No Set Path: Creative Entrepreneurship Growth Stories

In this first solo episode of the podcast, host, Drew English unpacks the concept of value coming from being vulnerable, taking risks and opening up about challenges professionally.

A Deep Dive into Filmmaking with Michael Litwak: Lessons, Passion, and Personal InsightsA fascinating discussion with filmmaker Michael Litwak where he shares his experiences from his early career to creating commercially successful projects. Litwak emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning, dedication, and collaboration as key factors in successful projects. He also gives some personal insight on preserving creative control over work and contributing value to the industry. Litwak engages with his followers primarily through Instagram, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of his work. Michael concludes with details about his upcoming film, 'Molli and Max in the Future' and how fans can stay updated with its progress.EPISODE LINKS: https://www.michaellitwak.com/ https://www.instagram.com/michaellitwak/MORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” Website: nosetpath.com Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish Website: drewenglish.com

Jeremy Perez-Cruz is a brand, marketing, strategy and creative leader based in Brooklyn, New York.Jeremy has spent 20 years building and growing brands that have brought together the physical and digital in ways that have transformed how we define “the real world.”In his work for some of the world’s largest and most beloved brands, he’s led creative at The New York Times, served as VP of Creative at Skillshare, VP of Brand at Buzzfeed, Head of Brand Marketing at Uber, Senior Design Manager of Global Beverage at Pepsico and Founder of Etsy’s Global Brand Studio.Today, Jeremy leads Parts Per Million, a brand-focused creative and strategic studio specializing in five-day innovation sprints and anchored in a philosophy of curiosity, collaboration, empathy and play.Obsessed with light, color, and the sincerity of candid moments, Jeremy’s photography is deeply observational and emotive. His @sleepingplanes instagram account captures spontaneous, honest moments of meaning in everyday life in New York City. Jeremy’s images represent a human instant, glimpsing the world at a singular time, and reflect a collaborative connection between an artist, their subject, and the audience.EPISODE LINKS:Parts Per Million: ppm.nycBrand Portfolio: jpc.nycPhotography: sleepingplanes.comInstagram: @sleepingplanesEverything else: Linktr.eeMORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” Website: nosetpath.com Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish Website: drewenglish.com

Oren grew up between the United States and Israel nurturing hobbies in painting and photography, building LEGOs, and voraciously watching movies. These activities laid the groundwork for what would eventually become a love of cinematography and a passion for crafting bold, cinematic imagery.Last year, Oren wrapped filming on the feature film ‘The Creator,’ directed by Gareth Edwards, along with cinematographer Greig Fraser ASC ACS, slated for release on September 29 2023. Two of his other recent features premiered at the TIFF and TriBeCa film festivals in 2022. He has also shot multiple award-winning short films, including 'Opera of Cruelty,' which won a Student Academy Award, and ‘See You Soon,’ which won the audience award at the Palm Springs International Shortsfest before subsequently premiering on Short of the Week and receiving a Vimeo Staff Pick.During his studies at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Oren was nominated for the ASC Gordon Willis Student Heritage Award, and was a finalist for the Arri Volker Bahnemann Award for Cinematography. Oren has also shot hundreds of commercials and music videos for a variety of clients including Nike, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, HBO, Foot Locker, Grey Goose Vodka, Doritos, Kohler, Wilson Tennis, Marriott Hotels, ACE Hardware, Crest, Viacom, and Universal Studios.EPISODE LINKS: Oren’s Website: orensoffer.com Oren’s Instagram: @orensofferdpMORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” Website: nosetpath.com Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Website: drewenglish.comInstagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish

Matheus Bastos is director of photography based in New York and Los Angeles. Growing up as the first generation child of immigrants, he found an avenue into the arts and a passion for storytelling at a young age, entertaining himself with films and music.His work has played at multiple film festivals around the world such as SXSW, Tribeca Film Festival, Cinequest, Cannes Court Metrage, as well as Rolling Stone, Billboard, Revolver, and more.EPISODE LINKS: Matt’s Website: http://www.matheusbastos.com/ Matt’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matt_bastos/ Matt’s VERY old Tumblr: https://mattpbastos.tumblr.com/MORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” Website: nosetpath.com Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish Website: drewenglish.com

Classically trained as a filmmaker and cinematographer, Pecci then spent over 20 years forming and running a production company that has produced award-winning content for brands like Bose and Sam Adam's, and music videos and treatments for artists like the Wu Tang Clan, Lucius, Killswitch Engage, and Meshuggah.His two recent acclaimed short films, the Russian sci-fi epic "12 Kilometers" and the Argento-inspired thriller "Who's There" are both currently in development to be features.EPISODE LINKS: Mike’s Website: mikepecci.com Mike’s Instagram: @mikepecci Mike’s Podcast: inlovewiththeprocess.comMORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” Website: nosetpath.com Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish Website: drewenglish.com

Brian Stansfield is a seasoned professional in the visual storytelling landscape. Brian's journey kicked off with global adventures, documenting the work of the U.S. Army across different corners of the world. After honing his craft and business acumen in New York City, he launched Apollo Lighting & Grip, which caters to small and medium-sized productions, offering tailored film and photography lighting and grip solutions. Now, based out of Atlanta, Georgia and as the executive producer of Stansfield Studios, he specializes in crafting compelling narratives and impactful imagery that enhances his clients' brand identity and goals.EPISODE LINKS: http://www.apollogrip.com/https://www.instagram.com/apollo_atl/ https://www.instagram.com/brian_stansfield/MORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” Website: nosetpath.com Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish Website: drewenglish.com

David Kruta is an acclaimed Director of Photography, celebrated for his compelling visual storytelling in features such as "Concussion," "The Sounding," and recent projects like "Black Friday" with Bruce Campbell, "Agent Game" featuring Mel Gibson and Jason Isaacs, and "The Last Thing Mary Saw" starring Stefanie Scott and Isabelle Fuhrman. His work on "The Sounding" earned him the prestigious Haskell Wexler Award for Best Cinematography. Beyond films, Kruta's diverse portfolio includes commercials for high-profile clients such as Porsche and Canon, music videos, and documentaries. His unique, realistic style, inspired by his New York base, has led to recognition from the International Cinematographers Guild and admiration across the industry (lol). Always exploring new creative avenues, Kruta is also involved in exciting upcoming projects like "The Last Job" and "Creep Box”EPISODE LINKS: David’s Website: davidkruta.com David’s Instagram: @dkrutaCinematography Salon FB Group Cinematography Salon Instagram: @cinematographysalonMORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” Website: nosetpath.com Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish Website: drewenglish.com

Travis Wears has been working as a freelance director, DP, and editor since 2009. He's traveled the US and abroad creating content for Netflix, ESPN, Audi, CAT, Walmart, MTV, CMT, HGTV, Travel Channel, NBC, Fox Studios, Brisk, John Deere, Animal Planet, Showtime, KFC, Pepsi, Frito Lay, Kleenex, Toyota, Yoplait, The MLB, NFL, MLS and many more.Highly experienced in docu-series, corporate and sports, Travis also loves commercial work, helping to create brand campaigns and broadcast spots for numerous blue-chip clients such as American Express, Kemps Dairy Products, KC Streetcar and Pepsi's boutique brand Stubborn SodaEPISODE LINKS: Travis’ Website: traviswears.com Travis’ Instagram: @traviswearsCine Kit List FB PageProduction Vans & Grip Trucks FB PageMORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” Website: nosetpath.com Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish Website: drewenglish.com

Sarah Elmaleh is an actor, voice director, consultant and industry advocate best known for her roles in videogames, from blockbuster AAA titles (Hi-Fi Rush, Fortnite, Halo Infinite, Gears 5) to critically acclaimed indie games (Afterparty, Pyre, Gone Home). She has likewise directed a talented and diverse set of casts in both indies (The Red Lantern, The Wreck) and AAA (Fortnite, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2) alike. Her consultancy is designed to comprehensively educate and connect developers with novel and industry-standard performance processes, from navigating the union (SAG-AFTRA), to casting, to recording.Led by her desire to foster stronger collaboration within games and across creative communities, she has been an organizing and educating force in games spaces (such as IndieCade) and institutions (USC, NYU) for many years, while nurturing meaningful exchange between game developers and the actor’s union, SAG-AFTRA. She teaches the core Queer Vox voiceover workshop Interactive module, has served as director and co-host of the IndieCade awards since 2016, and is one of six dev hosts of the game developer interview podcast Eggplant: The Secret Lives of Games.EPISODE LINKS: Sarah’s Website: sarahelmaleh.com Sarah’s Twitter: twitter.com/selmaleh Sarah’s IG: @selmalehMORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” Website: nosetpath.com Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish Website: drewenglish.com