

Fabulist
Joel Pilger
The glamorous studio story is a lie.
This is what actually happens behind the scenes.
A candid look inside the world’s most interesting studios and production companies…
and the business decisions fueling their best work.
I’m Joel Pilger.
I ran Impossible Pictures for 20 years.
Today in Forum™, I help founders run their studio on purpose.
If you work in motion, animation, live action, sound, or experiential…
this is where founders get real about the business.
Join the movement: http://joelpilger.com
Huge thanks to our audio production partner, Coupe Studios.
Learn more: coupestudios.com
© 2019–2026 JPMP
This is what actually happens behind the scenes.
A candid look inside the world’s most interesting studios and production companies…
and the business decisions fueling their best work.
I’m Joel Pilger.
I ran Impossible Pictures for 20 years.
Today in Forum™, I help founders run their studio on purpose.
If you work in motion, animation, live action, sound, or experiential…
this is where founders get real about the business.
Join the movement: http://joelpilger.com
Huge thanks to our audio production partner, Coupe Studios.
Learn more: coupestudios.com
© 2019–2026 JPMP
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 1, 2024 • 1h 4min
The End of the Beginning for Motion Design | Part 2 with Ryan Summers and John Lepore
Ryan Summers, a senior creative director at Spilt, teams up with John Lepore, a futurist specializing in emerging tech, for a riveting discussion about the future of motion design. They dive into the seamless transfer of motion design skills across industries and the importance of solving core client problems. The conversation highlights innovative tools like real-time CG and immersive experiences, such as the NFL's Toy Story-themed broadcasts. They emphasize adaptability, clear communication, and a thoughtful creative process as essential for success in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Jun 6, 2023 • 37min
Beat Baudenbacher — LOYALKASPAR
In a world inundated with brands, one visionary offers a more considered method to branding.GUESTBeat Baudenbacher | Principal, Chief Creative Officer at loyalkasparHOSTJoel Pilger | Global Consultant at RevThink | Instagram | LinkedInNOMINATE A FABULISTKnow a creative entrepreneur who should be on “the list”? Nominate them.CREDITSPost-Production by Coupe Studios Music & Sound DesignEngineered by Taylor Marvin, Alex HawleyProduced by Celia St. Amant, Eric SingerThe Outsourceress: Lidia ScarlatSpecial Thanks to Multimedia Storytellers Arbo RadikoNOTESWe asked Beat to share an image of an object dear to their company. Here's what we got:"So what popped into my head was the first MACINTOSH CLASSIC we got at my home in Switzerland, which opened the world of computer-generated visuals to me. We still have it at the office in NYC, but it doesn't work anymore."

May 10, 2023 • 34min
Orion Tait — RESIDENCE
Find out why Residence isn't a holding company in the traditional sense, the overall reception in the industry and what are the championing values of the companies Residence embraces.GUESTOrion Tate | Founder, Chief Creative Officer at BUCK and ResidenceHOSTJoel Pilger | Global Consultant at RevThink | Instagram | LinkedInNOMINATE A FABULISTKnow a creative entrepreneur who should be on “the list”? Nominate them.CREDITSPost-Production by Coupe Studios Music & Sound DesignEngineered by Taylor Marvin, Alex HawleyProduced by Celia St. Amant, Eric SingerThe Outsourceress: Lidia ScarlatSpecial Thanks to Multimedia Storytellers Arbo RadikoNOTES We asked Orion to share an image of an object dear to their company. Here's what we got:"I like a good metaphor, and sometimes use mycorrhizal fungi to describe residence's philosophy of non-competitive cooperative sharing.So, here's a mushroom!"

11 snips
Feb 8, 2023 • 37min
Ryan Honey & Orion Tait — BUCK
Ryan Honey and Orion Tate, co-founders of the acclaimed motion design studio BUCK, dive into the studio's vibrant culture, likening it to a 'multi-headed hydra' that adapts and thrives. They discuss fostering creativity through support and autonomy, and the importance of balancing growth with core values. The pair also reflect on evolving client relationships, emphasizing innovation and collaboration as keys to navigating the future of design. Their insights on nurturing a creative community are both inspiring and thought-provoking.

4 snips
Jan 11, 2023 • 1h 3min
The End of the Beginning for Motion Design | Part 1 with Ryan Summers and John Lepore
Join Ryan Summers, a senior creative director at Spilt known for his expertise in visual effects, and John Lepore, a creative consultant with 16 years at Perception NYC specializing in tech design, as they explore the evolving landscape of motion design. They discuss the profound influence of the 'Spider-Verse' franchise, the significance of community among creatives, and the importance of adaptability in a tech-driven future. Their insightful anecdotes and reflections reveal a bright road ahead for motion design, encouraging collaboration and innovation.

Jan 10, 2023 • 46min
Erin Sarofsky — SAROFSKY
On the journey to building a legacy, there is a fine line between fragility and stability.GUESTErin Sarofsky | Owner and Executive Creative Director at SarofskyHOSTJoel Pilger | Global Consultant at RevThink | Instagram | LinkedIn NOMINATE A FABULISTKnow a creative entrepreneur who should be on “the list”? Nominate them.CREDITSSenior Producer: Jocelyn Arem at Arbo RadikoSound Design: Eric Singer at Coupe StudiosThe Outsourceress: Lidia ScarlatTRANSCRIPTComing soon

Dec 13, 2022 • 40min
Marcel Ziul — STATE DESIGN
Along one studio’s journey to the highest levels, its founder struggles with darkness… only to discover a deeper purpose. GUESTMarcel Ziul | Executive Creative Director & Founder at STATE DesignHOSTJoel Pilger | Global Consultant at RevThink | Instagram | LinkedInNOMINATE A FABULISTKnow a creative entrepreneur who should be on “the list”? Nominate them.CREDITSSenior Producer: Jocelyn Arem at Arbo RadikoSound Design: Eric Singer at Coupe StudiosThe Outsourceress: Lidia ScarlatTRANSCRIPTComing soon

Dec 5, 2022 • 35min
Joe Wright & Mikon van Gastel — SIBLING RIVALRY
Sibling’s work is bold, clear, and smart. But as with any creative business, the work is – at most – half the story. GUESTSJoe Wright | Co-Founder, Director, Chief Creative Officer at Sibling RivalryMikon van Gastel | Co-Founder, Director, Chief Creative Officer at Sibling RivalryHOSTJoel Pilger | Global Consultant at RevThink | Instagram | LinkedInNOMINATE A FABULISTKnow an amazing creative entrepreneur who should be on “the list”? Nominate them here.CREDITSSenior Producer: Jocelyn Arem at Arbo RadikoSound Design: Eric Singer at Coupe StudiosThe Outsourceress: Lidia ScarlatSpecial Thanks: Rich Macar at Buttons NY and Dallas Taylor at Defacto SoundTRANSCRIPTComing soon.


