The Zack Arnold Podcast

In creative industries like film & television post-production, it's extremely common to see job listings for free or low paid work, but how do you know if it's worth it or if you should run for the hills? After all, would you ask for services for free in other industries?Just imagine walking into an upscale restaurant and saying, “I’d love to try out the most popular item on your menu, and while I won’t pay for it this time, if I love it there’s a high likelihood I’ll have business for you in the future.” Um, that would be a big giant NO. So why is it okay for people to exploit creative talent and imagination in exactly this way?In this archival episode from my ‘Fitness In Post’ days, Alan Bell and I discussed how to distinguish between whether or not a low or no paying job is worth the gamble for the bigger picture of advancing your career. We evaluate the many reasons that a specific job opportunity may be worth it based on the potential long-term payoffs, and we also talk about when it is absolutely unacceptable under any circumstances to take on a job that is clearly looking to exploit your talents and experience (not that anyone would ever be interested in exploiting your creative talents).Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Why I decided to leave a high paying job to go cut a low paying indie filmAlan’s background and creditsThere is good kind of free work out there, you just have to watch for itYou can’t treat every film and every job posting the same wayNever take a free job if you’re not going to get something out of it: participation points, producing, new experience etcHow Alan got his start in the film industry with free workAlan’s work experience with Norman HollynHow I learned After Effects by working FOR FREEFree work that’s right for one person might not be right for anotherTake stock of where you are in your career and life before deciding to work for freeHow taking on a free web series (Bannan Way link..which site should this link to?) helped jump start my career in televisionBuilding relationships is a key component to finding quality workBring your own questions to an interview! Make sure the job is a good fit for youTake the work that’s good instead of taking the work that’s thereQuestions you should ask during an interviewKnow your own temperamentLearn how to spot the “catch phrases” and red flags of exploitative producersBe honest with yourself and surround yourself with honest peopleBe aware of your situation and decide what’s best for youUseful Resources Mentioned:How a Tentpole Hollywood Feature Editor Stays Healthy, Fit, and Sane | with Alan Bell, ACEWhy You Don’t Need to Go to Film School to Be Successful | with Eddie Hamilton, ACE [Pt 1]Mental Health is Not a Luxury…Even For “Top Guns” | with Eddie Hamilton, ACE [Pt 2]#SayNoToSpec VideoOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter.Guest Bio:Film editor Alan Edward Bell A.C.E., is best known for his work on (500) Days of Summer, ‘Water For Elephants’, ‘The Amazing Spiderman’, and the last three installments of the “Hunger Games” series. His resume spans 30 years in post-production, and includes a long list of credits in editorial as well as visual effects. Over the last 15 years he has been pushing the limits of what is possible in the cuttingroom by blending visual effects and editing techniques. Alan currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife and three sons.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love!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).Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. 

#AdvanceYourself month continues where we’re diving into the weeds talking about taking practical, boots-on-the-ground action steps to move your creative career forwards, or more specifically to this episode, how to transition from climbing one ladder to climbing a different one, even if that means taking one step back to take several forwards in the future.I’m incredibly excited for this episode because it’s with Wendy Calhoun who happens to not only be an incredibly decorated and accomplished writer and producer in Hollywood (here are her IMDB credits), but she’s also the very first person to hire me as a professional editor in Los Angeles.Wendy has worked on such gigantic network TV shows as Empire, Nashville, Justified, and Revenge, to name a few. She is also no stranger to adversity given she has climbed her way to the top in an incredibly competitive area of Hollywood - writing, executive producing, and now show running with upcoming projects such as No Place Safe for FX and Our Kind of People for Fox. And while great strides have been made in the past several years, let’s not beat around the bush. Making it as an accomplished writer/producer as either a female or an African-American is tough, but doing it as both is infinitely tougher. But regardless of the obstacles that stood in her way, Wendy forged ahead, changed her career path several times, overcame numerous obstacles (including a massive case of imposter syndrome), and defied the odds.In this episode we deconstruct Wendy’s unusual path to climb the ladder to the top to understand the basic fundamental steps that you can take to achieve the same levels of success, regardless of your circumstances.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Wendy's early theatrical writing and how it shaped her lifeProcessing your career goals when the path isn't clearHow Wendy and Zack came to know each otherTurning your creative passions into practiceDefining yourself by your desired vocation regardless of how you're getting paidHow writing for info-shows led Wendy to hits "Nashville" and "Empire"Learning to overclock the intensity and productivity of the writers roomWriting complicated, compelling, and honest female charactersHow producing Empire was "like a rainbow" for WendyThe importance of nurturing and giving opportunities to women and people of color in entertainmentHow Wendy plans to revolutionize inclusive production practices as a producer to tell the greatest storiesAdvice for up-and-coming writers and the importance of reaching your ten thousand hours of masteryUseful Resources Mentioned:Wendy Calhoun's IMDB PageOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter.Guest Bio:Twitter|InstagramWendy Calhoun is a series creator developing content at multiple broadcast and cable studios. She’s currently writing and Executive Producing FX’s NO PLACE SAFE, a miniseries about the Atlanta child murders, to star Emmy winner Regina King. Her past credits include Co-Executive Producing and writing the historic first season of Fox’s hit series EMPIRE. In addition, she’s written and produced for ABC’S NASHVILLE, FX’s JUSTIFIED, ABC’s REVENGE, and NBC’s LIFE.Last summer, Calhoun wrote and directed the virtual reality short, LEFT BEHIND, sponsored by Google and honored as “Best in VR” at Digital Hollywood 2016. She received a 2010 Peabody Award and WGA Best New Series Nomination for JUSTIFIED. She received her second WGA Best New Series Nomination in 2012 for NASHVILLE.Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Calhoun studied film and television at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love!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).Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

'Advance Yourself' month continues where we’re diving into the weeds talking about taking practical, boots-on-the-ground action steps to move your career forwards, or more specifically in this episode how to transition from climbing one ladder to climbing a different one, even if that means taking one step back to take several forwards in the future.My guest today is Monica Daniel who has become somewhat of a legend on my former show. This interview was recorded a couple years ago and is the #1 most downloaded episode of my previous podcast ‘Fitness In Post’ because it answered the most common question asked out of complete and utter desperation in all of Hollywood:“How do I get out of reality television so I can work in scripted television instead?”Monica and I walk through the practical steps she took to decide if the transition was right for her, and then more importantly what steps she took to meet the right people and make sure she was in the right place at the right time. While the transition isn’t terribly easy, the steps are pretty simple.(Just to give you a quick head’s up, at the end of the episode we talk briefly about a bonus document summarizing her journey and that document is no longer available. But the good news is, it inspired me to create an Ultimate Guide that’s 10 times better, my brand new ‘Ultimate Guide to Making It In Hollywood as a Creative’)Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Monica’s background editing reality televisionHow Monica first approached me at a networking event and why this was the RIGHT way to cold approach someoneSome of the WRONG ways to cold approach someoneHow Monica was ashamed to share the type of reality work she did with those who work in scriptedHow focusing on her health was one of the key factors to making the transitionThe different “phases” of her career and how each one was important to leading Monica towards working in scriptedThe conversation that Monica struck up with an editor that built the relationship that got her the job interviewHow taking a free gig helped lead Monica to getting a fantastic recommendation for her scripted jobHow Monica’s various skills in reality helped her transition to scripted and helped sell her as a unique talentWe break down the actionable steps anyone can take to make the transition to scripted (or any field for that matter)Useful Resources Mentioned:Going Postal ShowOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter.Guest Bio:Twitter|FacebookMonica Daniel has edited various genres of television that have been broadcast worldwide over the last decade. She is known for her “sh*tting sparkles” slogan from her award show red carpet work. She recently transitioned from editing reality television into a high level scripted network show, and our conversation today breaks down her journey and how you can walk away with actionable steps to make the same transition, regardless of your situation.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love!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).Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. 

Up until maybe the last three to five years, when hearing the term “Blue Collar” one would immediately picture a coal miner, a steel worker, people working in factories, or other types of physically demanding manual labor jobs. But as our society has progressed so rapidly due to advances in technology, a common question that has begun to arise is, “Are tech workers becoming the new ‘Blue Collar’?”While working in a coal mine or a steel factory might sound imminently more dangerous than sitting behind a computer, it actually isn’t.“The typical seated office worker has more musculoskeletal injuries than any other industry sector worker, including construction, metal industry, and transportation workers. Today, the World Health Organization ranks physical inactivity—sitting too much—as the fourth biggest preventable killer globally, causing an estimated 3.2 million deaths annually. In just the last 20 years, the simple act of sitting has leapfrogged to the top of the health killer charts globally.”1I dive deep into this concept of tech workers and creatives like us who spend endless hours chained to a computer becoming the next blue collar with my guest today, the brilliant Maxim Jago, an award-winning filmmaker, editor, teacher, and futurist. This episode was inspired by an article in Wired Magazine titled, "The Next Big Blue Collar Job Is Coding."Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:How having a sedentary job can be more unhealthy than working in a mineThe game-ification of personal developmentWays the mind influences physical healingThe relationship between cognitive function and activityHow expressive creativity affects physical and mental healthThe implications of a highly-automated futureMaslow's hierarchy of needsHow important is your emotional response to your work?Creation as necessity rather than commodityChanging your perspective of monotonous work from boring to meditativeWhat will labor look like in twenty-five years?The importance of pursuing work that invigorates youUseful Resources Mentioned:Maslow's Hierarchy of NeedsProgramming is the New Blue Collar Job1Deskbound: Standing Up in a Sitting WorldOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter.Guest Bio:Facebook|Twitter|Instagram|LinkedInMaxim Jago speaks on wide-ranging subjects exploring lessons learns from his work as a filmmaker, futurist, author, and media technology expert.He proposes an optimistic-realist attitude to future technologies and opportunities for growth in society, and in ourselves. As an award winning filmmaker and screenwriter, Maxim is currently engaged in three feature film projects that include true VR storytelling elements.As an Author, Maxim writes the official Adobe Premiere Pro Classroom in a Book - the standard text used by film schools all around the world.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love!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).Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

For those who work in the filmmaking industry, ‘Below the Line’ is a pretty common term, but in case you’re not familiar with it, it originated as an accounting term to separate the fixed costs of a film’s budget (actors, director, writers, and producers, etc) from the variable hourly, daily, and weekly costs of those working in various crafts such as editing, costumes, or the art department, just to name a few examples. Unfortunately ‘Below the Line’ has become much more of a social status symbol rather than just a simple accounting term.Today’s interview is one of my favorites from way back in the ‘Fitness In Post’ archives where I had an in-depth chat with editor Mike J. Nichols, otherwise known as the ‘Edit Doctor’ about an article he wrote titled “Is the Term Below the Line Hitting Below the Belt?” In this very candid conversation we talk about the rampant idea that creative workers, film editors like myself being the perfect example, have simply become an extension of our workstations and how this affects the way we are treated by others, as well as our emotional involvement in our work. We also talk about what we need to do collectively to start standing up for ourselves.If you feel as if you’re being treated like a pair of hands chained to your desk and you want to know what you can do about it, this episode provides plenty of action steps.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:The rampant idea that we are a pair of hands chained to our desksMike’s first encounter with the phrase “below the line”What is “below the line”?How the term went from an accounting term to a status termOn getting emotionally involved in a project you have a limited say inOn how the “below the line” status is felt differently in each subset of editingThe feeling of your contributions being undervaluedWhat do we do about this status term?Most people don't even know what editors do!Technology as a driving factor in our dwindling status as filmmakersThe editor as the final writer -- especially in reality and documentaryWhere we can start with eliminating this “status” -- we need to stand up for ourselves and our healthSearch for the cause not just the symptomsWe need to have a better perception of ourselvesUseful Resources Mentioned:From Rehab to Ultra Marathon with Wes PlateWhiteboard Discussion - Avid Editors of Facebook GroupWhiteboard Discussion - Post ChatKuleshov EffectOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter.Guest Bio:Facebook|TwitterMike J. Nichols – “A rare combination of artistry and technology – A young Walter Murch” – actor/director Larry Holden.As a teenager living in Ohio, Mike’s super-8 films garnered the attention of Frank Zappa’s son, Dweezil, who commissioned him for projects including work on a CBS network television series called, “Normal Life”. With the Zappa’s encouragement, Mike pursued film studies at Columbia College of Chicago winning two back to back short film first place awards which had never happened in the school’s student history.In Los Angles, Mike edited the award winning indie film, My Father’s House (directed by Larry Holden) which featured Cameron Diaz and Josh Charles. Martin Scorsese praised, “My Father’s House”, as one of his favorite independent films of that year.Alternately during this time, Mike’s anonymous editing work became famous in the Star Wars community with a video called, “Star Wars: The Phantom Edit”.“Star Wars: The Phantom Edit” became a phenomenon featured in numerous magazines, newspapers, and television news programs around the world. Chicago Tribune film critic, Michael Wilmington, wrote a 2 page review of Mike’s work summed up in the articles final thesis statement, “…done by someone with a gift for editing”.Chris Nolan’s film editor, Dody Dorn, was featured in a segment on NPR’s Studio 360 about the impact of Mike’s editing. J.J. Abrams gleamed about Mike’s edit to Entertainment Weekly and director Kevin Smith went on record in an interview calling it “Smart editing ”.HBO penned the largest syndication deal in history for their hit series, “Sex and the City” but editing out 9 minutes of show content proved to be a difficult endeavor. After two trial run episodes, Mike’s editing and attention to story integrity became the missing piece they were seeking and HBO wrote a exclusive contract making him PREditor for the original syndicated versions of “Sex and the City” .Musician Billy Joel and Exclusive Media/Spitfire Pictures were looking for a more narrative approach to their feature length documentary and Nichols was signed to be the Editor of “The Last Play At Shea” – written by Academy Award winning writer, Mark Monroe.“Last Play At Shea” featured three different stories editorially woven into one complete narrative and it premiered at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival. “The Last Play at Shea’s” world premiere was the largest documentary opening in film history taking place at New York’s Citi Field Stadium for an audience upwards of 60,000 before playing in theaters around the country.In addition to hundreds of hours of broadcast film and television, Mike has also worked on the Emmy Award winning, “Vito: The Vito Russo Story”, AFI Audience Choice Award winner, “SpineTingler” and the editor on The Zappa Movie, a current film in production directed by Alex Winter.Mike is known throughout the industry as “The Edit Doctor”. He is an influential speaker regarding post production techniques and the “art of editing”. He has invented a new post production processes and currently has two patents for advanced post production techniques.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love!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).Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

“How can I break into Hollywood or advance in my creative career if I don’t know anybody?” is a common question I receive via e-mail, when I speak at events, or when I teach at USC or online. Whenever someone sends me an email or Facebook message and asks, “Can I buy you coffee and pick your brain?” this is inevitably their reason for reaching out.Unlike doctors or lawyers, the path to being a successful film editor, writer, visual effects artist, animator, actor, or any other creative career is not a linear path, but here’s the secret nobody tells you: There are very specific steps you can follow to be successful, but you have to be willing to put in the time and take action consistently. The key is not discovering the path and following it, the key is learning the proper steps to forge your own unique path.In this episode I dive deep into the topic of networking and what it looks like to do it right. My guest today is my assistant editor Chris Visser whom I met at a networking event a little over two years ago, and since then he has said all the right things and taken all the right steps to slowly build a relationship with me over time. And when the time was right he got “lucky” and ended up becoming a part of my team. But if you know me at all, you know I don’t believe in luck and think it’s simply when hard work intersects with opportunity.If you’ve ever thought to yourself “It’s all about who you know, and I don’t know anybody, so I just give up!” then this episode is great place to start because Chris and I break down the key steps to networking the right way so you don’t waste your time and end up walking in circles wishing you just magically knew people. It’s time to get out there and build your network.When you’re done listening to this episode, if you haven’t already I highly recommend checking out episode eleven, my two hour marathon interview with Norman Hollyn, former head of the editing track at USC.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:How Chris made it to HollywoodEliminating excuses and finding your own path to successHow to make an impression at your industry internshipProcessing and evaluating big career risksHow a brat and cheese gift basket got Chris a job in HollywoodBuilding a post-studio from the ground upWhen Chris met Zack at EditFest LAAsking the right questions to the people that matterHow to network without embracing the "sycophant rush"Knowing the mindset of the people you approachBreaking your career goals down into bite-sized action stepsChris' involvement with Blue Collar Post Collective (BCPC)Useful Resources Mentioned:EditFest Los AngelesBlue Collar Post CollectiveOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter.Guest Bio:Facebook|TwitterBorn and raised in the land of Beer and Brats (aka Wisconsin), Chris has loved the craft of filmmaking since taking a movie-making class his freshman year of high school. While attending Marquette University, Chris was lucky enough to earn the 2011 Post-Production Internship with the Emmys Foundation. He graduated in May 2012, and moved to Los Angeles just weeks after to pursue a career in the film industry.His first few years were spent as an assistant editor at several post houses before becoming an online editor/colorist in January of 2015. After a year and a half of online-ing shows like Nellyville (BET) and Greatest Party Story Ever (MTV), he got the opportunity to really try for a spot in the scripted narrative world. Since July of 2016 he’s been the assistant editor on several digital series and features, and has recently transitioned into network scripted series.Chris is also heavily involved with the Blue Collar Post Collective, which just celebrated it’s 1 year anniversary in LA in June. He’s been an LA executive committee member since BCPCWest’s launch and in July of 2017 became the Vice President of BCPCWest. When not working, Chris loves to spend time with his fiancee and his two dogs, consume local ice cream, talk about movies and tv, and practice film photography (preferably all at once).Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love!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).Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Author’s Note: ‘Tragedy’ doesn’t even begin to describe what it means for our industry to lose Norman Hollyn at the ridiculously young age of 66. He was quite possibly the kindest soul in Hollywood.I’m asked so often by so many, “What’s the secret to really making it in Hollywood?” And the answer is SO simple: Provide value to others.Norman proved through his actions, his never-ending kindness, and his generosity that the road to success is paved by simply providing value to others. It’s really that simple. He was a mentor and a friend who will be sorely missed.The following is an in-depth interview I did with Norman when this program first began that is an absolute manifesto on what it really takes to build a fulfilling career in Hollywood. It has been listened to thousands of times on six continents, and of all my episodes it has received more positive feedback than any other…by far.Rest In Peace Norman. Know that you left this world making a true impact on the lives of countless people, and your work will continue to make an impact for generations to come.I will never be able to “lean forward” again without thinking of you. Be well my friend.Zack Arnold---“How can I break into Hollywood or advance in my creative career if there is no set path to follow?” is by far the most common question I receive via e-mail, when I speak at events, or when I teach at USC or online. Whenever someone sends me an email or Facebook message and asks, “Can I buy you coffee and pick your brain?” this is inevitably the big question they seek the answer to. Unlike doctors or lawyers, the path to being a successful film editor, writer, visual effects artist, animator, actor, or any other creative career is not a linear path, but here’s the secret nobody tells you: There are very specific steps you can follow to be successful, but you have to be willing to put in the time and take action consistently. The key is not discovering the path and following it, the key is learning the proper steps to forge your own unique path.In this episode I dive deep into what it really takes to break into or advance in the Hollywood post-production industry with none other than USC professor and former head of the editing track, Norman Hollyn. This is a two hour marathon episode so get comfortable. This was one of the most downloaded and shared 2-part episodes of my former podcast, but I thought it beneficial to combined it into a single episode and feature it as part of the Optimize Yourself program so new people just discovering this show wouldn’t have to dig for it because people have told me firsthand this interview was the difference between them landing a job or not landing it. The advice Norman gives is seriously that universal and that powerful, and it can be applied far beyond jobs in post-production.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Develop your skill set and then build your network of peopleConsider looking for work and networking your full time jobUse online resources, industry magazines, etcHow to use Facebook and Twitter to help you make connectionsPut yourself out there and make yourself valuable to peopleMake sure you continue to hone your craft and advance your skill setFind out what you don’t know and get good feedback!Should you take free work?People skills and social skills are more important than you thinkPart of advancing in your career is being able to make choicesRe-evaluating your goals is growthBeing fiscally responsible will give you more choices and give you the freedom to take work that’s valuable to your career and not necessarily your bank accountTo be happy it’s important to acknowledge that third circle: Personal needsWrite down your intentions and focus -- no matter how many drafts it takes!Useful Resources Mentioned:Below the Line crew listingsA Classic Case of Post-Production BurnoutOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter.Guest Bio:Twitter|Facebook|LinkedInNorman Hollyn has been described as a “media expert,” a reference to his experience in a wide variety of media types – in both the old and new media worlds. He is the co-producer and co-host of the videocast 2 Reel Guys. He is a long-time film, television and music editor (HEATHERS, THE COTTON CLUB, SOPHIE’S CHOICE, Oliver Stone’s WILD PALMS), and is a Full Professor and Head of the Editing Track at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. He is an author of nearly 100 articles and his internationally translated book, THE FILM EDITING ROOM HANDBOOK, has just been published in a fourth edition. His previous book, THE LEAN FORWARD MOMENT, also from Peachpit Press/Pearson, has been attracting great reviews worldwide. He has taught worldwide, including several workshops for the Royal Film Commission in Jordan, and schools in Shanghai and Beijing, China. He has taught at the Sundance Film Festival, and consults and speaks at major corporations such as Dreamworks Pictures, Pixar Animation, Forbes and the Philadelphia Inquirer. He has worked as an expert witness in legal cases involving the aesthetics or history of editing, and is partner in an Internet development firm. He can be reached at norman@normanhollyn.com.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! 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).Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

I don’t know about you, but I’m really confused by the endless amounts of information available regarding nutrition. All you have to do is spend a couple hours reading the heated (and sometimes outright vicious) debates about the latest hot Netflix documentary to see nutritional science is an emotional topic. And I’m just plain tired of the “My science is better than your science” argument.Luckily there are a few voices of reason, and one of them is Mark Sisson. Mark is the founder of the blog Mark’s Daily Apple which has hundreds of thousands of daily readers. He is also the founder of The Primal Blueprint, he’s developed an entire line of paleo-friendly foods via his Primal Kitchen brand, he’s a former world-class endurance athlete, and he’s one of the leading voices of the Evolutionary Health Movement. On top of all this he’s the author of numerous best-selling books with his latest being The Keto Reset Diet: Reboot Your Metabolism in 21 Days and Burn Fat Forever.In this interview Mark and I discuss how food specifically affects your energy and cognitive function, how the standard American diet is killing our creativity, and most importantly how your food choices affect your ability to focus for sustained periods of time. We also chat about why fats get such a bad rap and some of the latest science about fat as it relates to his new keto diet protocol.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:The relationship between the food you eat and cognitive functionDo we really need sugar (glucose) to function?Why you need to know about ketogenic dietsHow the standard american diet is affecting our health and creativityRecognizing and preventing the effects of brain fogHow eating right can remove the need for coffee and energy drinks from your lifeBreaking the grip of continuous eating on your dayThe importance of turning your work space into a place of activityDebunking the myths surrounding fatUnderstanding the connection between fats and carbsUseful Resources Mentioned:The Keto Reset Diet: Reboot Your Metabolism in 21 Days and Burn Fat ForeverMogo StoolKneeling StoolMarksDailyApple.comPrimal KitchenPrimal BlueprintPrimal MayoMark's 16 Favorite Fat ResourcesThe Fat Burning Brain: What Are the Cognitive Effects of Ketosis?The Definitive Guide to KetoOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter.Guest Bio:Facebook | Twitter | InstagramMark Sisson is the bestselling author of The Primal Blueprint, a former world-class endurance athlete, and one of the leading voices of the Evolutionary Health Movement. His blog, MarksDailyApple.com, has paved the way for Primal enthusiasts to challenge conventional wisdom's diet and exercise principles and take personal responsibility for their health and well-being.The Keto Reset Diet: Reboot Your Metabolism in 21 Days and Burn Fat ForeverLearn how to make perhaps the most profound health and weight loss boosting lifestyle change you will ever make—transforming your body from carbohydrate dependency to become a fat burning beast. In his new book, Mark Sisson, bestselling author of The Primal Blueprint and publisher of the popular health site and blog MarksDailyApple.com, reveals his proven effective ketogenic eating strategy for losing weight and improving health. When you go keto, you will reset your metabolism for effortless fat loss using a targeted ketogenic diet of high-fat, low-to-moderate protein, low-carb foods, and complementary lifestyle practices that help optimize metabolic and hormonal functions.Unlike other ketogenic plans, Sisson first teaches readers the real secret to rapid and sustained weight loss, which is in becoming "fat-adapted" before entering full nutritional ketosis. This process allows your body to learn to burn fat more efficiently, resulting in increased and sustained weight loss over the long-term. It takes as little as 21-days to reprogram your metabolism to burn fat for fuel, by ditching processed grains, sugars, and refined vegetable oils in favor of nutrient-dense, high fat, primal/paleo foods--and you'll see immediate results. Next, you’ll fine-tune with Intermittent Fasting and then foray into full ketogenic eating for a further weight loss boost and improved health. In this way, you will achieve the highest level of what Sisson calls metabolic flexibility—the key to health, weight control, and longevity.With The Keto Reset Diet, you can eat to total satisfaction by enjoying rich, high-satiety foods, and even weather occasional slip-ups with high carb treats or undisciplined vacation binges and not go into a tailspin. Instead, you can quickly recalibrate back to fat-adaptation, and use keto as a lifelong tool to stay trim, healthy, energetic, and free from the disastrous health conditions caused by the high carb, high insulin producing modern diet. With step-by-step guidance, daily meal plans and a recipe section with over 100 delicious keto-friendly recipes, this is the definitive guide to help the keto-beginner or the experienced health enthusiast understand the what, why, and how to succeed with ketogenic eating.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love!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).Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

In today’s digital world of information overload, the most controversial topic that causes the greatest amount of conflict and confusion (politics aside, of course) is nutrition. Rarely do I post anything on social media or via my inner circle email newsletter about diet and nutrition that doesn’t elicit at least one hate-filled response.Who knew something as simple as food could divide us so much?Luckily when you strip away the noise you find wonderful people like Mira and Jayson Calton, the founders of Calton Nutrition and the authors of two of my favorite books on the topic of nutrition and food science, “Rich Food, Poor Food” and “The Micronutrient Miracle.” While I know these may not sound like edge-of-your-seat page turners, they actually are. In fact, I’ve only written one book review in my entire career, and it was for Rich Food, Poor Food because the book absolutely changed my life, especially how I approach what I eat, nutrition in general, and most importantly how to go food shopping the right way without losing your mind (or breaking the bank).In this nearly two-hour marathon episode from my Fitness In Post archives I do a deep dive with the Caltons about many nutrition-related topics including why the food pyramid we’ve been following for decades is complete BS, why calories in vs calories out is practically a dead science at this point and has been completely debunked, the science behind why fat isn’t the enemy we’ve always thought it was, and how the food companies use incredibly deceptive marketing tactics to get us to buy certain foods.If you’ve ever scratched your head while grocery shopping wondering what the difference is between “natural” or “organic” and you want a better, long-term strategy for eating better, this is the episode for you.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:The toxicity in our current food supply and why were are micronutrient defficientThe difference between macronutrients and micronutrientsWhy the Food Pyramid is a bad nutrition guideHow much the science of nutrition has changed in the last 20 yearsHow your diet cab actually deplete your micronutrientsImproving the way we measure caloric intake when calories in vs. calories out doesn't cut itThe science behind high fat, low carb diets and how to do them properlyYour comprehensive guide to healthy grocery shoppingThe dangers of food billboards and buzzword nutrition marketingMaking sense of nutrition label informationWhat it means when food is labeled “organic”Understanding how the toxins and pesticides in food end up in your system3 foods you think are healthy that really aren’tThe 4 major flaws in the multivitamin marketThe ABC’s of optimal supplementationWhy Nutreínce is the holy grail of multivitaminsHow being micronutrient sufficient can literally reverse diseases like osteoporosis and macular degenerationUseful Resources Mentioned:Get your copy of Rich Food, Poor Food (the free version is no longer available, sorry)Calton NutritionThe ABC's of Optimal SupplementationBuy NutreínceBulletproof Coffee KitOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter.Guest Bio:Twitter | FacebookThe Caltons are among the world's leading experts on the topics of weight management, lifestyle medicine and micronutrient deficiency. Their high success rate working with adults and children to achieve sustainable weight loss and reverse health and disease conditions has made their consultancy highly sought after by celebrities, athletes and top corporate executives around the world. It is their belief that becoming micronutrient sufficient is the first step towards preventing and reversing many of today's most prevalent health conditions and diseases.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love!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).Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Prioritizing sleep is absolutely essential if you want to consistently generate creative thoughts and stay focused (and no...caffeine and Red Bull are not adequate replacements). But what options do you have if you work insane hours and getting the right amount of sleep isn't always an option? The next step is finding way to improve the quality of your sleep. If you missed the episode with Shawn Stevenson I highly recommending giving that a listen first because it contains loads of information about why sleep is so important to your mental and physical health and it’s great for beginners who don’t know much about the basic science of sleep. It also has a lot of great suggestions to get started improving your sleep quality and quantity without a ton of effort or investment. In this episode I have an in-depth conversation with one of my favorite health resources on the planet, biohacker and fitness expert Ben Greenfield where we dive way deeper into the sleep rabbit hole and discuss advanced sleep hacks, wearables, and other crazy tech to take your sleep and your cognitive abilities to the next level. Some of the stuff he talks about in this episode blew my mind, so if you feel like you already have basic sleep hygiene under control, give some of these next-level options a try.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:The problem with wearing your sleep deprivation badge of honorWhat does a healthy sleep cycle look like?Neurological, hormonal, and psychological benefits to healthy sleepIs it possible that you just need less sleep than everyone else?The relationship between sleep an weight gainHow light and temperature can alter your hormonal levelsWhy when you sleep is as important as how long you sleepBen's guide to creating your own sleep optimizing light setupLearn how to track and manage your sleepUseful Resources Mentioned:Ep123: The Solution to Your Sedentary Lifestyle | with Ben GreenfieldThe Power of WhenIris TechAwake and Alert BulbsMelatonin SupplementsNature CBDGABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid)OURA TrackerRe-Timer GlassesGunnar Blue-Light Filtering GlassesRuby Lux Red BulbKratom SupplementsSleepy Baby Sleep-Enhancing LED Nursery LampOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter.Guest Bio:Twitter|Facebook|InstagramAuthor of the New York Times Bestseller “Beyond Training“, Ben Greenfield’s balanced approach to fitness, nutrition and health comes from his extensive experience in the fitness and wellness industry as one of the country’s leading personal trainers and wellness consultants. In 2008, Ben was nominated by the NSCA as America’s top personal trainer, and in 2013 and 2014, Ben was voted as one of the top 100 most influential individuals in health and fitness. A frequent contributor to health and wellness publications and a highly sought after speaker, Ben’s understanding of functional exercise, nutrition, and the delicate balance between performance and health has helped thousands of people around the world achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! 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).Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.