Fabulist

In this episode of The Fabulist, Joel Pilger dives deep with Derek Dienner, founder of Make Films and producer of the upcoming feature film Brave the Dark. Derek shares his remarkable journey from running a thriving commercial production company to navigating the highs and lows of bringing a heartfelt narrative drama to life.Discover how Derek balances the dual challenges of managing a creative business and pursuing his dream of making impactful films. From securing $4 million in funding during the chaos of COVID, to signing a distribution deal with Angel Studios for a theatrical release in over 2,500 theaters, Derek’s story is one of resilience, vision, and entrepreneurial grit.If you've ever wondered what it takes to transition from producing commercials to creating feature films—or how to persevere when the odds seem insurmountable—this is the episode for you. Hear about the challenges of the entertainment industry, the power of belief and grit, and the importance of staying connected to your creative roots. Links: Learn more about Derek's production company: MakeFilms.cc Tickets for Brave the Dark: Available starting December 1st, with the film opening nationwide January 24th. Tune in now to explore the intersection of creativity and commerce, and to celebrate the journey of reinventing the future of storytelling.

In this thought-provoking episode of the Fabulist Podcast, host Joel Pilger brings together a panel of creative industry leaders—Simon Dixon of DixonBaxi, Mitch Monson of Sibling Rivalry, and Carson Hood of BGSTR—for an authentic and inspiring conversation on the evolving role of personal and professional reputation in the creative world.The discussion explores:​The transition from competition to collaboration and the democratization of the creative industry.​The importance of fostering trust and authenticity in relationships with clients, collaborators, and teams.​How personal values and actions can positively impact company culture, reputation, and success.​Practical advice for creatives on how to show up authentically, add value, and find their unique lane in the industry.Join Joel and his guests as they candidly share their journeys, insights, and aspirations for the future of creativity. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring leader, this episode offers a fresh perspective on thriving in the creative industry.Listen now. Be inspired. Let’s redefine leadership as simply being valuable.

In this episode, I sit down with Joe Nash to unpack the complexities of running a creative studio in today's ever-evolving market.We dive into: Why authenticity and truly caring about your clients’ challenges are the ultimate game-changers.The shift from traditional agency models to in-house teams—and what that means for studios.The power of curiosity in navigating change and finding new opportunities, from motion systems to experiential design.How to define success on your own terms—whether it’s scaling big or staying small and impactful.Joe shares wisdom from his time working with studios of all sizes and insights from building Brand Tracker, a tool connecting incredible creative work to the people who need it most. If you’ve ever felt the push and pull of staying relevant in a fast-changing industry, this conversation is for you.Listen now to explore what it takes to innovate, adapt, and thrive in the creative world!

Join industry veteran Justin Cone from BUCK as he navigates the exciting yet challenging landscape of motion design. He discusses the shift towards in-house creative teams and how this trend reshapes client relationships. Justin shares insights on the role of AI; it’s a tool for enhancement, not a replacement. The conversation also covers the concept of 'ephemeralization,' advocating for curiosity and adaptability in a rapidly evolving field. Perfect for creatives aiming to stay relevant in a changing industry!

In this discussion, Dominic DiMaria, an artist and entrepreneur who co-founded Das Audie, reveals his insights on brand positioning and creativity. He introduces his Magnetic framework, guiding creatives to communicate their authentic voice effectively. They delve into overcoming obstacles through unique perspectives and share the power of authenticity in a competitive landscape. Dominic emphasizes that success goes beyond just quality work, highlighting the need for a distinct identity in order to truly resonate with clients and projects.

In this episode of The Fabulist, we tackle one of the most misunderstood roles in the creative industry: “What does a Producer actually do?”To help answer that question, I’ve brought together an incredible panel of powerhouse Producers – Rebecca Olson, Kathryn Henderson, Leyla T. Rosario, and Jessica L. Ransom – to shed light on the role of these behind-the-scenes masterminds. From navigating complex projects to keeping creative chaos in check, these experts reveal the magic Producers bring to every production.I’ll admit: I wasn’t cut out to be a Producer. In fact, my studio’s turning point came when I finally hired a rockstar Producer. The difference was night and day, transforming Impossible Pictures into a high-functioning powerhouse. It’s why, even though I’m all about championing creatives, I’m here to declare:Producers are the Unsung Heroes of our Industry!Still not convinced? Give this episode a listen and I guarantee you’ll see just how indispensable these heroes are. And if you already agree, show some love to your favorite Producer in the comments.Huge shoutout to Coupe Studios for making The Fabulist so fabulous

In this enlightening episode of The Fabulist Podcast, host Joel Pilger sits down with Michael Gilday, founder and CEO of Deep Vibe Creative, for an in-depth discussion on the transformation and future of creative industries in the age of AI.Gilday shares his extensive career journey, from the early days of analog media to the cutting-edge digital era, and highlights the unique skills and crafts that are being overshadowed by technological advancements. Concerned about the diminishing opportunities for students and junior roles in creative fields due to AI technologies, he urges the younger generation to become indispensable by helping older professionals stay relevant.The conversation spans various topics, including the role of AI in artistry, the eroding middlemen in the industry, and the cautionary lessons from the music sector's technological struggles. Gilday emphasizes the importance of passion over financial motivation in creative careers and shares his insights into leadership, business acumen, and the evolving demands of the creative workforce.Join us as we explore the potential and pitfalls of AI in the creative world, the importance of regulation, and the fine balance between technology and human creativity. Whether you're an industry veteran or an aspiring creative, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating the future of the creative landscape.Highlights:AI's Impact on Opportunities:How AI is reshaping job roles and opportunities in creative fields.Craft and Technology:The transition from analog to digital and its effects on craft and learning.Leadership and Collaboration:The role of creative leaders in nurturing talent and managing innovation.Future Outlook:The need for regulation and responsible use of AI in creative industries.Tune in for an engaging discussion that blends personal experiences, professional insights, and forward-thinking perspectives on creativity and commerce.

Let's dive deep into the highs and lows of the creative life with Kevin Rapp, the seasoned creative leader and founder of Ultra Friends. In this episode, Joel Pilger invites Kevin to explore:​Why creatives often find themselves exploited​The emotional toll of turning passion into a career​How business realities can erode the joy of creationKevin shares powerful insights on finding value in creative work, navigating the tension between business and creativity, and empowering the next generation of creators. Tune in for this honest conversation about the challenges and triumphs of living a creative life.Connect with Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-rapp-consulting/Thanks for our audio production partners at http://coupestudios.comFind out more about FORUM at https://www.joelpilger.com/forum

Joel Pilger dives into the intersection of creativity and commerce with Mack Garrison from Dash Studio, addressing industry challenges and trends such as post-COVID screen fatigue, the rise of influencers, and industry disruptions. The pair discuss the importance of diversification, innovation, and community building amidst an evolving landscape. Further topics include Dash Studio’s adaptive strategies, including creating templates for clients, and emphasize the need for flexibility, play, and partnership in the creative field. The conversation also highlights Dash’s initiative, DASH BASH, an inclusive animation festival fostering industry connections and knowledge sharing.

Join industry disruptors Ryan Summers, a motion design visionary, and John LePore, co-founder of Black Box Infinite, as they navigate the future of motion design. They discuss the rising importance of strategic creativity and how emerging technologies like AI are reshaping storytelling. The conversation highlights the gap between order-takers and tastemakers, emphasizing the need for designers to adapt to new client expectations. They explore immersive experiences in entertainment, urging professionals to balance innovative storytelling with technical skills for success.