The Zack Arnold Podcast

I've often said that being a Post Producer is one of the most thankless jobs in Hollywood. They are tasked with pleasing seemingly opposing forces, i.e. studios, networks, and show runners, while also managing a team of editors and assistants and making sure the show gets finished on budget (and on time). Having a good post producer that not only knows how to keep the trains running on time but also foster a creative, collaborative environment where everyone performs their best and enjoys life outside of work is a winning combination that is far too rare.Today's guest, Paul Leonard is one of those rare species of producers that has both editors and show runners alike wanting to work with him again and again. Paul has worked in television post production for 23 years and is best known for Co-producing Battlestar Galactica which earned 15 Emmy nominations (with three collective wins). He recently wrapped up a job at Marvel where he was one of the vice presidents of TV Post Production before deciding to go back to freelance producing.Paul is a fountain of knowledge and wisdom with countless ideas about how to lead successful post teams. He also has a wealth of war stories about managing demanding executive producers. In today’s conversation Paul candidly shares his thoughts on what gets editors and AE’s hired, and what qualities he likes his editors to possess in the bay. He combines a winning charm with a no BS approach that has earned him the well-deserved reputation for making great shows while also keeping his team happy and sane (it is possible!!!! But it takes effort).This is a rare “Insider Baseball” conversation that will be valuable to anyone wanting to get the unique perspective of a post producer who is both in charge of hiring, delivering a high quality creative product, and also getting maximum creativity out of his team while promoting a well balanced, collaborative team environment.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Paul's early years starting out as an editor and getting into producing after earning his MFA at USC.Lessons Paul learned in wrangling difficult Executive Producers to try to keep his department from burning out and keep the show on schedule.How Paul became known as the 'Hour Long VFX SyFy Guy' and found himself pigeon holed.The surprising place Paul learned to become a great team manager and keep people happy, united, and doing great work.What made Paul gravitate towards producing rather than directing.How Paul learned to bring out the best in his editing teams and facilitated new creative ideas that he would bring to the Executive Producers on his shows.The fascinating story of how he and his post team saved the studio a million dollars while earning the show 3 Emmy nominations.What it was like working for Marvel Studios and how it affected his career.Why Paul got the moniker 'Mother Hen' from an Executive Producer he worked with.The questions he learned to ask to ensure that the show runs smoothly and his team is taken care of BEFORE starting the job.Paul's thoughts on what it takes to lead a creative team in a collaborative environment and why it's so difficult to cultivate that in Hollywood.How Paul learned to set boundaries with executive producers and earned respect of demanding, bully EPs.What Paul looks for when hiring editors.The sign that he wanted to hold up to editors in interviews to keep them from ruining their chances of getting hired.Advice for editors when interviewing and soft skills that they should possess once they are hired.KEY TAKE AWAY: Address 'the note behind the note' when making creative changes.Paul's advice for getting on the 'inside' at places like Marvel.The important quality that editors should always possess when trying to have a fulfilling career. (HINT: it has nothing to do with talent) Useful Resources Mentioned:Paul’s LinkedIn ProfilePaul’s Email Address (Please go through the Insider’s Guide to Writing Cold Outreach first.)Continue to Listen & LearnThe Importance of Setting Boundaries, Advocating For Yourself, and Asking For Help | with Janace TashjianOn Signing COVID Waivers, Kit Rental Fees, and Working Humane Hours | with Cathy Repola, MPEG National Executive DirectorHow to Have a Successful Career Without Sacrificing Family | with Farrel LevyHow to Find the Right Type of Mentor For You (and When You Should Seek the Best)How to Go From Cold Contact to Your Ideal Mentor In Seven Simple StepsIMDbPro for Networking: The 10 Features That Will Take Your Outreach to a New LevelHow to Avoid Getting Pigeonholed, The ‘Concentric Circles of Networking’ & More | with Doc Crotzer, ACEOur Generous Sponsors:Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet EvercastAs work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of Evercast, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.» Click here to be the first to gain early access to the new EvercastP.S. It's (finally) priced for freelancers and indie creatives like us!This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. New Standard Whole Protein is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.[optin-monster slug="u1u6n4yv97rxxz4icynf"]Guest Bio: Paul M. Leonard has worked in television post-production for 23 years. He is best known for Co-Producing "Battlestar Galactica", a show TV Guide and Time Magazine called "the best show on television." "Battlestar" earned 15 Emmy nominations in the following categories Leonard supervised: editing, sound editing, visual effects, sound mixing with three collective wins. Paul won a Streamy Award as Producer for "Battlestar Galactica: The Face of the Enemy" in 2009 for Best Dramatic Web Series. In 2012 Paul produced "Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome," a two hour pilot shot entirely on green screen that featured over 1800 visual fx shots, which received three Emmy nominations for best visual fx, sound editing and sound mixing. In an entirely different arena, Paul developed a script and set up the feature film "Assassination Games," which was released on DVD in 2010 starring Jean-Claude Van Damme. Paul also taught a class in editing and post-production for the University of Texas' LA satellite program for ten years. Paul earned his MFA from USC's Peter Stark Producer Program. He wrapped up a VP - TV Post-Production at Marvel job earlier this year.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

Today, what I’d love to do is give you an insider’s glimpse into the world of my Optimizer coaching & mentorship program and what we call the ‘Hot Seat.’ What you’ll hear today is a recording of an actual live session with an Optimizer student where on the Hot Seat we tackle various questions about career transitions, productivity, workflows, networking, burnout, habit formation, resumes and websites, and any number of other work or life challenges that students bring to the table as they navigate their own path towards success.In the following hot seat session, community member Karen Goffred comes to me wanting to workshop her resume. But before we can assess her resume and dive into the details (which is where essentially everyone thinks they should focus first), we instead first have to determine her career goals and who her audience is that she is speaking to. These questions are crucial first steps that anyone must take first before truly being able to workshop a resume so that it is targeted and aimed for the jobs that will move her career in the direction she wants to go.Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you!→ Click here to let us know what you think of this formatWant to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?→ Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program

As a longtime listener you already know how much I love doing in-depth interviews on a variety of topics, whether that’s allowing everyday people to share their personal and inspirational journeys, or industry experts and world-renowned authors who share their expertise to help you optimize a specific area of your life. But today...what I’d love to do is give you an insider’s glimpse into the world of my Optimizer coaching & mentorship program and what we call the ‘Hot Seat.’ What you’ll hear today is a recording of an actual live session with an Optimizer student where on the Hot Seat we tackle various questions about career transitions, productivity, workflows, networking, burnout, habit formation, resumes and websites, and any number of other work or life challenges that students bring to the table as they navigate their own path towards success.In the following hot seat session, community member Paul Del Vecchio and I discuss the new world of negotiating working from home, whether with existing or potentially new clients. Paul is a freelance promo editor and colorist making the transition to writer/director/producer and is trying to maximize his down time when waiting on clients while giving them the confidence that they are still a top priority. The conversation is centered around the new standard we are trying to set for the 21st century which is that we do not get paid for the hours we work, we get paid for the value we bring to the project. One quick caveat: The sound quality for this session is less than optimal because of a microphone malfunction on my end. My apologies for that, but I thought this session was so good and could be helpful to you that I decided to listen to the same advice I often give to my students: Don’t pursue perfect at the expense of good enough.Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you!→ Click here to let us know what you think of this formatWant to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?→ Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program

"You can't just stand up for yourself. We have to stand up together."Scott JacobsWhen it comes to working the brutal hours that have become the norm in entertainment, negotiating for better pay, and fighting to make changes in industry standards, most of us feel helpless (and hopeless) about where to even begin. When I wrote Dear Hollywood: It’s Time For An Intervention About The Hours We Work this past summer, I was surprised to learn the majority of people in Hollywood have no interest in losing their golden time and overtime hours in exchange for shorter, more manageable workdays. While I have no interest in taking money out of anyone’s pocket, I do believe there has to be a better way than working 60+ hours a week and burning ourselves out just to make ends meet.Here’s a crazy thought: What if we were paid for the value we bring to a project rather than the number of hours we clock in each day?Today's guest Scott Jacobs, a longtime editor, AE, and MPEG board member, tackles this question with me. Scott has worked as an editor and assistant editor in both television and feature films on studio features such as The Bourne Legacy, Despicable Me 3, and Men in Black: International, and his TV credits include CBS' Person of Interest, NBC's Parks and Recreation, Fox’s The Orville, and he's currently working on Marvel's WandaVision for Disney+.As a father of two, Scott has had to wrestle with difficult choices between the faster track of being a television editor and the higher negotiating power of feature film assistant editing. His role as a Board Member of the Motion Picture Editor's Guild has made him very aware of the salary discrepancies between features and television along with the major challenge of work-life balance. He feels strongly about advocating for better wages and more sane working hours while also giving people the tools to advocate for themselves.If you’re interested in having a little bit more ammunition to advocate for a job that is more focused on value than hours, and most importantly working smarter (and not harder), my conversation with Scott is a must-listen.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:How Scott went from video game junkie to finding a passion for film editing.Why he wanted to get a Masters from AFI and why he insisted on starting at the bottom of the career ladder when he graduated.His surprising strategy for networking and making connections right out of school in 2006.How he got his first job as a Post Production Assistant four months out of college.What connections and skills enabled Scott to jump back and forth between television and film.Why assistant editors in television are paid unfairly and should be paid commensurate with experience.KEY TAKEAWAY: Assistants in features have negotiating power (those in TV do not).Scott's candid thoughts on why the union can't negotiate making shorter working hours part of the contract.His plea for greater member involvement in order to negotiate change in the union.The many factors that led to Scott’s decision to go back to assisting in features rather than look for his second editing job in television.KEY TAKEAWAY: Learning the difference between external success and fulfillment is the key to good decision making.Why going after happiness before success is the better route.What Scott loves about the Peloton and how it's improved his life.Scott's Advice for making it in Hollywood...(I did not pay him to say this!) Useful Resources Mentioned:How to Pursue Fulfilling Work and Find Your ‘Calling’ | with Dr. Tal Ben-ShaharPeloton bikesEditors Guild - IATSE Local 700 > Local 700 - Home PageContinue to Listen & LearnOn Signing COVID Waivers, Kit Rental Fees, and Working Humane Hours | with Cathy Repola, MPEG National Executive DirectorThe Importance of Setting Boundaries, Advocating For Yourself, and Asking For Help | with Janace TashjianHow to Have a Successful Career Without Sacrificing Family | with Farrel LevyHow to Find the Right Type of Mentor For You (and When You Should Seek the Best)How to Go From Cold Contact to Your Ideal Mentor In Seven Simple StepsIMDbPro for Networking: The 10 Features That Will Take Your Outreach to a New Level (optimizeyourself.me)How to Cultivate a “Service-Centric” Mindset (and Why It Will Make You More Successful) | with Agustin RexachDear Hollywood: It’s Time For An Intervention About The Hours We WorkDear Hollywood: We Don’t Want to “Go Back to Normal.” Normal Wasn’t Working.Dear Hollywood…We Create Entertainment For a Living. We’re Not Curing Cancer.Our Generous Sponsors:Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet EvercastAs work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of Evercast, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.» Click here to be the first to gain early access to the new EvercastP.S. It's (finally) priced for freelancers and indie creatives like us!This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. New Standard Whole Protein is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.[optin-monster slug="u1u6n4yv97rxxz4icynf"]Guest Bio:Originally from the North suburbs of Chicago, Scott Jacobs attended Western Michigan University where he was studying theater and vocal performance. While he was losing the love for performing, he wasn’t losing the love of wanting to be in the entertainment industry. Upon taking an introductory film course, Scott watched Baz Luhrman’s Moulin Rouge!. What captivated him the most were the visual effects and the editing. After reading more about film editing and discovering that the job combined his love of technology and theater, he knew that editing is what he wanted to do with his life. After his discovery, he taught himself iMovie, then Final Cut Pro, and finally Avid. This eventually led to Scott attending the AFI Masters in Film Editing program from 2005-2007. Since graduating, he has been fortunate enough to work on studio features such as The Bourne Legacy, Despicable Me 3, and Men in Black: International. Some of his TV credits include CBS' Person of Interest, NBC's Parks and Recreation, and Fox’s The Orville. Currently, Scott is thrilled to be working on Marvel's WandaVision coming to Disney+ in January 2021. Scott has also been serving on the Motion Picture Editors Guild's Board of Directors since 2017. He hopes to one day sit alongside the great film editors that have come before him and inspire others as they have inspired him.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

As a longtime listener you already know how much I love doing in-depth interviews on a variety of topics, whether that’s allowing everyday people to share their personal and inspirational journeys, or industry experts and world-renowned authors who share their expertise to help you optimize a specific area of your life.But today what I’d love to do is give you an insider’s glimpse into the world of my Optimizer coaching & mentorship program and what we call the ‘Hot Seat.’ What you’ll hear today is a recording of an actual live session with an Optimizer student where on the Hot Seat we tackle various questions about career transitions, productivity, workflows, networking, burnout, habit formation, resumes and websites, and any number of other work or life challenges that students bring to the table as they navigate their own path towards success.In today’s Hot Seat session I have a candid conversation with community member Eva Yuma about the realities of working in the entertainment industry while also trying to maintain her health & sanity. As Eva asks to frame our conversation, "Am I even built to do this for a living?" The short answer, Eva, is none of us are built for this. Listen in to learn more about the various strategies I shared with Eva to help her build healthier habits that will allow her to build a more sustainable and enjoyable career in the entertainment industry.Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you!→ Click here to let us know what you think of this formatWant to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?→ Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program

Kevin Tent, ACE President, discusses promoting health in the edit bay. He shares habits for better health and creativity, the benefits of joining ACE, and the importance of well-being in Hollywood editing. Topics include balancing health and creativity, qualifying for ACE membership, and the value of enhancing focus and energy levels with tools like the Topomat for standing desks. The conversation emphasizes the benefits of breaks, physical activity, and recognition for film editors in the industry.

ACE Editor Steve Lang truly means it when he says,“If I can help somebody get a job, it's almost just as satisfying as if I got the job myself.”As we discussed in part 1 of our marathon interview together, not only did Steve play a huge role in getting me my first television editing job on Burn Notice (despite the fact I didn’t have enough experience), but he has helped countless numbers of his assistants get into the editing chair and move on to successful careers. If you missed part one, you might want to go back and listen to that one first, where we discuss in detail, how Steve has navigated a varied career in post-production while avoiding getting pigeonholed, and how it's possible to use skills over experience to get the jobs you want (if you know how to tell the right story).What you'll hear in part two is Steve's philosophy on mentoring his assistants, how he approaches his editor's cuts, and his best advice for making the transition from assistant to editor. We also dive into Steve's work habits, his lifestyle choices, and how he has learned to balance his intense focus abilities to avoid wreaking havoc on his health and relationships. Steve has generously shared his knowledge and experience through mentorship over the years and I'm immensely grateful that he has given his time to talk with me and share his wisdom with you.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Why Steve likes hiring assistants that want to be editors.Steve's playbook that he gives to every assistant he hires to help them get into the editor's chair.Steve's philosophy on putting his editor cut together.How Steve helps his assistants learn and grow as editors.Advice for seasoned assistants having trouble getting into the editor's chair.The one thing Steve finds more valuable than experience or skills when hiring an editor.Why you have to love the process of editing to keep your sanity and passion alive.Steve talks about his battle with Crohn's disease and how it affected his career and his life.How the pandemic has affected his work hours.How he manages his habit of working late and trying to balance his health and creativity.What is next on the horizon for Steve.Final advice from Steve for new editors and assistants.How to connect with Steve. Useful Resources Mentioned:Steve Lang’s Instagram PageSteve Lang’s Facebook PageSteve’s emailContinue to Listen & LearnHow to Avoid Getting Pigeonholed, The ‘Concentric Circles of Networking’ & More | with Doc Crotzer, ACEOn the Importance of Building Relationships, Asking Questions, and Never Giving Up | with Andi ArmaganianOur Generous Sponsors:Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet EvercastAs work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of Evercast, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.» Click here to be the first to gain early access to the new EvercastP.S. It's (finally) priced for freelancers and indie creatives like us!This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. New Standard Whole Protein is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.[optin-monster slug="u1u6n4yv97rxxz4icynf"]Guest Bio: Steven Lang was born and raised in Stony Brook, New York on Long Island. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1992, but his real education began the six years he spent working at a video store from the age of sixteen to twenty-one. It was there where his love of movies began and planted the seed that the entertainment business was where his passion lies. He moved out to California two weeks after graduating college without a single contact or connection to pursue his dream and never looked back. One of his first industry job was at a TV movie production company that owned their own Avid editing systems and gave him the opportunity to learn his craft. Self-taught, he literately opened up the Avid manual and started from page one. He spent many late nights and weekends learning the system and editing anything he could get his hands on. Eventually, he was given the opportunity to assist on a TV movie, and his editing career was born. Twenty-four years later, Steven has edited over 120 hours of television while working with many of the top Writers/Producers/Directors/Creators in the industry including David E. Kelley, Billy Crystal, David Milch, Steven Bochco, Ridley & Tony Scott, Jerry Bruckheimer, Ray McKinnon, Larry Charles, Ben Watkins, and Matt Nix. He most recently edited the pilot and season 1 for the "Turner & Hooch" reboot for Disney + directed by McG.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

If there's one story regular listeners of this show have heard a lot, it's the story of how I got my first television editing the #1 show on cable at the time - Burn Notice (having ZERO television experience at the green age of twenty-nine). I tell this story often because it's a great example of how experience doesn't have to be king when it comes to getting jobs. Many of the students in my coaching & mentorship program come to me hoping to make a transition in their career where they have the skills already but they don't have the specific experience. I was in that very same position when I landed my dream job editing Burn Notice.Here to lend a unique perspective to my “Burn Notice story” is ACE Editor Steve Lang, the catalyst for getting that job. Steve has cut over 120 hours of television in the past 24 years and worked on such shows as The Practice, The Gifted, Preacher, Rectify, and Manifest, to name just a select few. He took an unusual path to becoming an editor having held every role in the post-production department at one point or another. This experience gives him a well-rounded point of view of hiring editors and assistants and best practices for advancing your career...without getting pigeonholed.This interview has been a long time coming, as I've been trying to get Steve on the show for years!!! Our conversation ended up going so deep that we made it a two-part interview. In this first part, you'll hear how I got the job on Burn Notice from Steve's perspective while also hearing the skills vs experience argument from someone on the hiring side. You'll learn how Steve has managed to jump genres and show formats throughout his career, and why he's always trying to help advance other editors and assistants that prove their worth. And make sure you come back next week for round 2 when we take a deep dive into his philosophy on editor's cuts and the playbook he gives to all his assistants to ensure they get a seat in the editor's chair.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Why using the “sniper method” vs. “the shotgun method” helped me get the job on Burn Notice.Steve's unusual path to becoming an editor (that included working EVERY role in television post-production).How he realized editing was a better fit for him rather than writing, which was his original goal.How his path crossed with Russell Crowe and what he learned from him.His experience working on The Practice and the opportunities that brought to his career through editing and producing.What editors don't understand about the job of being a producer in a post-production department.Steve explains his vast and varied resume of seemingly unrelated shows and genres that keep him from getting pigeonholed.What he has learned when hiring editors as supervising editor and how he gets people to listen to him.The difference between skills and experience and how it's not always the experience that gets you hired.How he helped James Wilcox get the job on Genius when he wasn't available for it.Why he always wants to share jobs and give recommendations when he's not available for work. Useful Resources Mentioned:Steve Lang’s Instagram PageSteve Lang’s Facebook PageContinue to Listen & LearnChasing After the Next Gig vs. Building Your Career | with Kabir Ahktar, ACEHow to Be So Thorough You Can’t Be Denied | with James Wilcox, ACEHow to Cultivate a “Service-Centric” Mindset (and Why It Will Make You More Successful) | with Agustin RexachTransitioning to Scripted Television (Without Becoming an AE) | with Phil Habeger & Toni Ann CarabelloHow to Avoid Getting Pigeonholed, The ‘Concentric Circles of Networking’ & More | with Doc Crotzer, ACEOn the Importance of Building Relationships, Asking Questions, and Never Giving Up | with Andi ArmaganianOur Generous Sponsors:Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet EvercastAs work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of Evercast, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.» Click here to be the first to gain early access to the new EvercastP.S. It's (finally) priced for freelancers and indie creatives like us!This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. New Standard Whole Protein is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.[optin-monster slug="u1u6n4yv97rxxz4icynf"]Guest Bio: Steven Lang was born and raised in Stony Brook, New York on Long Island. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1992, but his real education began the six years he spent working at a video store from the age of sixteen to twenty-one. It was there where his love of movies began and planted the seed that the entertainment business was where his passion lies. He moved out to California two weeks after graduating college without a single contact or connection to pursue his dream and never looked back. One of his first industry job was at a TV movie production company that owned their own Avid editing systems and gave him the opportunity to learn his craft. Self-taught, he literately opened up the Avid manual and started from page one. He spent many late nights and weekends learning the system and editing anything he could get his hands on. Eventually, he was given the opportunity to assist on a TV movie, and his editing career was born. Twenty-four years later, Steven has edited over 120 hours of television while working with many of the top Writers/Producers/Directors/Creators in the industry including David E. Kelley, Billy Crystal, David Milch, Steven Bochco, Ridley & Tony Scott, Jerry Bruckheimer, Ray McKinnon, Larry Charles, Ben Watkins, and Matt Nix. He most recently edited the pilot and season 1 for the "Turner & Hooch" reboot for Disney+ directed by McG.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

As a self-diagnosed “extreme introvert,” I’ve done my best to avoid as many mixers, social events, awards parties, and otherwise for the duration of my twenty-year career in Hollywood. Yet despite my intense distaste for chit-chat and random conversations, I’ve not only built a global network of hundreds of professional contacts, colleagues, and genuine friends but also several mentors who have helped me learn, grow, solve difficult problems, avoid horrible & embarrassing poor decisions, and ultimately make not one but four major (seemingly impossible) career transitions.Whether you are an extreme introvert like me, or you’re the polar opposite and you love in-person networking and mixers (I’ll never understand you, btw), the playing field has been leveled globally where in-person networking is not an option, and reaching out and connecting with people virtually is the only game in town......In this article I’d like to take a much deeper dive down the rabbit hole to help you better understand the seven simple (not to be confused with easy) steps that can help you turn a cold contact into a connection, then a relationship, and potentially even your ideal mentor.» Continue Reading & Listening

If you work in the entertainment industry you might be living under the assumption if you get really good at what you do, jobs will just miraculously find you, and you can avoid the painful process of putting yourself out there and selling yourself. After all, selling is for businesses and salesmen.Well, guess what? If you are a freelancer in today’s gig economy, you are a business. Referrals may work for awhile, but what if you decide you want to do something different and transition to a new genre of work? Suddenly your current network you’ve spent years building is of no use to you whatsoever. Having a solid networking strategy is essential for connecting with the right people so you can promote your businesses’ services (i.e. YOU) and build a career that provides you with the flexibility to expand your portfolio as desired and ultimately fulfill your passions.My guest today, Liston Witherill, has made his career helping experts sell their services. He is the founder and creator of Serve Don't Sell, and he's on a mission to help 100 million people become world-class, ethical communicators. He understands that networking can be intimidating, especially for busy creatives who identify as introverts and just want to focus on their craft. He also understands that many people view networking as making awkward small talk at boring mixers and events (pre-pandemic anyway) and bothering busy, more important people with cold outreach that never yields responses. But networking doesn't have to be this painful.Liston and I discuss the mindset shifts you need to make in order to network successfully and why doing so can improve your career exponentially. This episode will teach you the psychology behind effective networking and how to apply it to your unique situation so you can not only expand your network but also build better and stronger relationships to advance your career and improve your well being.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:How Liston learned to form the habit of making connections and how you can form it as well.Why many people have an aversion to networking and how changing your mindset is the way to overcome it...even if you’re an introvert.Why the same network strategies work for some people but not for others.The number one thing you need to do for successful outreach (and to not be a bother to people)What bad outreach is and how to avoid it.Liston’s formula for getting people to open and respond to outreach emails.Liston gives an example of an outreach email based on his SPCA method.How reciprocation works and the psychology behind it.Why you need an angle to reach out to high profile people.Why sending 1 thoughtful email is better than sending 50 template emails.The difference between the shotgun approach and the sniper approach to networking.A great example of how an internet entrepreneur provided value to an author he admires.The various definitions of experts and mentors and how to extract value from each.Tactical tips and general rules for subject lines in outreach emails.How long the email should be and how you should formulate your ask.Why you should never ask "Can I pick your brain?" in an outreach email.How to effectively follow up on your outreach if you don't get a response without bothering people.When you should follow up if you don't get a response right away.Networking is about building relationships and providing value.How to get in touch with Liston. Useful Resources Mentioned:Ramit Sethi on Forging The Path Towards Your Own ‘Rich Life’Defining Your Purpose and Living Large | with Tony HortonP90X Creator Tony Horton on Covid-19, Staying Healthy During Quarantine, Boosting Immunity, & MoreListon's Facebook PageListon's Linked In PageContinue To Listen & LearnHow to Avoid Getting Pigeonholed, The ‘Concentric Circles of Networking’ & More | with Doc Crotzer, ACEThe Socially Awkward Introvert’s Guide to Networking with Industry “Experts”On the Importance of Building Relationships, Asking Questions, and Never Giving Up | with Andi ArmaganianHow to Cultivate a “Service-Centric” Mindset (and Why It Will Make You More Successful) | with Agustin RexachChasing After the Next Gig vs. Building Your Career | with Kabir Ahktar, ACEIMDbPro for Networking: The 10 Features That Will Take Your Outreach to a New Level (optimizeyourself.me)Want a Response to Your Cold Emails? Then Every Message MUST Do These 5 Things (optimizeyourself.me)The 5 Most Common Mistakes You're Making With Your Cold Emails (and How to Fix Them) (optimizeyourself.me)Why Writing Cold Emails Is the Most Important ‘Soft Skill’ You Must Master (Especially If You’re An Introvert) (optimizeyourself.me)[CASE STUDY] Why People Don't Respond to Your Cold Outreach (and How to Get a Response) | with Scott Davis (optimizeyourself.me)Our Generous Sponsors:Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet EvercastAs work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of Evercast, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.» Click here to be the first to gain early access to the new EvercastP.S. It's (finally) priced for freelancers and indie creatives like us!This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. New Standard Whole Protein is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.[optin-monster slug="u1u6n4yv97rxxz4icynf"]Guest Bio:  Liston Witherill is the founder and creator of Serve Don't Sell, and he's on a mission to help 100 million people become world-class, ethical communicators.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).