Phil Cooke Podcast

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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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…

1. 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

1. 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:

1. 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

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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…

1. Take the high road. They may take credit for everything you do, but don't go down to their level. Your day will come.

1. 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.

1. Don't back down. Don't be a doormat with an insecure person. Be firm, be gracious, but don't back down.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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

How do you respond to rejection? Filmmakers, writers, actors – anyone in a creative field can experience failure and rejection. Your response can either destroy or make your career. Here are 5 tips from Phil Cooke to help creatives manage criticism and grow from it.

1. Don't over think it.The work that you do may not be a problem; it may just not be a good fit for the project. Timing, chemistry, style, size – it all comes into play. More often than you think, rejection has nothing to do with your performance.

1. Don't take it personally.It's not about you. Separate you from the work that you do. It can open you up to future success.

1. Find objective advice.Go to someone you trust and get their opinion. An objective authority can help you put rejection into perspective.

1. Keep a cool head.Turn a moment of rejection into a teaching moment by asking for constructive criticism: "What is it you didn't like?" It may be a remarkable easy fix.

1. Don't let rejection derail your dream.The better you are, the more rejection you may get because you're pushing boundaries. Don't let it derail you.

Rejection happens. Keep changing, keep moving forward. There's always room to improve.

-Phil Cooke

"I take rejection as someone blowing a bugle in my ear to wake me up and get going, rather than retreat."- Sylvester Stallone

"There's no such thing as rejection – only ways to win and improve your game."- Brian Bird, writer, producer

For more advice on dealing with rejection, visit Phil's blog at https://www.philcooke.com/secrets-dealing-rejection/

Order Phil's book: Jolt – Get the Jump on a World That's Constantly Changing https://amzn.to/2CBmuCs

Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil's blog at https://www.philcooke.com

Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/

Find Phil on iTunes! 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

Do you have a script, a movie, a book or just a great idea you need to pitch? Hollywood producer and media expert Phil Cooke shares 10 tips on pitching your dream in this week's podcast.

How do you make your dream their dream? Here are 10 principles that can help you pitch your idea successfully.

1. Bring multiple ideas. A great idea is the worst thing in the world if it's the only one you've got!
2. Do your homework. Search Google, read the trade magazines, find out what their goal is.
3. It's about relationships. Try to build a friendship instead of making this all about pitching.
4. Ask their opinion.
5. Limit your pitch to 3-5 minutes. These are busy people; honor their time.
6. Don't get too cute. It's all about content.
7. Give them time to think about it. "Stop singing before the audience stops listening."
8. Learn to listen. Don't feel like you have to do all the talking; learn how to read the room.
9. Plan for unexpected guests. Don't make the mistake of ignoring them; introduce yourself and engage them just as much as the decision maker in the room.
10. Know what success will mean for them. Understand their motivations and plan your pitch around that. Make your project the key to their success…

Make your dream their dream!

Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil's blog at https://www.philcooke.com

Visit Phil Cooke's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ

For more tips on pitching, visit Phil's blog at https://www.philcooke.com

Read the blog here: https://www.philcooke.com/how-to-pitch-your-ideas-successfully/

Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/