ACE Editor Steve Lang truly means it when he says,

“If I can help somebody get a job, it's almost just as satisfying as if I got the job myself.”

As we discussed in part 1 of our marathon interview together, not only did Steve play a huge role in getting me my first television editing job on Burn Notice (despite the fact I didn’t have enough experience), but he has helped countless numbers of his assistants get into the editing chair and move on to successful careers. If you missed part one, you might want to go back and listen to that one first, where we discuss in detail, how Steve has navigated a varied career in post-production while avoiding getting pigeonholed, and how it's possible to use skills over experience to get the jobs you want (if you know how to tell the right story).

What you'll hear in part two is Steve's philosophy on mentoring his assistants, how he approaches his editor's cuts, and his best advice for making the transition from assistant to editor. We also dive into Steve's work habits, his lifestyle choices, and how he has learned to balance his intense focus abilities to avoid wreaking havoc on his health and relationships. Steve has generously shared his knowledge and experience through mentorship over the years and I'm immensely grateful that he has given his time to talk with me and share his wisdom with you.

Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?

» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode

Here's What You'll Learn:

• Why Steve likes hiring assistants that want to be editors.
• Steve's playbook that he gives to every assistant he hires to help them get into the editor's chair.
• Steve's philosophy on putting his editor cut together.
• How Steve helps his assistants learn and grow as editors.
• Advice for seasoned assistants having trouble getting into the editor's chair.
• The one thing Steve finds more valuable than experience or skills when hiring an editor.
• Why you have to love the process of editing to keep your sanity and passion alive.
• Steve talks about his battle with Crohn's disease and how it affected his career and his life.
• How the pandemic has affected his work hours.
• How he manages his habit of working late and trying to balance his health and creativity.
• What is next on the horizon for Steve.
• Final advice from Steve for new editors and assistants.
• How to connect with Steve.

Useful Resources Mentioned:

Steve Lang’s Instagram Page

Steve Lang’s Facebook Page

Steve’s email

Continue to Listen & Learn

Ep80: How to Avoid Getting Pigeonholed, The ‘Concentric Circles of Networking’ & More | with Doc Crotzer, ACE

Ep126: On the Importance of Building Relationships, Asking Questions, and Never Giving Up | with Andi Armaganian

Our Generous Sponsors:

Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet Evercast

As work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of Evercast, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.

» Click here to be the first to gain early access to the new Evercast

P.S. It's (finally) priced for freelancers and indie creatives like us!

This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. New Standard Whole Protein is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.

[optin-monster slug="u1u6n4yv97rxxz4icynf"]

Guest Bio:

Steven Lang was born and raised in Stony Brook, New York on Long Island. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1992, but his real education began the six years he spent working at a video store from the age of sixteen to twenty-one. It was there where his love of movies began and planted the seed that the entertainment business was where his passion lies. He moved out to California two weeks after graduating college without a single contact or connection to pursue his dream and never looked back. One of his first industry job was at a TV movie production company that owned their own Avid editing systems and gave him the opportunity to learn his craft. Self-taught, he literately opened up the Avid manual and started from page one. He spent many late nights and weekends learning the system and editing anything he could get his hands on. Eventually, he was given the opportunity to assist on a TV movie, and his editing career was born. Twenty-four years later, Steven has edited over 120 hours of television while working with many of the top Writers/Producers/Directors/Creators in the industry including David E. Kelley, Billy Crystal, David Milch, Steven Bochco, Ridley & Tony Scott, Jerry Bruckheimer, Ray McKinnon, Larry Charles, Ben Watkins, and Matt Nix. He most recently edited the pilot and season 1 for the "Turner & Hooch" reboot for Disney + directed by McG.

Show Credits:

This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.

The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

If there's one story regular listeners of this show have heard a lot, it's the story of how I got my first television editing the #1 show on cable at the time - Burn Notice (having ZERO television experience at the green age of twenty-nine). I tell this story often because it's a great example of how experience doesn't have to be king when it comes to getting jobs. Many of the students in my coaching & mentorship program come to me hoping to make a transition in their career where they have the skills already but they don't have the specific experience. I was in that very same position when I landed my dream job editing Burn Notice.

Here to lend a unique perspective to my “Burn Notice story” is ACE Editor Steve Lang, the catalyst for getting that job. Steve has cut over 120 hours of television in the past 24 years and worked on such shows as The Practice, The Gifted, Preacher, Rectify, and Manifest, to name just a select few. He took an unusual path to becoming an editor having held every role in the post-production department at one point or another. This experience gives him a well-rounded point of view of hiring editors and assistants and best practices for advancing your career...without getting pigeonholed.

This interview has been a long time coming, as I've been trying to get Steve on the show for years!!! Our conversation ended up going so deep that we made it a two-part interview. In this first part, you'll hear how I got the job on Burn Notice from Steve's perspective while also hearing the skills vs experience argument from someone on the hiring side. You'll learn how Steve has managed to jump genres and show formats throughout his career, and why he's always trying to help advance other editors and assistants that prove their worth. And make sure you come back next week for round 2 when we take a deep dive into his philosophy on editor's cuts and the playbook he gives to all his assistants to ensure they get a seat in the editor's chair.

Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?

» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode

Here's What You'll Learn:

• Why using the “sniper method” vs. “the shotgun method” helped me get the job on Burn Notice.
• Steve's unusual path to becoming an editor (that included working EVERY role in television post-production).
• How he realized editing was a better fit for him rather than writing, which was his original goal.
• How his path crossed with Russell Crowe and what he learned from him.
• His experience working on The Practice and the opportunities that brought to his career through editing and producing.
• What editors don't understand about the job of being a producer in a post-production department.
• Steve explains his vast and varied resume of seemingly unrelated shows and genres that keep him from getting pigeonholed.
• What he has learned when hiring editors as supervising editor and how he gets people to listen to him.
• The difference between skills and experience and how it's not always the experience that gets you hired.
• How he helped James Wilcox get the job on Genius when he wasn't available for it.
• Why he always wants to share jobs and give recommendations when he's not available for work.

Useful Resources Mentioned:

Steve Lang’s Instagram Page

Steve Lang’s Facebook Page

Continue to Listen & Learn

Ep127: Chasing After the Next Gig vs. Building Your Career | with Kabir Ahktar, ACE

Ep115: How to Be So Thorough You Can’t Be Denied | with James Wilcox, ACE

Ep129: How to Cultivate a “Service-Centric” Mindset (and Why It Will Make You More Successful) | with Agustin Rexach

Ep76: Transitioning to Scripted Television (Without Becoming an AE) | with Phil Habeger & Toni Ann Carabello

Ep80: How to Avoid Getting Pigeonholed, The ‘Concentric Circles of Networking’ & More | with Doc Crotzer, ACE

Ep126: On the Importance of Building Relationships, Asking Questions, and Never Giving Up | with Andi Armaganian

Our Generous Sponsors:

Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet Evercast

As work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of Evercast, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.

» Click here to be the first to gain early access to the new Evercast

P.S. It's (finally) priced for freelancers and indie creatives like us!

This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. New Standard Whole Protein is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.

[optin-monster slug="u1u6n4yv97rxxz4icynf"]

Guest Bio:

Steven Lang was born and raised in Stony Brook, New York on Long Island. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1992, but his real education began the six years he spent working at a video store from the age of sixteen to twenty-one. It was there where his love of movies began and planted the seed that the entertainment business was where his passion lies. He moved out to California two weeks after graduating college without a single contact or connection to pursue his dream and never looked back. One of his first industry job was at a TV movie production company that owned their own Avid editing systems and gave him the opportunity to learn his craft. Self-taught, he literately opened up the Avid manual and started from page one. He spent many late nights and weekends learning the system and editing anything he could get his hands on. Eventually, he was given the opportunity to assist on a TV movie, and his editing career was born. Twenty-four years later, Steven has edited over 120 hours of television while working with many of the top Writers/Producers/Directors/Creators in the industry including David E. Kelley, Billy Crystal, David Milch, Steven Bochco, Ridley & Tony Scott, Jerry Bruckheimer, Ray McKinnon, Larry Charles, Ben Watkins, and Matt Nix. He most recently edited the pilot and season 1 for the "Turner & Hooch" reboot for Disney+ directed by McG.

Show Credits:

This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.

The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

As a self-diagnosed “extreme introvert,” I’ve done my best to avoid as many mixers, social events, awards parties, and otherwise for the duration of my twenty-year career in Hollywood. Yet despite my intense distaste for chit-chat and random conversations, I’ve not only built a global network of hundreds of professional contacts, colleagues, and genuine friends but also several mentors who have helped me learn, grow, solve difficult problems, avoid horrible & embarrassing poor decisions, and ultimately make not one but four major (seemingly impossible) career transitions.

Whether you are an extreme introvert like me, or you’re the polar opposite and you love in-person networking and mixers (I’ll never understand you, btw), the playing field has been leveled globally where in-person networking is not an option, and reaching out and connecting with people virtually is the only game in town...

...In this article I’d like to take a much deeper dive down the rabbit hole to help you better understand the seven simple (not to be confused with easy) steps that can help you turn a cold contact into a connection, then a relationship, and potentially even your ideal mentor.

» Continue Reading & Listening

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

If you work in the entertainment industry you might be living under the assumption if you get really good at what you do, jobs will just miraculously find you, and you can avoid the painful process of putting yourself out there and selling yourself. After all, selling is for businesses and salesmen.

Well, guess what? If you are a freelancer in today’s gig economy, you are a business. 

Referrals may work for awhile, but what if you decide you want to do something different and transition to a new genre of work? Suddenly your current network you’ve spent years building is of no use to you whatsoever. Having a solid networking strategy is essential for connecting with the right people so you can promote your businesses’ services (i.e. YOU) and build a career that provides you with the flexibility to expand your portfolio as desired and ultimately fulfill your passions.

My guest today, Liston Witherill, has made his career helping experts sell their services. He is the founder and creator of Serve Don't Sell, and he's on a mission to help 100 million people become world-class, ethical communicators. He understands that networking can be intimidating, especially for busy creatives who identify as introverts and just want to focus on their craft. He also understands that many people view networking as making awkward small talk at boring mixers and events (pre-pandemic anyway) and bothering busy, more important people with cold outreach that never yields responses. But networking doesn't have to be this painful.

Liston and I discuss the mindset shifts you need to make in order to network successfully and why doing so can improve your career exponentially. This episode will teach you the psychology behind effective networking and how to apply it to your unique situation so you can not only expand your network but also build better and stronger relationships to advance your career and improve your well being.

Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?

» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode

Here's What You'll Learn:

• How Liston learned to form the habit of making connections and how you can form it as well.
• Why many people have an aversion to networking and how changing your mindset is the way to overcome it...even if you’re an introvert.
• Why the same network strategies work for some people but not for others.
• The number one thing you need to do for successful outreach (and to not be a bother to people)
• What bad outreach is and how to avoid it.
• Liston’s formula for getting people to open and respond to outreach emails.
• Liston gives an example of an outreach email based on his SPCA method.
• How reciprocation works and the psychology behind it.
• Why you need an angle to reach out to high profile people.
• Why sending 1 thoughtful email is better than sending 50 template emails.
• The difference between the shotgun approach and the sniper approach to networking.
• A great example of how an internet entrepreneur provided value to an author he admires.
• The various definitions of experts and mentors and how to extract value from each.
• Tactical tips and general rules for subject lines in outreach emails.
• How long the email should be and how you should formulate your ask.
• Why you should never ask "Can I pick your brain?" in an outreach email.
• How to effectively follow up on your outreach if you don't get a response without bothering people.
• When you should follow up if you don't get a response right away.
• Networking is about building relationships and providing value.
• How to get in touch with Liston.

Useful Resources Mentioned:

Ep105: Ramit Sethi on Forging The Path Towards Your Own ‘Rich Life’

Ep06: Defining Your Purpose and Living Large | with Tony Horton

Ep98: P90X Creator Tony Horton on Covid-19, Staying Healthy During Quarantine, Boosting Immunity, & More

Liston's Facebook Page

Liston's Linked In Page

Continue To Listen & Learn

Ep80: How to Avoid Getting Pigeonholed, The ‘Concentric Circles of Networking’ & More | with Doc Crotzer, ACE

The Socially Awkward Introvert’s Guide to Networking with Industry “Experts”

Ep126: On the Importance of Building Relationships, Asking Questions, and Never Giving Up | with Andi Armaganian

Ep129: How to Cultivate a “Service-Centric” Mindset (and Why It Will Make You More Successful) | with Agustin Rexach

Ep127: Chasing After the Next Gig vs. Building Your Career | with Kabir Ahktar, ACE

IMDbPro for Networking: The 10 Features That Will Take Your Outreach to a New Level (optimizeyourself.me)

Want a Response to Your Cold Emails? Then Every Message MUST Do These 5 Things (optimizeyourself.me)

The 5 Most Common Mistakes You're Making With Your Cold Emails (and How to Fix Them) (optimizeyourself.me)

Why Writing Cold Emails Is the Most Important ‘Soft Skill’ You Must Master (Especially If You’re An Introvert) (optimizeyourself.me)

Ep87: [CASE STUDY] Why People Don't Respond to Your Cold Outreach (and How to Get a Response) | with Scott Davis (optimizeyourself.me)

Our Generous Sponsors:

Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet Evercast

As work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of Evercast, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.

» Click here to be the first to gain early access to the new Evercast

P.S. It's (finally) priced for freelancers and indie creatives like us!

This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. New Standard Whole Protein is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.

[optin-monster slug="u1u6n4yv97rxxz4icynf"]

Guest Bio:

 

Liston Witherill is the founder and creator of Serve Don't Sell, and he's on a mission to help 100 million people become world-class, ethical communicators.

Show Credits:

This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.

The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

Author’s Note: The following is the second in a 3 part series about building a relationship with your ideal mentor. In Part 1 I demonstrated The 10 IMDbPro Features That Will Take Your Outreach to a New Level, and in Part 3 (coming soon) I will demonstrate how to reach out to your ideal mentor once you’ve identified who they are and how they can help you. Stay tuned...

Mentorship is an elusive concept. There are so many different ways to define what a mentor could be that it’s nearly impossible to describe in simple terms how to find one. Especially in the “Digital Age” of the 21st century, mentorship can take on many different forms that stretch far beyond the traditional definition of an “expert” working with you one-on-one.

» Continue Reading & Listening

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

Working long & stressful hours is hard enough when you absolutely love the content you’re creating and live for what you do. But how can you survive when you don’t even enjoy the work you do and have no emotional connection to the stories you tell? In my opinion, any emotional disconnection from your work coupled with unbearable hours is a recipe for surefire burnout (I’ve been there and done that more times than I can count).

Do you find yourself taking a string of “paycheck” jobs hoping you can put off your happiness until you reach the next “success milestone” in your career based on other people’s definition of success rather than your own?

Or are you perhaps stuck busting your butt building your “career” but at the expense of your well-being, your family, your happiness, and your sanity?

Or are you one of the lucky few who’s found their “calling” in life and can’t imagine doing anything else, yet you still struggle to balance your work with the rest of your life?

Today's guest, Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar lends some hope to all these situations and helps guide you on a path to a more fulfilling career that includes being happy. Dr. Shahar is a bestselling author and lecturer who has taught two of the largest classes in Harvard University’s history, Positive Psychology and The Psychology of Leadership. He is the founder of the Happiness Studies Academy whose mission is to help educate people about a more holistic approach to happiness. He uses practical strategies from the field of positive psychology to help people align their careers with their values and ideals so they can stop competing in the neverending rat race and escape the endless cycle of burnout.

Tal and I go deep down the rabbit hole of what it means to have success and happiness in your career and whether or not the two are mutually exclusive. Spoiler alert: Being happy and having success are not mutually exclusive, it all depends on how you define each for yourself. We discuss the difference between having a job vs. a career vs. a calling and the practical ways you can shift your mindset to find fulfillment on any path.

Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?

» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode

Here's What You'll Learn:

• What does Tal mean by: "Life is too short to do what I'm supposed to do but it's just long enough to do what I want to do".
• How Tal’s past history of being a squash player led him to becoming a happiness expert.
• What the Hamburger Model is and how he transformed it into the Happiness Model.
• The 4 Archetypes of Happiness and how they relate to your career.
• Tal uses the science of happiness to diagnose the entertainment industry.
• How we misunderstand the nature of happiness.
• Having success too quickly is actually a curse in disguise.
• My story of waking up to what success vs happiness means.
• What The Paradox of Happiness is and why you shouldn't "pursue happiness".
• The essential elements of happiness
• How the “age of distraction” is contributing to women not enjoying time with their children.
• What are the “islands of sanity” and how does it help us find more flow or peak performances in life.
• The different ways we can reorient our thinking to see the importance of the work we do.
• How to use self concordant goals to direct your career path and find fulfilling work.
• The ultimate cause of burnout and the three elements to use to avoid it.
• The mantra Tal uses with his kids, his students and himself to stay on the path of happiness and fulfillment.
• Why Tal created the Happiness Studies Certificate program and how you can join.
• Three practical ideas for becoming happier today.

Useful Resources Mentioned:

Happiness Studies Program: Get 10% off with code HAPPY

Tal's Instagram Page

Tal's Facebook Page

Tal's Twitter Page

Ep105: Ramit Sethi on Forging The Path Towards Your Own ‘Rich Life’

Ep86: How to Become ‘Indistractable’ | with Nir Eyal

Ep98: P90X Creator Tony Horton on Covid-19, Staying Healthy During Quarantine, Boosting Immunity, & More

Continue to Listen & Learn

Ep06: Defining Your Purpose and Living Large | with Tony Horton

Ep64: [CASE STUDY] Overcoming Burnout and Imposter Syndrome | with Chryss Terry

Ep47: The Ugly Side of Depression, Burnout, and Imposter Syndrome | with Gen Malone

Ep03: The Science Behind Success and Creative Burnout (And Why You’re Approaching Both Mostly Wrong) | with Eric Barker

How Total Burnout Led to the Most Productive Year of My Life

How to Overcome Post-Production Burnout

A Classic Case of Post-Production Burnout

Struggling to “Do” It All? Try “Being” First. (Three Strategies to Reclaim Your Time and Sanity When Working From Home)

Ep131: How Having a ‘Side Hustle’ Buys You the Freedom to Say ‘No’ | with Alex Ferrari

Ep129: How to Cultivate a “Service-Centric” Mindset (and Why It Will Make You More Successful) | with Agustin Rexach

Ep127: Chasing After the Next Gig vs. Building Your Career | with Kabir Ahktar, ACE

[CASE STUDY] Why I Said No to a Job (A Great One)…During a Pandemic

Ep119: [Case Study] Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, Better Managing Your Time, And Making the Most of This Pandemic | with Ariel Fujita, Kristi Shimek, and Maxton Waller

Our Generous Sponsors:

Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet Evercast

As work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of Evercast, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.

» Click here to be the first to gain early access to the new Evercast

P.S. It's (finally) priced for freelancers and indie creatives like us!

This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. New Standard Whole Protein is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.

[optin-monster slug="u1u6n4yv97rxxz4icynf"]

Guest Bio:

Tal Ben-Shahar is a bestselling author and lecturer. He taught two of the largest classes in Harvard University’s history, Positive Psychology and The Psychology of Leadership. Today, Tal consults and lectures around the world to executives in multi-national corporations, the general public, and at-risk populations. The topics he lectures on include leadership, happiness, education, innovation, ethics, self-esteem, resilience, goal setting, and mindfulness. His books have been translated into more than twenty-five languages and have appeared on best-sellers lists around the world. Tal is a serial entrepreneur and is most recently the co-founder and chief learning officer of Happiness Studies Academy. An avid sportsman, Tal won the U.S. Intercollegiate and Israeli National squash championships. Today, for exercise, he swims, dances, and practices Yoga. He obtained his PhD in Organizational Behavior and BA in Philosophy and Psychology from Harvard.

Show Credits:

This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.

The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

I don't know about you, but my brain is like an endless news ticker reminding me of the growing tasks, activities, ambitions, and must-do's that I need to accomplish to prove my worth as a human. No sooner do I start one checklist item and I'm already thinking of the next. It's been ingrained in me that striving, achieving, and accomplishing must be happening at all times!

No longer are we human beings. We have become a society of human doers. We glorify those who do it all. Our hailed celebrities aren't famous for doing one thing. They are famous for doing a bunch of things.

» Continue Reading & Listening

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

» Click to read the full transcript

"In twenty years, do you want to be doing this? If the answer is no, you better figure some stuff out." - Alex Ferrari

When the pandemic shut down Hollywood, many craftspeople in the industry came to the realization their livelihood was 100% dependent on other people having work for them. I too had this realization that in order to support my family someone had to hire me for their project - I had no way to support myself with my own projects (this acute realization came one fateful night when putting my kids to bed via FaceTime for the 1000th time in a row). I knew that I did not want to continue simply trading hours for dollars. I wanted to have freedom to say yes to projects that fulfilled me, and no to projects that weren’t a good fit (or even worse were a surefire path to burnout). This may sound like a pipe dream to many people, but it's not only possible to build a “side hustle” over time that can help to support you and fill the gap during lean times, it might be absolutely essential given the changing landscape of the entertainment industry.

My guest today also had this realization, but at the early age of 21 years old. Alex Ferrari, the founder of Indie Film Hustle, is an author, blogger, speaker, serial entrepreneur, consultant, the host of the #1 filmmaking podcast on iTunes Indie Film Hustle Podcast, and an award-winning writer/director with 25 years of experience in the film industry. He has been “side hustling” since he was 12 years old, and he is sharing his decades of experience to help others gain financial freedom while pursuing their filmmaking dreams. I used to think I was productive, but after chatting with Alex I’ve realized there’s a whole lot more that can be squeezed out of the 24 hours we have available to us every single day.

Told through Alex’s animated storytelling style, this episode is wildly entertaining while simultaneously delivering sage advice from one of the great online business entrepreneurs in the film industry today.

Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?

» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode

Here's What You'll Learn:

• Alex's story of how he started as an editor
• The illusion of autonomy in freelance work
• Why he learned multiple different crafts in the hopes of getting more financial freedom
• How he stopped relying on the "hours for dollars" situation
• What does the term “filmtrepreneur” mean that Alex has coined?
• Why you should broaden your definition of success
• Why filmmakers should consider making money outside of the traditional ways
• The importance of understanding your "niche" and who you are making content for
• The story of the filmmaker at American Film Market that proves how different the film business is compared to other businesses
• Why he gets push back from filmmakers on his business model
• The fears people have when transitioning from craftsman to making their own films
• Why our subconscious is running the show and how understanding that is the first step to overcoming your fear
• How the newer models of entrepreneurship can allow you to slowly build up a business while still paying the bills
• Ways to make time for starting your side hustle
• The story of the side hustle that paid his bills to move to Los Angeles
• How he got lost in the hustle and what he did to get out of it and back on track
• Alex had his first online business in 1997
• The 17 cents that served as the catalyst to break through his fear of starting his own business
• How he uses niche markets to make successful films and create a brand around it
• How I could've made a lot of money on my documentary if I followed Alex's Filmtrepreneur method
• Why you need to ask the right questions to stop the vicious cycle of being burned out

Useful Resources Mentioned:

Filmtrepreneur

Rise of the Filmprentreneur

Indie Film Hustle

IFH Academy

IFHtv.com

Alex Ferrari

3/4" tape decks

Bon Jovi

Taylor Swift

Lady Gaga

Bradley Cooper

Newspaper

Garbage Pail Kids

Baseball cards

Final Cut Pro

Shake

Myspace

Kung Fury

Continue to Listen & Learn

Ep105: Ramit Sethi on Forging The Path Towards Your Own ‘Rich Life’

Ep130: On Pursuing Your Passion (Instead of Paychecks), and Finding the Right Mentor | with Joaquin Elizondo

Episode TranscriptOur Generous Sponsors:

Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet Evercast

As work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of Evercast, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.

» Click here to be the first to gain early access to the new Evercast

P.S. It's (finally) priced for freelancers and indie creatives like us!

This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. New Standard Whole Protein is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.

Guest Bio:

Alex Ferrari is an author, blogger, speaker, entrepreneur, consultant, the host of the #1 filmmaking podcast on iTunes Indie Film Hustle Podcast and an award-winning writer/director with 25 years of experience in the film industry. As a director his films have screened in over 500 international film festivals.

Show Credits:

This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.

The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

A new episode

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

» Click to read the full transcript

There is at least one point in our lives when we make the stark realization that we no longer enjoy what we do. The passion has long-since gone, and we’re only there for the paycheck. This is what I call “The Comfort Trap.” There are few discoveries more terrifying in your career than when you realize you are just “comfortable.”

Once you decide it’s time to make a major transition, you then have to confront the fact that you’ve most likely spent much (if not all) of your career making stuff yet you’ve never focused on the soft skills of selling yourself. In the 21st century gig economy, whether you like it or not - YOU ARE A BUSINESS. And your business is selling your creative services. It doesn’t matter how awesome your work is if nobody knows you are awesome.

My guest today is editor of twenty years (and longtime friend & colleague) Joaquin Elizondo, who has adapted to change faster than most people I know and transitioned between multiple genres to land where he is now editing projects that creatively fulfill him. In our conversation Joaquin and I talk about his journey across multiple mediums, genres, and even different parts of the country to land his dream job editing Narcos: Mexico. We discuss the mindsets he uses to combat perfectionism and procrastination (which in my opinion are frankly one in the same). And we go deep into the reasons why helping others and building communities is so necessary, especially within our current times.

Whether you are looking for a mentor, career advice, or a new best friend, Joaquin is an amazing resource who is also the founder of Hollywood Editing Mentor, an amazing site I recommend for anyone looking to escape the comfort trap where you can level up your soft skills as an assistant or editor, learn how to build your network, get career transition guidance, and so much more.

Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?

» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode

Here's What You'll Learn:

• FUN FACT: Joaquin has known me longer than anyone else in Los Angeles (including my wife!).
• The unique origin story of Joaquin's career trajectory.
• How he learned to make better decisions about what projects to get involved in.
• The challenges he faced when trying to get jobs in Los Angeles.
• The mentality he used throughout his life that has made him pursue his dreams.
• Joaquin's approach to mentoring his clients.
• How he made the mindset shift from being an artist to being a business owner.
• How embracing the learning process helps him get over perfectionism.
• KEY TAKEAWAY: Redefine the term “expert” to being just one step ahead of someone else and you can provide value to lots of people.
• KEY TAKEAWAY: You'll never succeed if you don't take action.
• The story of his first paid mentoring client and the feeling he got from that success.
• What unique qualities Joaquin brings to the table from his 20 years of editing experience.
• How he got over the fear of competition (ahem...ME!)
• What is ‘Hollywood Editing Mentor’ and how can it help your career?

Useful Resources Mentioned:

Film & TV Editing Mentorship Program | Closing the gap to become a Hollywood Editor

Joaquin Elizondo (@hollywoodeditingmentor) • Instagram photos and videos

Hollywood Editing Mentor - Facebook Page

Hollywood Editing Mentor - You Tube Page

Continue to Listen & Learn

Ep107: Recognizing, Mentoring, and Promoting Diversity In Hollywood | with Monty DeGraff, ACE

Ep115: How to Be So Thorough You Can’t Be Denied | with James Wilcox, ACE

Ep104: How to Keep Working As An Editor (After You’ve Made the Transition From AE) | with Susan Vaill, ACE

Episode TranscriptOur Generous Sponsors:

Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet Evercast

As work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of Evercast, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.

» Click here to be the first to gain early access to the new Evercast

P.S. It's (finally) priced for freelancers and indie creatives like us!

This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. New Standard Whole Protein is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.

Guest Bio:

Joaquin Elizondo has almost 20 years of experience as an editor and currently works in the world of feature films and scripted TV shows in Hollywood. His most recent editing credits are Narcos: Mexico (Netflix), and the feature film, Soundwave, now available on Apple TV and Amazon. Before arriving in Los Angeles, Joaquin worked in unscripted television for several years in New York City where he edited content for HBO Sports, NBC, Telemundo, and was the lead editor on Bravo’s late-night talk show Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.

Joaquin majored in Film & Video Studies at the University of Michigan and grew up in the San Diego-Tijuana border region. As someone who has sought out and benefited from mentoring, Joaquin is now taking on the role of mentor by helping aspiring editors and assistants in navigating the path to achieving their career goals. He created the Hollywood Editing Mentor program (hollywoodeditingmentor.com) to provide guidance and support for those trying to break into or advance their careers in post production.

Show Credits:

This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.

The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content