Monetizing Your Creativity - Pursuing A Career In Film, Television, Writing, Theatre, Music & Design With Your Talents

Have a passion to begin with. Then stick your foot in the door any way you can. So says J.P.! In our second Vancouver visit with J.P. Finn (The X-Files, Arrow, The Flash), this Emmy Award-laden producer shares with you what he feels are necessary ingredients for a successful career in a wide-ranging arena such as film and TV. Hear how you can use chimpanzees as a measure of your success in the media industry. It’s all possible. Canceled? Keep going! Find your own way. Believe in yourself and encourage others to believe in you. Failure can be the end. Or a temporary setback. It's your call. Finn makes fine points! Marvin tries to give Fred a hug! Fred flounders through several 98 word questions! Yet J.P.’s wit and wisdom saves the day! We’re giving way too much away right here in the summary! Download and listen to the man himself. “That unpaid film on the weekend is how it all begins!” - J. P. Finn, Producer Subscribe to the free Monetizing Your Creativity podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podca

Why not? Why not? Why not? That was the question repeatedly pressed upon writer/producer Glynis Whiting by a professor as she studied to be an elementary school teacher instead of pursuing her passion in writing. Why not, indeed? When she ran out of excuses, she also ran out of the education program and into the drama program. And we are all the better for it. A “utility” player in the sports world is an athlete who can play well in many different positions on the team. The concept exists in the creative arts as well. A “triple threat” is a performer who, in addition to acting, can sing and dance as well. You might consider Glynis Whiting to be a triple threat on the other side of the camera. She is a screenwriter who became a television executive helping writers. She then began to produce and direct her own work, before coming full circle to writing. But this time – novels! In this Vancouver interview, Glynis tells you what producers look for in their search for a screenplay to develop into a film and h

Benjamin is back! In his second chat with us, young Broadway actor Benjamin Wheelwright discusses the art of treating yourself like a business. He encourages you to learn the basic steps including building a firm foundation in what you need to know, learning from your failures and missteps and continuing improvement as you move towards becoming the best that you can be. All valuable insights, regardless of your career aspirations! In this New York interview, he discusses how to be discovered by an agent and how to put yourself in the right spot for that discovery to take place. You’ll love his take on the audition process and the delicate balance necessary to get the best results out of each interview. Every journey is unique. Carving out a career in the creative arts means sometimes simply surrendering yourself to the process and letting things happen as they may. It’s not what happens to you that matters, it’s how you react to what happens to you that matters. So take matters into your own hands. Benja

Yes, attending film school can indeed launch your career in whatever your creative discipline happens to be. To prove it, Marv and Fred visit Vancouver Film School (VFS) and chat with the “man behind the masks”. Stan Edmonds (Unforgiven; Scary Movie; Scary Movie 4; The Butterfly Effect; I, Robot; etc.) runs the Department of Makeup Design for Film and Television at VFS. He takes Fred and Marv on a tour of the facility where it becomes obvious that, with apologies to George Bernard Shaw, “Those that can do, OFTEN teach”. And with great results. While we often discuss how generalists can leverage diverse revenue streams to sustain a career in the creative arts, Stan makes a case for the specialist, one whose intense study in one area almost certainly guarantees early onset employment in your chosen field. That specialty can be anything you're passionate about, but since Stan knows everything there is to know about makeup, he explains to you some of the age-old principles of makeup design, as well as the imp

For many romantic relationships and partnerships in Hollywood, staying together for several months or so can be a record-breaking personal best. With the wrong partner, an unhappy two weeks together can seem like an eternity! But Tom Muschamp (editor) and Mia Cortez (producer) have devised a system of checks and balances to encourage behaviors that allow them to inhabit the same live/work space 24/7 without seriously injuring each other. Or others. Or taking it out on the dog. Tom and Mia share with you some of the secrets of their success as cohabiting co-workers and life partners. You don't have to be in Hollywood to be unhappy in a relationship. Whether one or both partners are in the creative arts arena, long hours and short tempers can take a toll on the strongest of relationships. You have tabloid media assistance in discovering the latest relationship disasters in LA (sometimes even before they happen). But you have Fred and Marvin to bring you a “good news” story about relationships. Aren

What is the impact of parental encouragement and guidance on launching a creative career? Does it matter? Is it the only thing that matters? Should a parent micro-manage or simply facilitate opportunities for the child to consider? Good questions! Marvin and Fred pull together transatlantic Peter Muschamp (pere Anglais) and intercontinental Tom Muschamp (fils Americain) in our first father/son interview. The Muschamp line discusses the genetic dispersal of the arts gene as it runs from generation to generation (or does it?). Recently retired teacher and theatre director/designer Peter describes the support and encouragement given to young Tom Muschamp, independent filmmaker and current King of “sizzler” reel production for various broadcasters and Hollywood studios! Peter was one of Her Majesty’s Inspectors with special responsibility for the arts in schools and teacher education in the United Kingdom. He now assists in an advisory capacity with a variety of regional and national arts-related organizatio

Why would an award-winning young sculptor with exhibitions at world class museums like the Tate in London, as well as national touring exhibits, choose to teach? And why is he encouraging you to do volunteer projects to get your career started? Listen to this episode and find out! Sculptor, theatre director, senior lecturer and program evaluator Peter Muschamp answers the question: “Can you shape your cake and eat it, too?” This award-winning artist had a promising career in visual arts and design, then moved into the realm of theatre where he incorporated real performers into his production designs. Peter also moved into the education system, teaching various levels of students until Her Majesty’s Government decided his opinion of the quality of arts programs and teacher training in educational institutions could make a difference in the standards of art education in the United Kingdom. He became one of Her Majesty’s Inspectors with special responsibility for the arts in schools and teacher education in

With so many people seeking careers in the creative industries, it can be hard to believe that the old cliche is true: It’s hard to find good help! So what do creative team leaders really look for in potential employees or partners? PostPro Media's founder and principal Randy Egan has specific criteria beyond simply being technically proficient in his company that provides video post production (editing) services to advertising agencies. In this Vancouver interview, Randy shares his own progress from intern to employee to company owner who still occasionally needs to be kicked off the edit suite keyboard. He discusses the importance of every team member in nurturing and sustaining client relationships on behalf of the creative team. How do you do that? You can start by improving your communication skills so you can land and keep your dream job. There are likely places in your community (social clubs, book clubs, community colleges, continuing education groups, etc.) where workshops in communication, publi

She smacks lions in the face to establish dominance. And if they still give her grief, she does it AGAIN! Seriously. So Marv and Fred tread carefully through this interview with Jen Duffy, manager of the Roots and Shoots program for youth with the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada. Jen's art is that of inspiration. She uses her skills as a motivational speaker to teach, illustrate and persuade entire schools to commit to local, regional and international projects with great purpose. Approximately 200,000 students in 140 countries belong to Roots and Shoots youth groups dedicated to improving conditions for people, animals and the environment. And Jen plays a big part in motivating them. These youth have taken advantage of digital technology and communication arts such as graphic design, writing, acting, film making, songwriting, live performances and other creative activities to get us all involved in saving the Earth! Hard up for subject areas for your musical, dramatic or visually artistic talents? How a

How did Gerald Auger get his start in the entertainment industry? "I did a favour for a friend." Best answer ever. Doing something for others can often be the best way to do something for yourself. Some say Gerald is an anomaly. Politically astute. Aware of the business aspects of show business. And he's certainly spiritual. Gerald Auger of Black Eagle Entertainment is an actor (DreamKeeper, Into the West, Hell on Wheels, Blackstone), writer, producer and motivational speaker. In this Edmonton interview, he describes for you how his years growing up on the street instilled in him great lessons for dealing with the people and places where he would later live and work. It also made him a great actor! Gerald explains why. A re-connecting with his home community and a re-grounding of his own basic principles prepared him for an entirely different level of success, intercultural adventures and world travel. You've seen Gerald on screen. Now listen to him up close and personal. We want you to "monetize" your

There's a special place in Paradise for Saint Marvin as he patiently tries to get in a word edgewise with co-host Fred and actor/comedian Patrick Gallagher (Sideways, Night at the Museum, Fuller House, a regular at LA's Comedy Store). In this Los Angeles interview, they banter on about: - What it's like to improv with Ben Stiller and Robin Williams - The "Gallagher Method" for creating new languages - Patrick's best advice for securing work (Hint: it involves fake airline tickets!) - The difference between fate and destiny - The difference between "entitlement" and "just desserts" - Marvin's breakpoint as a producer Wall-to-wall words. A generous serving of the wit and wisdom of Patrick Gallagher. Enjoy! Subscribe to the free Monetizing Your Creativity podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/monetizing-your-creativity/id1082894462?mt=2 While you're there, please leave your comments and suggestions for future episodes. We love your feedback! Or search for Monetizing Your Creativity on Stitch

OK, so you’ve created a great project and now you want some publicity. But how do you reach out to the news media? There’s a right way and a wrong way. Are you sprayin’ and prayin’? Are you issuing a press release addressed to everybody you happen to know and lots of people you don’t know (and no one in particular)? Well, good luck with that! This episode finds Marvin interviewing former newspaper journalist and now podcaster/blogger Karen Unland to discuss how to pitch delightful and insightful stories to the new and traditional news media who can potentially help spread the word about your particular creative project. One little win at a time. You don’t have to know everybody at every level in the media to generate some interest in your work. You just need to know someone who knows someone and can put in a good word for you and produce for them a great looking or sounding pitch of how you can help that media outlet please their readers, viewers and followers. Karen outlines and describes the simple ste

Why does Marvin call Martin Mayer a “Swiss Army knife”? And why is Martin okay with that? Martin’s roller coaster ride as a young musical prodigy and his subsequent ups and downs working freelance in the areas of graphic design, web design/coding, copywriting and musical composition make for several compelling stories and life lessons all in one episode. There are more “take-away” items available here than in most sushi shops. Fresh raw experience to chew on, digest thoroughly, and from which to energize and sustain your own creative activities. If you’re a visual thinker, please disregard the previous paragraph :) In this Vancouver interview, Martin shares a number of cautionary tales with you that range from how he landed an exhilarating concert tour of China to the dangers of burnout in toxic client relationships. Yes, unhappiness can have severe effects on your health and productivity. And, ultimately, in the absence of a supportive team, you are the only one you can rely on to get back to a healthie

From his aerie in midtown Manhattan, advertising agency creative director Martin Schneider gives you the skinny on what to expect if you hope to jump into the advertising business on either the agency or client side. No, we’re not talking to someone from the cast of Mad Men during this episode. Martin is a real life creative director. Martin tells you of his own pinball approach to his dream job. Bouncing from pillar to post in educational settings, both formal and informal. Exercising his true passion for words and learning firsthand the importance of collaboration. Martin explains his theory of the "Dynamic of Two" (as Fred and Marvin strive to appear dynamic). Martin is both educational and inspirational as he explains crafting ad campaigns that stand out among the thousands of competitive messages clamouring for your attention each day. 
 Here’s a hint: It has to do with objectives and purpose. So what’s the next step in your career? That’s a question only you can answer for yourself. Martin share

Get connected to people who might want to hire you! Know an agent? Need an agent? Why or why not? What are the best contract arrangements for you? Ask an agent. Ask Harrison McTavish, a young agent connected to the film and television performer’s market in Vancouver, Canada. We'll let him tell you how and why he got his current job with LLA Talent, one of the busiest agencies in Vancouver. It’s an intriguing backstory. Agents like Harrison represent talent in many different categories: fashion design, writing, musicians, visual artists, dancers, editors, casting directors, directors, wardrobe design, sporting activities. But they cannot do the interview for you! You are the one who needs to audition for the job and then the agent negotiates the business deal. Many people in creative arts activities have poorly developed marketing skills when it comes to promoting their own talent. There is a tendency to undersell or oversell your own capabilities in the enthusiasm (or desperation) to land a gig. The com

Her energy alone is contagious. Stir in a terrific sense of comedy and several cupfuls of improv training and you have the perfect recipe for a dish we call “Fun to Work With” and a TV host, comedian and actress we call Lisa Gilroy! This multi-talented young woman was the host of YTV’s Undercover High (series nominated for an International Emmy) and currently co-hosts the afternoon pre-teen staple called The Zone as well as the live broadcast talent search competition The Next Star. When Lisa isn’t on camera, she’s writing and performing comedy sketches with a variety of improv groups at comedy clubs. How was young Lisa Gilroy plucked from thousands who submitted self-taped auditions to YTV who then shipped her across the continent from the wilds of Western Canada to the well-pounded pavement of Toronto? And how did those first few weeks go? In her words: “It was a medical miracle … minus the medical part!” Great Story! But we’ll let her tell it to you. The difference between school and life? “In schoo

Checked your intellectual property (IP) lately? Would it pass indie filmmaker Michael Jorgensen’s sniff test? Is it U2 but true? Michael Jorgensen has built a reputation with PBS, Discovery Channel, National Geographic and the History Channel by providing them with non-fiction stories that are a) Untold and b) Unbelievable (but true!). He explains how ‘pitching’ a story first involves getting into the head of your potential client and source of funds by asking yourself the same questions that the potential funders are asking themselves. And he lists the “Big Three”. Michael’s breakdown on how times have changed in terms of technology, program creation and distribution should get your attention. Current trends have had a tremendously positive impact on your ability to get your product to the public without having to go through the traditional gatekeepers – unless you want to. (This podcast series is living proof of that!) This master storyteller explains the difference between narrative and non-narrative st

Jesse Lipscombe has fingers in more projects than he has fingers! As Executive Producer and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Mosaic Entertainment, he is overseeing the 5th season of Tiny Plastic Men (Super Channel, Hulu) and a wide variety of additional projects in various phases of development. Jesse demonstrates the same laser-like focus that guided his athletic career and has brought the same level of relentless determination to his current sport: raising money for creative programming. He tells you how to take advantage (in a good way!) of various government or foundation grants that may be available to kickstart funding for a project. And speaking of kickstarts, Jesse also describes the benefits of crowdfunding websites like Kickstarter and, of course, the ongoing search for private investors. He asks you to ask yourself what you’re willing to give to someone who’s willing to give money to you. Maybe a T-shirt? Cameo role in the project? Their money back plus a healthy return on the investment? Jesse’

Although Andria Teather studied writing and publishing in university, you may be surprised to learn that one of her greatest creative endeavours is actually as a leader in the non-profit world. Here’s the backstory. Andria has been on both sides of the desk. As a customer-driven employee of a financial services corporation, Andria Teather was involved in the responsible granting of philanthropic funds. She shepherded investments made by the corporation through investing, donating and sponsoring good causes. Then she jumped. Now Andria serves as CEO of the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada. The institute creates the next generation of “Janes” who serve and save the people, animal and plant worlds from their current state of distress. There are Jane Goodall Institutes in 40+ countries around the world. Andria's team of volunteers, donors and professionals contribute to special projects locally and in Africa. Turning young ‘eco-worriers’ into ‘eco-warriors’, they inspire local youth chapters as part of the i

Seeing things? Strange new worlds all around you? Would you like to walk and talk with the creatures that inhabit them? It’s VR, baby! Virtual reality. And it’s on a platform you may already own. Your phone or your game system. Don the mask and assume the task! Celine Tricart is a Paris-trained producer/director now based in LA who produces in 3D and VR. She is also a master storyteller. In this episode, Celine describes the great opportunities in storytelling and story “experiencing” awaiting creative people like you. Celine reports that low cost VR equipment is currently available for entrepreneurially-mined producers who want to experiment and teach themselves. There are VR workshops in LA and other large cities, but sustained training programs are still few and far between. Support groups that encourage participation in VR activities can be found online. This brand new creative medium – where traditional approaches to storytelling and filmmaking may actually be more hindrance than help – is especial