We talk with Filestage.io – the platform that allows creatives to share, review, and approve all your files in one place and enjoy a faster, more productive approval process.
Panel:
Transcript from Crew Talk
Katie Chonacas:
Hi everyone. Thank you so much for tuning in today. I’m Katie Chonacas, your host, and we have two special guests with us in the entertainment industry, and we’re going to have a collective collaborative conversation today to add value and to make an impact for you and your creative life. So with me today, we have Samuel and Floris and I’m going to let them introduce themselves and we’ll get going. Who would like to go first? Okay.
Forrest Tuff:
Oh, I’ll take a shot. Hi, my name is Forrest Tuff. I’m out of Atlanta, Georgia, and I’m an independent film producer. Non-Traditional, didn’t go to school. I picked up the craft as a kid. And just as an adult now I’m actually making films independently.
Katie Chonacas:
Yeah. I’m a fellow independent producer as well. Maybe we’ll just get into some of those stories and talk about some struggles, some wins, successes, and how to leverage that in the 21st century. That will be really fun to chat about.
Samuel Blount:
Great. All right. I’m Samuel Blount. I’m the head of sales and customer success at Filestage.io. Got around 11 years in the outsourcing and consulting industry. So consulting on workflows and streamlining processes, both between clients and providers.
Katie Chonacas:
Great, great. And so let’s deep dive. What is Filestage?
Samuel Blount:
So Filestage is non-line proofing platform to help streamline the review and approval process for any kind of assets. We do focus on video, but it could be any kind of file or asset that you’re creating to share internally with your teams or excellently with clients. And the idea behind it is simplicity and ease of setup to gather that feedback. So
Katie Chonacas:
When was the platform created?
Samuel Blount:
And so the platform was originally created around six years ago. Our founders are based in Stuttgart, Germany. They created it to try and improve the the process and the, the issues they had seen working in agencies of sharing work and getting that feedback. So yeah, created around six years ago.
Katie Chonacas:
What kind of agencies?
Samuel Blount:
So it could be marketing agencies dealing with many kinds of different types of assets and files from videos, audio images and yeah, seeing the email ping pong that seems to ensure that comes in afterwards when you’re trying to get feedback from your stakeholders.
Katie Chonacas:
Yeah, yeah, yeah. So what are some of the advantages of using the platform frame.io over Vimeo?
Samuel Blount:
So the advanced is really a Filestage over those two platforms is the mix of assets that are available and what you can approve. And then also, like I mentioned before, the simplicity our platform looks like a Kanban board, you uploads and assets, you can separate between your stakeholders and easily move those files between those frame IO and Vimeo very much focused on video only which is great, depending on your use case, what we then allow is any type of asset could be approved and run through the same approval process.
Katie Chonacas:
Okay. And then is Filestage desktop only, or is there an app version as well?
Samuel Blount:
It’s a web app. So there’s nothing to download. It’s available live on, on any, any browser and also works very well on mobile as well. It’s been optimized for mobile use.
Katie Chonacas:
Cool. What are some new exciting features that you want people to know about?
Samuel Blount:
So some of the ones that we’re just about to, well, one we’ve just released this, our compare version, so easily thing side-by-side a before and after similar to like a, an Adobe click to reveal sort of feature. And then also coming up very shortly, we’ve got some new integrations coming out. So the ability to integrate with project management software, eventually things like creative cloud as well and live HTML reviews. So you can review live websites as well on the platform.
Katie Chonacas:
Great. Great. Love that. And so let me just ask for some clarification. Does that mean that the project sync with the popular editing applications, you mentioned Adobe DaVinci final cut.
Samuel Blount:
Yeah. So we’ve literally, we very recently implemented NYPA systems to help with our integrations and automation. So our first integration is just going live now, which is on a PM tool. So for Asana and then the creative products are going to be coming in the next couple of months or to be released in this quarter.
Katie Chonacas:
Cool. Very cool. And forest, what do you think about all this valuable information we’re hearing about do you use frame.io and what comes up for you?
Forrest Tuff:
Well, one thing that he said that really touched on that really hit a nerve for me. One of the things I’m actually doing right now is I’m getting my project management professional certification. And so I’ve done talks with project managers looking to get involved in the film and TV industry. So having a platform that gives symmetry to the workspace, because there’s a specific language in the project management world, just like it is the film industry, but having a review platform that allows them to integrate that project management style of workflow, that would be very important. And I actually just did a seminar with the project management Institute here in Atlanta, and we were talking about a possible software that could allow them to integrate some of the things that they use in their project management software. So that, that really struck a chord.
Katie Chonacas:
Hmm. Very cool. Shout out to Atlanta. I love Atlanta. Oh gosh. I’ve had some, yeah, I need to spend more time there. So I’m represented in Atlanta. Thank goodness gracious. But I have yet to work on a movie there yet. So yeah. I have a question. So as an independent producer, what have been, I mean, this could go in so many different directions, but what are some of the biggest challenges so far that you’ve had?
Forrest Tuff:
So here’s the, here’s the nuts and bolts of my story. I’m actually a CEO of a media production company run this company for about 17 years. And so about the past seven years when there was this huge boom in Atlanta, of course, with the tax credits and everything, we started to get involved hints my independent film producer foray into the industry. So I’m really in the business, but it’s, you know, like as an independent, there’s a total new language. I had to get involved and find out how this industry works. Now I own all of my equipment and the production parts. So that was a big deal. And I was able to start producing my own projects for me. The biggest challenge was breaking into that circle of industry people, because the ones that are in the industry, look, there’s only so many jobs to go around and it’s a referral business. It’s just like any other type of business, you know, people and you work with people, you trust people that have shown you over time that they can be on time and get the job done. And coming in as a newbie out of nowhere, that was a big challenge. Even though maybe these organizations they’re like, yeah, who is this guy?
Katie Chonacas:
And then also I’m being very specific. Cause you said there’s only a certain amount of jobs. So you were your palette and, and your vision is specific to what you wanted to work on because I mean, there’s reality, there’s TV, there’s film, there’s so many different kinds of avenues and entertainment. So, you know, it is very limited when you’re wanting to have a certain vision of the collective of who you want to be knowing and collaborating lists. So being in Atlanta, what are some social ways you’ve been able to connect with people in the 21st century during the hybrid of the pandemic? What are some ways you’ve been able to connect with more of these like-minded people and, or were you already getting your feet wet, connected with these people? So how were you able to still sustain those relationships during these times?
Forrest Tuff:
Well, initially I had a skillset that worked. I’m an editor, licensed drone, pilot, you know, cinematographer, I have the equipment. So when you find people, I did a cross-reference of people on stage 32, that’s a site that I used for local production people here. And I was able to find people and I would cross reference them on IMDB. And I said, Hey, here’s somebody that works in an industry. That’s doing an independent project. And I know they don’t have any money, right? Because independent world, there’s no budget. It’s like we can scrape together. So I’ve volunteered. I’d come on set and say, listen, I’m going to be your editor for six months. Treat me as if you’re getting, as if you’re paying me now, that’s how I’m building that trust. Because now here’s someone that’s in the directors deal. They’ve been working for 13 years and this new becomes a long, but he’s a professional and he works like a professional for free. So when opportunities come up for jobs, Hey, guess what? That’s how I broke into the industry by offering my service in order to gain a re rapport with people. So they would hire me for jobs.
Katie Chonacas:
It’s so smart, great research. I love the IMDB. I tell people that all the time I am DB great resource, great tool, because you can email them directly and say, Hey, like I see you’re in pre production on a project and it takes a village. So I want to offer my services. You added value. So instead of giving me, give me, give me your, that hunger you’re feeding off of like, let me be in service. Those are such beautiful keywords to be in service and offer. And you said you put a cap on, and you’re like, here’s six months, six months of my energy and my time and my skillsets. So did you when you wrote the cover letter and you, did they meet up for coffee or did you send them a link to just some of your editing work and say, Hey, I can be an added value for your project. How, how did that look when you break down, when you sent these pitch emails on the IMB?
Forrest Tuff:
Well, what I would do is I would have reels for different things. So I was the sound mixer. I’d have a list of my equipment and a reel that shows my work with recommendations from people that I’ve worked with. So in every field that I said that I had a certain expertise and that’s the difference when you’re independent, you know, not having went to school, I didn’t have a certain area. You know, I wasn’t like just the DP, that’s it? You know? And in the industry, sometimes you have to find what you are to move forward in a business. And for me, I had a little more flexibility. I could be many things. And that’s where I came up with the term film preneur that I trademarked because I was interested in not only in my craft, but the business of filmmaking. And so I was able to show them what I could offer at a high level. So they didn’t just see it as, oh, this is free, terrible service. Wait, this is like, I’m getting this for free because it was great service in my opinion. And so that’s how I was able to make traction with a lot of different people that worked in the industry. And ultimately I received a job. I was contracted by 20th century Fox as an independent to work on a set. So that was one of my great moments breaking into the industry.
Katie Chonacas:
That’s great. I mean, but you go from zero to hero and by doing the research and thank you for sharing that story, it’s so important, you know to, to make pitches, to plant those seeds, to do the research, to put ourselves out there. Cause you know, they say for every 99 nos, you get that one. Yes. But that one yes. Makes up for the domino effect. And it’s that passion. And it’s not about like, money’s important, but it’s about, it’s about connecting and planning, sowing seeds and knowing where we’re having a career in every area is so important. You know, every area of what we do, it takes a village. I just saw doom last week and Warner brothers invited me to a special screening and it’s like, yo like thank you so much. Warner brothers like invited me to a special screening and I’m getting invited to all these priests, but like, these are the fruits of the labor of the energies and the work ethic that we put in. And it’s like, oh, I’m in Atlanta. And where are you Samuel right now in the world.
Samuel Blount:
I’m actually in Uruguay, south America. Tetelestai
Katie Chonacas:
I haven’t been a Uruguay yet, but I love do you know Alejandro younger? Oh, everyone has to love this because this is so much added value because to do anything in entertainment and in film, we have to be taking care of our personal health and Alejandro younger. He’s a New York times bestseller three times. He’s on my podcast called she’s all over the place. And he has a book called clean and he talks about coming from Uruguay, going to NYU and studying there. And he’s one of the number one cardiologists in the world. He’s well-respected in your country. So I want to go there because of him and everyone check out clean because it talks about not only a physical detox of cleaning your body, but a mental detox and quantum detoxification, because we can have these experiences as creatives in the film industry.
Katie Chonacas:
But if we’re holding on to the, the shackles and the bad experiences and all the people who didn’t call me back when I contacted them on INDB, it’s going to like bring our cheat down or energy down. It’s going to bring us down in a way where it’s going to like, that’s why a lot of people, you know, they say only the strong survive. And that’s why a lot of people, you know you know, the warriors in the industry are the ones who show up they’re consistent, but we’re able to be analytical and look at it as a business and dismantle, what’s not serving us and not take it so personal and keep on going and connect with like-minded people like this. So we can be that baseline to really like, do the research, know the skills and then connect collectively for the gems that happened when Fox calls us or when we get invited to certain projects, you know, so we can acknowledge and appreciate that, especially on an international level, how we’re all interconnected. It’s so, so fascinating. Yeah. Anybody have any comments or thoughts about that?
Forrest Tuff:
I did want to make one other statement. When I mentioned the volunteerism. I also, when I talked to people who are looking to get into the industry, I also talk about strategy. So when I volunteer, there’s a strategy to my volunteerism. When I sit down and talk with you, it’s a business meeting. So I’m sharing with you that I’m giving you this, but here’s what I would like in return. Now, is this something that works for you? And if it does not then guess what, that’s okay. We’re not doing business and I’m okay with that, but you have to make sure that the time you spend getting involved and working with people is going to be something that’s also conducive to you. And that’s how I would approach everything. I don’t really, I don’t really approach it from my creative side because that exists. I always approach it from the business side so that I can be free to create. That’s just a little point that I’d like to make. That’s what,
Katie Chonacas:
And I would like to elaborate on that really. Like, because I am, it’s like, you know, show business, but being a creative, I’ve always approached it from my heart at this heart center, but I love how you’re like upfront with like, here’s the strategy here’s ABC or a through Z. This is how it’s going to go, what works cool, what doesn’t cool. But you know, before getting in the relationship, what it’s going to be and like, I want to acknowledge and honor any for that. And other people who are like that as well, because sometimes as a creative people and I know from experience and people I’ve coached in the past too, they’re scared to vocalize those basic needs of what they want and approaching it from business. So how were you taught that? Like when you were a kid or did you go to school for it or what are some tools fellow filmmakers can have, so they can have more courage to ask some basic baseline questions to ask instead of getting involved and then in their mind have an illusion of how something’s supposed to be, and then it doesn’t turn out that way.
Katie Chonacas:
Right. And there’s a lot of upset and it happens all the time through miscommunication. So what are some business tools people can ask up front to make sure your basic needs are taken care of without feeling guilty or feeling like you’re being too forward?
Forrest Tuff:
Well, that’s going to vary for everyone. And you know, some of the things that work for a won’t work for B, and it really depends on your personal situation. I think, I think me coming into the business, I had an established business. I had money, I had equipment. I had things that gave me value. So when I approached it, I had the luxury to approach it from that standpoint. But at the same point in time, when you don’t have those things and it’s just like, yeah, but I just want to get involved. I don’t have money. I don’t have this. I just have a dream and I want to live my dream. Then yes, there are some sacrifices that have to be made. And that is just the truth. You’re going to have to eat a little dust in order to, you know, work your way up the line.
Forrest Tuff:
So I don’t want to make it seem as if that’s not a reality that does exist, pay your dues, but you have to create a vision. Look at yourself as a business, not just as a talent, do a vision plan. Where do you want to find yourself, you know, create a plan for where you want to take your business, which is you. And when you do that, you’ll find yourself knowing when not to take compromises, you’ll be able to make hard that are in the best interest of you. And sometimes you’ll make those concessions because you’ll see, you know what, I need to do this for the greater good of where I’m trying to go. So I would just say, see yourself as a business and just try to make smart decisions and not always think emotionally,
Samuel Blount:
I think as well. I think when you’re saying about, you know, paying your Jews and those things, whether it’s individually or whether it’s a business, the world, these days expect things for free, you know, there’s high quality products out there, whether it’s Facebook or Twitter or whatever that nobody pays to use. So getting people to separate with their money is harder. I think that it may be, it used to be. So you’ve got to be confident in your skills and your, or your product to be able to go out there and maybe not be paid at first for what you’re doing. And, and be confident that it will come eventually. So we come from very different backgrounds far as, by that resonates with me as well. I think you really have to kind of show your value and be confident with it.
Katie Chonacas:
And is there a mentor, someone that you looked up to, or a book that taught you certain things about each profession that you both are in?
Samuel Blount:
So, so for me, I think there’s been a number of different, different people, whether it’s, you know, I grew up in the UK listening to Richard Branson’s story about how Virgin and all that came around and then more and more modern looking at somebody like Elon Musk where the, I, I think, although he’s ended up in the position he’s in all of his endeavors have seemed to be, to provide a service and provide something good. And, and for me, I think that’s always important that you need to be confident with what you’re giving to somebody that you’re providing a service and you’re improving something. So whether it’s improving a workflow, that’s what we do at fall stage, or whether it’s improving, somebody’s helping somebody with their CV, helping somebody get an opportunity. I really feel that, that, you know, seeing that level of consciousness of providing a service is key to success.
Katie Chonacas:
Yeah. Consciousness and business. I love that. And, you know, circling back around if we’re already using frame.io, a Wipster Vimeo and other services, how easy or hard is it to make the transition over to filestage?
Samuel Blount:
Yeah. So I wouldn’t, there’s not like a switch from Android to apple, like it starts up or anything like that, but it’s very simple. We we’ve, you know, we’ve won review rewards for us, simplicity of how to get set up. So it, it’s a very easy platform. It’s very intuitive. So switching over is not really going to be a headache for anybody.
Katie Chonacas:
Okay. And then can you import everything or is it more of like a clean break, fresh start type of transition?
Samuel Blount:
Yeah. So it’s, it’s a clean break. So, like I said, there’s no real kind of transfer from one platform to the other. We do have API on the technical side to, you know, think your data from a storage platform, a dam system, whatever it might be, or you can just start a fresh.
Katie Chonacas:
Good, good. Very cool. Very cool. And then aside from re video reviewing, what are some other ways video production professionals could benefit from the platform?
Samuel Blount:
So I, I really think it’s where we really see benefits for our clients. You have the separation of your review it’s so it’s easy to segment whether it’s an internal creative team, whether it’s maybe brand compliance before something gets sent over. And then finally, if you’re sending something to a client it’s all very segmented and separate processes, so you can keep it very clean. And one person is only really reviewing what’s intended for their eyes versus having 20 people trying to review and give their opinion on the same thing. The other piece is, is the audit trail that we give on every asset, whether it’s a video or an image that is reviewed and gone through the process there’s an easy download of a PDF that shows everybody’s decisions and when they were made, they were timestamped. So for smaller agencies, that’s very important sometimes when it comes to getting paid, showing why things took a certain time, why decisions were made at certain times. And that’s the key thing that our clients love with the platform.
Katie Chonacas:
And then is there a way to publish an approved video straight to Vimeo or YouTube?
Samuel Blount:
So currently there’s not a native integration, but that again is on our roadmap with with our system. We’ve put in place at the moment. You are with an API able to push any of the assets back out of the system. So you could configure it with with YouTube or something if, if needed.
Katie Chonacas:
Okay. Yeah. I love you too. There’s so many things on YouTube. It’s just like overwhelming. I know some people who just don’t watch movies or TV and they just watch YouTube. Like it’s a real thing. People are just like streamers on the YouTube. So what are your thoughts of the future of filestage and the landscape of our industry?
Samuel Blount:
So I think for us so the focus really is on the simplicity side of things and where we really Excel is being able to give people tracked history of review decisions of seeing the feedback that people gave, but where I’m really wanting to push our team on the customer success side. And also with our, with our sales team is being able to consult. So again, it’s that mentality of giving value before you’re receiving anything back. So when we’re speaking with, with some of our clients, we want to make sure that we understand their entire entire workflow. So what other products are they using? How would we fit into that? And how can we also help you improve that end to end process? Not just where filestage slots in. So we’re training our teams on six Sigma, which is a very traditional factory focused process of removing non-value add steps to a process and able to consult with our customers on that as well. So it’s really, you know, not just trying to push our products, but helping people improve what they’re doing.
Katie Chonacas:
Okay. Great. Great, great, awesome. What do you think about this forest? All this information you’re learning.
Forrest Tuff:
I think this is great. One of the, I did have a question out when I looked at the site, I was wondering if there’s any application I saw how it works with people looking at files. Is it just video, or I had a thought about the 80 team network, you know, like call sheets or things of that nature. Is there an application for that?
Samuel Blount:
It’s all web apps, so everything’s online. But for example, for any kind of file, it could be the script. It could be a story rail, it could be anything that you’re uploading that can receive that feedback. So it’s really not limited, like maybe frame IO or some of the other products, just the video it’s completely over.
Forrest Tuff:
Okay. That’s good to know that that was one of the questions that I had when I looked at the software. So I’ll make sure I asked that when I get the chance. So
Katie Chonacas:
Yeah. Thank you. And this is a question for the both of you. So I don’t know who wants to go first, but and we can elaborate and have fun and there could be many stories, but what are, what are some tips advice you would give to people looking to break into film and TV?
Samuel Blount:
Probably going to say that’s more fuel focused for us than
Forrest Tuff:
I’ll give it a go. I w I would say this depends on if you’re going to school. If you’re not going to school, here’s some things that I say, be a part of associations here. We have filmmakers Alliance, Georgia production partnership. These are organizations that let you know about the bills. They’ll let you know what’s happening. If you don’t know what I actually means and what these unions mean, get involved and find out what matters to the people in the industry. And here’s my tape. Even if it doesn’t work for you still be a part, be a voice for the community. You know, that’s one of the things about the independent and I call it the industry. They’re not separate. They don’t have to be separate. I mean, there is a separation because of how it’s involved, but stay involved as much as you can, because you never know when there’s an opportunity to be a value. And that’s what I always say, create opportunities. So I would always tell someone if you’re looking to be involved, know what’s going on in the industry, stay working, stay valid, make sure you give great work ethic and, you know, create a name for yourself and be a value to people that are in the industry. Opportunities can happen,
Katie Chonacas:
Love all that. We can keep the train going. So you know, as an artist, as a independent producer as well you know, I do voiceovers every single day for my work. I do voiceovers every single day and I have coaches and you know, Aaron Speiser studio, he is the personal coach for will Smith. And J-Lo. So when they’re on set, doing movies, the Aaron Spicer’s onset with them for three months doing the movies. And so like all be coachable, all the best people have coaches. And when I get, when I do my voiceovers, like even if I have it on lock, like, like it’s very rare, but like, I work with my coaches, you know, five days a week for all, you know, all my additions, I have 27 auditions. Like every single week, like around there, it’s a lot, like sometimes like 10 a day and I’m being coachable and then always learning and being open to pivot, shift and grow because now we’re in a hybrid world.
Katie Chonacas:
And, you know I remember you know, when I was looking at you know, Hollywood, when I first like, started getting going, and I was like, oh, I wanna like make my own products, make my own things. And, oh, before I say that, actually before I pivot Sarah Jane Sherman she’s was the head of casting, a Disney, and now she’s independent. And she cast Netflix and cartoon network. And she’s like one of the number one CA animation casting directors in the business she’s flawless. And she posted something the other day. And she said, if you’re going out for these roles, but you’re not getting what you want, create your own lane. So what you just said for us is just like, yeah, like create the opportunity, create your own lane, make it happen. Energetically, put it out there, take action. That’s awesome. You have equipment.
Katie Chonacas:
And then circling back around. I remember in 2014, I was going to the union a lot to sag after all, like you said, go to the community, get involved in these places and the unions. And I’m a union member. So I get invited to all these events and I would be, I would go there just to energy, like positivity, breeds, positivity. So I wanted to be around that environment. I wanted to be around the language. Like you keep saying language, and I’m just like, everything’s a vibe, a sound, a language, and you get to know the lingo and then you’re not feeling awkward and comfortable. And you’re saying things and people are picking up what you’re putting down. Like the people who are tuning in right now. It’s like, they’re getting these gems of languages of like where the industry is going. It’s like an evolution.
Katie Chonacas:
So I was at the union and I saw blue is the warmest color. And this, this actor, I’m Greek and she’s half Greek she’s in Europe. She was talking about you know, the project and how the director had them wear absolutely no hair and makeup. And I was just like, oh my gosh, because the imposter syndrome and being a perfectionist, you’re like, I want it this way. I want that way. And hair and makeup. And you just want everything to be so specific and that’s energy time, location money. So it’s like, as a producer, put out fires, put out fires, cut the fat, like pivot shift, make it work and just like show up and do your best. And it’s still going to look great. Maybe it’s not like the anchored vision of the target of what you wanted it to be, but you’re showing up and you’re making it and you’re getting it done.
Katie Chonacas:
And people are going to appreciate that a lot. So when she said that, I was just like, whoa. So then I shot a video on I’m going to geek out here on the tech on the red epic. I just, I actually just did a commercial with Delta with the, with the Olympics. It was a three-day commercial and there were hundreds of people on set. And my friend Ron mourn off, he’s a huge producer. He produces all of Taylor, swift, Travis Barker, Mariah Carey, like, like so many people. He, I was hired on this Delta commercial and Paul Cameron was the cinematographer and I loved Paul camera’s work. He’s so amazing. Paul Cameron was a cinematographer and and we’re working on this project and, and there’s hundreds of actors there. So you want to like show up, be professional, do your part, and just like, not talk, you just want to like observe.
Katie Chonacas:
So you’re called back. So they remember you show up, like Forrest was saying, you do great work. And then, you know, they’ll remember you and you plant, you sow a seed. Like, yo, that person like did a really great job. I want to like bring them back. And so while I was doing my thing, I was like scouted out by like Paul Cameron’s, like family member, like quote unquote, like, like his son. Right. They spent as a Rafael and we were talking, we were connecting. And I was like, yeah. And I was like, I have this vision. And he’s like, yo, okay, let’s have the holidays. Let’s come back, let’s have a coffee. And he was a man of his word. And we had a coffee when we came back and I’m like, this is the vision. And it was something I was wanting to express.
Katie Chonacas:
It was something I was wanting to get out and I wasn’t getting the roles. I wasn’t getting the opportunity. So I created the lane. He, because he was like on the crew of that Delta commercial. And like all the crew people are like in it. And they have like their language and their trusted connections. He got all of the equipment from the from the Olympics Delta commercial that I was in, he got the red epic from that and all the gear and, and we showed up and I got the location. I got the location and we, we made it happen. So that was like really, really awesome. And that’s the power of showing up and making it happen as an independent producer, creative filmmaker, you know? So what do you guys think about that?
Forrest Tuff:
You know, it’s interesting because there’s so many different walks and I want to hear your, I want to hear your perspective first.
Samuel Blount:
Yeah. So I, I, I think for, for anything, I think that idea of finding your lane, creating the opportunities is key. Whether it’s, you know, my, my background is more on the business side. You, you have to get yourself in the right position. So whether you’re saying it’s unions on the, on the creative side, on the business side, it’s putting yourself out there in LinkedIn, making sure people know who you are, being active, not just being there and reading what’s there, but being active and waiting for those opportunities as well. You know, a long time ago I had this dream that I wanted to live in a certain place in Uruguay. There’s no where to work here. So I’ve got to work remotely. How do I do that? So started to carve out my way, get experience, find my way of working remotely and then found myself in this position. But you’re looking back, like you were just saying, it’s not about finding yourself there it’s that you, you made that part yourself and you’ve got yourself into that position. So I completely agree with that. You’ve got to, you’ve got to force yourself into where you want to be.
Katie Chonacas:
And then so where can everyone find you and get in touch if they want to learn more and connect with you?
Samuel Blount:
So for myself, obviously you can find me on LinkedIn. My name is Samuel blends. What side as well, which you can check out the platform, free trial, sign up all of those different things. So I’ll, I’ll post that now.
Katie Chonacas:
I’m not sure if it was my connection or I’ll collect it, but, well could you say that one more time just in case? Yeah.
Samuel Blount:
I’ll say I’ll, I’ll post the link to the filestage website in the Q and a here. So if anyone wants to find us there, you can reach out and also my LinkedIn profile as well.
Katie Chonacas:
Wonderful. Wonderful. And then do you have any more tips and tools of what people can do to get into the film industry when they’re excited about being in the film industry?
Forrest Tuff:
Yes, I do. I actually teach workshops. You can find information about the film industry at film, preneur.org. That’s where I talk about workshops. You can see some of the projects that I’ve worked on, and also you can get in contact with me because what I like to do is I love to share this information. It’s like, if you succeed, that might be my opportunity to succeed. So I love to share because there’s so much there’s so much opportunity out here. And for someone in my lane, you know, I also realized there are different lanes. Even there are different lanes of independent. There’s somebody who’s worked in the industry for 25 years, and now they’re independent. They have connections with Netflix, Amazon, all of these. So there’s different levels of independent. I am the bottom of the totem pole independent. I finance all of my projects.
Forrest Tuff:
I also make money to finance projects in quick story. I had a government contract that I won through my business, and I pitched them to do a documentary as opposed to an internal video. Well, they got behind it. They threw more money into it. We’re talking government money, right? So guess what? I’m a filmmaker getting paid. And I have marketing behind me. This actual project was distributed across the country. They pay for the documentary. We had a showing of about 600 people in a movie theater. It was absolutely no cost to me. We had Arthur blank. He’s like one of the owners of the Falcons, right? He came out and donated thousands of dollars to have screenings all across Georgia for this film. And at the end of the day, I was paid handsomely. And my crew, now we could argue, that’s not the film industry, but that is the film business. We made a documentary, everyone got paid and we created a project that had national distribution. So when I talk about being creative, you have to look at it from that business side. And that’s just, my mindset, love your craft. But if you can make a living doing your craft, that’s when you will be extremely happy.
Katie Chonacas:
Yeah. I love, I love everything you said. And a key and everything is amazing. And the key thing is marketing. Marketing is really important. And what are some tips and tricks for people to understand marketing more? Cause it can be, it can be devastating. My friend, he Niels Sherman’s he created the paramount network. I mean, he was at Viacom for 18 years and created the paramount network. And then they created Heathers and then they dumped $6 million into Heather’s. And then because of what happened in Florida with, you know, unfortunately real-world of what happened with, with the, the kids and the guns and stuff. They had to make a choice of icon. They had to make a choice to pull the show or keep it going. And he made the choice to pull the show. Like he’s a family man. And like that he’s a smart businessman and it’s show business.
Katie Chonacas:
And it’s a business, like you said, but that’s $6 million in marketing that was spent that just went down the drain, you know because of what happened in real world, but Heather’s was like a cult classic film and they were, you know, showing up and doing that project. So what is and that’s at a macro scale of, you said you’re a micro independent from ground up financing your own. And that’s like a macro from having a machine like Viacom behind you and someone starting a paramount network. But what are some tips for people to get involved, to understand marketing more?
Forrest Tuff:
I say, if you’re going to do anything, understand ownership, once you start to put things out, you put yourself at risk to lose it. You have to understand there are so many people that love ideas, and some people have the money to finance. That idea. Most of the creatives have ideas, but no finances, the big finance houses, they don’t have the ideas. So you want to try to own what you have. So in my case, I’m only, like I say, I’m coming from a small standpoint. I trademark film for new film preneur because that’s going to be my brand that I’m going to market. So I had to pay for the attorneys. I had to sit on some of it until I could actually get it out. Now I can start the podcast. I can start the show. I can start all these other branches of film preneur, but now I protected it to where it’s an entity that I’ve owned.
Forrest Tuff:
I’ve gobbled up all the domain names, all the social media sites. So I’ve done that on a small level, but I would say, make sure you have an attorney. First thing, make sure you understand what your rights are and that you have someone that can give you the proper advice on how you move before you start putting it out there on social media for the world to see, make sure that you have protected that intellectual property. And that’s just my 2 cents, but I would say try to own, try to own whatever it is you have before you start to really market it. That would be my advice on that
Katie Chonacas:
Really important to have contracts in place, because some you don’t, you’re signing your life away or signing certain things away and you have to protect it to have protection. So that’s, that’s really important, really smart. Something I learned along the way was you know I haven’t done it personally. And as a creative, I was just so like, you know, about raising capital, it was really you know, scary to put myself out there to be like, oh, like you know, here’s my project. I was so personal. But when you look at it and set it up as a business and you look at it outside of you and just have that psychological separation it’s for the business when you’re raising the capital then my friend, she taught me for example, like indie Gogo where like you can, I’m not an affiliate with them or anything, but like, if you have a campaign that’s free marketing because you reach out to your community first for, for them to support, help, and people are good and they want to support and help if they can.
Katie Chonacas:
But she also told me, there are so many people out there, like you said, who spend the money who have all this money. There are people out there who have so much money. And for them, it’s like a tax write-off and they go to the pages just to help creative just to help people. So there are people who you don’t even know that could be there to support and help you. But those there’s that sabotage that humans have, that artists have to dismantle instead of taking that, that bridge and that leap of faith. So it’s good to communicate and have podcasts and these collective conversations so we can learn and grow together. So we don’t feel so isolated. Like we’re doing it by ourselves. Yeah.
Forrest Tuff:
And everyone’s not going to look at it from a business perspective that that’s the reality. And I understand that. So even when I give these workshops and we’re talking business, blah, blah, blah, that sounds great. Right. But that doesn’t work for everyone. There’s no one thing that works for everyone. It’s, we’re all, we’re all made different. Even if we have the exact same information, you might become a millionaire in three weeks. It might take me 15 years. That’s just how we are. As humans, we think different, we react different. So I would like to say, be a part, just research, take the time to, if you don’t understand something, look, Google is the best friend ever. If I don’t know something I’ll Google. How do you cook a cake? Exactly. Right. To just try to find something
Katie Chonacas:
Gluten free,
Forrest Tuff:
Whatever it is you choose. It’s like, it gives you opportunities to find it. So you have to be a person that just takes the time to research. And there are ways to find out those things. And there are so many grants for filmmakers, for independent filmmakers. You know, if you’re a documentarian, there are a lot of things. And these are some of the things that I teach in my workshops. And I also talk about business credit. It’s a totally different lane. That’s a totally different conversation, but that has changed my perspective on so much in how I actually might not dealings, but yeah, research, you know, just take the time to research
Katie Chonacas:
And you know, if you’re not really good at researching, have a partner maybe find out their skill, like they’re the research department, because you have, you’re, you’re only as strong as your weakest link, but maybe you obviously add value in another way. That’s why it takes a village to make a movie and be in TV. Like we need Samuel and everyone on Samuel’s team, you know, for everything to go hand in hand.
Forrest Tuff:
That’s exactly right. Your network, sometimes they say is equal to your net worth. I’m like that’s kind of kid.
Katie Chonacas:
Yeah. any last words of wisdom Samuel that you want to share with us?
Samuel Blount:
No. No. I, I think what we’ve discussed, I think talking even about marketing, most of our marketing within the product comes through our blog content. And what we’re doing with the blog content is giving out information. We’re giving tips, we’re giving a ways for people to improve their work. I truly believe that you’ve got to give something back before you can expect it to come to you. So whether that’s in the creative industry, whether it’s in business, you gotta be willing to pay your dues first, like Forester.
Katie Chonacas:
Yeah. And, and what forest also set. Thank you. And what forest also said, like he had a strategy to make sure it was reciprocal, you know, so it wasn’t just like putting it out, putting it out, you know, creating, putting it out, which we want to do, but like put it in like a boomerang, like, oh, here’s six months or, you know, here’s the specific thing of what I’m adding the value for. So having that strategy and checking back in with our strategies, right. So we can pivot and shift because it’s life, things are going to come up along the way. So
Samuel Blount:
I think it’s clear expectations, making sure that you set those expectations, you’re confident about them and then you can get that boomerang effect.
Forrest Tuff:
And that’s awesome. That is great. Yeah.
Katie Chonacas:
Wonderful. Wonderful. I think we covered a lot of information today. Any last words from anyone?
Forrest Tuff:
Yeah. Katie, it was great to hear your story. You know, that’s the thing about listening to other people I learned so much from your story. It’s so different, but it’s like, I’m listening to you. I’m going, wow. That’s interesting. Right. And then I’m listening over here to Samuel and he has this approach to something that he’s creating within the industry. It’s not necessarily a film project, but it’s something that can revolutionize or change or cause pivots in the industry. And that to me is so much value just being here to hear that. So I want to thank you both for sharing that and for having me on.
Katie Chonacas:
Yeah. Yeah, definitely. Thank you so much for showing up and saying yes. On that note, I guess I’ll just give like one, like tidbit of a short example of having energy be reciprocal is during the lockdown I created a lockdown web series and I shot season 1, 2, 3, and I put it out there and I’m like, okay, I’m putting it out there, but how can it be reciprocal? And then I communicated with my team instead of doing it all alone in isolation and doing it all by myself and having the pressure and the financial stress of doing it all on my own and being scared and all that. I reached out to my team and we had a budget. We reached out to people in the industry. We talked to five trusted sources. And then we hoped what we did was we got involved with film, freeway.com and we put everything in the film festival circuit.
Katie Chonacas:
So it would be international. So producers, creative directors, networks like executives, people would see it. And then we started winning all these awards and accolades and everything. So then it started feeling good that the, the, the little Nicks in the confidence started, the self-esteem started building to know that like we created it and it’s not just on YouTube and no one’s seeing it, but it’s out there in the film festival circuit and we’ve had some distribution deals. And then you have to decide if it’s a right fit or not. It’s a dance of negotiations. And then you’re like, no, you don’t want to sell your baby short. We want to be true to our ethics or morals, our values. We want to be true to how we’re showing up and our intention of what we want as creatives. You know, and you utilizing the best tools and resources and people.
Katie Chonacas:
So those are really important things to do it as a as a collective, like we’re doing here to, to communicate and talk about it, even if we’re so insecure and we’re, we’re going to look silly or feel dumb or something. But we rather just dissect that because someone will be like, oh, that’s easy. Here you go. And then you’re like, oh my God, I was sitting with that for three months, but you’re like, you just talk to someone and like, they cleared up in two seconds and then you can get on to the next, because there’s so much manifestation and moving elements to go into creating what we’re doing and what we’re being a part of correctly.
Samuel Blount:
Right? One of the talking about that, one of the best videos I’ve seen on YouTube is a Ted talk called make stress, your friend. And it highlights that that feeling you get when you reach out for help and you get, it is actually healthy for you, it’s healthy for your heart. And so check that out. It’s a, it’s a good sit.
Katie Chonacas:
I’m gonna watch that. What, what’s it called again?
Samuel Blount:
Make stress your friend. I can’t remember the name of the lady that gives the talk, unfortunately, but it’s I recommend it at any given opportunity, but what you just said about reaching out and getting that support it’s a key focus for that. That stress can be good for you if you know how to manage it. And you know where to get the support from
Katie Chonacas:
Love. I love what you just said. It’s so important. Yeah. We have over 40,000 neurons in our heart alone. I mean, our hearts are so powerful, you know, so thank you for sharing that, Samuel. I’m definitely going to watch it,
Forrest Tuff:
But I thank you for bringing up that marketing. That’s another marketing piece. I’m glad because we didn’t talk about festivals, but you said enough. That’s another way to market on a lower budget. They have, you can be very, you know, within those festivals because I’ve sat on the boards of certain Fisk festivals, they have a mission they’re looking for certain types of films, they offer money. So to your point, kudos on that because that’s a great way to have distribution on a lower budget.
Katie Chonacas:
Yeah. And there IMDB qualifying, so you can make sure. So then you have credits on IMDB. So you’re building the cloud and the respect in the industry that you’re receiving all these accolades and then people will take you more seriously. So, but are there any last words you want to say about film festival circuit since we’re on it though, as an independent film producer?
Forrest Tuff:
Yeah. There are film festivals that are academy award qualifying here in Atlanta. We have two. So that’s an awesome thing to have projects that you can put into these festivals. So I would advise anyone, if you have projects, get them in film festivals, create a budget and look at some of these film festivals right now. They have all these promotions. Listen, if you get in here, especially with the pandemic, you know, get your project in 50% off, we’re giving away a cash prize. If you’re looking for money, be selective, find festivals that are offering cash prizes for wins, whatever works for you. That film festival circuit is one that you can really use to your advantage. And the pandemic has really created opportunities for web based content to qualify. So thank you for bringing that up.
Katie Chonacas:
Yeah. I love the film festival circuit, and then at the energy’s reciprocal, you know, it’s great. And it’s, it’s really, it’s really a great platform. So thank you for sharing that.
Forrest Tuff:
Yeah, you can use Samuel’s platform to communicate with everyone all over the world.
Katie Chonacas:
Yeah, definitely. Everyone tune in and check it out and thank you so much for tuning in with us today and we’ll see you next time. Take really good care. Stay inspired, be creative. And I’m your host, Katie Chinachem. And until next time ciao.
