First-time filmmaker Jamie Johnson inherits 23 years of Johnson & Johnson’s pharmaceutical fortune, captures young Trumps, Vanderbilts, Newhouses and Blooms in documentary special “Born to be Rich” Rituals, concerns, and social customs of the Berger family.
Candid insight into the privileges and burdens that come with inheriting more money than most people will ever earn in a lifetime. Narrated by Johnson, a history student at New York University, and shot over the course of three years, “Born to be Rich” follows ten young men who come into this world knowing they will never have to work a day in their lives.
These social columnists openly talk about a subject they all know is taboo: money. With unfettered exposure to this unique subculture, Johnson explores issues such as the fear of being cut off and the misconception that money solves everything.
Johnson noted that most wealthy people were raised not to talk about money. Therefore, they are extremely reluctant to talk about their origins. Also, many of the subjects in my films have received more public acclaim than they would have liked, and getting more acclaim doesn’t help.
Colleagues Johnson interviewed included: Josiah Hornblower, heir to the Vanderbilt and Whitney family fortunes; SI Newhouse IV, Conde Nast Newhouses; Ivanka Trump, daughter of Donald Trump; New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s daughter Georgiana Bloomberg.
The story begins with the filmmaker’s 21st birthday and his anticipation and dread of inheriting his family legacy.
Unsure of his future direction in life, Johnson decided to document the experiences of his privileged peers dealing with the family estate. He examines their candid views on subjects ranging from life philosophies and trust funds to marriage contracts and career choices, ultimately revealing the truth about their shared struggle to discover their identities.
