Whether you’re directing commercials or directing films, these tips from Phil Cooke http://philcooke.com will make a difference in the quality and length of your career and help you be the kind of director that crew and actors want to be attached to.   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056   Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/fENJ7lFeY3M   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.   More about this episode: Directors: 5 Critical Things You Need to Do On Set In the old days, directors were contract players, so they were directing nearly every day of their career. But in today’s freelance film and video world, most directors aren’t shooting more than once every two or three months. As a result, many directors don’t understand how to act on a set or how to lead.     Here are five things that have made an important difference for me on a film set or in a TV studio:   1) Do your homework.   Once you get to the studio, the cash register starts ringing. From the moment you show up on the set you should be ready to make decisions. Things may change in the course of a shoot, but standing around on the set trying to decide what to do will cause the crew to lose confidence in you.   2) Don’t be a jerk.   There’s enough pressure on a film set without an immature director losing control. Remember this: Once you start yelling, you’ve just sent a message to the crew that you’re out of ideas.    Don’t let your insecurities or fear get the best of you. Stay calm. Be nice. When things get tough, that’s when you need the loyalty of your crew most of all.   3) Always be open to ideas from unexpected places.   I was shooting a TV commercial in Houston once and was stumped. We had changed the spot during shooting and were trying to decide a big payoff shot for the end. Nobody had a good answer, until a low-level prop assistant made a suggestion.   It was brilliant, and it saved the commercial.  I was glad I was listening.   4) Be confident.   The crew is looking to you for answers and they need to know you have a vision and everything is going to be alright. Even if you don’t know the answers, don’t let them think you’re lost. Don’t be afraid to ask for help but be a leader. The set will fall into chaos if the crew starts believing you’re not up to the task.   5) Finally, lavish credit on the crew.   This is your team. They’re the key to making you successful. Forget the arrogance. Dump the pride. You’ll be amazed at the ideas, innovation, and unexpected answers they’ll come up with. Encourage them, and they’ll reward you with an incredible effort.   Good directors of movies, documentaries, short films and other media know how to inspire people to do amazing things. Next time you’re on set, apply these directing skills to get the best out of your crew and the best performance out of your actors. Inspire your team to greater creativity!   Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   Other Great Resources: Get my “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com   Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com  

Game shows, live events and sporting events are often filmed with multi-cameras. Phil Cooke https://philcooke.cominterviews multi-camera director Clay Jacobsen who shares practical tips on how to capture a compelling experience on your next multi-cam gig. Bonus tips for church media directors in directing for the audience while directing for the IMAG screen.   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056   Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/Jx6cApJ_tdo   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.   More about this episode: Clay Jacobsen Interview: Multi-Camera Directing With over 40 years of TV production experience, Clay Jacobsen’s multi-cam directing credits include the Dove Awards, American Idol Extra, Ellen and Entertainment Tonight. He currently directs the television game show Jeopardy. Here are important take-aways from his interview with Phil Cooke…   It’s important to give the viewer what they want in a multi-camera show. Make it look real; if it’s too flawless, people will wonder if it’s live! Get the right crew around you. Never look at the program monitor; if you do, you’re behind! Look at all cameras to be a step ahead of what’s happening next. In a church multi-cam setting, you’ve got to ask: How can I best help my pastor tell his message well? Keep in mind you have two audiences: the live audience and the people watching from home. Audience shots are important for the viewers at home. Lighting: a good room can look cheap if it’s not lit right. Know the limitations of your camera people. Get out there and operate a camera to know what can and cannot be done. Faith in Hollywood: You don’t have to bang people over the head. Your light is the witness… When someone is in trouble, they will talk to you. Know your craft as well as you can. Make sure you’re on a track you want to be on.   A Primetime Emmy nominee, Clay Jacobsen is a member of the Director’s Guild of America. An alumna of Oral Roberts University, Jacobsen is also an author of multiple novels “that challenge the spirit.”   Find out more about Clay Jacobsen here: https://www.clayjacobsen.com/   Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   Other Great Resources: Get my “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com   Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Business video calls can be fantastic – or a disaster and can affect how you are perceived by clients and colleagues. Phil Cooke https://philcooke.comoffers tips to present yourself as a confident professional on a Skype or iPhone video call.   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056   Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here:https://youtu.be/zTERneHnGXs   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.   More about this episode: How to Be a Rockstar on Video Conference Calls Mostconference calls are in a business or professional context, so we need to give more thought to how we’re seen on those calls. From the way you set up your camera, are you perceived as a confident, professional leader? Is your shot pleasing to watch as you speak? Are there distractions that keep me from hearing your message?     Here are a few of the most common mistakes people make. Let me know if you’ve seen anyone do these and check out my blog article for some great (and fun) visuals on each point. https://www.philcooke.com/how-to-become-a-rock-star-on-video-conference-calls/   When the shot is too close:  When you get too close to your computer camera, it distorts your face – especially your nose.Consider the other people on the call and always remember to never sit too close to the camera.   When there are people in the background: This is an especially big problem if you work from home. Make sure your wife, kids, or dogs aren’t running around in the background, distracting from what you’re saying and being generally annoying for everyone else watching.   When there’s an inappropriate background:  I’ve actually been on video conference calls where there’s an unmade bed in the background of somebody’s home office. Think about what kind of background will be more professional and a better environment for the call.   When there’s bad framing:  People want to see YOU, not everything else in the office.  Plus, in most cases, they see your shot as a small frame, so you need to be bigger in that frame to get your message across.   When It’s Too Dark:  I shouldn’t have to say much about this, but you won’t believe the number of people who don’t think about the lighting.  I want to see your eyes and expression, so either turn on the lights, open a window, or find a better location.   When you’re not looking at the camera!  Do your best to look at the actual camera lens on your computer or phone. Otherwise, it looks like you’re talking to your keyboard.   Think about the framing!  Visit my blog for the sample screenshot of this one! A shot I often use on conference calls positions my head in the upper third of the screen so it feels more natural. You can see my bookshelves, so people know it’s from my office. And I can control the lighting because I’m between a window and some track lighting that I can aim.     Also, make sure the camera lens is eye level or slightly above. You don’t want people looking up at your neck and chin because you’re sitting higher than the camera. Likewise, if the camera is too high, you look diminished and small – not the confident, authoritative perception you want. Keep it line of sight or just slightly above.   Next time you schedule a conference call, think about your perception. It’s a media driven world, so your clients, co-workers, vendors, and associates will make a lot of assumptions from the camera angle and framing you choose.   Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   Other Great Resources: Get my “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com   Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Productive meetings can happen if handled properly! Phil Cooke shares tips on how to conduct effective meetings and how to use meetings to your advantage. Bonus tips: How to attend other people’s meetings and advance your career to the next level. (If you’ve got an upcoming meeting at a Hollywood studio, a church, or with a client, watch for these extra pointers!)   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056   Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here:https://youtu.be/r9_VTnENsi8   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.   More about this episode: My Rules for Attending Meetings I hate meetings. I really do. So if I have to attend a meeting, I want it to be productive. Here’s a list of things I want my Cooke Media Group team to know during a meeting, and the list might be worth sharing with your team as well:   Print an agendaso people know where this meeting is going. Be direct and intentional and you will accomplish something.   1) Learn to listen.  Nothing is more important in a meeting than simply listening. Too many people in meetings aren’t really listening, they’re just thinking of the next thing to say.   2) Write down initial ideas.  Never blurt out that brilliant revelation you just received. Jot it down first, and then see when it would be appropriate to interject into the conversation.   3) Value the time in meetings. Don’t tell us about your life story, the dream project you’re working on, or some new insight you recently read about.  Honor the people in the room and focus on the task at hand.   4) Do your homework.  Nothing is more embarrassing than tossing out an idea that’s already been tried or already failed. Learn about the client or project before walking in the room. Make sure that what you contribute is something new and worth their time. Never walk into a meeting blind.   5) Stop interrupting people.Nothing anyone has to say is so important that it’s worth interrupting. Just bide your time and speak when it’s appropriate.   6) Never dominate a meeting.  Keep your comments short and to the point. As you talk, watch the reactions of other people in the room. Are they listening? Are they interested? Or have they tuned you out? Cut to the chase.   Always have a hard “out.” Let your people know what time the meeting will end. Trust me – they will appreciate it.   Bonus tips! How to behave when attending other people’s meetings: -Step back.Don’t contribute in the same way you would if it were your meeting.   -Don’t be quick to give ideas.They may have been working on this project for years. Listen first.   -Practice discernment.Speaking too soon may be a recipe for disaster. Learn and hear from their perspectives.   -Make notes.Write down things you think are great ideas. Look for an opportunity to share later.   Any good advice for meeting behavior I’ve left out?   Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   Other Great Resources: Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1   Get my “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com Get more tips for meetings here:  https://www.philcooke.com/how-to-behave-in-other-peoples-meetings/ https://www.philcooke.com/my-rules-for-attending-meetings/   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Known for X-Men, Star Trek and Fantastic Four franchises, Hollywood producer Ralph Winter’s projects have grossed over $2 billion. In this interview with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com, Ralph shares behind the scenes stories plus tips for up and coming producers on how to leverage their talents in the film and television industry.   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056    Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/DjSnJKR5FL4   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.   More about this episode: X-Men Producer Ralph Winter Interview Ralph Winter shares his journey from making industrial videos to becoming a top Hollywood producer. Find out how to leverage your talents and experiences to become a valuable asset in the film and television industry with these behind the scenes stories from some of his movie successes. Includes tips on team building, casting vision, and finding stories and IP that studios are looking for.   Ralph has proven to be one of Hollywood’s most profitable assets, producing motion pictures and television. Winter produced the first three X-MEN films, Tim Burton’s PLANET OF THE APES, the FANTASTIC FOUR movies, and WOLVERINE: ORIGINS with Hugh Jackman.  In 2013, Ralph Executive Produced THE GIVER, starring Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, Katie Holmes, Alex Skarsgard, and Taylor Swift, directed by Phillip Noyce.  Also CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON: THE GREEN DESTINY, filmed in New Zealand and China for Netflix’s first original movie, starring Donnie Yen and Michelle Yeoh.     Outside the majors, Ralph has made various indie movies.  CAPTIVE, starring David Oyelowo and Kate Mara, based on the true story of Ashley Smith, released by Paramount Pictures.  In Spain, Malta, and Portugal, Ralph produced THE PROMISE with Christian Bale and Oscar Issac, with Terry George (HOTEL RWANDA) directing.  An epic love story set against WWI and the fall of the Ottoman Empire; this is the story of the Armenian Genocide in 1915.   Recently Ralph executive produced the pilot of ALTERED CARBON (“Blade Runner meets Game of Thrones”) for a series at Netflix released in February 2018. And a movie in Fiji and New Zealand, ADRIFT, starring Shailene Woodley and Sam Claflin, directed by Baltasar Kormakur (EVEREST, THE DEEP, 2 GUNS).   Currently he is producing a series for FX called HUE 1968, based on the book of the same name, about the key battle in the Vietnam War. Michael Mann (THE INSIDER, COLLATERAL, LAST OF THE MOHICANS) is writing, directing, and executive producing this 9-episode high profile series in Thailand, shooting this November.   A graduate of UC Berkeley, Ralph is active in community affairs and performing arts projects, speaks in the US, overseas at universities and film festivals, and serves on several film advisory boards.  He is an active member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, the DGA, and the PGA. Follow Ralph Winter on Twitter @rwinter1955   Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   Other Great Resources: Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com 

With Netflix, Hulu, Disney and others battling for online platforms, there is still a place for broadcast television. Phil Cooke https://philcooke.comshares why broadcast TV may be right for you to share your message or creative idea. Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056   Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here:https://youtu.be/DjSnJKR5FL4   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.   More about this episode: More about this episode: Why Broadcast TV Still Matters In my work with non-profits, churches, businesses and even filmmakers, more and more people are turning away from the TV broadcast world to the online streaming world.  To some degree, it’s natural, and digital media should be an important part of your strategic plan for connecting with a larger audience or customer base. However, in a world that’s crazy over online media, content producers shouldn’t forget what broadcast media does very well and especially why you shouldn’t be too quick to walk away from traditional TV: 1)  When it comes to full-length programming, TV is still the king. YouTube, Vimeo, and similar platforms generate enormous views, but it’s still mostly short clips.  As filmmaker George Lucas described, “Videos of puppies crossing a freeway.”  He used that illustration to describe the way that YouTube captures attention and can be interesting, but rarely a long-form, compelling experience.   2)  As a result, TV is still “America’s campfire.”  Nothing online generates the type of water-cooler conversation that “American Idol” does.  For all the talk about “community” online, we actually watch online videos primarily as individuals, but we still watch TV in groups.  As a result, the experience is different, and in media and entertainment, that issue matters.   3)  Amassing a big audience online doesn’t yet guarantee big ad revenues.  The TV audience is a buying audience.  Online?  We’re not sure yet.   4)  TV & film content still drives most entertainment.  Even the most successful online entertainment ventures are often for the most part is TV programming re-purposed online.  The most popular online programs are simply TV programs on a different medium.   Don’t get me wrong.  The world is moving online, but that doesn’t mean TV is going away.  Radio didn’t displace movies, and TV didn’t replace radio.  New platforms perform new purposes and don’t necessarily displace old media.  TV has a lot to offer, and in an effective media strategy, don’t forget that component.   Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   Other Great Resources: Get “Successful Christian Television” here: https://amzn.to/2GOZssY (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com   Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com  

Starting small with your ministry, non-profit or entertainment company? It may be the best thing ever – and give you an advantage over larger organizations in today’s digital age. Phil Cooke https://philcooke.comshares why he believes small matters and how it can work towards your success.   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056   Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here:https://youtu.be/Y-03QVOxJPI   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.   More about this episode: Why Small Could be the Best Thing Ever Seth Godin wrote a book about it and I’m a firm believer that in the digital age, “big” isn’t always good. Starting small – and even staying there – isn’t failure, it can be freedom.   Here are my top reasons I believe being small is perfect for the digital age:   Small doesn’t care about policies and procedures.As an organization grows, personal decisions and relationships take a back seat to official policies and procedures because once the Employee Handbook becomes the size of a Bible, things get complicated.   Small doesn’t care about your salary or office.Working out of a spare bedroom or small rented studio keeps things lean and mean, and there’s no time for ego to get in the way. When the stakes are high, people care less about perks and more about making a difference.   Small doesn’t care about obsessive scheduling.When I worked at a large organization, I had to apply for time off – even if it was to run an important errand. Contrast that to our team at Cooke Media Group, where it’s not based on WHEN or HOW you work, but WHAT WORK GETS DONE.   Small doesn’t care about the organizational chart. The most creative and productive teams I’ve worked with never mention titles and act like they don’t exist. On creative and productive teams you talk to whoever you need to talk with to get things done.   Small doesn’t care about obstacles.Small organizations know obstacles exist because it’s all small has ever known. For example, they don’t worry as much about budgets because they know they’ll get it done somehow – which makes incredible creativity happen.   Small doesn’t care about regular meetings.Leaders today average 31 hours a month in meetings that’s often wasted time. Compare that to small teams that have meetings standing up, on the run, or at lunch.   Finally, small doesn’t care about certainty.The bigger the organization, the more is at risk so they naturally lean toward being absolutely sure before decisions are made. But look at Paul’s missionary journey in the New Testament, Acts 16: “Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia.” They didn’t know where they were going, and just responded as doors opened. They weren’t as concerned about certainty as they were the mission.   Never feel embarrassed or ashamed about being small. Whatever size business, church or company you’re leading, in the digital age, small allows you to be nimble, change course quickly, respond faster, and most importantly – attempt things that make large organizations nervous. Amazon started with one man at a desk. Never forget that.   Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   Other Great Resources: Get organized with my “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com   Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Producer Simon Swart shares how to be a successful indie filmmaker in Hollywood in this interview with Phil Cooke. https://philcooke.comGain insight on financing independent movies, the future of faith films, and the distributing and marketing strategies that can help guarantee an indie success. Executive producer of “I Can Only Imagine” with a long career with major Hollywood studios, Simon is the president and CEO of Nthibah Pictures.   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056   Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here:https://youtu.be/DjSnJKR5FL4   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.   More about this episode: Simon Swart Interview – How You Can Succeed as an Independent Filmmaker Simon Swart has worked in executive positions with major Hollywood studios, including Fox, MGM, Relativity, Dreamworks and Disney and has played a pivotal role in distributing Avatar, Titanic, Star Wars and other top films. In this interview, he shares the secrets he’s learned of what it takes to be successful today in the world of independent film production. (Make sure to listen for Simon’s key tips for new producers at 31:00.)   Here are some takeaways from the interview: The Film Industry Business -People forget it’s a business. You get to do it again if you make money. -You’ve got to have a plan for releasing and that’s a business proposition. You’ve got to be able to look at the numbers; you’ve got to be able to read the budget. -How do we deploy our capital in the most effective way? As a creator, you have to think about that.   Story and Producing -You always start with who your audience is. Who’s your market? -Don’t take a project you don’t absolutely love. -Just remember there’s a difference between a story and a concept and an actual movie that’s packageable. -If nobody’s connecting with the script, there’s probably a reason why. As a producer, you’ve got to be really honest about the project you’re putting together.   Faith as an Independent Filmmaker -As a Christian, my faith has played a pivotal role [in the development of Nthibah Pictures]. -Faith based movies – The danger now is to keep doing what people have been doing. -Audiences don’t want to be preached at when they go to the movies; pick the stories properly [and you don’t have to preach].  -When you connect to our humanity and give people hope and you bring people together [you’ll make] way more money. You can “do good” by doing good.   Simon Swart is the president and CEO of Nthibah Pictures, a global media company with offices in Johannesburg, South Africa and Los Angeles. Nthibah Pictures works with established talent and leading studio partners to finance, develop, produce, market and distribute films for the U.S. market and beyond.   Find out more about Simon Swart and Nthibah Pictures here: https://www.ntbpictures.com/ Add Simon’s latest film, “I Am All Girls” to your watchlist on IMDb here: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9013182/?ref_=nm_flmg_prd_3   Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   Other Great Resources: Get my “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com   Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

How is creativity connected to design? Showcasing industrial design, fashion and graphic design, Phil Cooke’s recent visit to the Helsinki Design Museum inspired thoughts about creative design that will encourage artists and designers in your creative pursuits. https://philcooke.com   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056   Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BtxMkfyX-QY   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to take you from where you are to where you want to be in your career.   More about this episode: Creative Design: What I Learned at the Helsinki Design Museum The Helsinki Design Museum is small, but if you’re visiting the city, I highly recommend it. Here are a handful of thoughts about creativity and design that stood out for me as we toured the exhibits:   You don’t have to be an artistto be a designer.The museum showcases a number of designer’s notebooks, and you’re immediately reminded that many of the drawings and sketches are not works of art. In fact, some are hardly readable. Many designers have brilliant ideas but aren’t necessarily artists themselves. So stop worrying that you’re not a great artist. The point is to get your ideas down on paper.   Design is collaborative.A large exhibit upstairs tracks the very successful Aamu Song & Johan Olin’sdesign practice based in Helsinki.  Their focus is on finding “masters” around the world who have created everything from toys to clothes to household items. They work with these artisans to tweak the product and make it ready for the market. The museum did a great job of showing just how collaborative their work must be to lead that many artists and designers around the world.   Creativity is a process, not a moment.One interesting exhibit was based on the many iterations of the Nokia mobile phone.  Creating what was once the most popular phone in the world wasn’t a flash of inspiration, but a long process featuring many different designs and prototypes. Most of the time, true creativity doesn’t happen in a flash, but in a long process of variations, rough ideas, and failures. But it’s the process that opens the door to insightwhich leads to a successful design.   Creativity is about problem solving.The museum isn’t just interested in the Finnish contribution to graphic or glassware design, but also includes brilliant creations from all walks of life such as farm equipment, transportation, and medicine. They even include the re-design of a wash basin in Finnish sanitariums that dramatically lowered rates of infection among patients.   Design is a way of life. The museum reminded me that being a “designer” isn’t just a job title or a field of study. Design is a way of thinking and a way of living. At some level we’re all designers because we’re all trying to use creativity to navigate through our lives.   For creativity to flourish, it needs to be valued.One of the reasons Finnish design is so popular and successful is that designers are valued in this country. The joke in many other countries about designers is that 90% of their job is responding to client requests to make the logo bigger. But in places like Helsinki where designers are valued and honored, amazing things happen, and world changing ideas are born. – Phil Cooke   Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   Other Great Resources: Visit the Helsinki Design Museum! Find out more herehttp://www.designmuseum.fi/en/ Get creative! Here’s my “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo The Way Back https://amzn.to/2QhIFSY (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Is your open office driving you nuts? Phil Cooke shares tips on creative office designs that will yield the most productivity for your team, plus insight on how a good design can help circumvent sexual harassment in the workplace. https://philcooke.com   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056    Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/DjSnJKR5FL4   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.   Best Office Spaces for Creative Teams Designing the right office for your creative team is important. A well-thought out design can spur creativity while a poor design can stifle it.    The open office was a great idea that ultimately never worked out well. There was no privacy and no quiet place to work. In most cases, they’ve proven to be a disaster.   Brainstorming is great, but there comes a time when you have to go into your office, shut the door and work. The best office design would have a big open space for people to talk and brainstorm, but also give everyone private offices where they can work without constant interruptions.   Statistics prove that if you are interrupted, it can take you 25-40 minutes to regain that same level of focus you had before that interruption!   Windows are also important especially in our day of so much inappropriate activity and harassment at work. I wouldn’t build an office today without office doors that are glass or at least a window in the wall so people can see in. We need to do everything we can in our work spaces so nobody’s taking advantage of.   Office space is more important than most people think. Don’t let the same guy who designed your warehouse or your sanctuary design your office space. They need to understand what space works, how people interact, and what leads towards the most productivity.    Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   Other Great Resources: Get my “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com   Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com 

Ben Field shares his career path to Head of Film and Television for Hillsong Church in this interview with Phil Cooke. Fulfill your purpose in media with Ben’s insight on following your dreams, managing creative teams and building your skillset for film and television. https://philcooke.com   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056   Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xdavyU-g1Mk   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you reach a greater audience.   Ben Field Hillsong Interview: How to Fulfill Your Dreams in your Creative Career After years in secular film and television, Ben Field began his career at Hillsong Church as a volunteer. Head of Film and Television for Hillsong, Ben leads an incredibly creative church media team that carries the vision of the Church to reach and influence the world through media.   In this interview, Phil Cooke and Ben discuss a variety of topics including starting a media career in a church setting, finding your purpose and calling, developing your skill set, managing deadlines, building creative teams, and supporting the vision of a pastor as a church creative.   Quotable takeaways from today’s interview: “You can learn and prepare a career in film and television in a church setting.” – Phil Cooke “Being secure in who God’s called you to be is absolutely critical.” – Phil Cooke “The quicker you fail, the more time you have to fix it.” – Phil Cooke “Creativity comes from failing.” – Ben Field “Heart and culture will always trump skills.” – Ben Field “Never underestimate the power of a team.” – Ben Field “Look for the gold in people.” – Ben Field   About Ben Field:Ben Field is an award-winning Producer and Director, Head of Film and Television for Hillsong Church, and Director of Programming for the Hillsong Channel, broadcasting 24/7 to 164+ million homes in 183 countries around the world.   Ben is passionate about seeing people reached through the local church and is dedicated to using media to bring hope and inspiration to people from all walks of life. From cinema and television to the amazing digital age we live in, Ben leads a global team that carries the heart and vision of Hillsong Church, to reach and influence the world, changing mindsets and empowering people.   Ben was a Producer for the theatrical release of “Let Hope Rise – the Hillsong Movie” and throughout his 20-year career journey, has produced and directed documentaries, live music events, scripted and non-scripted shows for both the Christian and mainstream audience. Connect with Ben Field here: https://hillsong.com/contributor/ben-field/   Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   Other Great Resources: Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com Subscribe to my YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Building effective teams is an important leadership skill that many leaders get wrong. Here are my 5 key mistakes that are holding many leaders back from the amazing work their team is capable of. https://philcooke.com   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you reach a greater audience.   Building Teams: 5 Things Leaders Get Wrong Good leaders know how to develop a great team. The key isn’t just maximizing the talent of each member, it’s also about combining that collective talent to do amazing things.  But there are five key mistakes I see leaders make over and over that keep them from building a legendary team…   We don’t understand what teams are for.Leaders make decisions;teams execute decisions.I love working with teams, but their greatest strength isn’t makingdecisions, it’s executing those decisions. Leaders – don’t delegate your authority.Make sure you’re using your team for the right thing.   We don’t fire enough people. Firing people is not about kicking people to the curb, it’s about helping them find the place where they can contribute and grow. Ultimately you have to get them out of the job they’re failing in right now. And remember, just because an employee is loyal, doesn’t mean they’re actually good at their job.   We think an open door policy is a good thing. We’re finding that the trendy “open spaces” office concept simply isn’t working. It’s too loud, people don’t have privacy, and it’s incredibly distracting. There comes a time when you should shut the door and get to work.   We make our teams too big. Numbers can be relative, but once a creative team gets past eight or so people, it doesn’t accomplish much because there are just too many opinions. I’ve always liked the advice from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos about the size of effective teams: “If you can’t feed your team with two large pizzas in a meeting, you’re in trouble.”   We make team meetings too long. Never forget that people are really good for about 40 minutes or so and then need a break. When it comes to meetings, get creative. Find an interesting location, lower the distraction level, help them focus, create an agenda, and perhaps most important – end on time.   If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, build a great team.  – Phil Cooke     Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   Other Great Resources: Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Getting new visitors to church can be hard. Keeping them can be even harder. Phil Cooke helps pastors understand the importance of first impressions in an 8 second culture.   Technology has dramatically changed the way we live. We live in an 8 second world where people are so distracted, they make decisions about people, churches and even pastors – within the first 4-8 seconds. For pastors, this means you must be intentional about training your teams and your people to create a culture of hospitality in your church.   This involves focus on every level, from the parking lot to the lobby and all the way to the sanctuary. You’ve got to capture a visitor’s attention in the first 8 seconds as they come onto your property! Getting their attention matters and can help pave the way for them to have a deeper experience with God. The stakes are too high to fail. – Phil Cooke   Get my book “The Way Back”: https://amzn.to/2QhIFSY (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   Schedule: Podcasts are uploaded every Tuesday. Make sure to subscribe to be notified when podcasts go live.   Other Great Resources: Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on Creativity here: https://www.philcooke.com   Make sure to check out my YouTube channel and subscribe if you haven’t already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/   Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com  

Phil Cooke interviews Bobby Gruenewald about his concept of the “abundance mindset” that he applies in leading creative teams. Bobby serves as Pastor and Innovation Leader at Life.Church, a multisite church based in Oklahoma; and is the founder of the YouVersion Bible App with over 500 million unique downloads globally. He is passionate about exploring new ideas and finding practical ways to leverage them for the global Church.   Quick takeaways from this interview…   “The fruit [idea] is not my identity; my identity is in the Tree…This makes me very open to feedback. It’s okay if this isn’t the best idea. I’m confident God’s going to enable me to produce more.” – Bobby Gruenewald   “Part of being creative is not being too critical too early, but at some point being realistic and filtering out things that won’t work.” – Phil Cooke   The “abundance mindset” axiom: “If you don’t like this idea, don’t worry, there’s more where that came from. God designed me to create and I’m confident in that design.” – Bobby Gruenewald   “The credibility of the critic really matters.” – Phil Cooke   “When you have people with your best interest (or the vision or the ministry) at heart that give you feedback, those are the right people to listen to.” – Bobby Gruenewald   Follow Bobby Gruenewald @bobbygwald https://www.facebook.com/bobbygwald/ https://www.instagram.com/bobbygwald/ https://twitter.com/bobbygwald   Find out more about YouVersion: https://www.youversion.com/ Get the free Bible App from YouVersion here: https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/ Find out more about Life Church: https://www.life.church/   For more tips on leadership and leading creative teams, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up now at https://www.philcooke.com Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ  Find out more about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com  

TV graphics greatly impact your audience’s perception of your message. Phil Cooke shares how to make effective graphics for your livestream church services, videos and television programs. Your graphics are far more important than you may think!   With non-linear editing it’s amazing what we can do with television graphics, but the original purpose has not changed. We use graphics to convey information beyond what the speaker is saying. I was preparing some graphic design notes for a client and thought these ideas for TV graphics are a good reminder for video editors, television producers and graphic designers. When it comes to onscreen TV graphics, the keys are:   Listen to the program host, preacher or teacher.Make sure the graphics support what is being said. From time to time they will drive people to the phone number or website, and the director or editor must be listening for those comments.  Beat them to it, so the graphic appears at the moment they refer to it. There are times they may not ask for it directly but refer to “giving” or “contacting the ministry” – so be sensitive enough to recognize those moments and use the appropriate graphics.   Remember the 6-9 Minute Rule:Our experience indicates that viewers typically tune in and out of programs about every 6-9 minutes. Therefore, we always want them to be able to see the offer, contact the ministry, know the website, etc. So at a very minimum, insert the URL and/or phone number at 6-9 minute increments. This is especially true of ID graphics for the program hosts. As new people tune in, be sure and remind them every 6-9 minutes who is speaking on the screen.   3.Be sensitive to the content. Don’t just insert a phone number, address, or URL anywhere! Make sure it’s not a distraction from the content at the moment. You will maximize your response by being sensitive to what’s happening onscreen. Ask yourself: is this taking away or adding to the message of the speaker?   Don’t overwhelm with clutter.Be simple and clean with your graphics. Don’t clutter up the screen with prices, phone numbers, addresses, etc. Think clean design, and focus on simple, easy to read graphics and design that are subtle and not distracting.   5.Remember size matters: We don’t have to use large graphics, but do remember that the typical religious TV viewers is often older. Therefore, “readability” is critical. If that fits your program’s demographics, make sure the graphic is on long enough and is clear enough for your grandmother to read easily.   If it’s a scripture or key points, write them on the screen.No one is watching your program with their Bible open, so when you reference a scripture, put it on the screen. A good example is how the PowerPoint Ministriesteam does it with Pastor Jack Graham. Some studies suggest that when you put the information on the TV or video screen, people are more likely to remember it by a factor of three – so that alone makes it worth it. 7. Style is important, but response is most important.We want our graphics to reflect the hip and contemporary nature of current TV style, but don’t forget that if people don’t respond, we don’t have a job. Always question the balance between style, readability and clarity. For example, if you’re asking people to call in, the typical viewer needs to get out of his or her chair, find a pen and write down the number. So keep it up long enough for that to happen.   Doing graphics well makes a big difference in the impact of your video or program. Think in terms of how your graphics can help your message reach more people. – Phil Cooke   Get the book “The Last TV Evangelist” here: https://amzn.to/2Yl0nYu (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)   For more tips on TV graphics, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com/tv_graphics/#more-1999   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up at https://www.philcooke.com   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ   

Good leaders know that a positive work environment is more important than vision, especially when it comes to leading a creative team. Phil Cooke shares 10 tips to creating a vibrant creative culture in your ministry or organization for your creative team to reach their best work.   It’s no secret that culture is more important than vision.I’ve worked in creative, vibrant cultures where original thinking is valued and wonderful things happen. On the other hand, I’ve worked at organizations where you could literally feel the oppression when you walked into the building. Those destructive cultures often have leaders with great vision and potential, but because the culture is so negative, that vision will never be realized.   So how to do you create a creative culture? Here are 10 principles I’ve used to turn around numerous organizational cultures:   Build stability– Creative people need stability. If they’re worried about losing their job, financial problems, or excessive turnover, they’ll never release their best ideas. Even when your organization or ministry is going through difficult times, create an atmosphere of stability for the team. You’ll be rewarded down the road.   Create a safe culture– Creative people do not respond well to criticism. Leaders who can help their team move from bad ideas to legendary ideas are rare and it comes from creating a safe and trusted culture.   Keep your leadership on the same page– Make sure your leadership team is unified and moving with you in building a creative culture. One critical or disconnected leader or manager can sow seeds of doubt that will topple the entire project with your team.   Allow for flexibility with your team– Creative people don’t all operate on the same schedule or work the same way. Give your team some flexibility and it will revolutionize their attitude while unleashing their creativity.   Get them the tools they need– Nothing drags a creative team down as much as broken, old, or out-of-date tools. Within your budget, do whatever you can to get them the right computers, design tools and video equipment and send them to conferences and seminars where they can interact and discover new ways of doing things.   Push them out of their comfort zone– Leaders often think that creative people want to be left alone and operate on their own schedule. While they probably won’t admit it, creative people love deadlines because it gives them perspective on the project.   Give them space– One of the most important aspects of a creative culture, once it’s in process, is to get out of the way of your creative team. We all know micro-managing is a disaster for anyone – especially creatives. So give them space and let them solve problems on their own.   Understand your structure– Every organization needs an organizational structure. Who reports to who matters, and hierarchy is important. But when it comes to communication, I recommend you throw the organizational structure out the window.   Your creative team should be able to call anyone to ask questions and discuss ideas. Don’t force them to communicate through supervisors, managers, or anyone else. Create a free-flowing communications system, and the ideas will grow.   Walk The Factory Floor– Leadership expert John Maxwellrecommends that leaders “walk the factory floor” and meet every employee. Develop a personal relationship with employees at all levels – especially when it comes to your creative team. Pixar and Disney Animation President Ed Catmulltakes that seriously – even when it comes to giving bonuses.   Give them credit– Finally, a great creative culture allows everyone to be noticed for their accomplishments. Never take credit for your team’s work, and always give them the honor they’re due. You’ll find that when you protect your creative team and allow them to get the glory for their work, they’ll follow you into a fire.   Creating a creative and positive culture in your organization is one of the most important things you can do as a leader. Create this culture and you and your team will do amazing things. – Phil Cooke   For more about designing a creative culture, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com/ten-critical-keys-for-designing-a-creative-culture/   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Find Ed Catmull’s book “Creativity, Inc.” on Amazon here:https://amzn.to/2Jh4D6W   Get Dale Carnegie’s book “How to Win Friends and Influence People” here: https://amzn.to/2VklDAK (Note that as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ 

Can you be creative on a deadline? Most creative professionals work within schedules and time frames – the television episode shooting in two days, the fast-approaching deadline for a film to be locked, or a ministry video due for a Sunday’s service. Phil Cooke offers techniques on delivering creativity under fire when you don’t have the luxury of waiting until the mood strikes.   We often think that creativity is something that’s inspired, beautiful, and only happens when the spark strikes or the muse speaks. Actually, nothing could be further from the truth.   I’m a proponent of what I call “practical” creativity – which means creativity on a deadline. I’ve spent my career working for clients – studios, networks, nonprofits, major churches and ministries. In those cases, I don’t have time to wait for inspiration, I have to deliver ideas on a schedule. Worse – sometimes I have to deliver when there’s enormous pressure, risk, and a great deal on the line.   If you’re in the film and television industry or in any position which requires your talents as a creative, chances are, you work in a similar situation. While we’d all like to experience the comfort of waiting for wonderful ideas to come from the heavens, with most projects, we have to conjure up something right now.   Certainly we can’t totally control creativity, and can’t just hit an on and off switch, but there are techniques we can use to draw from when we have to deliver creativity under fire.   Be a raging consumer of media yourself.Read books, watch movies, TV and online video. Go to museums. Subscribe to popular magazines. Know what’s current.   To know what creative ideas will work, you need to know what’s working now, what’s failing, and what’s already been done. Keep your finger on the pulse of the culture.   Have confidence in your talent.This comes from years of work, practice and failure. (Rinse and repeat.) The more experience you have, the more options will come to your mind under pressure. The more confidence you have, the more likely you are to step up.   Plus, experience and confidence tends to quiet that voice in your head that’s telling you that you have no talent and your work is trash. However, the key is that you should be mastering your craft when the pressure is not happening, so that when it does hit, you’re ready to be amazing.   Develop creative connections.Creative professionals are rarely the lone wolf types who sit alone in a studio thinking brilliant thoughts. For instance, read about Pixar’s “Brain Trust” and how it works in Ed Catmull’s terrific book “Creativity, Inc.”https://amzn.to/2Jh4D6W(Note that as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)   Always have creative friends and mentors you can reach out to when you’re coming up blank because building on each other’s ideas is a key to creating brilliant work. Who would you call right now if you needed some help? Create a list so you’ll have it when things get tough.      Be the voice of calm in the middle of the storm.When deadlines approach, or the $%#@ hits the fan, people tend to freak out. You need to be the calm creative leader in the middle of the madness. Even in desperate situations, I’ve seen stressed out film crews and other creative teams completely relax in the presence of a leader who is calm and in control. You’ll never produce compelling creative work if you don’t know how to experience calm within yourself – especially when it matters most.    Unless you’ve decided to be a landscape painter and only work when the muse speaks, then chances are you need to deliver creative projects on time and on budget. You can master practical creativity, but it takes preparation and discipline. There’s no better time to start than right now. – Phil Cooke   For more tips for creative professionals, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com/how-to-be-creative-even-when-its-risky   Get Phil’s “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” here: https://amzn.to/2vAj0eE   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ 

As a leader, speaking skills are critical to your career. Whether you need to inspire your team, preach to your congregation or captivate an audience as a keynote speaker for a major conference, Phil Cooke offers ten tips to improve your ability to speak to groups.   Conquer this list and you’re on your way:   1) Stop using “fill in” words like “um,” “ah,” “like,” or “aaah.”  In my opinion, few things make a speaker look more amateur than using fill-in words. Don’t be afraid to simply pause and think. Better yet, know your talk so well that you won’t stumble.   2) Don’t get obsessed with your notes. Referring to your notes too often is the best way to tell your audience you’re not prepared. Practice, learn your talk, get comfortable with it, and stop constantly looking down and checking your notes.   3) Don’t let unexpected things throw you off balance.  I’ve spoken to live audiences hundreds of times, and problems happen more often than you think. The sound goes out, lighting glitches happen, microphones cut out, there’s a crazy person in the audience, or more often there’s a technical problem using PowerPoint or Keynote. Always expect the unexpected and don’t let it ruffle you or throw you off. Make a joke about it and move on.   4) Be very careful about using PowerPoint.  Read the book “Give Your Speech, Change the World: How To Move Your Audience to Action.” It begins with a simple premise: become a good speaker first, and then add PowerPoint if necessary.   5) Make eye contact with the audience.  More speakers than you think avoid eye contact with the people in the seats. They look at their notes, stare at the floor, or lock in on the wall behind the audience. Look at the audience just as if you were talking to a friend. Without that relationship, you won’t make an impact.   6) Make sure your “speaking voice” is the same as your normal talking voice.  This comes with practice, and sometimes you do have to project your voice. As much as possible, however, make sure it’s YOUR voice, not some made up voice that you think sounds dramatic or important.   7) Don’t get stuck behind the podium.  Too many speakers look like they’re bolted to the floor. Great speakers move, use expressions and speak “physically” as well as vocally.   8) Make sure you connect with the audience. Although there will always be audience members who fall asleep, look disinterested or bored, be on the lookout for large numbers mentally checking out. This is really about knowing your audience and understanding their expectations.    I always do my best to find out ahead of the event who’s in the audience, what their interests are, and why they came. Certainly you want to give them more than they expect, but start with meeting their expectations.   9) Don’t lose your place in your presentation or in your notes.  Know your presentation. But if you’re developing something new and need your notes, think about printing them in a large font that’s easy to read. Getting lost is a strong signal that you’re not prepared, and you’ll quickly lose credibility.   10) If the audience looks bored or people start leaving early, you’re in trouble. Of course, this is your worst nightmare, and if it happens in big numbers there’s no real fix because it’s simply too late. Either you’ve missed their expectations or not been interesting or professional enough for them to stick with you to the end. My advice is more practice.    Bonus: Understand there will always be outliers within the audience that you won’t figure out. However, it’s the larger group that should be your focus.    Do your jokes get a laugh? Is the audience attentive during your serious moments? Are they taking notes? If you can win the greater group, and do it with consistency, then you know you’re on the right track. – Phil Cooke   For more tips on public speaking, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com/my-top-ten-secrets-to-improve-your-public-speaking/   "Give Your Speech, Change the World : How to Move Your Audience to Action” is available here: https://amzn.to/2UOYVvs  (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com    Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ  

Are you wasting time pursuing a dream? Passion isn’t enough to get you where you want to be in your career. Phil Cooke offers sound advice to help you discover what you are wired to do – and avoid getting derailed along the way.   Jiminy Cricket (“When you wish upon a star…”) would not be happy with me, but the truth is, I’m getting tired of people wasting their lives following dreams they’ll never achieve.   I have screenplays on my desk from writers who “have a dream” about writing a Hollywood screenplay, but aren’t interested in actually attending a writing class. I met an actor recently who left his wife and young son to pursue his dream of an acting career. The problem is, he has absolutely no talent.   I know -- some of you will push back about me being too harsh. “Who is Phil Cooke to dash someone’s dream?” “How arrogant to tell someone they don’t have talent or they’re pursuing the wrong dream for their life?”   I understand. I struggled for years with the question of whether or not I should continue encouraging people or tell them the hard truth. But writing my book, “One Big Thing:  Discovering What You Were Born to Do” taught me something that changed everything: It’s much easier than most people think to actually determine the real “one big thing” that we were born to accomplish with our lives. https://amzn.to/2IARV2z   But Hollywood, the self-help industry, the esteem movement and well-intentioned friends have led us down a far more romantic, but ultimately destructive path. We’ve been taught that all it takes is a dream, and you can accomplish whatever your heart desires.   As a result, we have a flood of would-be filmmakers descending on Hollywood every year. Publishers are deluged with poorly written manuscripts from wannabe writers with no talent, and auditions for shows like “American Idol” have long lines of singers who can’t hold a tune in a bucket.   High school drama teachers, parents, and well meaning friends have encouraged them for years. But at what cost? How many years have been robbed from potentially finding the one thing where they could actually be extraordinary?   Don’t get me wrong. Pursuing a dream is fine. But unless you have the talent, skill, ability, a commitment to achieve that dream, you’re simply wasting your life. But how do you figure it out? How can you avoid spending years pursuing a delusion?   In my book, I suggest you start with a few key questions:   1)  What comes easy for you? Think about your life. How many times were you asked to do something because you were the organized one, the athletic one, the best writer, or good with numbers?   Perhaps you’re the responsible one who’s always expected to keep your group together at the shopping mall. Maybe you’re the person everyone turns to in a crisis.   The confirmation of other people matters, so take a minute and think about talents you possess that other people notice. Whatever it is, that ability could be a key indicator of the dream you should be following – or what I call in my book, your “one big thing.”   2)  What do you love? There are plenty of people volunteering at jobs they love and working on the side to make a living. But what if you could combine the two? What if you could actually make a living working at a job you love? What’s the first thing you think about when you wake up in the morning and the last thing you think about when you go to bed at night?   3)  What drives you nuts?  It may sound strange, but I’ve discovered that in many cases, the thing you hate the most could be the problem you were born to fix. In other words, what do you hate? The answer may change the course of your future.   4)  Finally - have you done the time?  I’m not talking about prison, but a question of commitment. Professional writers write. Musicians practice. Designers design.   You may not have a job, a business card, or a buyer, but if you have a dream, what foundation are you laying today for success tomorrow?  What classes are you taking?  Have you found a mentor or coach? It’s time to stop being average at so many things and start being extraordinary at one big thing.   This is your moment. Maybe it’s time to stop just following a dream and spend more time discovering what dream you should follow.   Get Phil’s book “One Big Thing: Discovering What You Were Born to Do” here: https://amzn.to/2IARV2z (As an Amazon Associate, Phil earns from qualifying purchases.)   For more on this topic, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com/please-stop-following-your-dreams/   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ    follow your dreams, one big thing, actors, writers, filmmakers, acting career, screenwriting, pursue your dreams, chasing your dreams, Hollywood, designers, city slickers, American Idol, discovering your talents, discovering talent,  

CEO of Mastermedia International Dan Rupple shares insight into affecting Hollywood as well as tips for those considering a move to Los Angeles in this interview with Phil Cooke.   Known by many as one of the founding members of the Christian comedy team Isaac Air Freight, Dan Rupple has over four decades of media experience as a respected producer, writer and speaker. His Hollywood experience includes ten years as supervising producer with CBS television (“The Price is Right,” “The Late Show with David Letterman”), plus serving as head of programming and development for five internet television companies. Featured on NBC Nightly News, CNN, FOX News and The Washington Post, he is an honored Biola University graduate and an ordained minister.   In 2016, Dan was installed as the CEO of Mastermedia International, building meaningful trust relationships that confidentially serve today’s leading media professionals, creating honest dialogues around issues of faith and offering them insights regarding America’s vast Christian community. Mastermedia also exits to be an encouraging voice to the media leaders of tomorrow.   Here are some quick takeaways from today’s interview… Always be a student. The film and television industry changes really quickly. You’ve got to be able to adapt.   You can change the way Hollywood looks at the Christian community in three ways: Congratulate them on good shows. Let them know there is an audience out there for quality programming. Create projects that are reflective of faith. Be a reflection of faith no matter what part of the industry you are in.   If you’re considering a move to Hollywood, Dan comments: --Come if you feel that’s the way God wired you. If it’s a joy, and you’ve got the drive, passion and talent, he encourages the move. --Understand the industry. --Stay strong in your convictions. --Prepare to be surprised. Learn your craft, form your network, get prepared with your projects. God will surprise you with opportunities, so be ready!   Overall, Dan reminds Christian workers in the film and television industry in Hollywood, “People are one miracle away from meeting the Lord.”   Find out more about Mastermedia International here: https://mastermedia.com/   For more insight on the intersection of faith, media and culture, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Watch Phil’s video on how he uses his “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” now at https://www.philcooke.com/unique-creative-planner/   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ 

Donor development and fundraising is critical for your non-profit organization to succeed. Phil Cooke shares five important keys to producing successful fundraising videos that can engage potential donors with your vision and encourage them to partner with you in the mission of your ministry.   Hundreds of nonprofit organizations and religious ministries use fundraising videos to tell their story. It’s a powerful medium, and along with other projects, our team at Cooke Media Group produces fundraising and donor development videos for some of the largest nonprofits and ministries in the country.   After years of producing these around the world, we’ve discovered some important keys to creating an impact with the audience. The next time your organization considers a promotional or donor video for your website or to show at a live event, here are five important principles to remember:   Keep it short. Some studies indicate as many as 66% of viewers stop watching a video after the 2 minute mark. For a live presentation you have a captive audience, but even then I rarely produce anything longer than 4-6 minutes. Leave the audience wanting more. As a famous opera singer once said, “You need to stop singing before the audience has stopped listening.”   A successful video isn’t about facts, it’s about emotion. The audience won’t be moved by the fact that last year you served 10,000 meals, housed 500 homeless people, or built a medical clinic in the Congo. They want to see the lives changed because of what you did. Stop using statistics with fancy graphics and start telling stories. Never forget that video is about emotion, and if you need to share facts, then print them on a brochure or put them on your website.   Don’t create a music video. I don’t care how much that worship song by Chris Tomlinmeans to you, illustrating a song with shots of your work doesn’t impress anybody. Interview people and let them tell the story or have a narrator do it. Music videos rarely lend themselves to sharing your vision, showing the results and calling people to action.   Do it well. Your brother-in-law may have a home video camera, but trust me – he’s not going to show the emotion, the drama, or the story an experienced professional will capture. The point of a donor development video is to call the viewer to action, so get the kind of advice you need to do it well. I can’t stress enough the potential of a compelling video presentation, so don’t leave it to chance. Be creative, be contemporary, and most of all, be strategic.   Have a call to action. Make sure you include an “ask” in your video. People want to give; it’s your job to make sure you specifically ask them! Keep in mind that it’s not about asking for money; it’s about asking viewers to support the vision of your ministry or organization.   Potential donors want to hear your story, and in today’s visual culture, showing a powerful video is an incredible tool. The question is:  What’s the story your organization needs to tell? – Phil Cooke Want help telling your story or creating a donor development strategy? Cooke Media Group can amplify your message so you are reaching the audience you hope to reach. Find out more about here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com   For more on donor development and how to produce a great fundraising video, visit Phil’s blog at https://bit.ly/2I6dcBc   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ   

Momentum can catapult your career or leadership, particularly if you’re a creative professional. Phil Cooke shows you how to maximize it when it happens and how to make it work to advance your career.   Few people really understand the power of momentum, and how to take advantage of it when it happens. Momentum is serendipitous – which means it happens outside of our control. But if and when it happens we need to recognize it and use it for our advantage.   What is momentum? It may be winning an award that puts you on the map or grabbing a highly coveted project. Maybe a friend’s been working on developing a new web-based company, and out of the blue, it was featured on a major news site. Perhaps it’s being called for a big media interview, or having a story appear about your work on a major news network.   Whatever it is, momentum causes your career to move forward in a huge growth spurt. So how can you use momentum to your advantage?   First – put a plan in place right now. Are your industry contacts up to date, so you can let people know about your achievement or recognition? Do you know how to get out a press release to announce your success?   Can you do an email blast? Are you building your social media following? Who are the most influential leaders in your industry that you could arrange a meeting with when it happens? When it comes to letting people know about your success, don’t be caught flat-footed when something great happens.   Second – Have multiple projects ready at all times. What if you get a major award and someone decides to invest in your future? What can you show them? Dust off those old ideas and get them ready to pitch.   Third – Keep networking. Remember the advertising principle: “Once product sales are down, it’s too late to advertise.” It’s very difficult to move forward when you’re standing still. If you’ve already been networking and keeping your relationships up to date, when something explosive happens, it’s far easier to move forward.   Finally – Recognize favor when it comes. Always be scanning the horizon for good things in your life. When God’s favor happens, it doesn’t always come in the package we expect. You might not immediately think how a small success in one area could translate into something significant, but publicity is built on recognizing potential buzz.   You may feel like nothing is happening right now, but you never know when the match will strike. Momentum is a rare thing, so when it does happen, be ready to fan the flame and keep your career moving forward.   For more tips on momentum and your career, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com/the-power-of-momentum-and-why-you-need-it   Get “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” here: https://amzn.to/2UbEtcI (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ 

Showrunner Dean Batali shares how to be a successful writer and producer for network television in this interview with Phil Cooke. With a long career in Hollywood, Dean is known for That ‘70’s Show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Good Witch, Ties That Bind, Nazareth, and Chonda Pierce: This Ain’t PrettyvilleTV movie. He’s also a co-writer of the book Watching TV Religiouslywrittenwith Kutter Callaway.   In part two of this interview, Dean shares practical tips for writers wanting to break into television gleaned from his years of working in Hollywood in both film and TV. Find out how to lead and work within a writer’s room, take notes from producers, set up a writer’s schedule and pitch your project to a Hollywood executive. You’ll also gain insight on how to excel in your writing skills even if you don’t live in LA.   Here are a few highlights from the interview…   --A good TV writer “plays well with others.” You’ll spend 6-12 hours in a room breaking episodes with 6-12 writers and you’ve got to communicate and collaborate well.   --If you want to learn how to lead a writer’s room, build your own! Be the showrunner for your own script and gain the experience, even if it’s outside of real production.   --When receiving notes, find out if these are preferred notes or demand notes. Do you have to implement them or just consider them? For the ones that are difficult, learn how to pick your battles.   --Learn how to write on a schedule. Develop a plan, even if it’s writing 45 minutes before you go to your “day job.”   --Remember when you’re working on a deadline that sometimes “good enough” can be good enough.   --When pitching your project, remember to engage your listeners in the first 90 seconds. Are you grabbing them with a hook – even if it’s not necessarily the pitch? Gain their interest first.   --If you don’t live in Hollywood, remember you can get good wherever you are.   --Make sure to find a support group for your writing and for the spiritual aspect of what you’re trying to accomplish.   Find Dean Batali on IMDb here: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0060678/?ref_=nv_sr_1 Follow Dean Batali on Twitter: https://twitter.com/deanbatali   Check out these books mentioned in the interview… “Watching TV Religiously” by Kutter Callaway with Dean Batali https://amzn.to/2FkWf43   “One Big Thing: Discovering What You Were Born To Do” by Phil Cooke https://amzn.to/2Y67CEr   “Creativity, Inc.” by Ed Catmull https://amzn.to/2FlePJm   For more tips on TV, film and Hollywood, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ 

Showrunner Dean Batali shares how to be a successful writer and producer for network television in this interview with Phil Cooke. With a long career in Hollywood, Dean is known for That ‘70’s Show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Good Witch, Ties That Bind, Nazareth, and Chonda Pierce: This Ain’t PrettyvilleTV movie. He’s also a co-writer of the book Watching TV Religiouslywrittenwith Kutter Callaway.   In this interview, he shares his story of breaking into Hollywood and offers tips for creatives interested in a career in film and television, plus specific helps for writers including getting your first script produced, pushing past writer’s block, meeting deadlines and the value of writing a spec script.   Here are a few highlights from the interview…   --The more you know what you want to do in the industry, the better. (i.e. line producer, showrunner, director) Figure out what you’re aiming at.   --If you want to be great in the kingdom of Hollywood, become a servant of all. (This attitude was key to helping him break in!)   --Don’t go into a meeting unless you’ve done your homework. (Check IMDb, Facebook, LinkedIn.) It gives you an opportunity to affirm people for their work.   --Breaking into Hollywood depends on talent, access and opportunity – but you’ve got to have the skills.   --Spec writing is still a necessary step before you write a pilot. When he’s hiring for a show, he wants to know if people can write the style he’s looking for.   --Dean relates Malcolm Gladwell's 10,000 hour rule to writing with those hours equaling 10,000 pages.   --Forcing through deadlines can help make you a better writer. He believes that sometimes good enough is good enough! Just get your first 2-3 scripts done, rewrite a few drafts, but then move on.   --Learn to separate yourself from the work so you can take notes and rewrite as necessary without taking it too personally.   --Be ready for a lot of rejection in Hollywood. Keep producing; be a self starter and if necessary, be ready to shift your dreams.   Find Dean Batali on IMDb here: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0060678/?ref_=nv_sr_1 Follow Dean Batali on Twitter: https://twitter.com/deanbatali   Check out these books mentioned in the interview… “Watching TV Religiously” by Kutter Callaway with Dean Batali https://amzn.to/2FkWf43   “One Big Thing: Discovering What You Were Born To Do” by Phil Cooke https://amzn.to/2Y67CEr   “Creativity, Inc.” by Ed Catmull https://amzn.to/2FlePJm   For more tips on TV, film and Hollywood, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ 

Ever offended someone by giving unsolicited advice? No matter how noble your intentions are, giving advice when it’s not asked for can backfire on you. Here’s Phil Cooke’s advice – on not giving advice!   I’m embarrassed to say that it’s taken me most of my life to understand this, but it’s true. Except in very rare situations, giving people advice who haven’t asked for it just doesn’t work – no matter how noble your intentions. In fact, they will often be offended and your very relationship can be damaged.   When my daughters were growing up I would see them making a mistake and offer my advice. Did they take it? Rarely. More often than not, they were offended. My wife Kathleen was the same way. Unsolicited advice almost always seems judgmental and is therefore unappreciated.   After a lot of fiery darts being flung my way, here are a few things I’ve learned:   If they don’t ask, don’t give advice. It’s as simple as that.   This applies to just about everything, short of stopping people from stepping in front of a moving car.   It doesn’t mean people are ungrateful, but people are often embarrassed when reminded of their mistakes or shortcomings. In my experience, most people actually need to see the end result of their wrong thinking. When that happens, it makes a much more powerful and lasting impression.   Your advice will be more effective when they’ve seen their mistake and then come to you.   This doesn’t mean you abandon anyone. It simply means you watch, track their progress, keep quiet – and then be ready to answer their questions in a positive, inspiring way when they ask. That’s when they’re most likely to receive it and learn.   The impact of your advice isn’t just based on the insight, it’s also based on the timing. Bottom line? Don’t give advice, unless they ask.   Anyone else found that to be true? – Phil Cooke   Read more – and get more tips on leadership and creativity here: https://www.philcooke.com/stop-giving-advice-to-people-who-dont-ask-for-it/   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ 

Changing your business, ministry or non-profit name can re-invigorate your organization. Phil gives a checklist for leaders to think through before changing your name while considering brand equity before making the switch. https://www.cookemediagroup.com   Sometimes the need to change a organization’s name is obvious, but more often, leaders can’t always put their finger on a good reason. In many cases, there’s so much brand equity and goodwill in a name, it’s not worth changing, but in other cases there are very good reasons to consider a switch.   It’s time to change your name when…   1. The mission changes. Perhaps you’re a nonprofit that began building water wells in Africa, but now you’re moving in a different direction. Your name should be identified with the organization’s mission, so when that mission changes, it may be time to change the name.   Cooke Pictures recently went through a name change to more accurately reflect the breadth of what we do. Cooke Media Group more clearly shares with our audience of pastors and ministry or non-profit leaders what we can offer them in amplifying their message to the world.   2. You expand or contract. Sometimes, an organization grows and offers new services or products, and sometimes an organization specializes so they can focus on a more narrowniche. Your name should reflect what you are doing at the moment. It may be time to change your name to reflect that shift.   3. Your current name is hurting your business. For instance, Phillip Morris, the tobacco industry behemoth, changed its name to Altria in 2001 to move away from the negative perceptions ofthe tobacco industry. In other situations an organization’s name can be caught up in negative publicity because of political or cultural changes. Changing a name can improve that perception.   4. There’s a major shift in technology or culture. Your name can become outdated over time. UPS was originally the American Messenger Company, but delivery services experienced a radical shift so they changed their name. In a different way, names like “First Baptist,” “Third Presbyterian,” and other legacy denominational church names don’t seem to resonate as much in today’s culture. Changes in these situations can often reinvigorate an organization.   5. Your name doesn’t translate internationally. Today the world is global. There’s an iconic story about Chevrolet launching the Nova model in Spain only to see sales tank. That’s when the marketing department realized that in Spanish, “Nova” means “no go.”   6. You can’t get the URL. Owning the website based on your company name and the social media platforms are critical in today’s digital world. If you can’t secure the URL and the appropriate social media handles that work with your name, then it might be time to change.   7. You can shorten it. Shorter and simpler is almost always better. A good example is Bearing Point. It started when two companies merged: Peat Marwick International and KlynveldMain Goerdeler. They could have been “Peat Marwick KlynveldMain Goerdeler” but changed the name to KPMG Consulting, and eventually Bearing Point. (It was a good move!)   Don’t discount what a new name can do for your organization. It can re-invigorate an organization and help people understand better what you do.   Grow your brand equity and influence! Phil’s book “Unique: Telling Your Story in the Age of Brands and Social Media” is available here: https://amzn.to/2NIQRdu (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)   For more about branding and marketing, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com/when-its-time-to-change-a-business-or-nonprofits-name/#more-17508   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Media Group here:https://www.cookemediagroup.com   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ  

Are legal issues holding your film project or idea back? Phil Cooke interviews Hollywood-based entertainment attorney Sam Curphey about contracts, memos and other legal topics filmmakers must deal with.   Sam Curphey represents producers, writers, directors, actors, rights holders, and on-screen and new media talent.  He is a guest lecturer on entertainment legal topics at Act One and at Biola University and a member of the State Bar of California. He has been the production attorney for “Woodlawn” and “Mom’s Night Out” and other films and represents individual clients including YouTube stars Dude Perfect.   Topics covered in this interview include: Why do I need an entertainment lawyer? How soon should I call an attorney about my project or film? Can I use my uncle who is an insurance attorney for my film project? What’s the biggest mistake Sam has seen filmmakers make? How can I protect my idea? Should I ask for a NDA (non-disclosure agreement)? Should I sign a script submission release? What is fair use? What’s a safe way to shoot if I’m not sure about fair use in my film? Do I need to be concerned about legal issues with my YouTube video? Do I need an LLC? I have a limited budget; how much does it cost to hire an attorney?   Other topics include:copyright laws, chain of title, memos, contracts, release forms, partner agreements, E&O insurance, public domain, fair use, and more.   Take away thoughts: Don’t be intimated by the legal process. Spend the money to avoid legal issues. Contracts are a way to protect and preserve friendships. It’s never too early for an initial phone call with an entertainment attorney. It’s better to get things signed up front while people are excited about the project.   Find out more about Sam Curphey here: http://samcurpheylaw.com/   For more filmmaking tips, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Media Group here: http://www.cookemediagroup.com/   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ 

A podcast or media interview can impact your career in profound ways, offering the opportunity to share your expertise and enhance your reputation. Phil Cooke offers seven tips to help you be more articulate when your interview opportunity comes along.   With the rise in popularity of podcasts, your chances of being interviewed are going way up! If you’re a designer, leader, filmmaker, teacher, coach – whatever you do, your reputation and credibility can be heightened by being able to articulate well.   Here are Phil’s tips on how to do a great interview:   Start preparing now! You never know where an interview may happen. Determine your area of expertise and practice an interview when you’re alone.   Relax! Enjoy the moment and the opportunity to talk about something you love.   Be aware of fill-in words like oh, ah, um… Nothing makes you look less credible and professional. Don’t be afraid to pause to gather your thoughts or stop talking at the end of a sentence.   If you’re not naturally funny, be careful attempting it. You don’t need to be cute or comical. A serious interview about an important topic is just as good as a comedic one.   Know your area of expertise and be prepared to give a 3-5 minute talk at any moment. Practice keeping it to the point with short responses to possible questions.   Focus your thoughts and don’t ramble. Most interviews will only be about 7-11 minutes. Don’t go down rabbit trails or into peripheral stories. You have a limited amount of time and this may be your only opportunity to express yourself well.   Think of a beginning, middle and end of your interview and interview responses. Continuity will help you tell your story more effectively.   The Bible says to be ready in season and out of season. You should be ready to share your story or your area of expertise at any moment, should the interview opportunity come up. Once people see how articulate you are, it can open more opportunities to get your message heard. – Phil Cooke   For more tips on how to do a great interview, visit Phil’s blog at  https://www.philcooke.com/how-to-be-more-articulate-in-everyday-interviews-and-conversations/#more-17308   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ

Are your leadership skills hindered by your mood? Phil Cooke takes a hard look at how emotions impact and often damage a ministry or organization.   How do you come in to work? Angry, happy, sad… Over years of coaching pastors and leaders of ministries and non-profits, Phil has seen the tragic consequences of leaders driven by emotion.   You cannot project your emotions onto your team. If your mood changes from day to day or moment to moment, no one on your team knows how to respond to you. The standard of excellence is lost as everything your team accomplishes is evaluated by your mood – whether good or bad.   Take a hard look at how your emotions impact what you do. The best leaders motivate and inspire their teams. By leading with your emotions, you’ll never be able to take your people to the next level of excellence. – Phil Cooke   For more tips on becoming a better leader, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com/the-damage-from-leaders-who-are-driven-by-emotion/#more-17197   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ 

Interested in a successful career in Hollywood? Phil Cooke interviews Hollywood Prayer Network founder Karen Covell with tips on the spiritual aspect of how to be survive – and thrive in Hollywood.   Jim and Karen Covellstarted the Hollywood Prayer Networkas a prayer ministry in 2001. As active industry professionals, their vision and mission is to encourage Christians to pray for believers and non-believers working in the entertainment industry in Hollywood.   A career in Hollywood in film or television is challenging and very few people survive and go on to success. Whether you’re an actor, director, producer or crew on a set in Hollywood, Karen offers several keys to being successful and “making it in Hollywood.”   For creatives in Los Angeles, community is important.You can’t do it alone. Often creatives feel like they’re all alone in Hollywood, but that’s not the case. The Hollywood Prayer Network can help Christians connect with other Christians in LA and gain a prayer covering for what they are working to accomplish in the industry.   The church needs to understand that society needs creative people.Hollywood is defining our culture and Christians can have an influence on that. Phil adds that the people in Hollywood are not necessarily anti-God or anti-Christian, it’s more how they’ve been raised.   Creative people are spiritual and open to spiritual things.Karen mentions that she’s never been turned down when she offers prayer. She’s seeing a shift in the industry where Christians are not afraid to share with others – and unbelievers are open to what someone believes, even if it’s different from what they believe.   People moving to LA should be ready to commit for the long haul to be successful. Get experience first through the city you live in or nearby before you move to LA. Hollywood is a brutal place. You must stay connected to your faith and know that there’s a bigger picture outside of your career.   Phil adds that it’s important to make sure that your spouse is united with you in the decision to move to Hollywood. Make sure you’re on the same page before you move here. (See Phil’s blog on that topic here: https://www.philcooke.com/why-couples-need-to-agree-on-each-others-career-choices/#more-17303)   Phil encourages creatives not to come to Hollywood unless you’re committed and driven. There are other cities where other filming is happening; it may not be the top tier, but they are hiring local crew and you can gain experience before you make the leap to LA. Karen adds you can connect with the film commission in every state where you live.   Don’t come to Hollywood unless there’s nothing else you can do. You have to know in your heart this is absolutely the right move for you.   Karen’s last words of advice for creatives considering a move to Hollywood: --Have relationships along the way. --Know that even the biggest failure is not a failure; you’re learning and growing. If you find it hard, connect with the Hollywood Prayer Network! --Work hard and keep growing in your talent. --Be prepared to persevere for the long haul.   The Hollywood Prayer Network has three goals: To pray through the call sheets of current issues and people in the industry. To match prayer partners with media missionaries. To encourage kids and families to pray together for Hollywood through an online calendar.   Join the movement and check out the resources at https://www.HollywoodPrayerNetwork.org. Find out more about Karen at https://www.KarenCovell.com   Creatives are loving Phil’s new planner. Order your copy of “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” here: https://amzn.to/2Gdx2JN (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ 

Will live streaming affect your church attendance? Phil Cooke consults many pastors and ministry leaders on navigating a changing media landscape, and one of the big changes is live streaming.   If you’re hesitant about live streaming, here are a few big picture things to keep in mind:   The church will always be a place where people engage.It’s so much more than listening to a sermon online; there will always be a place in people’s lives for attending an actual church.   Streaming makes what God is doing in your church available to people elsewhere. You’re able to reach people who are not able to physically attend for one reason or another, such as travel or sickness. Shut-ins can benefit as well.   Phil has not seen attendance decline when churches begin live streaming. Statistics show that when you stream, it opens your service up to a larger audience and you begin to have a global impact.   Here are a few quick tips for live streaming… Try to avoid wide shots.Remember that people are watching on a small screen, whether through an iPad, laptop or phone. Try to get up close to create a more intimate experience for those screens. It’s much like shooting for IMAG. (See Phil’s blog about directing for IMAG here: https://www.philcooke.com/the-5-dos-and-5-donts-when-directing-for-church-imag-screens/#more-16077 )   Think in terms of a campus experience,rather than a live experience. Make people feel like they’re part of a campus by speaking to them directly. Thank them for watching and always remember to invite them to visit.   Make live streamers feel like they’re part of your church. If your live stream is compelling and more of an experience, people will want to support it and be a part of it.   Phil encourages pastors and ministry leaders to explore the possibilities of live streaming. Live stream doesn’t take the place of a church; rather, it’s all about making the gospel available to as many people as possible. – Phil Cooke   For more about live streaming, visit Phil’s blog for here: https://www.philcooke.com/will-livestreaming-a-worship-service-hurt-a-churchs-attendance/ https://www.philcooke.com/youre-a-church-so-why-arent-you-live-streaming/#more-14680 https://www.philcooke.com/the-5-dos-and-5-donts-when-directing-for-church-imag-screens/#more-16077   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ     

If you’ve been fired after age 40 because of a lay-off or company downsizing, don’t panic. You have skills, experience and talent and you can recover your career. Here’s advice from Phil Cooke…   If you get fired later in your career, here’s the first thing to do: Get up to speed on the world and do it fast. Recognize that while you’ve been living in a work bubble at your place of employment, the world has been changing. If you get fired or laid off, get up to speed quickly on technology, changes happening in the workplace and even with your wardrobe.   Are you looking like the person you’re trying to project yourself to be? Appearance does matter.   If you haven’t been laid off – now is a good time to make sure you’re up to speed with changes in the workplace.   Get on the phone.Look through your contacts and start making calls to people who can help you with your career. A great technique that can lead to a job is to ask for advice on where to go next in your career instead of asking for a job. It’s a great technique that may open up an opportunity!   Working a great job? Take time to create a list of 10-20 people you could reach out to should things change.   Be flexible, particularly about relocating. If you don’t want to move, it will cut your job possibilities down and give you a restricted field to choose from. Is a move worth it for a new job? Consider your options and don’t be too locked in.   Make sure your resume, bio, or portfolio is updated and evergreen.Nobody wants to hire yesterday’s genius. No matter how great your work was years ago, what have you done lately?   If you still have your job, now is the time to make sure your resume is up-to-date.   Make sure you leave your job on a good note. You may need a recommendation or reference, so always walk away as graciously as you can, no matter how difficult it may be.   Get used to it. Recognize the changing work environment. Prepare for potential layoffs, downsizing or a shift to contract labor.  Be ready for it so you’re not taken by surprise.   If you get fired or laid off, don’t let your feelings or emotions rule the moment. It’s not necessarily a terrible thing. In fact, it may be the best thing that could ever happen to you. – Phil Cooke   For more help on recovering your career, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com/fired-after-40-how-to-recover/#more-13593   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ 

Are you able to tell your story well? Leaders and those who want to impact the lives of others should master the art of storytelling. Phil Cooke offers three critical keys to help you tell the defining story of your life more effectively.   Telling your story is important and it can have a profound effect on others. Whether it’s motivating or encouraging, somebody needs to hear it. Make sure it’s the most effective story with these three critical keys to telling your story well…   Be self-aware.Have an accurate appraisal of your gifts, talents and behavior – the essence of who you are. Take a hard look at your own life and ask people their perception of your strengths, weaknesses and shortcomings. As you become more self-aware, you’ll be able to share your story with more impact.   Keep your story short.Condense it for an “8-second world.” Stop talking before your audience stops listening!   Practice telling your story.Rehearse it to get it short and to the point; develop it so that it connects emotionally with the person you’re sharing it with. Always be ready with a good story.   You never know when someone might ask about your life. Learn to tell your story effectively and always leave your audience asking for more. Your ability to telling a compelling story could be your key to become a better leader. – Phil Cooke   For more tips on telling your story well, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com/three-critical-keys-to-telling-your-personal-story/    Get Phil’s book “Unique: Telling Your Story in the Age of Brands and Social Media” here:  https://amzn.to/2CQG11e   (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, which helps us continue to provide free resources through my podcast and YouTube channel.)   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ 

Are you able to speak the language of change – or is the power of tradition holding your team or organization back? If you’re surrounded by people stuck in the “we’ve always done it this way” mentality, Phil Cooke offers insight to overcome their objections and move them toward your change initiative.   Although there is power in tradition and traditions do matter, we need to remind ourselves that traditions are reminders, not destinations. People change, styles change, technology changes. If we don’t speak the language of that change, we won’t reach this generation or the next.   Wired Magazine reports that the average phone app updates every 30 days. In this digital age, our lives are in constant transition. If you’re struggling with your team accepting new ideas, it’s important to understand what’s behind their hesitation. Knowing why people resist change is half the battle to help them embrace the new.   Leaders – here are four key reasons why people don’t change. If you can understand these, you can help bring your team or organization to a new level of effectiveness in our constantly changing world.   Self interest People resist change because change imposes on their territory. If you’re trying to implement change, you’ve got to address this question of self-interest, the question of “What’s in it for me?” Address the issue of how this change impacts them personally and change will be embraced more easily.   Misunderstanding or lack of trust About 77% of emails are misunderstood! A good leader will recognize this and go out of their way to help their team understand the issues at stake and why change is necessary. Explain it well for a smoother transition.   Differing ways of assessing Everyone has a different vantage point, a different way of assessing change. It’s worth taking the time to understand the different list of priorities guiding people in their work roles. Smart leaders ask questions and take this into consideration before making major change.   A lack of confidence in the decision-making process Your team may not feel all the relevant information has been included in the change making process – or they may not trust the person in charge of implementing the change. The key here is to be sure they’re involved in the process.   Help them understand the importance in the changes and get them involved early. A sense of ownership will help them more readily jump on board as new ideas are implemented.   As you lead your team or organization, it’s important to recognize areas of resistance to change in your own life. What changes are you fighting in our own life? Are you stuck in a rut? Always be open to change.   Remember, change is coming whether we like it or not. The quicker you are to embrace change – and the more you know how to get other people on board with new ideas, the better you’ll be in position for what’s next. – Phil Cooke   Find out how to get “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” and “Jolt” by Phil Cooke here: https://www.philcooke.com/store/   For more tips on leadership and a free eBook on Creativity, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Prefer audio? Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ 

Filming interviews or short videos well is a skill every producer or filmmaker should gain. Phil Cooke offers 10 keys to shooting a good interview which can become a powerful tool to market your ministry or nonprofit organization.   How good are you at interviewing people on camera? No matter how great the camera shot or well-lit your set is, if the interview is not skillfully conducted, your overall video will not be good, and you’ll miss out on gaining an emotional connection with your audience. Here are Phil’s keys on how to shoot a better interview:   Be lean and mean with equipment.Don’t intimidate your subject with an excess of equipment. Learn to shoot with as little equipment as possible so that your subject is comfortable enough to share their story with you.   If possible, do a pre-interview.Make sure the interviewee can express their story well before you shoot the video. Don’t just show up and expect them to be a pro.   Keep the subject occupied or out of the room during set up.Do everything you can to keep them from getting nervous.   Don’t cover the topic before the cameras roll.You don’t want your subject to be talked out before the interview starts. This is particularly important for a dramatic interview.   As the interviewer, sit as close to the camera as you can.Make sure the camera is capturing both of the subject’s eyes instead of just a profile shot.   Set the camera at eye level for the best shot.If it’s set too high, it will diminish the subject; if it’s set too low, it will make it look like they are looking down on the audience. Keep it eye-level for best engagement.   Roll the camera without the interviewee noticing.When the crew is ready, have your camera operator tap you and you can roll discretely before the subject has a chance to get distracted and nervous. Have a system with your team for this; it can lead to a great interview.   If a problem happens, don’t let crew – or just anyone - stop the shoot. No one should stop the interview except you as the producer, director or interviewer. Let the interviewee finish a thought before stopping.If something goes wrong, have someone signal you, so you can allow the subject to finish a thought or a story so you don’t interrupt them abruptly.   If there is a problem, don’t tell the interviewee you need to “redo.”Find another way to recapture what you need by asking additional questions and redirecting the interview.   Shoot in an interesting place.Find a location that is a visual expression of their story. Go to their environment – work, home, a public place – as long as it’s safe and quiet.   Bonus: Be ready for anything.Expect the unexpected. Have a margin for “imperfections” such as noise in the background in a noisy location – if it’s part of the real world that is helping tell the story. Think in terms of making it natural.   The perfect producer is the one who never lets the situation get in the way of telling a great story. Make sure you’re capturing the story at its absolute best with the interviewee sharing from the heart. – Phil Cooke   For more keys on shooting a better interview, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com/10-keys-to-shooting-a-great-video-interview/   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ   

Phil Cooke offers practical tips on producing short videos and using social media to establish your brand and gain followers in Part II of this series on branding.   What do people think of when they think of your church, business or nonprofit? Strategic branding can establish an emotional connection with the audience you are working to reach.   Here’s a recap of “Branding your Church or Nonprofit Part I” points to keep in mind about branding: Get on the radar. Visibility is just as important as ability. Everything communicates. People are unforgiving in the digital culture. Word travels fast! Understand the power of a name. Your name matters. Understand the language of design. It’s more important than most people think.   As you consider your brand persona, understand the power of short videos. It’s the number one marketing tool in America. What story can you tell about your ministry or nonprofit? Stories of people whose lives have been changed are especially powerful. For example… More than 85% of internet users watch videos regularly. 46% of people said they would like to seek out more information after watching a short video. It’s a powerful open door to share more about what you do. Mobile viewers watch videos 3x longer than those on PC or laptops. Think of creating for small screens.   You don’t need an elaborate set up to shoot a short video. Use your iPhone and tell your or somebody else’s story. For tips on how to produce short videos better, visit Phil’s blog at https://philcooke.com.   When it comes to branding, take social media seriously.It’s a powerful tool for mobilizing people. For example… More than 50% of the world’s population is under 30. Social media is the #1 activity online. In 2009, studies show that online students are performing better than students taught in the classroom.   Facebook is the largest “country” in the world. Stop thinking in terms of geographical boundaries for evangelism. Facebook is the future of ministry and evangelism coupled with face-to face evangelism.   Tips for posting on social media: Make it personal. People want to know what it’s like to be you behind the scenes. Give them a glimpse of your struggles, your triumphs, what you do. Offer encouragement for others.Offer inspiration for others who are doing similar things as you, whether you’re a filmmaker, screenwriter or a ministry leader. Share practical tips.Share every day tips to help others be more effective. (i.e Soth Godin, Tim Farris) Ask questions. Ask the tough questions that get people talking. Post quotes from others.   Growing your followers on social media is not about ego. It’s about reaching as many people as possible with your message.   Bonus social media tip:Consider following people you respect and pay attention to what they say. Respond where appropriate from time to time. They may respond back… which means they’ve just showed your name to their millions of followers that follow you. It can bump up your followers! It’s a powerful tool to help your social media presence.   Final thoughts… Branding is about a niche. For example, Alison Krauss has “owned” the bluegrass awards. She became famous by being the best in that niche category – and now she can do whatever she wants because of it!   You can try to be the best director in Hollywood and compete with others like Martin Scorsese or Steven Spielberg. Or you can become the best director in a smaller niche category where you can become noticed, which can open up other categories for you down the road.   It’s the same with authors and also, for example, with ministry leaders who have developed their niche and have gained followers because of staying in that category. (i.e. John Maxwell, Jack Hayford)   For Phil, his niche is the intersection of faith, media and culture: How our faith uses media to interact with culture. No matter whether you’re a pastor, filmmaker or writer  - choose a category and then be the best in the world in a narrow category.   Branding is important today.It’s about getting your message to stand out in a cluttered culture.   Do everything you can to position yourself! Be intentional with the message God has given you. Shape your perception so more people understand who you are, what your message is and how you can impact their life. – Phil Cooke   For more insight on branding yourself, your ministry or organization, get Phil’s book “Unique: Telling Your Story in the Age of Brands and Social Media” available on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/2S9fDVF (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases which allows me to keep producing videos such as these.)   For more tips on branding, social media and shooting short videos, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ   

Branding your business or ministry is a way to distinguish yourself in the marketplace. Phil Cooke shares insight on church branding to position you for greater impact in today’s society.   If God has called you to impact culture, then people need to know about it! If nobody knows what you’re doing, you’ve failed.   There are two big reasons for branding: Branding establishes an emotional connection with your audience – donors, members of your church, members of your community. Every great company has a brand persona. What kind of an emotional connection are you developing with the people you serve?   Branding cuts through the clutter of today’s society.It’s not about ego; it’s about becoming distinctive. What do people think of when they think of you?   Steve Jobs asked his team… Who is Apple and where do we fit in this world? What drives us every day? What makes our heart sing? How do we help our customers achieve their dreams? What is our core value? What do we stand for? What is our place in the world?   These questions helped his company make an impact in the world. Churches, nonprofits or Christian ministries could benefit by asking similar tough questions: Why am I here? What is my purpose? What is our mission? How do we get our story out there into society in a more significant way?   What’s your story? How does that story breakthrough into today’s culture? Building your brand identity will help get your ideas and causes heard above the noise of our cluttered society.   What do people think of when they think of you? Why should someone come to you for help or why should they support your vision? Standing out and positioning yourself in a unique way is important.   Here are 7 things to think about concerning branding:   You need to get on people’s radar.For churches and ministries, visibility is just as important as ability. Be intentional about getting your message heard.   Understand that everything communicates.In an 8-second world, first impressions matter more than ever. Your website, your reception area, the lobby of your church all communicate a message. Look at every expression of your ministry and determine those areas of first impressions that need to be fixed in order to change people’s perception of you.   Recognize that people are unforgivingin a digital culture.Word travel fasts through social media and online platforms. Start thinking of Google as reputation management.   Understand the power of a name.It’s the first thing people see. What’s the name of your church, your project or your new book?Your name is the first way your audience or community understands who you are; it should connect with people and be unique enough to separate you from everybody else.   Understand and speak the language of design.Take the time to hire a professional or get a good graphic designer to do your logo. Your goal is to get people in the door. You’ll never reach people with the gospel if you can’t get their attention and bring them in.   Don’t dumb down your design for an older audience. The minute we make the design more hip or more contemporary, older people love it. Everyone wants to be young.   Take social media seriously.The image you present really does matter. Social media is powerful for mobilizing people and getting your message out there.   Whatever your budget, goals, vision or size, your branding - how you position yourself in the marketplace and how you’re perceived – is important.   Bonus thought:Don’t give your audience, customers, congregation or donors what you think they want. Give them what they never dreamed possible. – Phil Cooke   For more on branding, watch for Part 2 of this series.   Get Phil’s book “Unique – Telling Your Story in the Age of Brands and Social Media” here: https://amzn.to/2PDViGb (Please note that as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)   For more tips on branding, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ 

Are you wired to freelance? The success of your career depends on making the right choice between freelancing and full-time employment. Phil Cooke offers questions to consider as you determine the best fit for yourself and your future.   While some people are wired to be a freelancer, others are better suited to be an employee. For example, fulltime employees get insurance benefits, a regular salary and the stability of knowing they have a fulltime job.   Freelancers have more freedom – but they wake up unemployed every morning. They’re always hustling. To be successful, you’ve got to take charge of your career. It’s a huge responsibility.   Neither choice is necessarily better or worse. You just have to determine: How am I wired?   Ask yourself these questions… Do I need resources? Do I need stability? Do I need staff and people around me every day? Do I need a regular work schedule?   Or… Am I more comfortable being in command of my own destiny? Am I okay with the responsibility of having to do the sales and all the hustle? Do I want the freedom to work when I want and when I don’t want?   One of the biggest reasons people’s career don’t work out is because they’re in the wrong place. Understand the difference between freelancing and employment and then weigh it out with how you are wired. Your future self will thank you for it. – Phil Cooke   For more career tips, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com/freelancer-or-full-time-employee-which-one-is-right-for-you    Discover what you were born to do with Phil’s book, “One Big Thing – Discovering What You Were Born to Do” available here: https://amzn.to/2L2cy70 (Please note that as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ 

An accurate perception of your leadership skills can significantly affect your career. A lack of it can get you fired! Here are important tips from Phil Cooke on how to improve your self-awareness.   How do other people see you? Is your view of yourself and your leadership abilities, talent, behaviors and attitudes in synch with how everyone else perceives you?   An accurate self-assessment is important for your career as a leader and a team member. Most people are fired because they simply can’t get along with other people in the office!   Self-awareness is something you constantly have to be thinking of and monitoring. Phil offers several ways to make sure your perception of yourself is accurate…   Ask others how you’re doing.Don’t ask people who report directly to you or who rely on a paycheck from you, but rather, ask peers or associates who will be brutally honest with you. Get objective opinions about your performance, your leadership style, your behavior and your attitudes. Their honesty can help you be a better leader.   Study the lives of leaders who are at a level above you.How did they get where they’re at? Raise the bar in your own life by studying their lives and leadership. It will help take you to the next level in your own leadership skills.   Teach self-awareness to your team. Many people are ignorant of how others perceive them. Every employee needs to understand what self-awareness is and constantly monitor themselves and how others view them.   Do a personality test for your team. These tests can help people understand how they are wired. It can be freeing for them to let go of areas that aren’t their strengths and focus on the areas they’re gifted in.   An accurate personal assessment can significantly affect your career. People who are the most self-aware have an incredibly accurate understanding of what’s coming down the road – and you’ll be able to adjust to a changing culture and changing business realm faster than anyone else. – Phil Cooke   For more thoughts on leadership and self-awareness, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com/your-lack-of-self-awarness-will-get-you-fired/   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ 

Church media directors know a Christmas production or Easter pageant can easily flare up into a nightmare. Here’s a checklist from Phil Cooke https://philcooke.comto help you produce a professional program that warms people’s hearts – without losing your sanity.   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056   Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here:https://youtu.be/ypkm8KVC5b0   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.   More about this episode: Church Media Checklist for Holiday Programs (or how to avoid the nightmare before Christmas)   Start preparation early. Experienced media or communications professionals know you can’t start too early on a program or theatrical production. Whether it’s live, multi-cam or video-taped, get your hands on a script or musical score as soon as possible. Waiting till the last minute is recipe for your own “nightmare before Christmas.”   Bring your crew into the planning process. Your media team and volunteers may have valuable ideas that can help the production. Wise directors will listen – and remember they don’t have to use all the ideas that come in.   Understand lighting differences. Make sure you understand the difference between stage lighting and television lighting – and then keep in mind you don’t have to ruin one in favor of another. Find a happy medium that works well for a live audience as well as for video (which can extend the reach of your event).   Create a shot list.Winging it is not a good thing! Always have a plan. If you have a shot list, you can go off it in an inspired moment – and then come back to it.   Stop screaming and yelling. If you’re directing a Christmas or Easter presentation and you lose control, you instantly lose respect with your team and create frustration. Have a greater vision and inspire your crew! Make them want to do amazing work.   Use cuts and dissolves correctly and know the difference between them.They are to an editor what periods and commas are to a writer. If you want something to go quickly, then cut! If you want to slow a moment, use a dissolve. These are not random editing decisions; there should be a purpose behind your choices.   Shoot a rehearsal.Film a rehearsal so you can make sure you’re capturing what you envisioned. It’s worth the extra money and time to bring in a paid staff or your volunteers to shoot a rehearsal.   Have a debriefing.Especially when you have multiple performances, shoot and debrief after each one. Lock your camera crew down before they leave for the evening and talk about what went wrong, what went right – and what could be done better. It’s a chance to be very inspirational with your team.   Toss out normal service camera rules. A pageant is completely different than a Sunday service, so your cameras should be set up accordingly. Be flexible and don’t be afraid to move the cameras around according to the script or music plan. Choose the best way to capture the program.   For any pageant or production, always think in terms of starting the planning process early. You can also apply these same strategies to shooting a filming a concert or a worship album. Any kind of special event will benefit if you think through this checklist in the early stages. – Phil Cooke   Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   Other Great Resources: Get my “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com   Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Time off? Make the most of your holiday weekend and increase your productivity with these tips from Phil Cooke. Bonus: Find out how an attitude of gratitude can help your work environment and impact your business and career. Everybody’s busy and it’s important to take a break to recharge and refocus. What do you do when you have time off? Thanksgiving, Christmas and other long weekends offer a chance to pause and gain a fresh perspective. Here are ideas to consider when you have time off… 1. Be thankful. It’s not just for Thanksgiving! Use opportunities to encourage and thank your team. Companies that excel at employee recognition are 12X more likely to have strong positive business results. Encouragement helps! When you find a day off, think about who you need to thank and send them an encouraging note. 2. Do the cleanup! Do the job nobody else wants to do – on Thanksgiving day and at your workplace. Do the dirty work; tackle the hard jobs. If you look for and do the jobs that nobody wants to do, your boss and leaders will be grateful and you’ll be noticed. It can ultimately be your ticket to a promotion. 3. Read a book. Be intentional about fighting the effect of the digital revolution. It’s great exercise! Turn off your phone and find a book you can really enjoy. Stop – slow down – and read. 4. Stop being productivity. People mistake being busy with accomplishing something. Take time off – and get off the treadmill! Clear a space so you can focus on your creative time. 5. Reflect. Go to church, take time out… Take a day to stop, pause, pray and meditate. Holidays are a perfect time to remember what your purpose is, why you’re here and where you’re going. A day off can open up new ideas to you. Holiday weekend coming up? Take the time off to rest and refresh. You’ll be recharged for the next week and approach it with a new attitude. – Phil Cooke Read more Thanksgiving weekend ideas here: https://www.philcooke.com/its-thanksgiving-weekend-heres-what-you-need-to-know/ For more tips on how to encourage your team, read Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com/why-leaders-are-encouragers/ Get Phil’s “Unique – The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” here: https://amzn.to/2Kj4X3y Order “The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to our Brains” byy Nicholas Carr here: https://amzn.to/2ORVSiQ (Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.) Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056 Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/ Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ

Are you a creative person? Especially in Hollywood, you’ll eventually run into people who don’t see your potential or think your ideas are valuable.   Walt Disney, Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg and more in Hollywood have faced rejection and criticism as producers, actors and directors. Even novelist Saul Bellow was dismissed as a “dud.” He went on to win the Pulitzer Prize and the Nobel Prize for Literature plus other awards.   What do you do when people don’t recognize your talent? There are times to recognize criticism and times to change, but more often times when you need to understand how to navigate past it.   Here are four points from Phil Cooke to help you respond to criticism in a way that will lead to creative growth.   Always consider the criticism.We all have a blind spot when it comes to our skill or creativity. Maybe this person sees something you don’t. Take a moment to at least reflect on their criticism before you dismiss it.   Take the credibility test.Is this critic someone who cares about you, a mentor, an expert in the field? If it’s a person you respect and admire, find out what they saw that you missed. Take it seriously. But if it’s a casual observer or someone who doesn’t care, move on.   Don’t be afraid to immediately dismiss online trolls. Block or mute social media critics. Nobody can survive a constant barrage of criticism! Surround yourself with people who believe in you and who will tell you the truth in a gracious way.   Just “buck up.”Just because people don’t recognize your talent doesn’t mean it’s not there. If you’re a creative person, you’re going to have times that you fail or do something that a client doesn’t like. Be able to go back to the drawing board.   Also, don’t go to extremes. Don’t get on a high horse thinking everyone else is wrong – and don’t take criticism so hard that you give up. Remember Michael Jordan who said, “I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”   Just because people don’t recognize your talent doesn’t mean it’s not there. It’s how you respond to the critic that matters. Use these four points as a filter to help you handle criticism in a way that will lead to growth – and remember people are watching!   Our goal is to do work that changes people’s lives. When that’s at stake, I’m open to any new ideas that will take me from where I am to where I want to be! – Phil Cooke   For more tips on handling criticism, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com/what-to-do-when-people-dont-recognize-your-talent-or-potential/   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ 

Can you schedule creativity? Most highly creative people have a regular routine. In this episode, Phil Cooke shares truths and practical ways to inspire your imagination.   Everybody is creative, but research shows that most significant creativity drops at age six! Creativity is the currency of this culture. In a time when CEO’s are looking for creative employees, these truths from Phil Cooke will spark your imagination and even help you schedule your creative moments:   Inspiration happens when you have a regular routine.Train your brain so that when you show up, something happens! Most highly creative people are slaves to routine.   Different people have different creative rhythms. What time are you most creative?Carve your day around that moment and try to find as much alone time as you can.   Real creativity happens in solitude.Brainstorming is great, but at some point you need to go in your office, shut the door and work it out. Real breakthrough ideas happen in solitude.   Creative thinking needs a place to happen. Where are you most creative? Even in a regular job, you can shape your day around ways to help you focus and create. Be open to the moments where you can get creative insight (in the shower, in the car, in a coffeeshop, etc.).   Ruts kill creativity.Start doing things differently. Drive home a different way. Change your habits and you’ll start seeing new things and your creativity will be recharged.   Daydreaming is good for creativity - and good for your brain. That relaxed random thinking where ideas can pop in and out of your head is good for you. Don’t let your phone rob you of creative moments.   Most breakthrough ideas are ridiculed before they are valued.Stick with it; pursue it. Be tenacious long enough for your idea to gain value.   Here are a few more quick tips to stir your creativity… Start reading books about creativity. Phil recommends these resources: “Think Like An Artist – and Lead a More Creative and Productive Life” by Will Gompertz available here: https://amzn.to/2PE1sdm “Daily Rituals: How Artists Work” by Mason Currey available here: https://amzn.to/2JG7e8J   Allow for analog space in your digital list.Be wary about the “ease” of technology and apps that keep you connected to your phone and computer. Check out Phil’s new planner: “Unique – The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” by Phil Cooke available here: https://amzn.to/2PCbU59  (Please note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.) Focused on creative people, the Unique creative planner gives you what you need for planning, while removing the limits for you to be creative. Find out more at https://www.philcooke.com/unique-creative-planner/   Apply these truths from Phil Cooke and let your creativity be recharged.     For more tips on creativity, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ 

Building a long-term career in the film and television industry can be a struggle. Talent matters, but there are other things that lend towards success. In this episode, Phil Cooke offers 4 keys to freelancers for a creative career that lasts.   Creativity is a volatile business. Phil has been in Hollywood since 1991 and has seen directors, actors, art designers and even studio executives in the film and television world burn out. What’s the difference between a person that succeeds and has a long career and someone who doesn’t?   Talent matters – but it’s not always talent that breaks through in a competitive industry. Here are 4 keys to building a successful freelance career:   Find your ultimate niche.Have the flexibility to recognize when a shift happens in the industry and adapt to it. Be ready to change.   A change in plan doesn’t mean your dream can’t be accomplished. Considering opportunities that run parallel to your dream can extend your career rather than landing you in a position where you need to sell real estate or coffee to make a living.   Phil’s book “Jolt – Get the Jump on a World that’s Constantly Changing” can help position you for seeing other opportunities in a changing industry. https://amzn.to/2DoDFZk   Constantly question your purpose.Always be asking: Why am I here? Why am I doing this? What is my purpose? Am I making a difference?   Phil’s book “One Big Thing – Discovering What You Were Born To Do” can help you define your career and focus your life on becoming extraordinary at one thing. https://amzn.to/2RApUcN  (Please note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.) When you discover your purpose, you will be released to let go of all the things that were distracting you - and you’ll gain the confidence and courage to say no to what God has notcalled you to do.   Keep learning.If you’re not growing, you’re dying. Become an authority in a specific area that you could become well-known for. Start owning a certain area of the entertainment business.   People who disregard this, do so at the cost of their career. Are you reading? Are you studying? Read industry magazines, attend conferences; listen to podcasts – find people who are smarter than you and learn from them.   Always evaluate and think about what value you bring to your employer. Even as a freelancer, you have someone who is hiring you. What value do you bring to the table? If you can’t identify your value, they can’t identify it either!   You can build a successful career in the creative industry if you will think of these things constantly. The industry changes quickly and you have to evaluate and adjust if you’re going to have a career that lasts. Don’t be a one-hit wonder.   For more tips on building a freelance career that lasts, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com/freelancers-how-to-build-a-creative-career-that-lasts/#more-16699   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ 

Short films and videos are the number one marketing tool in America for companies, non-profits, ministries and even film studios. A 3-6 minute short film can tell the story of your cause or organization in a powerful way.    46% of people who see a short video want to find out more. They’re interested enough to take the next step. The key is doing it well.   Here are 5 tips from Hollywood producer and media consultant Phil Cooke to shoot better short films and videos - plus bonus tips for shooting a great interview.   1. Video is about emotion, not facts. Statistics are great, but they don’t help you make an emotional connection.   For example, telling people the the number of wells you’ve dug or people you’ve saved from sex-trafficking or the numbers of meals you’ve served in your homeless outreach will not have as much impact as showing the story of someone’s life that was touched through your cause.   If you can show the story of a life transformed because of the work you do, that’s when people respond.    2. Become a better interviewer. Make sure you’re asking the right questions and telling the right story.   - Show the person’s eyes. Think in terms of shooting straight on the interviewee instead of capturing a profile shot. - Keep the camera eye level. Too high will diminish them. Too low will make them appear large (which might work in some situations). - Keep the room distraction free. Make sure nobody is in the line of sight of the interviewee.  - Select a safe place for the interview. If your interviewee feels uncomfortable for whatever reason, they’re not going to give you a good interview. - Learn to ask questions that can’t be answered with a yes or no. You want a complete story, so it’s best if they can repeat the question back to you within their answer.   Work to build a relationship with the person you’re interviewing and find ways to help them feel at ease with you. Be creative when you need to when working with interviewees with unique needs or personalities. The way they tell their story is going to make or break your short interview.   3. Watch what other people are doing. Study short videos on Vimeo or Youtube. Keep your styles up by watching other people’s shooting style, lighting technique, etc.    For example, if you’re creating videos for a church or ministry, find churches that you respect and admire and watch what they’re doing. Stay with the times by studying short videos.    4. Learn to write. Learn enough about writing that you know how to tell a good story. Read books, take classes – study great writing.    Recognize that writing techniques differ between a feature film or a six-minute video or a 30 second commercial. If you want to have an impact, learn to tell stories well.   5. Learn to sell yourself. Short videos are a great way to showcase your talent and can open doors for other projects.   Become good at positioning yourself in the marketplace. Learn how to pitch, brand and market yourself so you can get your work seen. Invest in your own ability to tell your story well.   The popularity of short videos makes it a powerful tool to tell your story.     For more tips on shooting film and video, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/      Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ  

Insecurity is the single biggest problem in the workplace today. It runs rampant in Hollywood, in business, even among church leaders. If you’re dealing with people who drive you crazy at work, here’s Phil’s checklist to find out if insecurity is the source – and then his tips on how to deal with a petty and insecure person.  Petty and insecure people… Continually have to remind people they are an experienced professional. Take every opportunity to take a swipe at others at work. Dominate meetings with endless talk. Point out every flaw in other’s ideas. Are clueless on fixing big problems so they focus on the petty small things. Never show grace. Are not open to other’s ideas. Have to keep reminding people what an expert they are. Insecure people are desperate to be important and significant and usually go overboard to prove that they’re in charge. They are often dominating micro-managers. When you’re working with someone who is insecure, you may not be able to just walk away. Here are Phil’s secrets in how to deal with a petty and insecure person… Take the high road. They may take credit for everything you do, but don’t go down to their level. Your day will come.   Don’t get pulled into their games. Don’t get involved in their craziness and gossip. Be gracious and just walk away if you have to.   Don’t back down. Don’t be a doormat with an insecure person. Be firm, be gracious, but don’t back down.   Keep a journal of their stupidity. Write down when they’ve been offensive, taken credit for somebody else’s ideas, or been inappropriate. Especially in this #metoo era, keep a document, so that when things come to a head, you have it written down.   Understand underlying reasons for why they’re insecure. Sometimes they’ve had a very difficult background and it will help you have a little more grace and sympathy towards them if you know how they got there. You may be the source of their deliverance.   Go where you’re celebrated and not where you’re tolerated. Try to be in a work situation where people appreciate and value you. Always have your resume polished and your bio up to date as a change of job may be your only way out.   Sometimes people will not change. Sometimes it’s a matter of moving on – and sometimes it’s a matter of learning how to graciously navigate dealing with an insecure leader. -Phil Cooke For more insight on dealing with insecure people, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com/how-to-deal-with-petty-and-insecure-people/#more-7692  Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ 

Are your skills becoming obsolete? As a writer or director, business or ministry leader, it’s important to keep up with current trends and styles to stay current in your career.  Phil Cooke shares 5 ways to help you keep your skills relevant in a changing culture. Study the industry. Take the time to read trade magazines and see what other people are doing. In the film and television industry, lighting, shooting, directing and even editing styles change. It’s important to pay attention to the changes so you don’t become outdated in your work.   Keep up with the tools. Make the changes to keep up with the digital age. You want the kind of tools to give you the freedom to do best what you creatively want to do.   Learn from others better than you. Challenge yourself to work with people who are very good at what they do. Talk to them; network with them; ask them how they stay relevant. Don’t allow yourself to get in a bubble.   Keep talented people around you. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you in the work place and in your social sphere. Spend time with people who will encourage you to be your very best.   Become an authority. Be an expert in what you do, whether it’s your style of directing, writing, or your project work with clients, push yourself to be the expert. Study, read, attend conferences – spend time focusing on the area where you want to be the best in the world. Challenge yourself to grow and avoid becoming obsolete in a changing environment.   Change happens whether we like it and whether we’re ready for it. It’s not about always knowing what the next big thing is, but it’s about positioning yourself so when it happens, your skills are up to speed and you’re ready. -Phil Cooke For more on how to stay current in your field, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com/creatives-is-your-work-becoming-dated/ Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/ Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ