RevThinking
By RevThinking
© 2015–2023 RevThink. All Rights Reserved.
RevThinkingSep 12, 2023
The Pitch's Silver Lining with Steve Viola at FX
SVP, Design & Visual Effects at FX, Steve Viola, shares invaluable lessons gathered throughout his career in top-notch collaborations on both the studio side and client side of the table.
Join RevCommunity:
Enroll in the 12-week Derail the Pitch™ accelerator course:
https://www.revthink.com/derail-the-pitch
Explore all RevThink accelerator courses:
https://www.revthink.com/accelerators
Q3 2023 Accelerators
These courses are intense. But knowing these programs have produced transformation for hundreds of studios and production companies like yours (see below), you can be confident they're worth it.
Pair with a RevThink Advisor, collaborate with your peers, and get serious about accelerating your business.
Discover our Fall 2023 Accelerators here:
https://www.revthink.com/accelerators
To Persevere or To Pivot (The Weekly Briefing)
Maybe you woke up this morning and wondered, can I keep doing this?
What can I do differently to change this situation?
Business is a lot like life itself. It has its seasons - the times of growth and prosperity, and the inevitable downturns, testing our resolve. Knowing when it's worth the effort to persevere or when to seek a new direction is a crucial skill every entrepreneur should possess.
Every Wednesday at 5 PM ET, Tim Thompson and Joel Pilger go live and discuss insights, trends, and advice to creative professionals and creative business owners, providing them with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in this rapidly evolving industry.
And the best part? It's free for all.
Join via this link: https://revthink.live/go
See you every Wednesday, at 5 PM ET!
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/revthinking/support
How Good are You at Pitching?
Pitching Sucks.
That's why our team is launching the Derail the Pitch studio accelerator in the upcoming weeks. Listen to this episode to find out several actionable tips on how to navigate the process and turn pitching into a strategic advantage.
Want to engage with Tim and Joel directly?
Join RevCommunity today.
RevCommunity is the gathering of owners running the world’s leading studios.
Apply to join: https://revthink.com/community/
Unleashing Your Creative Gift: An Encouragement to Founders
Running a creative business is messy, for sure. But it’s worth it.
Because a business is the path to unleashing your greatest creative work.
You can do this.
Want to engage with Tim and Joel directly? Join RevCommunity today.
RevCommunity is the gathering of owners running the world’s leading studios.
Apply to join: https://revthink.com/community/
Smartphones Are Passé and Other Revolutions with Justin Cone
Is AI a threat to motion design? Wait, what is motion design? Is it becoming increasingly ubiquitous in our world? Is its own lexicon? What parts do education and community have to play?
Attempting to answer these questions, our guest today is Justin Cone, the foundational motion design enthusiast, collector of sparkly pixels, and unabashed technology addict.
Oh, and if you're listening to this in 2033, let us know if you're still using mobile phones, ok?
This is a RevThink podcast hosted by Joel Pilger.
Join our community at revthink.com/community
The Generosity Paradox with Ed Rhine and Mitch Monson
Reputation, personality match. vulnerability - are all definitely part of the decision process when we choose who to work with.
This episode's guests are two people with whom our team would choose to work with over and over again.
Ed Rhine, Owner and Executive Creative Director at SPILLT, and Mitch Monson, Executive Director of Partnerships and Creative at Sibling Rivalry.
This is a RevThink podcast hosted by Joel Pilger.
Join our community at revthink.com/community
A Feast of Lessons - The Parable of the Village Cook
Are you struggling with setting boundaries with bully clients?
Do you find yourself constantly trying to please insatiable clients who demand more and more, even when the project is technically complete?
If so, this episode of RevThoughts is dedicated to you.
In this special edition episode, Tim Thompson shares a powerful parable that illustrates the importance of setting boundaries and maintaining confidence as a service provider.
Curious to learn more?
Connect with us: www.revthink.com
Preserving My Team (The Weekly Briefing)
On this episode of the RevThinking podcast we give you a taste of our RevThink Weekly Briefing series.
In this particular Weekly Briefing, we discuss recent studio layoffs, how to navigate budget struggles without laying off team members in your studio, as well as the DOs and DON'Ts of the current financial season.
Every Wednesday at 5 PM ET, Tim Thompson and Joel Pilger go live and discuss insights, trends, and advice to creative professionals and creative business owners, providing them with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in this rapidly evolving industry.
And the best part? It's free for all.
Join via this link: https://revthink.live/go
See you every Wednesday, at 5 PM ET!
RevThoughts: Where Do You Go for Help?
For those hungry to learn, there are plenty of resources available to the business owner…But not for CREATIVE business owner.
So where does a studio or production company owner go for help?
In this episode, Tim asks Joel about his experience running his own studio… and how that story plays into the genesis of Studio Accelerator.
Join via this link after listening to the episode: https://revthink.com/studio-accelerator/
RevThoughts: 2023 Spring Accelerators
Meeting the entrepreneurs where they are and helping them achieve their bigger goals - that's the motivation beyond the Accelerators we're currently putting together at RevThink.
The goal is to help creative entrepreneurs find the right questions for their business and give them a roadmap of where they should be heading.
Apply to join Studio Accelerator™: https://revthink.com/studio-accelerator/
Startup (Creative) Business Principles with Paul Mikhaylenko
In our latest RevThinking episode, Joel Pilger and Paul Mikhaylenko (a.k.a. Mikhay), the CEO of Bloom.io, discuss the startup principles of a creative business. If you're a creative professional looking to start your own creative business, this is the episode for you! We dive into the principles that lead to success, moving from a staffer to a freelancer and to opening up your own studio or production company.
Looking to streamline your business operations and book more projects?
Check out https://Bloom.io, the ultimate CRM for creative professionals.
When you subscribe, use code REV for a 30% discount
RevThoughts: Finding & Handling Growth
In this week's snackable conversation we talk about the often overseen difference between finding and handling growth in your creative business.
Our hosts Joel Pilger and Tim Thompson found ways to navigate through the ups and downs of scaling hundreds of creative studios.
Whether you're just starting out or you've been in business for a while, press play.
Want to engage with Tim ad Joel directly? Join RevCommunity today.
RevCommunity is the gathering of owners running the world’s leading studios.
Apply to join: https://revthink.com/community/
Poking the Bear with Matt Guastaferro at HUGO Creative
Turning an impromptu discussion into a podcast episode? Right away!
Matt Guastaferro, ECD and Founder at HUGO and Joel Pilger dive right into HUGO's delectable twist on the most iconic SuperBowl commercial ever.
Their smart playfulness celebrates wit and irony, but also... starts up a meaningful dialogue.
Ready for 2023? Click here to watch.
Experts Travel: Two Case Studies of Leveling Up with Roberto Maia and Felippe Silveira
Today, we're joined by two incredible entrepreneurs who had a dream and went on a journey for it.
Literally.
Meet:
Roberto Maia - Partner at AevoTech and AevoStudio
and
Felippe Silveira - Co-Founder and Executive Produce at MOWE Studio
Inspired and want to join Jumpstart?
Accelerate your creative business in just 6 weeks. See all the details at revthink.com/jumpstart
The End of the Beginning for Motion Design with Ryan Summers and John LePore
Animation… broadcast design… motion graphics… mograph… motion design…
Looking back over the past 30 years, our field has exploded, regardless of what you call it.
In this veritable tour de force, I’m joined by futurists John LePore (formerly of Perception NYC) and Ryan Summers (IF, DK, Spillt) who argue convincingly that we are just getting started.
Hold on for the ride as we lift the veil, break down walls, and help you make sense of our rapidly evolving industry.
It’s the end of the beginning for motion design, folks.
And that’s a very, very good thing…
So put on your shades, because the future is super bright.
Enjoyed this conversation? Join RevCommunity for more!
RevCommunity is the gathering of owners running the world’s leading studios.
Apply to join: https://revthink.com/community/
RevThoughts: Annual Virtual Holiday Look-Back Briefing
In our last Weekly Briefing of 2022, join Joel and Tim as they take a trip down memory lane and reflect on the wide array of topics we covered this year.
What topic made the biggest impact on you? What are you looking forward to discussing in 2023?
Let’s look back and plan ahead.
Watch the video version here:
https://vimeo.com/783803161/86be68172b
InMoDe with Ricardo Roberts and Hung Le at BIEN
In this episode Ricardo Roberts and Hung Le at BIEN introduce the concept of "inclusive motion design". They are taking a research-driven approach to understanding human behavior and challenging existing prejudices and biases through their work ethics and motion design work. So join us as we explore what sets them apart from the rest, how you can be part of their cause, and shake up the status quo!
Tune in now for this enlightening conversation!
RevThoughts: End-of-Year Focus
FOMO is big and we all need to learn how to snap out of it.
Think about it: you’re afraid if you focus on THIS, you might miss out on THAT.
So you spread your bets. You play small. You put a little energy into a lot of different projects, opportunities, and problems because...
You’re not confident which will actually pay off.
It’s ok. No judgment. I do it. We all do it.
So the question is: what if we could focus on just a few things with CONFIDENCE?
P.S. Did you know we're in the top 10% most shared globally podcasts? Follow us and we promise to feed both long format and shorter bites of wisdom and motivation (such as this one here).
P.P.S. Wanna be part of our tribe? Join the RevThink community of creative entrepreneurs: https://revthink.com/community/
RevThoughts: Are We Slow?
We hope you're listening to this podcast before things slow down in your creative business, so we can help you anticipate the future.
If you're already noticing that the market is less responsive, though - reach out to us.
We'll build a set of reports and routines that will prepare your business to identify slowdown indicators before anyone else.
https://revthink.com/
Brand Therapy with Brittany Grinham
That’s when you lean into an expert like Brittany Grinham… to find your voice.
Or help your client find theirs.
With a pedigree including brands Netflix, Apple, Target and agencies TBWA, Deutsch, and Saatchi…
What else do I need to say so you do NOT to miss this episode?
Ok then, what if I told you Brittany will be leading us through a mini version of her Brand Therapy workshop?
RevThoughts: Be More Agency
Charging for your time is dead…
Getting paid for your thinking (strategy) is the future…
You know what this feels like?
Our industry evolving. We’re growing up. Together.
This RevThoughts is a snippet from one of our Weekly Briefings.
Watch the full "Be More Agency" Weekly Briefing here: vimeo.com/revthink/bemoreagency
Assembling a Great Process with Nate Watkin, CEO at Assemble
We spoke about how production became a major paint point in his creative career. And...how that triggered him to create Assemble - a tool that might be the solution you need to run the production instead of letting it overrun you.
Have a look here: www.assemble.tv
Having a Calling
What is The Factors Method?
RevThoughts: (When) Should You Raise Your Rates
Wrong.
Set your rates based on the value you create for your clients instead.
Listen to this 10-min RevThoughts episode every time you're writing a proposal.
Special Edition: RevCommunity
Generating Sales with Marketing
“We have a sales problem.”
However, in our experience a SALES problem is a symptom of a deeper problem: MARKETING.
We have good news. To finally solve this deeper problem, Joel has developed a 4-step method to create a simple marketing system that just works. (This topic is the current 4-week focus in his Confab group.)
What has the group learned so far? Where are they headed?
This RevThinking episode is the podcast version of The Weekly Briefing that happened live on July 21st, 2022.
RevThoughts: Dealing with Downturns: Two Sides of the Coin
RevThoughts: The Rug Pull
Identifying Your Genius (Pre-Jumpstart 2022)
“I don’t need to focus!” said no creative business owner, ever.
Ok so if it’s obvious that focus is critical, the next question is:
“Focus on what?”
The answer is to (1) first identify your Genius, then (2) consistently focus time and energy on those activities.
Do that for 5+ years and you will become a recognized leader in your field.
For the crest entrepreneur, Genius is where it all starts!
I can’t wait to personally take a handful of owners through this process. The results are always surprising and transformative.
How are you making time and space for your Genius?
RevThoughts: Tesla
RevThoughts: Estimated Future Problems
Producers / Production Managers: this snackable episode is for you!
We dig into the most common production miscommunication to shine a light on ways to complete projects on-budget – with profit – every time.
RevThoughts: The Lazy Sales Mind
How Tech Supports Storytellers with Cameron Woodward at Wrapbook
Cameron Woodward is the cofounder and CMO at Wrapbook, a powerful and easy to use platform for production management that enables producers to tackle onboarding, timecards, payroll, and insurance.
Exclusive:
Sign up for a demo using the link below and Wrapbook will waive your set-up fee if you choose to proceed.
www.wrapbook.com/revthink
One Creative at War: An Update from Ukraine with Oleg Tomin at BART&FINK
RevThoughts: Empathy Starts With Why
Beyond the Kabuki with Denny Tu
We chat openly about things that work and don’t work in the creative client/agency relationship: pitches and presentations, the importance of understanding the difference between creative, strategy and commerce, as well as how to give “bad” feedback well.
To hear Denny’s background, this podcast shares more of his story: www.adweek.com/inside-the-brand/imaxs-denny-tu-on-embracing-what-makes-you-different-over-achievements/
How To Launch Your Own Business (Fishbowl Live)
Saleskeeping
Can you feel the resistance? How do we get you over the hump and make progress?
Rate vs Cost vs Price
It's Not What You Pitch But How with Joel Pilger and Tim Thompson
This content was originally aired as a live interactive session on the new platform "Fishbowl".
RECAST Executive Producing with Tim Thompson
Tim Thompson is a consultant and Chief Revolution Thinker at RevThink. In this episode, Joel Pilger asks Tim the question: when your studio is ready to hire a full-time sales person (e.g., an Executive Producer), it’s an exciting time. You have visions of your new EP bringing in fresh clients with exciting projects and fat budgets.
Reality check: sales is difficult. And many salespeople – even the good ones – approach the job without knowing what really works. So how do you set up your EP for success? The key is to view sales not as a hope or even a skill, but as a system.
RECAST Intention In Motion with Joey Korenman
“All I need is my family, a bottle of wine, and some warm weather, and I’m happy.” – Joey Korenman
In this episode of the RevThinking podcast, Joel Pilger speaks with Joey Korenman, founder and CEO at School of Motion.
From a successful – yet unfulfilling – role in motion design studio to founding School of Motion, Joey’s story illustrates how leading a life with intention will enable you to achieve your goals, but it may not look like what you thought it was going to look like. After all, you may end up going to work everyday in flip flops.
RECAST Business Development with Robert Blatchford
Robert Blatchford is a brand strategist and management consultant at Makebrave. In this episode, Joel Pilger and Tim Thompson interview Robert to get a peek inside the mind of this business development innovator.
Having led business development at notable creative agencies Troika and LoyalKaspar, Robert offers us a rare and valuable perspective. In this episode, RevThink's Joel Pilger and Tim Thompson interview him to discuss the evolving – an increasingly critical – role of business development at creative agencies, studios and production companies.
Listen in to learn from Robert about the current state of the industry and how a solid business development strategy can empower creative firms to thrive in new ways, and in spite of our increasingly competitive environment.
The Value Of Your Creative Firm with John Warrillow
The Seven Sins of Positioning
What It Takes With PJ Richardson
Be Nice, Stay Mighty With Darren Price
Darren reckons that animation is like beer...or sunshine. With enough of it, everything starts to look good. Technically brilliant, strong in narrative, and beautiful to watch - it's similarities to beer quickly end, but animation does add charm, wit and sophistication to any project.
