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.
Ep137: How to Negotiate Your Real Value (and Advocate For Yourself) As an Assistant Editor | with Scott Jacobs
When it comes to working the brutal hours that have become the norm in entertainment, negotiating for better pay, and fighting to make changes in industry standards, most of us feel helpless (and hopeless) about where to even begin. What if we were paid for the value we bring to a project rather than the number of hours we clock in each day? Today’s guest Scott Jacobs, a longtime editor, AE, and MPEG board member, tackles this question with me. If you’re interested in having a little bit more ammunition to advocate for a job that is more focused on value than hours, and most importantly working smarter (and not harder), my conversation with Scott is a must-listen.
Ep127: Chasing After the Next Gig vs. Building Your Career | with Kabir Ahktar, ACE
Kabir Ahktar, ACE feels very strongly that:
“It’s really important to stay networking…However much you’re doing, it’s probably not enough.”
[CASE STUDY] Why I Said No to a Job (A Great One)…During a Pandemic
Here’s a sentence I never thought I’d write: I said “No” to a job…a great job…for a HUGE network…during a pandemic.
Ep106: On the Vital Importance of “Being Nice” | with Jesse Averna, ACE
Be nice. Could it possibly be that simple? In Hollywood, it seems “nice guys finish last” – untrue. Jesse Averna shows us how compassion leads to success.
Ep105: Ramit Sethi on Forging The Path Towards Your Own ‘Rich Life’
NYT Bestselling author of ‘I Will Teach You to Be Rich’ Ramit Sethi discusses personal finances and starting an online business with Zack Arnold, ACE.
Ep102: How to Create Your Own Opportunities to Pursue Dream Projects | with Richard Sanchez
Assistant editor Richard Sanchez found himself working on the same projects over and over that led his career nowhere. Then Richard decided it was time to create career opportunities instead of wait for them.
Ep101: How to Transition From ‘Technician’ to ‘Entrepreneur’ | Mastermind Q&A with Misha Tenenbaum
CEO & Founder of EditStock and Editor mentor Misha Tenebaum discusses his journey from a former assistant editor in scripted television to becoming a successful full-time entrepreneur.
Ep99: How to Provide Value & Get Paid What You’re Worth | Mastermind Q&A with Monica Daniel
TV Editor Monica Daniel joins the Optimizer community Q&A to discuss how to provide value to others but also get paid for that value instead of giving everything away for free.
Ep75: The Four Tendencies’ (aka ‘The Matrix’ For Understanding Yourself & Others) | with Gretchen Rubin
Gretchen Rubin is a NYT bestselling author who has sold over 3.5 million copies of her books, some of those titles which include Outer Order, …
Ep57: Pursuing Your Passion With Authenticity (And No Apologies) | with Dr Noah Arnold
Dr Noah’s Ark is one of the most unique veterinary clinics in the United States. Learn how it became that way with founder Dr Noah Arnold.
Ep48: Feeling Lost? It’s Time to ‘Find Your Why’ | with David Mead
People don’t buy what you do, they buy WHY you do it. Learn how to define and find your own unique why with ‘Find Your Why’ author David Mead.
Ep45: How to Build a Career You’re Proud Of | with Robert Hardy
Learn how to confront the barriers holding you back not only from being successful but also from having a career you can be proud of with ‘Filmmaker Freedom’ founder Robert Hardy.
Ep44: How to Tell Good Stories | with Jeff Bartsch
If you’re a storyteller you MUST understand the fundamental components of every great story. Learn from ‘Story Greenlight’ founder and Hollywood film editor Jeff Bartsch.
The Four Types of Creative Jobs (and The Secret To Knowing Which Is the Perfect Fit For You)
If you intend to climb the career ladder straight to the top, step #1 is understanding the four different types of creative jobs. Only once you understand where your job fits in can you then reframe your perspective to get the most out of every opportunity (or know if it’s time to bail out).