The Rough Draft

Featuring honest conversations with folks from across the creative industry, Season 2 of The Rough Draft explores the creative process, tools, and resources used by some of the best in the business. From journalists to content creators and business leaders, we shed light on what it looks like to break into the industry, make mistakes, collaborate with others, and the essential tools that help us along the way.

Mini episodes released every Tuesday and Thursday. Full interviews with guests published every other Thursday.

Today we’re joined by Philip Edsel, a Creative Director with a background spanning across the e-commerce, advertising, professional sports, and tech industries. Edsel has led global ad campaigns from conception to creation, working with brands like Nike, Reebok, Red Bull, MTV, and Filson.

In this podcast episode, Philip talks about his journey to becoming a creative director and the importance of taking risks in the creative industry. We also chat about his work with Austin FC and Ladder, and how he uses Seth Goden’s concept of the "Purple Cow'' to stand out and drive success. 

Guest Bio:

Philip Edsel is an artist first and foremost, regardless of medium: a writer, a musician, a photographer, and a director. His visual work is inspired by classical art, modern design, and potential energy capturing empowered people in motion, across fashion, fitness, and portraiture.

As a creative director, Edsel has led global ad campaigns from conception to creation but is also no stranger to the day-to-day implementation of content. His ultimate goal is to make good art and encourage other artists to do the same.

Social Media

• Edsel’s LinkedIn
• Edsel’s Instagram
• Edsel.works
• edselphoto.com

Additional Resources

• Paul Graham's essay "How to Do Great Work"
• Seth Godin's book "Purple Cow"
• Ladder Fitness App

Related Reading

• https://www.rev.com/blog/media-and-entertainment/how-to-build-a-big-film-audience-with-a-small-team
• https://www.rev.com/blog/media-and-entertainment/accessibility-in-film
• https://www.rev.com/blog/marketing/content-creation-tools 
• https://www.rev.com/blog/subtitles-blog/benefits-of-subtitles-for-trailers

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Today we’re joined by Elissa Nadworny, an NPR correspondent, regularly reporting on international conflict, focusing on children and families. She has spent several months in Ukraine covering the war with Russia and most recently in Israel, covering the war with Hamas and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Elissa also guest hosts acclaimed radio shows, All Things Considered and Weekend Edition.

Today, we discuss how to lean into the vulnerable side of storytelling, navigating desensitization in media, and how technology has impacted her reporting on the ground. Elissa also shares insights on collaborating with unique creative partners and adapting to the fast-paced nature of modern content production. #storytelling #journalism #reporting

Guest Bio:

Elissa Nadworny is an NPR correspondent covering reproductive rights and abortion.

She also regularly reports on international conflict, with a special focus on children and families. She has spent several months in Ukraine covering the war with Russia and in Israel, covering the war with Hamas and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

She guest hosts NPR radio shows such as All Things Considered, Weekend Edition, and special election coverage.

In 2023, she tracked down a classroom of kindergarteners from eastern Ukraine, displaced by the war. The project took eight months, spanned multiple countries and continents, and told the story of children and families dealing with the trauma, loss, and fear that conflict brings.

Her work has won awards including a James Beard Award, an Edward R. Murrow Award for excellence in innovation, and several Gracie Awards.

She's a Livingston Award finalist for a story about college students getting their degrees from inside a state prison.

Other stories that have resonated with her include crawling in the sewers below a college campus to test wastewater for the coronavirus, sitting with the elderly living along the front lines in Ukraine's east, and the story of a pregnant woman in Gaza who gave birth amid abysmal and fast deteriorating hospital conditions.

In 2018, she went on an epic search for the history behind her own high school's classroom skeleton.

Before joining NPR in 2014, Nadworny worked at Bloomberg News, reporting from the White House.

Originally from Erie, Pa., Nadworny has a bachelor's degree in documentary film from Skidmore College and a master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.

Social Media

• Elissa Nadworny's Instagram
• Elissa Nadworny's Twitter

Additional Resources

• Elissa Nadworny's story about kindergartners in Kharkiv
• Elissa's story about mothers in Gaza
• Elissa Nadworny's Brief Stint newsletter on Substack
• NPR's Morning Edition
• All Things Considered
• Weekend Edition
• Sennheiser shotgun mic
• iRig

Related Reading

• https://www.rev.com/blog/transcription-blog/how-to-write-your-own-documentary-pitch-deck-to-secure-funding
• https://www.rev.com/blog/media-and-entertainment/intro-the-modern-journalists-guide-to-success
• https://www.rev.com/blog/media-and-entertainment/new-media-tools-journalism
• https://www.rev.com/blog/media-and-entertainment/new-york-times-journalists 

Rate and Subscribe

Be sure to subscribe to Rev's YouTube Channel in order to stay up to date with the latest episodes and to watch our video production of The Rough Draft.

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The Rough Draft is produced by Rev, and releases a new episode every two weeks on Thursday. Subscribe now to stay up to date with the newest episodes, and be sure to check out rev.com/podcasts for more content.

Today we’re joined by Lucas Harger,  an acclaimed film and commercial editor, supervising editor, and partner at Bruton Stroube Outpost. His documentary portfolio includes work on over ten features — two of which recently made their debut at SXSW, with one securing the Audience Choice Award. Lucas’ intentionality is incredibly contagious and apparent from the moment you begin talking with him. 

Lucas and Colton talk about that intentionality, and how it helps position him as a storyteller and collaborator with directors. We also chat about his documentary editing mindset and philosophy that set him, his team, and his work up for success with each project. 

Guest Bio

Lucas is an acclaimed film and commercial editor, supervising editor, and partner at Bruton Stroube Outpost. 

Interspersed between long-form editing, Lucas cuts broadcast and web commercials for nationally recognized clients such as but not limited to: Nike, Enterprise, Anheuser-Busch, Uber, Amazon, Apple, and Disney+. 

With a portfolio that includes editing and supervising over ten feature documentaries, Lucas will be starting post-production in 2024 on a multi-hour doc series for HBO. Priding himself on being a key collaborator across diverse project categories, Lucas brings passion and creativity to every venture. Building timelines and teams are his passion.

Additional Resources

• lucasjharger.com
• brutonstroube.com/outpost
• Lions of Mesopotamia Film IMDB
• Clemente Film
• Lucas' Instagram
• Lucas’ LinkedIn
• Post Notes App for Premiere

Related Reading:

• https://www.rev.com/blog/transcription-blog/how-to-write-your-own-documentary-pitch-deck-to-secure-funding
• https://www.rev.com/blog/media-and-entertainment/how-to-make-a-movie-trailer-for-documentary-films
• https://www.rev.com/blog/transcription-blog/how-to-transcribe-a-documentary-interview
• https://www.rev.com/blog/media-and-entertainment/documentary-interview-questions-how-to-ask-good-questions-for-a-documentary-interview 

Rate and Subscribe

Be sure to subscribe to Rev's YouTube Channel in order to stay up to date with the latest episodes and to watch our video production of The Rough Draft.

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The Rough Draft is produced by Rev, and releases a new episode every two weeks on Thursday. Subscribe now to stay up to date with the newest episodes, and be sure to check out rev.com/podcasts for more content.

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Today on The Rough Draft, we're joined by Claire McInerny, a former journalist turned podcast producer. Her podcasting repertoire includes the award winning Terrible, Thanks for Asking and It’s Going to Be Ok. She’s the co-creator and producer of Refamulating, a new podcast that celebrates all the different ways to make a family. Prior to podcasting, Claire was a higher education reporter for NPR member stations across Indiana and Texas.  Today we discuss navigating career transition and the podcasting landscape, an industry that’s by all accounts still in its infancy, how to create compelling narratives for audio, and the tools and tactics she relies on the most to find inspiration and creativity. 

Guest Bio

Claire McInerny is a podcast producer and writer. She’s a former producer on the award winning podcast “Terrible, Thanks for Asking,” and also produces “It’s Going To Be Okay,” a daily meditation on the okay things in the world. 

Claire is the co-creator and producer of Refamulating, a new podcast that celebrates different ways to make a family. 

Before podcasting, Claire was a reporter for NPR stations, telling stories about public education and worked for NPR member stations for about 10 years. 

Claire also produces audio projects for non-profits, companies and other commercial outlets. 

Additional Resources

• clairemcinerny.com
• refamulating.com
• Refamulating on Spotify
• Refamulating on Apple
• Terrible, Thanks For Asking
• It’s Going to Be Okay
• Claire’s Instagram
• Claire’s LinkedIn

Rate & Subscribe

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The Rough Draft is produced by Rev, and releases a new episode every two weeks on Thursday. Subscribe now to stay up to date with the newest episodes, and be sure to check out rev.com/podcast for more content.

Today on The Rough Draft, we're joined by Mark Watters, a six-time Emmy Award-winning composer and conductor renowned for his work in film, television, video games, global tours such as Star Wars in Concert, and major events like the Olympics. Mark's career spans iconic Disney classics and collaborations with artists like John Legend, Mary Jo Blige, and Beyoncé. In addition, Mark serves as the Associate Professor of Contemporary Media & Film Composition and Director of the Beal Institute for Film Music and Contemporary Media at the prestigious Eastman University in New York. Join us today as we discuss his creative process, how to embrace technology while guarding authenticity, and the deeply emotional resonance of music across all content mediums. 

Guest Bio

Mark Watters is a six-time Emmy Award winning composer and conductor whose diverse career spans over 400 television episodes, feature films, DVDs, video games, concert works and music for the theater. 

He holds the distinct honor of having served as music director and featured composer for two Olympics. First, in 1996 for the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta and again in 2002 for the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. For the ’96 games, Mark composed the Emmy nominated song, "Faster, Higher, Stronger." Performed by opera legend, Jessye Norman and featuring lyrics by Grammy-nominated lyricist, Lorraine Feather, the song was the triumphant finale to the Opening Ceremonies. He has served as guest conductor for such orchestras as The Los Angeles Philharmonic, The Tokyo Philharmonic, The London Symphony, The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, The Detroit Symphony, The New York City Pops, The Baltimore Symphony and The Atlanta Symphony. In 2002, film score legend John Williams asked Mark to co-conduct the 74th Academy Awards. He has worked with such artists as Beyonce, Sting, Carrie Underwood, John Legend, Mary J. Blige, Trisha Yearwood, Yo Yo Ma and Broadway star, Brian Stokes Mitchell.

In addition to his composing and conducting career, Mark is an associate professor at the famed Eastman School of Music where he heads the Media Composition curriculum and is the director of the Beal Institute for Film Music and Contemporary Media.

Additional Resources

• markwatters.com
• esm.rochester.edu/directory/watters-mark/

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Be sure to subscribe to Rev's YouTube Channel in order to stay up to date with the latest episodes and to watch our video production of The Rough Draft.

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The Rough Draft is produced by Rev, and releases a new episode every two weeks on Thursday. Subscribe now to stay up to date with the newest episodes, and be sure to check out rev.com/podcast for more content.

Today on The Rough Draft, we're joined by Al Black, the COO of Voquent, a company that specializes in talent matching services for global content creators and businesses seeking expert localization solutions. With over 25 years of experience in expanding global reach for brands and creators, Al shares valuable insights into the significance of accessibility in content, offering strategies for effective online localization. We delve into the evolving landscape of AI's impact on creative industries, exploring both its opportunities and challenges. Al underscores the importance of adapting to technological advancements while also emphasizing the need to protect artists' rights in this rapidly changing landscape. 

Further, Voquent has been kind enough to offer Rev customers 10% off their first order of voiceover or dubbing services. Simply mention “Rev” when making an inquiry.

Guest Bio

Al Black, co-founder and COO of Voquent, boasts a 25-year career helping creators reach new global audiences through translations, voiceovers, and dubbing.

Additional Resources

• voquent.com
• LinkedIn: Al Black
• Voquent YouTube: @Voquent
• X: voquent
• European Accessibility Act

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The Rough Draft is produced by Rev, and releases a new episode every two weeks on Thursday. Subscribe now to stay up to date with the newest episodes, and be sure to check out rev.com/podcast for more content.

Join us on The Rough Draft as we chat with Brandon Carter, a seasoned brand strategist and copywriter with over 12 years of industry experience. Brandon's expertise lies in crafting strategic narratives for VC-backed startups and publicly traded tech companies, helping them define their brand meaning and connect with audiences across various media platforms. Together, we delve into the essence of "brand," exploring its rising significance in today's business landscape, what it means to be a “Creator Brand,” and his go-to productivity hacks. Brandon's invaluable insights illuminate the path to navigating organizational chaos, bringing clarity and cohesion to the intricate fabric of brand identity.

Guest Bio

Brandon Carter is a strategist and copywriter with over a decade of experience shaping the narratives of both tech behemoths and beloved childhood brands. Beginning his career in business development for iconic names like Peanuts and Sesame Street, Brandon later transitioned into the tech world, where he made his mark as an early employee and marketer at Outbrain, pioneering content marketing workshops for Fortune 500 giants such as L'Oreal and Bank of America. His journey continued as he took on leadership roles at Codeword, spearheading content programs for leading platforms like Snapchat and Waze. 

Based in Brooklyn with roots in Maine, Brandon's passion for both his work and personal pursuits shines through, whether he's crafting brand strategies or immersing himself in creative endeavors and tennis matches.

Additional Resources

• brandoncarter.co
• LinkedIn: Brandon Carter
• Instagram: brandedcarter
• Twitter: brandedcarter
• perplexity.ai

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Rough Draft is produced by Rev, and releases a new episode every two weeks on Thursday. Subscribe now to stay up to date with the newest episodes, and be sure to check out rev.com/podcast for more content.

Today on The Rough Draft we sit down with Austin-based commercial producer, John Rains. Along with his experience in handling multi-million dollar productions, John’s impressive portfolio boasts collaborations with iconic brands like Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Nissan, and Reebok, to name just a few. Central to John's work is his dedication to building upon Austin’s reputation as a production hub and fostering a positive on-set culture. We explore the evolving role of social media in advertising, its effects on consumer engagement, and how this shift has shaped John's approach to his projects. We also talk about the importance of networking, assembling a talented crew, and the synergy required on set to create outstanding work.

Guest Bio

John Rains is a commercial producer based in Texas. While Austin is home, he’s traveled all across Texas and the US to produce commercial work for various brands like Nissan, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Reebok, Ford and more. John is a partner in the rental house Convoy. Opening their doors in 2020, Convoy wanted to inject Austin with a new rental experience that prioritized quality and customer service–making Austin a destination city for commercials of all sizes. Whether through equipment being used or budgets being managed, John’s desire is to positively impact the productions he’s working on in as many ways as possible and loves doing it all here at home. 

Additional Resources

• LinkedIn: John Rains
• johnrains.net
• convoyatx.com
• Instagram: convoy_atx
• backstory.us
• Instagram: backstory.us

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Rough Draft is produced by Rev, and releases a new episode every two weeks on Thursday. Subscribe now to stay up to date with the newest episodes, and be sure to check out rev.com/podcast for more content.

Today on The Rough Draft we talk with content creator & solopreneur, Courtney Johnson. Courtney has such a fascinating methodology on creative storytelling. Her delivery mechanism is primarily social media, but she uses many types of digital marketing to grow her personal brand as a mentor and consultant. We talk about how she focuses on creating a lot of content - no matter how good or bad she thinks it is - and how this not only led to her overall success, but also generated nearly 8 million views on what she would say is objectively a bad piece of content. We get into her simple daily habits, different tools used in her workflow, and how a content creator should never leave anything in their drafts. Alright, here’s our conversation with Courtney Johnson.

Guest Bio

Courtney Johnson is an Austin-based solopreneur, social media consultant, personal brand manager for tech execs, and content creator who writes about motivation, personal brand, career, and marketing. She is the creator of the Monday Megaphone Newsletter, Level up on LinkedIn Program, and Level up on TikTok program. 

Additional Resources

• LinkedIn: courtneylynnjohnson
• Instagram: courtlynnjohnson
• TikTok: @courtney..johnson
• You can find info on Courtney’s new podcast “Slay the Gatekeeper” on her instagram
• Courtney’s Patreon
• Courtney’s Problematic Career Cheat Codes
• Courtney’s “Level Up on LinkedIn” Program
• Courtney’s “Level Up on TikTok” Program
• “The One Thing” - by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan 
• Flown

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Rough Draft is produced by Rev, and releases a new episode every two weeks on Thursday. Subscribe now to stay up to date with the newest episodes, and be sure to check out rev.com/podcast for more content.