Over the course of his multi-decade career, renowned American film and television producer David L. Wolper made a big impact on the entertainment industry. He is renowned for creating documentaries that highlight significant social issues, for which he has received awards and praise from critics.

In an interview, Wolper discussed his ideas on project selection, saying he would rather work on meaningful projects than pursue commercial success based on fads. This declaration demonstrates his dedication to producing art with a purpose as opposed to pursuing the newest box office successes or fads in entertainment that might not be valuable in the long run.

Each project a filmmaker considers is like a grain of sand, and the ones that are selected are the ones that shine. Think of a filmmaker as someone who is continuously sorting through different grains of sand in search of rare pearls. For Wolper, his method was like searching for pearls with a message instead of glittering, shallow stones. He thought it was important to choose projects that would have a deeper impact on society and offer something more than just amusement.

In an effort to inform and inspire viewers, Wolper produced a number of documentaries during his career that addressed topics like drug addiction and the Vietnam War. He distinguished himself from producers who might place more emphasis on sensationalism or humor for financial gain by frequently using his work to draw attention to social issues.

Wolper's approach to project selection serves as a reminder of the value of honesty and direction in artistic pursuits. It pushes artists to consider the potential social impact of their work rather than merely following trends. Wolper looked for stories that would improve lives and give us a better understanding of the world, much like a gardener chooses seeds that will grow into plants that are both beautiful and useful.