able to create a world from scratch when you are a creative person is so inspiring.
Your family history enabled you to get introduced to creativity at a very early age. How did this heritage influence your work overall?
I think when you come from a family like mine there is no way of getting around being influenced in a creative way. I grew up around circus people, singers, artists… even if you don’t want it to it will have some sort of influence. I think it helps give you the freedom to try new things and take chances. Like my acting coach used to say: “Just have fun and play around. You’re not a brain surgeon, no one is going to die if you mess up.”