Join us in this enlightening podcast episode as we delve into the world of graphic recording, sketchnoting, and the creative journey with Ashton Rodenhiser, founder of Mind's Eye Creative.
Be Creative Everyday
“Do something creative every single day even if it’s not filmmaking related, in fact it shouldn’t be whatever your creative vocation is it should be different and exercise that muscle every single day.”
Joe Harris lends his advice to create everyday to young creatives who are trying branch out into the creative space in this clip from episode 66 of our podcast.
Joe Harris is a director, editor, and cinematographer at the Dallas-based video production company; Side Chops.
Listen again as we talk about how his background in music has a vital role in filmmaking and content creation; how his definition of success has adapted throughout the years. We also talk about how Joe found a work-life balance and engages with his family to find creative inspiration and support.
Find episode 66 on Apple Podcasts Work-Life Balance In Content Creation, How Success Changes As You Mature, And Importance of Creativity As a Daily Habit
Lean in to the business side
“So I think, business skills are so important because you wanna build this business that kinda has the sales, marketing, and operations piece, all just kinda nailed down.”
In this clip from our podcast, Bill Kearney explains why it’s important to have business skills on top of creative skills so that there is a system in place for acquiring the next client project. Bill is a video producer, former aerospace engineer, creative technologist, and founder and CEO of LightShift Video.
Listen to this episode again as we talk about how the accessibility of camera equipment and editing tools allows filmmakers to focus on storytelling while helping underserved companies with high-quality content. We also discuss how his background in engineering aids in video production and the importance of having business skills when you own and grow a creative company.
Find this episode 64 on Apple Podcasts: How Engineering Experience Helps With Video Production, The Importance of Finding A Niche, And How Modern Tech Helps Filmmakers To Focus On Storytelling
Pros and Cons of Film School, Creating Videos For Corporations While Keeping Your Creative Integrity, And The Importance of Systems When Running A Creative Business
We chat with Andrew Miller, a storyteller, cinematographer, filmmaker, producer, and owner of Dox, a production company specializing in telling strong stories, particularly documentaries. He has also worked on feature films such as True Grit, Spy Kids 4, and A Bold Experiment.
Listen to this episode as we talk about the valuable experiences and benefits to gain from film school, his content strategy with corporations, and why it’s essential to have a system and documents to make the creation process easy and consistent.
Find podcast episode 63 on Apple Podcasts: Pros and Cons of Film School, Creating Videos For Corporations While Keeping Your Creative Integrity, And The Importance of Systems When Running A Creative Business
The Right Way To Collaborate, Benefits of Passion Projects, And The Importance of Exploring Outside Your Environment
For our next podcast guest, we have actor, writer, director, and filmmaker for Icarus Burning Productions, Wes Evans. Wes has worked with The University of Texas, Tastemade, eHow, and Livestrong.
In this episode, we talk about how to collaborate with clients in a way that fulfills both the client’s and filmmaker’s desires and how the benefits of developing his creativity and portfolio through passion projects allow him to create lasting connections and opportunities. We also discuss why it's important to explore outside your environment and spread kindness.
Find podcast episode 62 on Apple Podcasts: The Right Way To Collaborate, Benefits of Passion Projects, And The Importance of Exploring Outside Your Environment
Understand The Why
“So understanding the why can get you closer to understanding how you can accomplish what they’re actually hoping it can do. “
In this clip from episode 58 of our podcast, Mark Haynes discusses why it’s important to know the reason why clients want a video because having that knowledge will provide better results than not understanding the why. Mark Haynes is a cinematographer, director, and owner of production company Manifest Imageworks.
Listen to this episode again as we discuss how his love of movies and desire to recreate them led him on the path of filmmaking, cinematography, and lighting, how the methods of storytelling have evolved, and the most efficient way to run a shoot.
Listen to episode 58 on Apple Podcasts: How Technology Expands Creativity, Best Ways To Shoot Videos, And How Storytelling Has Evolved
How Technology Expands Creativity, Best Ways To Shoot Videos, And How Storytelling Has Evolved
Our next podcast episode features cinematographer, director, and owner of production company Manifest Imageworks, Mark Haynes. He has been working in the film industry since 2007 and shoots for clients in the advertisement, corporate, and entertainment industries.
In this episode, we discuss how his love of movies and desire to recreate them led him on the path of filmmaking, cinematography, and lighting, how the methods of storytelling have evolved, and the most efficient way to run a shoot.
Listen to episode 58 on Apple Podcasts: How Technology Expands Creativity, Best Ways To Shoot Videos, And How Storytelling Has Evolved
How to Collaborate Well
“Different people are going to bring different things to it. I don’t care who you are, if you give me a line in my movie that makes it better, I love you. That’s fantastic. That’s great!”
This quote came from Frank Bocchino, a writer, marketing director, graphic designer, scriptwriter, and script doctor. In this clip from episode 55 of our podcast, Frank talks about how it’s best to collaborate with others who have different perspectives on a project.
Listen to this episode again as we discuss why it's important to love what you do as a writer and creative, why writers groups are important, the balance between being a writer and editor and some great advice on keeping your scripts concise, and why you should talk to other creatives in other mediums so you can get a 2nd opinion from people who have a different perspective from you.
Listen to episode 55 on Apple Podcasts here: Importance Of Loving What You Do, Benefits Of Writer Groups, And An Interesting Way To Collaborate
Importance Of Loving What You Do, Benefits Of Writer Groups, And An Interesting Way To Collaborate
Listen to this encouraging episode with writer, marketing director, graphic designer, scriptwriter, and script doctor Frank Bocchino.
We discuss why it's important to love what you do as a writer and creative; why writers groups are important; the balance between being a writer and editor and some great advice on keeping your scripts concise, and why you should talk to other creatives in other mediums so you can get a 2nd opinion from people who have a different perspective from you.
Listen to episode 55 on Apple Podcasts here: Importance Of Loving What You Do, Benefits Of Writer Groups, And An Interesting Way To Collaborate
Finding Joy and Understanding Failure
“But I think we’ve been also raised in a way to understand that it’s okay to not always be perfect, it’s okay to fail, as long as you learn from that failure.”
In this clip from episode 49 of our podcast, Michael reflects on how his upbringing taught him important life lessons that continues to guide him throughout the choices he makes today.
Michael Dumlao is an activist, artist, brand director at Booz Allen Hamilton, and the author of “Wisdom of Guncles: Living Life from a Queer Perspective” scheduled to publish in summer 2021.
Listen to this episode again as we discuss the role migration plays in his identity and creativity and how his upbringing as a Filipino immigrant and coming out as a gay Asian person was incredibly tough. We also talked about his upcoming book and how it uplifts untold LGBTQ stories.
Listen to episode 49 on iTunes here: How Culture Influences Creativity, Being Queer In The Late 90's, And The Importance Of Authenticity!
How to Prep for Video Shoots
Wondering how you’re going to prepare for your video shoot? Now that you have the materials to create a stellar creative brief, let’s jump right into the pre-production. The preparation stage is a crucial step to the production process as it organizes and plans out the concept of your video and the elements incorporated to make the production cohesive.
There are many necessary elements to the preparation stage, but these are the essentials to prevent any mishaps during the shoot. The creative pre-production part focuses on letting the concept come to life through scriptwriting and visually through storyboards and outlines. The operational pre-production focuses on obtaining permits, release forms, and call sheets for the location, cast, and crew.
In this clip from our video content course, we touch on what to include in the pre-production process for a successful production shoot.
How Culture Influences Creativity, Being Queer In The Late 90's, And The Importance Of Authenticity
Let’s welcome our next guest to the podcast activist, artist, and author Michael Dumlao! Michael is the brand director at Booz Allen Hamilton and the author of “Wisdom of Guncles: Living Life from a Queer Perspective” scheduled to publish in summer 2021.
Join us for this stimulating conversation as we discussed the role migration plays in his identity and creativity and how his upbringing as a Filipino immigrant and coming out as a gay Asian person was incredibly tough. Additionally, we talked about his upcoming book and how it uplifts untold LGBTQ stories.
Listen to episode 49 on iTunes here: How Culture Influences Creativity, Being Queer In The Late 90's, And The Importance Of Authenticity!
What Is A Creative Brief?
How do you make sure your marketing, sales, and creative departments are all on board for an upcoming project? By using a creative brief, your team will strategize, plan, and set the expectations for the project to ensure success and preparedness for any unforeseen circumstances. The creative brief is a short strategic document that outlines the specific details surrounding your production before a shoot. Collaborate with your team to set the objectives, deliverables, target audience, timing, budgeting, and legal for an overall clear and efficient process. In this clip from our video content course, we focus on the main elements needed in a creative brief for a production shoot to be successful.
Find a Hobby That You Enjoy
“I do think another outlet that you really enjoy will really balance your life out.”
Marc Nieto’s quote reflects on how participating in another activity that helps foster your creativity can assuage any feelings of being burnt out. Marc is an LA-based artist, skilled app developer, and Twitch streamer. Revisit this episode as we discuss topics such as the prioritization of education vs. pursuing your passion, having a full-time job to fund your creative hobbies, and the benefits of live streaming.
Listen to episode 36 on Apple Podcasts here: Prioritizing Education VS Passion, Having A Side Hustle To Fund Your Creative Business, And The Benefits Of Livestreaming.
Authentic Community Growth, Fitness & Creativity, And The Importance Of Finding Your True North
Our next podcast guest this week is Justin Rimon, podcast host and producer of the “Just Trek Podcast”! The “Just Trek Podcast” explores the many inspirational adventures and stories hikers, explorers, and travelers partake in the outdoors. Justin is also an event producer, experiential marketer, and former manager of the popular dance group, I.aM.mE, and former community manager at Trip.com.
In this episode, we talk about how authentic engagement helps build communities, why networking is important, and the importance of finding your true north.
Link to episode 38 on Apple Podcasts here: Authentic Community Growth, Fitness & Creativity, And The Importance Of Finding Your True North
Staying Authentic During These Troubling Times
“If you’re putting out there; how you truly feel, I think more people will want to buy your brand based on the authenticity of the brand.”
This quote, from episode 32 of our podcast with Michael Preston, mentions the potential impact authentic messaging has on your brand. Michael is the founder of the digital marketing company, Pink Shark Marketing.
Hear our discussion in this episode as we talk about his creative flow process, the difference between advertising, branding, and marketing, how ads don't need to be huge productions to be effective, and what brands should do with their messaging for ads during this sensitive time.
The full episode is available under Creative Haven on iTunes here: Advertising vs Branding vs Marketing, Working With Different Types Of Clients, Having An Opinion In Your Business.
Being Creative During Negative Times
“So, if you can bring yourself to a point where you can create, you have the ability to actually do something and not just think about it.”
This quote comes from episode 31 of our podcast as Scott shares his advice on how to be creative during the negative climate. Scott Firestone is a showrunner, writer, director, and executive producer of his own production company Firestone Productions and the podcast Poddreams. He has launched iconic series such as Behind the Music, Extra, and World of Wonder.
Listen to this episode again as we delve into the world of video production first with the difference between producing TV shows and digital content, the process of working with clients in the corporate world, and balancing the quality of work with budget constraints.
Listen to the full episode here: TV Shows vs. Digital Content, Producing Stellar Content With Budget Constraints, And The Importance Of Creative Expression.
Being Creative In Your Professional Life
“There’s story in everything that we do, professionally and personally and creatively.”
This quote came from fellow podcast host of the DreamPath Podcast, Bryan Smith, when he mentioned how creativity, powered through storytelling, exists in our personal and professional lives. In addition to creating the DreamPath podcast that explores the artistic journeys of multiple creatives, Bryan Smith is also a trial attorney and musician.
Listen to this episode again as we talk about how artists need to constantly create new things without referring to their past, how storytelling is used in every business, how creativity helps you professionally, and how we shouldn’t be afraid of making mistakes. Listen to the full episode here: The Importance Of Storytelling In Everyday Life, The Need To Create Consistently, And Getting Over The Fear Of Not Being Perfect
Understanding Pre-Production
Are you prepared for your shoot? Have you captured the direction of your video through a script or outline? Pre-production is the stage where you get all your creative and operational tasks organized and finalized before you start filming. A good amount of time must go into this planning stage as this determines what your story is, who is your cast and crew, when you're filming, how you're shooting the video, where the video takes place, and other critical elements. In this clip from our video content course, we explain the essential elements that go into the pre-production stage.
The Creative Brief
Do you have a written guideline that outlines your project's strategy for everyone involved? Without a document like a creative brief, your creative video or project can be directed off course and can lose sight of the original intentions of the project. A creative brief will guide you in the direction and outcome you want to take with your project. In this clip from our video content course, we discuss the important elements that go into a creative brief.