Film Pro Productivity

In this episode, I explore why finishing creative projects feels so difficult, especially as time, energy, and resources become more limited. Building on the idea of momentum, I introduce the concept of High Impact Actions — small, focused steps that genuinely move work forward instead of draining attention through endless to-do lists. Drawing on insights from thinkers like Cal Newport, Andy Grove, and James Clear, I explain how choosing clarity, leverage, and focus over volume helps creative people manage friction, protect energy, and actually complete the work that matters.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/FilmProProdPod
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/filmproproductivity
CONTACT: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/contact
INDIE FILM HUSTLE: https://indiefilmhustle.com/ifh-podcast-network-filmmaking-and-screenwriting/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqo0Zld2Lm2lJDpDh3GsuZg

QUOTES:

• “Vision without execution is hallucination.” — Thomas Edison
• “Clarity is power.” — James Clear
• “The tasks with the biggest impact are often the ones we resist most.” — Leo Babauta
• “Increases the output of others.” — Andy Grove
• “If you don’t produce, you won’t thrive – no matter how skilled or talented you are.” — Cal Newport
• “Clarity about what matters provides clarity about what does not.” — Cal Newport
• “Concentration is the secret of strength.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
• “The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do.” — Michael Porter
• “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” — Walt Disney
• “Action is the foundational key to all success.” — Pablo Picasso
• “Done is better than perfect.” — Sheryl Sandberg (referenced)
• “There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all.” — Peter Drucker

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This episode is sponsored by a terrific supporter and friend of the show Matt Herbert.
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Please check out my friends shows:
FILM FIGHTS WITH FRIENDS PODCAST with Stephen Koepfer and Paul Varacchi (etc)
THE FILMMAKERS PODCAST with Giles Alderson (etc.)
THE HORROR CUT with Stephen Kerr and Gary Hewitt
WILDE WORLD with David Wilde
FILMMAKING CONVERSATIONS with Damian Swaby

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Thanks:

• • A Himitsu Music: Adventures by A Himitsu
  • Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
  • http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
  • Music released by Argofox https://www.youtu.be/8BXNwnxaVQE
  • Music provided by Audio Library https://www.youtu.be/MkNeIUgNPQ8 –––
  • Contact the artist: [email protected]
  • https://www.facebook.com/ahimitsuhttps://www.twitter.com/ahimitsu1
  • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgFwu-j5-xNJml2FtTrrB3A

This episode looks at how toxic people can subtly undermine creative drive. Focusing on subtle human interference rather than platforms or technology, it breaks down a series of toxic archetypes that drain momentum, shut down thinking, and make effort feel risky. The episode explores why productivity collapses in certain environments and why distance, not debate, is often the most effective response.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/FilmProProdPod
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/filmproproductivity
CONTACT: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/contact
INDIE FILM HUSTLE: https://indiefilmhustle.com/ifh-podcast-network-filmmaking-and-screenwriting/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqo0Zld2Lm2lJDpDh3GsuZg

QUOTES:

• “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” – Suzy Kassem
• “Clarity is power.” – James Clear
• “People who care about tone more than truth usually have a reason.” – Hannah Arendt
• “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
• “Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action.” – William James
• “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” – Sally Berger
• “Where there is no respect, there is no energy.” – Peter Drucker
• “Stay away from people who belittle your ambitions.” – Mark Twain

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This epsiode is sponsored by my good friend and long time supporter of the podcast Petra Kolb. Thanks Petra!
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Please check out my friends shows:
FILM FIGHTS WITH FRIENDS PODCAST with Stephen Koepfer and Paul Varacchi (etc)
THE FILMMAKERS PODCAST with Giles Alderson (etc.)
THE HORROR CUT with Stephen Kerr and Gary Hewitt
WILDE WORLD with David Wilde
FILMMAKING CONVERSATIONS with Damian Swaby

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Thanks:

• • A Himitsu Music: Adventures by A Himitsu
  • Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
  • http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
  • Music released by Argofox https://www.youtu.be/8BXNwnxaVQE
  • Music provided by Audio Library https://www.youtu.be/MkNeIUgNPQ8 –––
  • Contact the artist: [email protected]
  • https://www.facebook.com/ahimitsuhttps://www.twitter.com/ahimitsu1
  • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgFwu-j5-xNJml2FtTrrB3A

Episode 178A breaks down how LinkedIn is now restricting reach and pushing creators toward paid visibility. It’salso a very quick intro to season 15 which launches on teh 25th January 2026.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/FilmProProdPod
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/filmproproductivity
CONTACT: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/contact
INDIE FILM HUSTLE: https://indiefilmhustle.com/ifh-podcast-network-filmmaking-and-screenwriting/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqo0Zld2Lm2lJDpDh3GsuZg

QUOTES:

• The enshittification of platforms isn’t a bug. It’s the business model.” Cory Doctorow
• “You haven’t failed. Your audience hasn’t vanished. The system has just decided it’s time to charge you.” Carter Ferguson, Film Pro Productivity
• “If effort no longer matches outcome, you’re not imagining it. That’s pattern recognition.” Carter Ferguson
• “Posting more won’t fix it. Trying harder won’t fix it. The system is no longer designed to reward that behaviour.” Carter Ferguson
• “Stop feeding the machine. Downgrade social media to a noticeboard and put your real effort where you have control.” Carter Ferguson
• “The cost of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.” Henry David Thoreau

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Please check out my friends shows:
FILM FIGHTS WITH FRIENDS PODCAST with Stephen Koepfer and Paul Varacchi (etc)
THE FILMMAKERS PODCAST with Giles Alderson (etc.)
THE HORROR CUT with Stephen Kerr and Gary Hewitt
WILDE WORLD with David Wilde
FILMMMAKING CONVERSATIONS with Damian Swaby

-----------------------------------------------------------

Thanks:

• • A Himitsu Music: Adventures by A Himitsu
  • Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
  • http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
  • Music released by Argofox https://www.youtu.be/8BXNwnxaVQE
  • Music provided by Audio Library https://www.youtu.be/MkNeIUgNPQ8 –––
  • Contact the artist: [email protected]
  • https://www.facebook.com/ahimitsuhttps://www.twitter.com/ahimitsu1
  • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgFwu-j5-xNJml2FtTrrB3A

For creatives and freelancers, time and attention are our most valuable resources. In this New Year special, I dig into the idea of enshittification - how online platforms slowly shift from serving users to extracting value from them - and why social media, algorithms, and subscription-based systems are quietly undermining creative focus, ambition, and long-term work.

This episode is about recognising the trap that today’s platforms have set, stepping away from systems that no longer serve you, and refocusing your energy on work that actually matters - work that is significant, honest, and genuinely representative of you as a creative.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/FilmProProdPod
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/filmproproductivity
CONTACT: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/contact
INDIE FILM HUSTLE: https://indiefilmhustle.com/ifh-podcast-network-filmmaking-and-screenwriting/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqo0Zld2Lm2lJDpDh3GsuZg

QUOTES:
“The enshittification of platforms is not a bug. It’s the business model.” Cory Doctorow 
“When growth becomes impossible, companies turn to extraction, and quality is the first casualty.” Cory Doctorow 
“Before long, you’re not making films. You’re making content.” Elliot Grove
“When you build on someone else’s platform, you’re building on land you don’t own.” Douglas Rushkoff “The most important thing a creator can do is make something that matters. Everything else is noise.” Cory Doctorow

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Please check out my friends shows:
FILM FIGHTS WITH FRIENDS PODCAST with Stephen Koepfer and Paul Varacchi (etc)
THE FILMMAKERS PODCAST with Giles Alderson (etc.)
THE HORROR CUT with Stephen Kerr and Gary Hewitt
WILDE WORLD with David Wilde
FILMMMAKING CONVERSATIONS with Damian Swaby

-----------------------------------------------------------

Thanks:

• • A Himitsu Music: Adventures by A Himitsu
  • Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
  • http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
  • Music released by Argofox https://www.youtu.be/8BXNwnxaVQE
  • Music provided by Audio Library https://www.youtu.be/MkNeIUgNPQ8 –––
  • Contact the artist: [email protected]
  • https://www.facebook.com/ahimitsuhttps://www.twitter.com/ahimitsu1
  • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgFwu-j5-xNJml2FtTrrB3A

Many people unknowingly follow “productivity myths” that hinder their progress rather than help it and you may recognise these myths in your own way of working and behaviour. But don’t worry—I’ll also provide clear, practical steps to replace your unhelpful productivity habits with effective solutions. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/FilmProProdPod
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/filmproproductivity
CONTACT: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/contact
INDIE FILM HUSTLE: https://indiefilmhustle.com/ifh-podcast-network-filmmaking-and-screenwriting/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqo0Zld2Lm2lJDpDh3GsuZg

QUOTES:

• You cannot overestimate the unimportance of practically everything. Greg McKeown
• Being busy is a form of laziness – lazy thinking and indiscriminate action. Tim Ferriss
• People who enjoy meetings should not be in charge of anything. Thomas Sowell
• If you chase two rabbits, you will not catch either one. Russian Proverb
• Multitasking is the art of messing up several things at once. Steve Uzzell
• You don’t have to be motivated to be productive. You just have to show up and let discipline take over. James Clear
• Where there is clarity, there is no room for confusion. Steve Maraboli
• When you know your role in the team, you empower others to play theirs. Simon Sinek
• Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great. Steve Jobs

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: 

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Please check out my friends shows:
FILM FIGHTS WITH FRIENDS PODCAST
THE FILMMAKERS PODCAST
THE HORROR CUT
WILDE WORLD

-----------------------------------------------------------

Thanks:

• • A Himitsu Music: Adventures by A Himitsu
  • Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
  • http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
  • Music released by Argofox https://www.youtu.be/8BXNwnxaVQE
  • Music provided by Audio Library https://www.youtu.be/MkNeIUgNPQ8 –––
  • Contact the artist: [email protected]
  • https://www.facebook.com/ahimitsuhttps://www.twitter.com/ahimitsu1
  • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgFwu-j5-xNJml2FtTrrB3A

For freelancers and creatives, surrounding yourself with the right people is critical to staying motivated and inspired. Today’s episode dives into the "bad apple effect," how negative influences impact your life and work, and how to remove them to create space for positivity and productivity.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/FilmProProdPod
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/filmproproductivity
CONTACT: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/contact
INDIE FILM HUSTLE: https://indiefilmhustle.com/ifh-podcast-network-filmmaking-and-screenwriting/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqo0Zld2Lm2lJDpDh3GsuZg

QUOTES:

• You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Jim Rohn
• Surround yourself with people who lift you higher. Oprah Winfrey
• Don’t let negative and toxic people rent space in your head. Raise the rent and kick them out. Robert Tew
• A rotten apple quickly infects its neighbour. Benjamin Franklin

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: 

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Please check out my friends shows:
FILM FIGHTS WITH FRIENDS PODCAST
THE FILMMAKERS PODCAST
THE HORROR CUT
WILDE WORLD

-----------------------------------------------------------

Thanks:

• • A Himitsu Music: Adventures by A Himitsu
  • Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
  • http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
  • Music released by Argofox https://www.youtu.be/8BXNwnxaVQE
  • Music provided by Audio Library https://www.youtu.be/MkNeIUgNPQ8 –––
  • Contact the artist: [email protected]
  • https://www.facebook.com/ahimitsuhttps://www.twitter.com/ahimitsu1
  • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgFwu-j5-xNJml2FtTrrB3A

Not all clients are good clients. Some clients cost more in time, energy, and stress than they’re worth, holding back your business and creativity. You see, for me – and I’ve done a whole show on this topic – our time, energy, and creativity are our most valuable resources. But what happens when certain clients drain all three—and don’t pay enough to make it worth it? This episode will focus on identifying toxic or low-value clients, explaining why you should let them go, and providing actionable steps on how to do it professionally.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/FilmProProdPod
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/filmproproductivity
CONTACT: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/contact
INDIE FILM HUSTLE: https://indiefilmhustle.com/ifh-podcast-network-filmmaking-and-screenwriting/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqo0Zld2Lm2lJDpDh3GsuZg

QUOTES:

• Firing bad clients is not just about getting rid of a problem; it's about making room for something better. James Clear
• Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great. John D. Rockefeller
• Learn to say 'no' to the good so you can say 'yes' to the great. John C. Maxwell
• Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others. Brené Brown
• Don't be afraid to fire clients who don't respect your work, your time, or your value. Your business will thank you. Seth Godin

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: 

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Please check out my friends shows:
FILM FIGHTS WITH FRIENDS PODCAST
THE FILMMAKERS PODCAST
THE HORROR CUT
WILDE WORLD

-----------------------------------------------------------

Thanks:

• • A Himitsu Music: Adventures by A Himitsu
  • Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
  • http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
  • Music released by Argofox https://www.youtu.be/8BXNwnxaVQE
  • Music provided by Audio Library https://www.youtu.be/MkNeIUgNPQ8 –––
  • Contact the artist: [email protected]
  • https://www.facebook.com/ahimitsuhttps://www.twitter.com/ahimitsu1
  • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgFwu-j5-xNJml2FtTrrB3A

In today’s show I’ll look into how we can draw inspiration from these ancient insights to combat some more modern business challenges and develop a focused approach to our work.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/FilmProProdPod
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/filmproproductivity
CONTACT: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/contact
INDIE FILM HUSTLE: https://indiefilmhustle.com/ifh-podcast-network-filmmaking-and-screenwriting/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqo0Zld2Lm2lJDpDh3GsuZg

QUOTES:

• Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead. Benjamin Franklin
• Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt. Sun Tzu, The Art of War
• Work smarter, not harder. Allan F. Mogensen
• In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity. Sun Tzu, The Art of War
• The wise adapt themselves to circumstances, as water moulds itself to the pitcher. Chinese Proverb
• Use what you have, do what you can, start where you are. Arthur Ashe
• Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation, there is sure to be failure. Confucius

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: 

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Please check out my friends shows:
FILM FIGHTS WITH FRIENDS PODCAST
THE FILMMAKERS PODCAST
THE HORROR CUT
WILDE WORLD

-----------------------------------------------------------

Thanks:

• • A Himitsu Music: Adventures by A Himitsu
  • Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
  • http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
  • Music released by Argofox https://www.youtu.be/8BXNwnxaVQE
  • Music provided by Audio Library https://www.youtu.be/MkNeIUgNPQ8 –––
  • Contact the artist: [email protected]
  • https://www.facebook.com/ahimitsuhttps://www.twitter.com/ahimitsu1
  • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgFwu-j5-xNJml2FtTrrB3A

What if the only thing standing between you and your breakthrough is you? Today, we’re talking about why so many of us avoid the very actions that could change our lives—and how to stop holding yourself back.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/FilmProProdPod
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/filmproproductivity
CONTACT: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/contact
INDIE FILM HUSTLE: https://indiefilmhustle.com/ifh-podcast-network-filmmaking-and-screenwriting/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqo0Zld2Lm2lJDpDh3GsuZg

QUOTES:

• Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear. George Addair
• You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Wayne Gretzky
• Growth and comfort do not coexist. Ginni Rometty
• The scariest moment is always just before you start. Stephen King
• The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure. Sven Goran Eriksson

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:

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Please check out my friends shows:
FILM FIGHTS WITH FRIENDS PODCAST
THE FILMMAKERS PODCAST
THE HORROR CUT
WILDE WORLD

-----------------------------------------------------------

Thanks:

• • A Himitsu Music: Adventures by A Himitsu
  • Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
  • http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
  • Music released by Argofox https://www.youtu.be/8BXNwnxaVQE
  • Music provided by Audio Library https://www.youtu.be/MkNeIUgNPQ8 –––
  • Contact the artist: [email protected]
  • https://www.facebook.com/ahimitsuhttps://www.twitter.com/ahimitsu1
  • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgFwu-j5-xNJml2FtTrrB3A

Gamification is the process of turning tasks or goals into a game-like experience by adding rewards, challenges, or milestones. It can make freelancing less isolating and perhaps a bit more fun. It involves integrating aspects of game design, such as points, badges, leaderboards, challenges, or levels, into various activities, tasks, or processes.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/FilmProProdPod
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/filmproproductivity
CONTACT: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/contact
INDIE FILM HUSTLE: https://indiefilmhustle.com/ifh-podcast-network-filmmaking-and-screenwriting/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqo0Zld2Lm2lJDpDh3GsuZg

QUOTES:

• Gamification is not about turning everything into a game. It’s about taking the essence of what games do really well and applying it to areas outside of games. Simon Sinek
• The beauty of gamification lies in its ability to make the mundane extraordinary, turning everyday tasks into immersive adventures that transform our lives for the better. Jane McGonigal
• Gamification is just a buzzword for what good games have been doing all along: providing meaningful experiences. Ian Bogost

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: 

-----------------------------------------------------------

Please check out my friends shows:
FILM FIGHTS WITH FRIENDS PODCAST
THE FILMMAKERS PODCAST
THE HORROR CUT
WILDE WORLD

-----------------------------------------------------------

Thanks:

• • A Himitsu Music: Adventures by A Himitsu
  • Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
  • http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
  • Music released by Argofox https://www.youtu.be/8BXNwnxaVQE
  • Music provided by Audio Library https://www.youtu.be/MkNeIUgNPQ8 –––
  • Contact the artist: [email protected]
  • https://www.facebook.com/ahimitsuhttps://www.twitter.com/ahimitsu1
  • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgFwu-j5-xNJml2FtTrrB3A