Life, Camera, Action!

Today is the season finale for Life, Camera, Action season 2. To wrap us up, my guest Harriet and I will be talking about how she takes designs and brings costumes to life for both theater and film. Harriet is a professional costume, prop, and puppet maker based in the UK. When she’s not working on set or backstage she co-runs The Wardrobe Chronicles, an online space to educate and encourage creatives aspiring or currently working within the costuming industry. In her almost decade-long career, she has worked on everything from regional theatre to Disney's Aladdin (2019) and The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, currently streaming on Netflix.Remember: Costumes are the final element that make a character real. They are the symbol that people literally buy into and wear to emulate their heroes. Therefore, it’s incredibly important to choose the right team to work with to make your designs a reality. Only choose people who truly get and appreciate your vision. Research: To bring your costuming to the next level for your storytelling projects, compare your designs and explore their functionality. If they will be used on stage, is there a practical place for a mic pack? If you have a design for screen, are there features that will potentially set you up for continuity errors? The more thorough your design, the more efficient the construction process will be.Challenge: It’s important to know your worth as a creative and stand by it. This honors you, the people you collaborate with, and the projects you take on. So take some time and calculate your typical cost for a project including base materials, time, extra resources, equipment rentals, etc. Then add on an additional amount that you would like to receive for your services. If that total comes out as a number that feels great to you, stick to it! If not, recalculate and adjust as needed.http://www.victoriaruke.comTo learn more about Harriet, her projects, and The Wardrobe Chronicles: https://www.thewardrobechronicles.com/Follow her on social media: @chronicleswardrobe @endlessworkshop

Today my guest Leanna and I will be discussing how she and her team produce meaningful stories and take filmmakers’ scripts to the next level. This includes how to research your characters, bring them to life and edit fluff from your script.Leanna is the founder and CEO of Billings Productions. Starting out as an actress, she became familiar with the business side of filmmaking. After earning her doctorate in clinical psychology, she understands the parallels of her academics and the film industry. The main missions for Billings Productions are to tell stories highlighting mental health and social injustices while moving away from how filmmakers present stories from a white narrative and to include diverse characters and topics.Remember: When selecting cast and crew, it's important to not overemphasize a resume to the point of overlooking attitude and ability to collaborate. In order to create a fun, close-knit and effective set, interview everyone for character traits to make sure they’re a great fit.Research: What scenes, details, plot lines, or conversations, within your script truly add to the story? What ones don’t? Continually ask yourself what each element contributes to the story arc as you write and edit, then take out or adjust anything that could be seen as filler content.Challenge: Starting with your main characters, document all of your characters’ personalities. This can be done through personality tests like the Myers-Briggs tests. Then keep track of their storyline and for each major decision or reaction, compare it for accuracy against the test. This will help you stay true to the character or intentionally make an out-of-character choice.http://www.victoriaruke.comTo learn more about Leanna and her work: https://www.billingsproductionsinc.com/Follow her on social media: @BillingsProductionsinc

Today my guest Vickie Sampson and I will be talking about how to set your sound up for success during production in order to make the sound editing process a seamless experience with a great end result.  Vickie Sampson is a Writer, Director, Film and Sound Editor who has worked on over 200 films as a Supervising Sound Editor for feature films since 1973. She is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences also known as the Oscars and Alliance of Women Directors. She has directed over 7 short films, 15 commercials and is attached to direct the upcoming feature film titled Revolutionist in Fall 2021 starring Virginia Madsen. You can explore more about her career in the award-winning feature documentary called Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound.Remember: Overlooking sound on set, will only make the sound editing process that much more difficult. So don’t take shortcuts to save time and daylight, but rather plan ahead and be flexible enough to prioritize the quality of the project as a whole.Research: When vetting your locations for your shoot, make multiple trips to the site at various times of day before making the final decision. This way you can get a feel for the naturally occurring sounds that may enhance or interfere with your project and can make a plan moving forward.Challenge: Go through your current script and take note of what sound would make up the ambiance of your scene. Schedule a few hours dedicated to capturing those sounds to use throughout your film.http://www.victoriaruke.comTo learn more about Vickie and her projects: https://www.echocreekfilms.com/Follow her on social media: @vickiesampson @directorgal

Today my guest Ele and I will be uncovering how common sounds in entertainment get made through the art of Foley. Ele is a stage Foley Designer and Performer who has designed, choreographed, and performed Foley for over 80 productions in Chicagoland, with companies including Theatre of Western Springs, Lifeline Theatre, Oak Park Festival Theatre, and The Second City Training Center. She is a Foley designer in residence for Locked Into Vacancy Entertainment's monthly live comedy serials, and for WildClaw Theatre's Deathscribe, the annual international live horror radio festival. She contributes to the next generation of Foley Artists with her guest lectures at Northwestern University's School of Sound and at Harvard University's School of Music, and with her consulting for theaters across the globe.Remember: Sound is an essential part of the storytelling experience. Whether you’re in theater or film, it’s easy to get excited about sound when it comes to sounds effects like body hits for a fight sequence or blasts in an explosion. But those are not the only sounds that carry a story forward, so don’t overlook the “everyday sounds” within your project.Research: Review a current script you’re working on. What everyday sounds that would naturally be in the scene are important in order to tell the story? What sounds showcase a character’s emotions? What sounds can be used for foreshadowing? Make sure to take note of any sounds that need to be prioritized during production or post-production.Challenge: As an ongoing challenge, focus on collecting sounds for your project. This can be done through collecting physical objects that create unique noises or simply taking notes of interesting sounds you hear that you would love to incorporate in your next story. http://www.victoriaruke.comTo learn more about Ele and her projects:http://www.wildclawtheatre.com/http://www.lockedintovacancy.com/Follow her on social media: @WorldBShiny

Today my guest Michael Forsch and I will be talking all about auditions! What to expect in the audition room, how to calm your nerves, and tips and tricks that you can use to deliver a show-worthy performance! Michael Forsch is a Producer, Actor, Director, and Writer. Originally from Los Angeles, Michael Forsch started working in show business early as a child actor. After moving to Las Vegas 15 years ago he has been very active in the Vegas independent film scene. His film credits include “Party Bus To Hell” (acting alongside Tara Reid) and as a Producer, he has produced award-winning short films as well as internationally distributed feature films.Remember: Casting directors are rooting for you to succeed. So when you step into the audition room, focus on just giving your best performance. Even if you don’t receive that particular part, your memorable audition can get you booked for other roles that the casting department is looking to fill.Research: What local acting and improv classes are available in your area? As you research your options, don’t forget to research the instructors. What are their credentials? Do they have positive reviews? Are they currently working? Acting classes are not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Make sure the environment and the instructor is what will bring out the best in you.Challenge: If you’re trying to break into the industry as an actor or uplevel your current acting career, go get up-to-date headshots. Look for a professional photographer who specializes in headshots. This will ensure that they don’t simply capture a “pretty” photo, but one that highlights your features in a way that showcases your suitability for a variety of roles.http://www.victoriaruke.comTo learn more about Michael and his projects: https://www.michaelforsch.com/Follow her on social media: @michaelforsch

Today my guest Carrie and I will be talking about how to create value in everything you do in order to live a purpose-driven career. Everything from finding peace in the audition room, to bringing awareness to societal issues through the roles you play.Carrie Gibson is a professional actor, singer and writer.  She has founded two touring theater companies that toured character-driven original work on social issues to schools, and communities throughout the U.S. Carrie’s credits include Bones, Scream Queens, Superstore, All Rise, Hollywood, This is Us, and a recurring role on the Netflix comedy The Politician.  She has co-written several screenplays that are in development and set to go into production in 2021-22.Remember: Auditions, while necessary for actors, don’t have to be evil. Going into an audition with the singular goal of encouraging people you come in contact with welcomes in an entirely new experience in the audition room. Research: How can you implement active empathy in your personal and professional life? Not only will this enhance your relationships and your interaction with the world around you, but it will also strengthen your ability to embody a variety of characters with different backgrounds. Challenge: In your next audition, observe those around you and see how you can encourage them. Intentionally look for something about them that you can compliment or highlight to put a smile on their face. This ensures you’re remembered for your talent AND your heart. http://www.victoriaruke.comTo learn more about Carrie and her work:http://www.imdb.me/carriegibsonhttp://carriegibsontheactor.com/Follow her on social media: @carriegibsontheactor

Today my guest Kenny Aronoff and I will be discussing everything you have ever wanted to know about how to become a rockstar in your life AND career! Including how to launch and sustain a successful career as a musician.Kenny Aronoff is known as the “hardest hitting man in show business” and is voted “Top 100 Greatest Drummers of All Time” by Rolling Stone Magazine. He is a legendary drummer, bestselling author, and event speaker whose career has allowed him to play with John Mellencamp, Sir Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, Elton John, Steven Tyler, Avril Lavigne, Alanis Morissette, and many more.Remember: The biggest key to sustaining a successful career in music is understanding how to embrace adversity and stay ahead of the times. So the next time you find yourself in an unexpected or difficult position, figure out how you can use the situation to your advantage to keep propelling yourself forward.Research: What does your digital footprint look like? Are you creating an authentic brand experience? What will potential sponsors, scouts and managers see upon first glance? Take inventory on what content you have out there and if it properly reflects you and your message.Challenge: Take some time and intentionally focus on growing your audience. A great tip on choosing where to start would be to see who the other influencers and artists are in your genre and category. Then, follow, like, and comment in order to contribute to existing conversations and cross-pollinate your audience.http://www.victoriaruke.comTo learn more about Kenny and his work: https://kennyaronoff.com/Follow him on social media: @KennyAronoff @Aronoffofficial

Today my guest Scott Page and I will be discussing the idea of creating Super Fans and how it is the key to a scalable career as an artist, musician, entrepreneur and super brand.Scott Page is a musician, technologist, and entrepreneur known for his saxophone and rhythm guitar work with Pink Floyd, Supertramp, and Toto. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music and is the CEO of Think:EXP, a Los Angeles-based media company focused on live immersive entertainment.Remember: Your goal is to start with 100 Super Fans. That is the first step to creating true brand loyalty and then scaling from there. This means, don’t get overwhelmed with the idea of success only stemming from having thousands or even millions of fans. Just start with a solid 100 as your first step.Research: Do you have a “Viral Coefficient" within your work? What can you add to your projects, campaigns, or social media posts in order to give your audience a reason to share pieces of you and your brand with their inner circle?Challenge: Who are your Super Fans or potential Super Fans? Take inventory on who is constantly liking your posts, sharing feedback, rating you 5 stars, and reacting to the things you put out into the universe. Then, connect with them on a deeper level. What are their interests? What is their mission? How can you collaborate to support one another?http://www.victoriaruke.comTo learn more about Scott and his work: https://thinkexp.co/Follow him on social media: @iamscottpage

Today my guest Sheila and I will be discussing one of our favorite types of entertainment, reality TV. As a reality TV producer, she is going to reveal how she puts all of the essential pieces together such as story, cast and crew in order to bring everyday people to our screens.Sheila Conlin is an experienced executive producer, talent agent, manager, and director of sales & marketing. She is a respected pioneer in unscripted television, trailblazing processes that bring real people to the TV screen. She is instrumental in launching and sustaining successful television brands including Hell’s Kitchen, Revenge Body with Khloé Kardashian, Kitchen Nightmares, Hotel Hell, The Moment of Truth, True Beauty, The Swan, Nanny 911, and Paradise Hotel.Remember: When working with real stories, welcome unexpected twists and challenges and use them to your advantage. It’s these moments that can bring a new and exciting dynamic to your story.Research: What’s a real-life storyline or plot that you would love to explore? Has anyone shared something similar before? If so, how did they do it and what unique perspective would you be able to bring to tell your story in a new and fresh way?Challenge: Filmmaking and television now have to be more creative than ever before in their production process with so many limitations on travel and transportation. Therefore, I would challenge you to start documenting a personal experience or the experience of someone close to you in your very own home. Create a story from your day-to-day life or something special you can share with the world. You don’t have to have a fancy camera crew or major production budget. Just start with the resources you have and tell a great story.http://www.victoriaruke.comTo learn more about Sheila and her work:https://theconlincompany.com/Follow her on social media: @conlincotv @theconlincompany

Today my guest Sue and I will be discussing how to apply “The Hero’s Journey” concept to craft that storytelling element within your podcast that allows your guest to shine as the expert in their field or, the hero of their story.Sue Wilhite is Spiritual Leader, Business Coach, Best-Selling Author and Podcast Host. On her show, The Sweet Sound of Success, she implements her storytelling abilities to highlight her profound and influential guests all while sharing her vast business expertise with the world.Remember: Everyone has a story, it’s your job as an interviewer, speaker or podcast host to find that story and bring it to the forefront. This will create authentic and inspiring content from your guest and will provide so much value to your audience.Research: What type of questions do you ask in your interviews? Are you setting your guests up for one word answers? Or are you asking questions that prompt conversation and storytelling? Challenge: Every interviewer can find great insight through the process of being interviewed. Go ahead and dissect your own “Hero’s Journey” and share it with others on various platforms. Not only will this help you as an interviewer, but it will also cross pollinate your audience and grow your following.http://www.victoriaruke.com/To learn more about Sue and her podcast: https://sweetsoundofsuccess.com/Follow her on social media @suewilhite @sweetsoundofsuccess @positivelysuccess

Today my guest Kyle and I will be discussing all of the key elements that create an amazing director. Including how to prepare for your shoot and how to support your cast and crew creatively so that they have permission to step out and try something new.Kyle Lawrence is an award-winning DGC Director and producer. With 17 years of experience in the film industry, Kyle began writing and producing a TV series at the age of 16 which was broadcast around the globe. Since then, Kyle has directed feature films, shorts and web series. In addition to directing and producing, Kyle has worked on over 250 episodes of television and a number of other films in various technical on-set and post production positions, including Supergirl, The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, Disney's Descendants and others.Remember: It’s incredibly important to prepare as much as you can before stepping on set for a project. Go in with a shot list, in-depth knowledge of the script, and a clear understanding of the goal for the day’s shoot.Research: Who can you collaborate with to expand your circle? In an industry that so heavily emphasizes networking, it is critical to be actively seeking out business relationships to establish and grow with.Challenge: When taking on a project, create your own preparation process. This will ensure that you get to set with a clear outline of what you need to accomplish in order to make the project a success.http://www.victoriaruke.com/To learn more about Kyle and his work:https://www.kylelawrence.com/https://www.youtube.com/user/klawrence1987Follow him on social media: @realkalaw

Today my guest Samara and I will be diving into her career as a Speech and Dialect Coach to explore the concept, “I am what power sounds like”. Not only will you learn about different vocal tools you can use to step into character as an actor or increase your impact as a speaker, but you will also learn how to own your voice in order to be heard.Samara coaches actors on projects like Wonder Woman 1984, Eurovision, and American Crime Story: Versace. When not on set, Samara is a public speaking coach for women running for office for the first time, entrepreneurs, and anyone struggling to use their voice in the moments that matter. She has a podcast on iHeartRadio called Permission to Speak and a forthcoming book of the same name published by Penguin Random House about voices and power.Remember: Creating an authentic accent or dialect is all about muscle memory and recognizing what sounds create the experience you hear. So tune into how the people around you communicate and focus on what they do to form different sounds. Research: Out of the different vocal tools listed in the show, such as pitch, up speak, down speak, and vocal fry determine what ones you utilize most often. Are they serving you? What other tools would help you ultimately be heard?Challenge: Start using your voice with great intention in order to share your message best. Whether it's to step into character with a unique accent or it’s to make a difference as a speaker. Your voice matters, so use it well!https://www.victoriaruke.com/To learn more about Samara and her services: https://www.ladialectcoach.com/Follow her on social media: @samarabayGet her Voice Tips cheat sheet: https://mailchi.mp/1e2c2d8ecc8c/tips

Today my guest Anna and I will be talking about how she is changing the narrative of neurodiversity in the film industry both on set and in her personal life as an autistic filmmaker.Anna Czarska is a producer, director, award-winning writer, actress, as well as Managing Director and Creative Head of Development for Sticky Tape Productions. She is most known for producing The Dining Room, Cost You Nothing, and her upcoming film Mildly Different, set to release this year. Her background in business and love for unconventional cinema has allowed her to use her art to address topics involving mental health and societal matters that require greater public awareness. Every project she takes on challenges the audience to think of things in a new way and leaves them with a deeper perspective on life.Remember: It’s the up to everyone on set to create the collaborative atmosphere that produces incredible projects. Be open to new ideas, listen to people’s perspectives, and respect everyone’s creative process. Even if you don’t apply someone’s idea, you being open to it in the first place drastically affects the dynamic on set. Research: To create a really authentic, accurate and properly represented character with neurodiversity, it’s essential that you do your research. Check out what symptoms or behaviors are typical, what ones are uncommon and what is misunderstood. How would they affect your character’s daily tasks? Then, ask the community! Submit a character description or excerpt from your script and request their reviews on it. Then adjust as needed to capture that character’s reality. Challenge: What is a cause or societal issue that you have a deep connection with that you could bring awareness to? What demographic could use representation in the cinematic industry? See where you can use your artistic voice to empower a cause that is close to your heart.https://www.victoriaruke.com/To learn more about Anna's upcoming film:https://www.stickytapefilms.com/https://www.patreon.com/MildlyDifferentFollow her on social media: @StickyTapeProductions@MildlyDifferentFilm

Today my guest Ben and I will be talking about how musicians and composers can weave storytelling into their music. This ensures that a film score, for example, won’t fall flat and will create an immersive experience for the audience.Benjamin Lim Yi is a Singaporean stage and film composer based in Beijing. His works have been performed by the most prestigious orchestras and internationally recognized classical musicians worldwide, and his soundtracks for film have screened in major international film festivals. His most recent work for television is currently the top trending tv series in China, 'Vacation of Love'. He also runs a post-production audio studio, BLY Studios, in Beijing.Remember: Creating an immersive experience through your music will require you to channel your inner artist. Use “color” and “shading” to express the story in your score. Research: As you’re writing music for a film or theatre production, take into account the inner dialogue of the characters. Rarely do we exclusively feel one singular emotion at a time, so in order to make your music that much more captivating, mirror the range of emotions that the character might be simultaneously experiencing. This will ensure that the music does the story justice and is truly believable. Challenge: As a musical storytelling exercise, find a script - whether it’s from your favorite movie or a fellow filmmaker and practice scoring the film in a way that reflects the story. Be intentional with the emotions the music evokes and don’t forget to utilize the silence when needed.https://www.victoriaruke.com/To learn more about Ben and his services: http://benjaminlimyi.com/Follow him on social media @benjaminlimyi

Today my guest Earlene and I will be discussing the whole idea of supporting the trait of creativity within yourself and others. This conversation is especially for you if you work with a team of creatives or you’re a parent who is raising a creative child.Earlene Coats is the Founder and President of Everyday University. As someone who went from failing scribble art in kindergarten to becoming a now extremely successful entrepreneur, she knows exactly what it’s like to have your dreams squashed AND what it’s like to achieve them anyway. Today she helps busy moms go from chaos to confidence so that they can raise independent, confident children while creating an unbreakable family bond.Remember: Your version of creativity won’t always look like the person next to you. It also might be fueled differently. For example, you might need a more traditional education or you might need an alternative education. Either way, search for what best serves you and don’t feel the need to compare yourself to others. Research: Who were the characters in your life that supported your creativity? Who were the ones that didn’t? Explore how that affected you and your career today. Then take notice of the possible roles you’re playing within the lives of the creatives around you.Challenge: Practice speaking life into the creatives around you. This doesn’t mean you need to lie about liking something that you don’t. Be honest and be constructive! Your goal is to challenge someone to be even better, not discourage them from their dreams.https://www.victoriaruke.com/To learn more about Earlene and her services: https://everydayuniversity.com/To schedule some time with Earlene: https://calendly.com/earlene-everyday-university/30min

Today my guest Matti and I will be talking all about how to create opportunities to up level your projects. This allows you to not only become an even more skilled and diverse professional but will also train you to see the value in everything you do.Matti McLean is a creative artist and writer living in Toronto, Ontario. He has a background in producing, script editing and writing for a wide range of films, shows, theatrical events and podcasts and worked on several shows including Locke and Key, The Handmaid's Tale and The Boys. His most recent novel THE CYPHER has served as the Inspiration for his ongoing narrative podcast “The Cypher and Avaria Beyond”.Remember: Your very first drafts might be really rough. Don’t let that discourage you from continuing. You have to start with something to create an amazing end product. Just stay committed to the process and your project will only get better and better. Research: Before taking on a project, explore how you can leverage it to serve your other projects. This is a way to filter and prioritize your creative endeavors and allow for each initiative to make the others even better as opposed to creating a web of distractions.Challenge: Take inventory on every project you’re currently working on, then connect the dots on how you can create an opportunity to make the projects even better. For example, while you’re working on your screenplay, create a collection of art such as a series of paintings that is inspired by the characters within the screenplay. This adds so much more value to both the screenplay and the art and will attract an even bigger and more dialed in fanbase.https://www.victoriaruke.com/To learn more about Matti and his projects: http://www.CantStandSittingProductions.comTo check out “The Cypher and Avaria Beyond” : https://www.buzzsprout.com/1354183Follow him on social media: @thebigshibam

Welcome to Life, Camera, Action! Today I’ll be interviewing my guest Annie about her amazing role as a coming out coach. We will be talking all about how she helps families and her clients live authentically and true to themselves. Annie M Henderson is a Life Coach, Counselor, EFT Practitioner and Coming Out Coach for the LGBTQ+ community and families struggling with their child coming out who need some guidance along the way.Remember: You have permission to live fully and authentically yourself with NO apologies given. Surround yourself with people who celebrate you for who you are and who treasure being on your journey with you. Research: How can you become a safe place for others, whether it's for members of the LGBTQ+ community or simply someone who is having a rough day? Challenge: If you’re struggling, reach out for help. Not everyone will understand, and someone will! So if that’s you, find a group, professional or trusted love one to confide in. And don’t forget to be that for someone else.https://www.victoriaruke.com/To learn more about Annie and her services: https://anniemhenderson.com/Follow her on social media: @anniemhenderson @life_coach_annie

Today my guest Kate and I will be having a conversation about what goes into the workflow of a wedding filmmaker, what does the process look like? What is the commitment like? And of course, what are some of the ways you get to let your creativity flow?Kate Olivia is a young entrepreneur who runs her own wedding videography business. She was asked to film her first wedding at just 16 years old and instantly knew that it was what she wanted to do with her career: be her own boss! Today at just 19 years old, she films destination weddings in beautiful Southwest Florida and beyond.Remember: Never compare your chapter 1 to someone else’s chapter 100. Everyone has their own journey and as long as you’re hustling and moving forward, someone else’s journey stays irrelevant to you. Research: Who are some individuals within your field that you can collaborate with or learn from? Creating a collaborative experience with your peers allows you to shorten your learning curve and supplement your weaknesses with someone else’s strengths in order to develop an amazing end product.Challenge: Reach out to someone who inspires you within your field and see how you can play together. This is especially true if you are at the beginning of your career and are looking to get more experience or break into the industry. The best of the best have always had mentors and stay a forever student to their craft. So remain open to learning & opportunities and you’ll be shocked at how fast you progress.https://www.victoriaruke.com/To learn more about Kate and her services: https://www.kateoliviafilms.com/Follow her on social media: @kateoliviafilms

Welcome to Life, Camera, Action! Today my guest Jason and I will be talking all about how to get your creative ideas protected, how it works, what actually qualifies for protection, and, at the end of the day, how to evaluate what creative projects are actually worth getting protected in the first place.Jason Webb is an intellectual property attorney and a Partner at Pearson Butler. He has a Bachelors of Science degree in Applied Physics and Computational Modeling from Brigham Young University where he assisted in experimental laser physics and cancer research. Not only does he have deep experience in patent, trademark, and copyright law but he also has successfully negotiated licensing agreements and settlement agreements for his clients with Fortune 500 companies.Remember: When it comes to getting your intellectual property protected, it’s not the protection of your ideas that you’re after, it's the protection of the implementation of those ideas. Research: When you think of a piece of your project that could be protected, think about if it actually makes SENSE to protect it. What are the consequences of not getting it protected? Will that affect the project as a whole? Is that an integral component to the success of your project? If not, evaluate where else protection may be more useful. Challenge: Take inventory on what you should be pursuing protection on. Start by figuring out what it is about your brand, company, products, services and intellectual property that provides a signature feel that is unique to you. Then prioritize what the most important piece of that experience is and explore how it will be best protected.https://www.victoriaruke.com/To learn more about Jason and his services: https://www.pearsonbutler.com/jasonw@pearsonbutler.com 801-495-4104

Welcome to Life, Camera, Action! Today my guest CoCo and I will be discussing Imposter Syndrome - what it is, what it means and some ways that you can avoid or overcome imposter syndrome in your life so that you can live authentically and unapologeticallyCosette “CoCo” Leary loves to live out loud! She is a jubilant Motivational Speaker, Professional Coach, Author, and Educator who has overcome a childhood of poverty, abuse, growing up in orphanages, group homes, and foster homes since the tender age of 12, and finding herself pregnant with her first child at 14 years old. She holds her Degree in Public Administration and has served as a staff member in both a Senatorial and Congressional officeRemember: Your products and services have REAL value, so don’t sell yourself short. Bringing in sufficient revenue will actually allow you to keep muring into your passions and change the world with your giftsResearch: Where do you feel out of alignment with yourself? Are there certain areas in your life where you feel like you’re just playing the part? Explore what might be holding you back.Challenge: Put yourself in a new situation where you would typically want to impress the people around you or care about what they think. Then, physically pretend to take off your costume and give yourself permission to just be you. https://www.victoriaruke.com/ To learn more about CoCo and her services:https://fromwelfaretothewhitehouse.com/https://www.facebook.com/coco4fun/Follow her on social media: @welfare2whitehouse

Today is the final episode of Life Camera Action Season 1 so I’m covering everything I’ve learned in my first year of Podcasting! All the things that went right, all the things that went wrong and overall celebrating something I’ve absolutely fallen in love with. Remember: Your message is worth sharing! Don’t be intimidated by peers or by the success of others and allow that to keep you from going after your dreams.Research: What is your brand voice? What is the brand experience you want to provide to your audience? This may take some experimenting to determine, but through practice, you will discover the perfect cross section of exactly what you desire and what your audience needsChallenge: Go for it! If you’ve learned nothing else from Season 1, hear this. It’s not going to be perfect, its probably going to be messy and full of hiccups along the way. But if you stick with it, the results will be MORE than worth it! So start that podcast! Write that movie script, record that song. Your future self will thank you...http://www.victoriaruke.com/Wanna use Buzzsprout for your Podcast? Great news! I'm an affiliate! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1131764

Today’s episode was filmed in front of a virtual audience, more specifically The World Dominating Alliance members. These are our clients that play with us on a weekly basis as we guide them in growing their companies and ultimately, dominate their world equalling world domination. My guest Ruke and I will be discussing how to be your own brand champion and why it is so crucial to your brand’s success.Remember: No one will be able to bring your brand out into the world the way YOU will. As the visionary of the company, it’s up to you to speak life into your brand and begin to move it towards its full potential.Research: What emotions come up for you when you think about sharing your message, new website, announcements and achievements with people digitally or in person? Is it exciting for you? Or does it feel nerve wracking and uncomfortable? If it feels more negative than positive...explore why. Are you worried about what they’ll say and how they’ll react? Are you feeling insecure about stepping into this new chapter? Choose a few people that feel safe to you and share these things with them to get comfortable with sharing your brand with others. Challenge: Take this week and create an email or a post sharing just one thing that you’re excited about in regards to your brand. It could be about a sale you just made, an awesome testimonial or even sharing your excitement about the direction you’re taking your company in.http://www.victoriaruke.com/

Today we are discussing the top 10 Practices that will allow you To Tap Into Your Creativity and step fully into your purpose. These 10 practices are the very things I apply in my life and are what I encourage my clients to use each and every day.Remember: It can be easy to get in the flow and get out of the flow, Staying in the flow is a discipline. It takes dedicated practice and determination to stay in that zone AND the more you follow these 10 tips, the easier it will be.Research: How can you step even more fully into the person you're meant to be? Think of this as a branding exercise. If you’re an artist and I come over to your house, it would be on brand and be good for business if you have a studio set up. Every step you take in the direction of your passions will allow you to fully step into that role as creator and will allow you to have a thriving careerChallenge: Create your own ritual. Think of your ritual as a portal into the creative flow. What is going to transport you there? Start with 3 steps. For me, before I begin writing or painting, I make my tea, I turn on music that matches the tone of my project and of course, put my phone on do not disturb.

Today’s episode was filmed in front of a virtual audience, more specifically The World Dominating Alliance members. These are our clients that play with us on a weekly basis as we guide them in growing their companies and ultimately, dominate their world, equalling world domination. My guest Ruke will be on the hot-seat today as we discuss growing up as a creative and how to stay in the flow.Remember: As creatives, we need to pour into ourselves and our passions. These are things that can’t be ignored. So don’t forget to take inventory on the time you’re putting into the things that light you up and then go the extra step and ask how you can pour into the people around you and further fuel their dreams.Research: Where are you feeling “out” of the flow? What can you do to change your circumstances in a way that will allow you to get back into that flow once again or maybe even for the first time in your life? Challenge: Make those changes! Rearrange your living room, make your supplies more accessible, clean up your calendar by saying "no" to the things that don’t serve you. Start looking at your life with the lens of flow and adjust everything that blocks your flow.

In today’s episode we will be discussing how to direct business shoots. What does it entail? How do you work differently with an entrepreneur instead of an actor? And ultimately, what can you do to create a safe and productive atmosphere on set?Remember: It is the job of the director to bring out the best in the client. They will be looking to you to guide them, encourage them, and ultimately direct them. So create that bond and trust early on in order to give them permission to come out of their shell. Research: How is your client feeling about the shoot? Check in with them before, during and after the shoot to get a gauge on where you can show up for them. Challenge: Start developing your process! What allows you to be at your best? What works for you and your projects? Start developing and testing a process that brings you success in your projects and in your career.

In today’s episode we are going to be discussing how to stylize a business shoot. What should your client wear? How should they be doing their makeup? Is there anything that they need to do on their own ahead of time? We are covering that and more in today’s conversation...Remember: The most important thing is that your client feels fully represented through the wardrobe and makeup look you create. Each of these pieces are just an extension of the brand, so make sure they are authentic and cohesive to the brand experience.Research: Does your production budget have room for a makeup artist? If not, who can you collaborate with to give your client an amazing experience? Knowing today’s tips will give you even more flexibility as you know what your artist minimally needs to be able to do. So see if you can get a volunteer or a makeup artist who is looking to build their resume.Challenge: Download the Style Sheet. This will cover today’s discussion and will be an excellent way to keep track of the steps that need to happen when stylizing a business shoot. Download here: http://www.victoriaruke.com

In today’s episode we are going to be discussing how to prepare for business shoots. What needs to get done ahead of time to make the first day of filming a success? What should you bring to set? And how can you go over and beyond for your client? We are covering that and more in today’s discussion.Remember: Things will go wrong on set. The entire goal of the prep phrase is to reduce that risk as much as possible AND when things do go wrong, just roll with the punches and make the best of the situation.Research: How can you make this business shoot even better? What are some of the ways you can add extra branding and personality to the product? Think of ways you can enhance the overall experience to bring the final product beyond expectations.Challenge: Download the Business Shoot Preplist. This checklist will give you a visual of the notes we talked about today to prep you for your next shoot. It will guide you through each step of the prep phase so nothings gets over looked or missed. Download it below!!https://book.victoriaruke.com/

In today’s episode we are going to be discussing how to create a video strategy for business shoots! This will allow you to go in and plan every detail with extreme clarity and purpose to make your client money and to grow your clientele. Remember: At the end of the day, you want to give an amazing experience to your client, so create your video strategy with the experience of the shoot in mind too, not just the end product.Research: What are your client’s goals for their video shoot? Are you on the same page? Do they even know what their goals are? You’d be surprised at how many times a client is doing a shoot just because it feels appropriate to do or like they're supposed to be doing it. So do this research and if they need clarity, use the questions in the free downloadable to be the hero and the professional go-to in the eyes of your client. Challenge: Fill out Your Video Strategy Sheet! Going into a business shoot knowing your goals and objectives will not only make the shoot go smoothly, but also successfully! Plus you’ll create an exceptionally professional relationship with your client. So go ahead and download it for your next shoot! Download it below!http://www.victoriaruke.com

Today’s episode is the final part of the Kick Your “Buts” in Business Series and we are going to wrap everything up with one last “But” - Inadequate Resources. This touches on all types of resources including time and finances.Remember: We are all just one decision away from a drastically different life. Take excitement in that! Allow life to be your playground and make it something you love. Research: Where does this “but” come up for you? Where are you feeling a lack in your life and what is it stopping you from doing? What are the things you can shift in order to overcome that “but”?Challenge: Over the past 5 weeks, I’ve asked you to think of what “buts" come up for you and write them all down. Now categorize each of them based on the top 5 I’ve revealed to you, first with Overwhelm, second Fear of Judgement, next Protection of/from Ego, then Missing Business Boundaries and finally, Inadequate Resources. Once they’ve been categorized, you can discover which “but” comes up for you the most in your life and which one to begin to overcome. And don't forget to share you results with me! :)

Today’s episode is Part 4 of the Kick Your “Buts” in Business Series and we are going to discuss another top “but” that plagues new and seasoned business owners alike - Missing Business boundaries. If you can identify with being a “recovering people pleaser” then today’s episode is just for you.Remember: Everyone is deserving of boundaries! We all should have the opportunity to voice our concerns and state where we are at with things. So give yourself permission to create boundaries for yourself and encourage those around you to do the same. Research: Where does this “but” come up for you? Where are you worried your resources will be spent? What is this but keeping you from fully pursuing? Challenge: Think of what “but”s come up for you and write them all down, then over the next few weeks, begin categorizing them based on the top 5 I'll be revealing to you, first with overwhelm, next fear of judgement, then protection of/from ego and now Missing Business Boundaries.

Today’s episode is Part 3 of the Kick Your “Buts” in Business Series and we are going to discuss my favorite of the top “buts” that pop up for Creatives - Protection of/from Ego. If you’re a perfectionist, you don’t want to miss this because this will give you such insight into how you tick.Remember: You have to be your own safe place in order to really step into the person you want to be. Failing does not mean you’re a failure. So give yourself permission to fail just as much as you give yourself permission to win. Research: Where does this “but” come up for you? What do you say to yourself if you fail? What are you stopping yourself from doing in order to avoid this pain?Challenge: Think of what “buts" come up for you and write them all down, then over the next few weeks, begin categorizing them based on the top 5 Ill be revealing to you, first with overwhelm, then fear of judgement, and now protection of/from ego.

Today’s episode is Part 2 of the Kick Your “Buts” in Business Series and we are going to discuss another of the top “buts” that everyone faces - Fear of Judgement. This is common in and outside of business and stops so many creatives from stepping into their true selves. Remember: The point isn’t to avoid judgement, the point is to not let the fear of that hold you back. You have a purpose and for every person who judges you and tries to bring you down, there are tons more who need exactly what you have. Research: Where does this “but” come up for you? What is your fear of judgement holding you back from doing? Who is your fear of judgement holding you back from helping?Challenge: Think of what “buts” come up for you and write them all down, then over the next few weeks, begin categorizing them based on the top 5 I'll be revealing to you, beginning with overwhelm and Fear of Judgement.

Today’s episode is Part 1of the Kick Your “Buts” in Business Series and we are going to discuss one of the top “buts” that everyone faces - Overwhelm. As creatives, we are especially privy to overwhelm because we have big visions. So how do you manage overwhelm to make sure it doesn’t stop you from achieving your goals? We’re covering that and more in today’s discussion. Remember: It’s perfectly okay to feel overwhelmed. Every single one of us deals with it and it does not mean anything is wrong with you. Just focus on what baby steps you can begin taking to give your self a sense of progress and begin defusing the stress Research: Where does this “but” come up for you? Where do you feel overwhelm and what is it stopping you from doing? Challenge: Think of what “but”s come up for you and write them all down, then over the next few weeks, begin categorizing them based on the top 5 I'll be revealing to you, beginning with overwhelm.

Let’s say that you just recently determined your career path and discovered your calling. What’s next? How do you know if you’re qualified? How do you talk to your family about it? What lifestyle adjustments do you make? We’re covering that and more in today’s episode!Remember: You will experience set backs. It's almost guaranteed. But it's what you do after the set back that counts. THAT is what will make you the success you want to beResearch: Well, research everything. If you’ve taken anything away from this episode it’s that! Research your industry, your lifestyle adjustments, anything that can help you make the best decisions possible as you move forward.Challenge: Actually follow through with these things. It doesn’t matter how slow your progress can be at some points, just don’t stop! Because what’s scarier than change is staying exactly where you are. Get today's freebie at https://book.victoriaruke.com/

In today’s episode we are going to be talking about how to choose your career path with one single question. As creatives, it can be overwhelming to narrow in on what your main goal should be. And the phrase I’ll teach you will not only save you time and money, but lots of heartache and stress. Remember: Keep your focus on your center career, then allow everything else you want to do be in service of it. Allow the other endeavors to support your main initiative so that everything can be built as a well oiled machine. Research: What’s that thing for you? What is that nucleus in your career? Then what are the other things you want to do and accomplish? How can they work together? Challenge: Create a mind-map of your ideal career path starting with your primary focus, then write in everything else you want to do around that center point, describing how they will create a supportive experience to your main career.

In today’s episode we are going to be discussing mindset and how it correlates with your overall success in life, how to recognize your patterns, and we will wrap everything up by playing out a scenario in which we evaluate what Optimal and Non-Optimal mindsets look like.Remember: Having a mindset that ensures your success is not going to happen over night, its not only a trait but its also a skill which means it requires practice to masterResearch: Start paying attention to your self talk and see how you respond to Tasks, Challenges, Opportunities, Setbacks and WinsChallenge: If you catch yourself in a Non-Optimal mindset, interrupt the thought pattern. Keep in mind, our thoughts are more habitual than anything else, so if you equate the idea of interrupting your thought patterns to breaking habits, it becomes so much easier to redirect and replace Non-Optimal thoughts with more Optimal thoughts to create an Optimal mindset that will ensure your success.

Collaborate or not to collaborate? That is today’s discussion. Collaborations are vital for the success of creative projects, but choosing the wrong ones, can destroy the projects themselves and relationships of everyone involved. So how do you determine which ones will allow your project to thrive? We’re coving that and more in today’s episode.Remember: Strategic collaborations can lead to the success of your project, so put your project first, and stay neutral in the relationships. Research: What are the credentials that you bring to the project? What’s missing? Find collaborations that fit within your strengths and weaknesses.Challenge: Take inventory on who you know and being compiling a rolodex of every position you can use for your projects. If you notice some positions are blank, you know exactly who to be networking for next. Film: Who do you know that operates cameras? What directors do you want to work with? Do you know any makeup artists that are trained in cinema cosmetics? Writing: Who are some great publishers you know? What about editors? Other positions to look for are: Location contacts, photographers, singers, producers, choreographers, dancers, emcees, audio techs etc. If you have this list ready with their contact info filled out, it will save you so much time when you are searching out who to bring in on your crew to collaborate with.

In order to have a happy and healthy personal and professional life, you must be able to establish proper business boundaries. So today we will be going over exactly what phrases to use and when to use them!Research - Where are your most important resources being spent? Your most important resources are you time, finances, and energy. Are they being spent where you want them to be? If not, what will fix that?Review - If you find yourself in a situation where you want to say no, simply use the phase “Thank you for this opportunity, it’s just not appropriate for me and my business right now.”Challenge - Try this out this week! If someone wants you to work for free, if someone wants you to invest in a product that’s not right for you, etc go ahead and give this phrase a test run.

In today’s episode I’m going to teach you the 3 Psychological Sales Principles that my team and I use every day. This applies to monetary sales as well as selling people on your ideas, projects, and collaborations (aka pitching). Remember - The most powerful psychological sales principles are: People want what they want because they want something else Find the hidden questions People lack permission Research - Before you make your next purchase, take a moment and identify what some of your underlying desires are that drive your decisions? The next time you ask a question, stop and see what you are really asking. And the next time you feel like you can’t/shouldn’t do something that you believe is actually a smart choice, see if there is a lack of permission you’re facing. Recognizing these principles will help you recognize them in others.Challenge - Look for all three of these principles the next time you talk to someone. See what their true wants are, search for hidden questions and explore if there are areas where they are lacking permission.

This is the very first episode of Life Camera Action and it also happens to be my birthday! So in celebration of another year, We will be reflecting on the biggest lesson I’ve learned this last year. And that is the power of how...Why this is so effective when faces challenges and what can happen when you bring this question into your everyday life.Remember: Every time you face a challenge or situation where the obvious options aren’t ideal, start asking how and see what changes in your favor...Research: What are some areas in your life that can use more opportunistic thoughts? Where can you start asking “how” to open more doors?Challenge: Start by practicing this exercise with small things to build up this great habit, then when life throws you choices, you're even more confident in your ability to create new options for yourself.