Phil Cooke Podcast

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.

1. 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:

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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:

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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

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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:

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Other Great Resources:

Get my "Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals" https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo

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Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com

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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

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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