We don't believe in burning yourself out in the pursuit of more money, better credits, and bigger awards. We believe in the pursuit of projects that fulfill you, and doing work that you're passionate about. Browse below (or use the options to narrow your search even further) to optimize your career.
When Optimizer students Nick Towle and Fabian Corrado originally came to me, neither one of them knew each other. But they both knew they were tired of the jobs they had, they felt stuck after trying for years to make a seemingly impossible career change, and they were ready to do anything to get on the right path.
In this community Q&A, I and my coaching students discuss how to ensure that a potential opportunity can meet both our creative and lifestyle needs so the job doesn’t become “just another paycheck” at the expense of our health, our relationships, and our sanity.
Learn what it really takes to get the attention of the biggest writers & producers in Hollywood so you can work on projects you love while also being treated with respect.
Learn from award-winning producer/writer/director Mark Gantt how to overcome a troubled past, limiting beliefs, and imposter syndrome to make sh*t happen (without waiting for someone else’s permission).
Learn how Chris Patterson, an incredibly successful 1st AE on top-tier features, overcame his networking struggles to land a gig on a feature as the lead editor.
Learn how Mexican-American editor Marcella Garcia overcame her limiting beliefs (and lack of experience in long form) to break into the world of scripted television.
Learn how EditMentor provides a hands-on, web-based NLE (non-linear editor) that teaches you not only the necessary tools of editing but also the invaluable skills of storytelling.
EditMentor founder and CEO Misha Tenenbaum shares how his new browser-based NLE will revolutionize how we learn to edit and tell better stories.
In part 2 of this conversation recent college graduate Austin Coburn interviews me about how he can develop the proper habits early in his career to maintain work-life balance and avoid burnout.
In part 1 of this conversation I interview graduate-to-be Austin Coburn about what it really takes to break into and make it in the entertainment industry (and then in part 2 he interviews me!).
Learn from award winning TV editor Scott Powell, ACE (24, The Chi, The Orville) the importance of using humility to build relationships and climb the career ladder to the top.
Learn how writer/director Sam Lavin made the transition from 2nd to 1st AD, and how she’s developed laser-sharp focus to make sure her next step is landing in the director’s chair.
Learn how to apply the strategies in chess to achieve any seemingly impossible goal in your life, and better manage the failure along the way.
Award-winning editor Michelle Tesoro discusses how to strategically apply the chess mentality to take the right steps in your career (instead of jumping from one gig to the next playing a game of checkers).
Paul Leonard is one of those rare species of producers that has both editors and show runners alike wanting to work with him again and again. In today’s conversation Paul candidly shares his thoughts on what gets editors and AE’s hired, and what qualities he likes his editors to possess in the bay. He combines a winning charm with a no BS approach that has earned him the well-deserved reputation for making great shows while also keeping his team happy and sane. Paul has worked in television post production for 23 years and is best known for Co-producing Battlestar Galactica which earned 15 Emmy nominations (with three collective wins). He recently wrapped up a job at Marvel where he was one of the vice presidents of TV Post Production before deciding to go back to freelance producing.
