Podcasts about unique the ultimate planner

Church doesn't have to be boring! In this interview, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com talks with Executive Pastor Ben Stapley of Zarephath Christian Church to uncover creative, practical ways to revitalize your worship experience. Whether you're running a traditional or contemporary church service, these creative strategies will boost engagement, improve sermon retention, and help your congregation connect with God on a deeper level. 

What does it take to thrive in church media ministry? Join Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com for an inspiring conversation with Will Chapman, Online Minister at Cottonwood Creek Church and seasoned media director. Gain valuable insights on church media leadership, team building, communication, and the use of AI for church teams that can help you build an impactful media ministry within your church.

Creativity is collaboration! It takes effective communication skills for leaders and creatives to work well together. In this episode, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com interviews coach, consultant and executive pastor Ben Stapley, (The Life Christian Church) on ways to build positive work relationships that will advance your career and make each project the best it can be. Please like, rate and share this episode! Get my planner: “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!) Get my new book: “Ideas on a Deadline: How to Be Creative When the Clock is Ticking” Order today and get bonus resource materials to instantly elevate your creativity. https://www.philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline/  #Audiobook available now! Take “Ideas on a Deadline” with you on your commute or morning jog. Read by Phil Cooke, it's like a masterclass on creativity. Available on Audible here: https://adbl.co/3QoD7DE Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056 Prefer video? Subscribe to My YouTube Channel and Get More Great Advice https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 New episodes are uploaded every other Wednesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.  *Helping leaders navigate their calling and career in today's distracted media-driven culture*Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on creative leadership, digital media, branding and marketing strategies, film and TV production – and the faith to take you from where you are to where you want to be in your career.  Other Great Resources: Sign up for my blog and get immediate access to a free download that will inspire your creative leadership at https://www.philcooke.com Follow me:Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philcookepage/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com  *More About This Episode* Effective Communication Skills for Leaders and Creatives: Interview—Ben Stapley, Executive Pastor, The Life Christian Church Communications professionals—pastors, leaders, communication directors, filmmakers and church creative teams—will gain the skills for effective communication that leads to positive creative collaboration. Topics include helps for leaders, pastors, church communication and media teams, and filmmakers: Communication skills for leaders and creatives to communicate more effectively Leadership skills for leading creative teams How to give and receive notes to make the project better How to hire the best people for a project How to be a great person for a project Why your church communication director is more important than ever Inspiration and encouragement for creative professionals  “Be gracious towards yourself. Art flourishes with diminished stress levels...You're the only person who can speak creatively into the world with what you've been given.” —Ben Stapley  “Your people skills are more important than the skills it takes to do the job.”— Phil Cooke  About Ben StapleyFor over twenty years Ben has created and captured moving and memorable moments for individuals, non-profits & corporations across the globe. He has served on the executive team of multiple megachurches including Christ Fellowship Miami and Liquid Church. He currently serves as the Executive Pastor at The Life Christian Church leading staff and volunteers to execute the vision and mission of the church. Ben also coaches individuals, consults for churches and speaks at conferences about leadership, communication and creativity. Visit https://BenStapley.com/coach  for a free 30 minute consultation.   Follow Ben: Website https://www.benstapley.com/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstapley/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/benstapley/ Twitter https://twitter.com/benstapley Facebook https://www.facebook.com/benstapley YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/benstapley  

Phil Cooke welcomes author and leadership consultant Brian Dodd to the podcast to discuss his latest book, “Mighty: 7 Skills You Need to Move from Pandemic to Progress.” As a senior consultant for INJOY Stewardship Solutions founded by John Maxwell, Dodd offers insight for pastors, ministry and business leaders. If you're ready to elevate your leadership skills, this interview will equip you to approach your position with greater faith and wisdom.  Get Phil's Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals here: https://www.philcooke.com/unique-creative-planner/ Available now with your generous gift to support the mission of The Influence Lab. Find out more here: https://influencelab.com/donate )  Please like, rate and share this episode!  Get my new book: “Ideas on a Deadline: How to Be Creative When the Clock is Ticking” Order today and get bonus resource materials to instantly elevate your creativity. https://www.philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline/  #Audiobook available now! Take “Ideas on a Deadline” with you on your commute or morning jog. Read by Phil Cooke, it's like a masterclass on creativity. Available on Audible here: https://adbl.co/3QoD7DE   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056 Prefer video? Subscribe to My YouTube Channel and Get More Great Advice https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 New episodes are uploaded on Wednesdays. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.  *Helping leaders navigate their calling and career in today's distracted media-driven culture*Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on creative leadership, digital media, branding and marketing strategies, film and TV production – and the faith to take you from where you are to where you want to be in your career.  Other Great Resources: Sign up for my blog and get immediate access to a free download that will inspire your creative leadership at https://www.philcooke.com Follow me:Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philcookepage/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com *More About This Episode* Leadership Success Skills: An Interview with Best-Selling Author Brian DoddSo many people lost loved ones, opportunities, financial resources, careers, time, and much, much more during the pandemic. The worst thing many people lost was hope. Brian Dodd's new book, “Mighty: 7 Skills You Need to Move from Pandemic to Progress” offers leaders a new vision for the future with improved leadership skills to move towards it.  About Brian Dodd— Best-Selling Leadership Author, Blogger, Podcaster, and Ministry ConsultantBrian Dodd currently serves as the Senior Consultant for INJOY Stewardship Solutions, where he helps churches fully fund their mission and vision for their church. He also writes a leadership blog, entitled Brian Dodd on Leadership. Brian states the goal for the site is “to take everyday life experiences we all have and process them in the light of leadership.” He is constantly updating the site with blog posts and e-books that are all leadership focused.  Dodd's site is consistently viewed by some of the greatest leaders in the industry and over the past fifteen years, the readership of his website has grown to more than 70,000 per month. Brian has authored several additional books, including “2021: The Year in Leadership,” “Timeless: 10 Enduring Practices of Apex Leaders,” “10 Indispensable Practices of the 2-Minute Leader,” and Brian's newest book, “Mighty: 7 Skills You Need to Move from Pandemic to Progress” available on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/43JynQc  Follow Brian Dodd: https://briandoddonleadership.com Email: briand@injoystewardshipsolutions.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InjoyStewardshipSolutions Twitter: https://twitter.com/briankdodd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iss_injoy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/injoy-stewardship-solutions/  

You've made a movie – now how do you gain film distribution? Explore the distribution models of independent film in Phil Cooke's interview with Trey Reynolds, VP of Development at Provident Films. If you're an independent filmmaker, this episode offers an inside view to help you consider the distribution options of streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon, VOD, theatrical releases, Fathom Events and more. Includes a case study of the movie Blue Miracle featuring Dennis Quaid. Please like, rate and share this episode! Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056 Prefer video? Subscribe to My YouTube Channel and Get More Great Advice https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 New episodes are uploaded every other Wednesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.  *Helping leaders navigate their calling and career in today's distracted media-driven culture*  Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on creative leadership, digital media, branding and marketing strategies, film and TV production – and the faith to take you from where you are to where you want to be in your career.  Other Great Resources: Sign up for my blog and get immediate access to a free download that will inspire your creative leadership at https://www.philcooke.com Follow me:Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philcookepage/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com  **More About this Episode**Indie Film Distribution: Interview with Trey Reynolds, VP Development, Provident Films It's one thing to make a movie, it's another to get it distributed. “If you're a person of faith, spend a lot of time with the Lord and follow God's direction. Put some people around you that can give you some nice wisdom... Become skilled at your craft, screenwriting, cinematography, whatever. What I see too often is passion for ministry or passion to tell a story trumps the time it takes to really make it ready for production and compete in the marketplace.” -Trey Reynolds  About Trey Reynolds As VP of Development and Production, Trey Reynolds leads the Provident Films team to produce, market and distribute faith and family films.  Provident Films is a business unit of SONY Music Entertainment.  For over 20 years, Trey has worked in the film industry for small start-ups to large corporate businesses.  After starting as a video editor with CBN, Trey ran a full-service video production company in Memphis, TN for 10 years where he directed over 15 feature documentaries and produced creative content for global brands such as FEDEX, COCA-COLA, CBS and ESPN.  Since 2015, Trey has worked exclusively on theatrical faith and family films such as WAR ROOM, WOODLAWN, INDIVISIBLE and OVERCOMER.  Most recently, Trey produced the Netflix Original, BLUE MIRACLE, starring Dennis Quaid which debuted in May 2021 as the #2 movie in the world.  Trey and Provident Films most recent release is a family comedy called FAMILY CAMP, with theatrical distribution provided by Roadside Attractions, Spring 2022. Trey lives in Franklin, TN with his wife and four children. Connect with Trey Reynolds: IMDb Get Phil's Planner! Special offer—Give $35.00 or more to The Influence Lab and get Phil's Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals Give your generous gift here: https://influencelab.com Also available on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)

Hollywood producer and media consultant Phil Cooke shares inspirational career advice and action steps for long term success in your career or ministry. https://philcooke.com Shared first at the 2019 O2 Network Conference at The Bridge Church Denton, this talk includes practical tips from successful people in the film and television industry as well as major ministry leaders to help you finish strong in what God has called you to do.   Please Like, Favorite and Share this video!   Get my new book: Maximize Your Influence – How to Make Digital Media Work for Your Church, Your Ministry, and You https://influencematters.com   Subscribe to My YouTube Channel and Get More Great Advice https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   Prefer audio? Listen to my Podcast here: https://apple.co/2XbMgDL   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to take you from where you are to where you want to be in your career.   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com   Other Videos to Watch: Maximize Your Influence – Phil Cooke’s New Book https://youtu.be/Xk4C255iyJs The Power of Serendipity for Creative Teams https://youtu.be/NuYj3fnp0QU 10 Commandments of Starting a Broadcast Television Media Ministry https://youtu.be/T0tfZLqWjsM   Other Great Resources: -Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook at https://www.philcooke.com -Get Phil’s “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/3m0JRs2 (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   -Find out more about The Bridge Denton and the O2 Conference: http://www.findthebridge.com/   *More About This Episode* Career Advice: Inspiration and Action Steps to Finish Well in Your Creative Career or Ministry “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 NIV   What’s the difference between the people who fail and the ones who have long successful careers or ministry? With input from a number of creative and ministry leaders Phil offers practical action steps to help you have a long-term career. Includes tips from Dick Cook, former Walt Disney Studios chairman, Mark Zoradi, CEO of Cinemark, Ralph Winter, producer of X-Men, Star Trek series and more Hollywood film and television, David McFadzean, producer of Home Improvement, Warren Buffet, Oral Roberts and more!   Write things down. Phil carries several apps, note cards and his own Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals to write ideas down as they come to him.   Default to action. Successful people would rather make a wrong decision than no decision at all. As God told Gideons, “Go in the strength that you have…” Judges 6:14   Be willing to take the hits. Take responsibility for bad ideas, stop blaming God, and move on.   Be ruthless about your time. Dreaming is great, but doing is what increases influence. If God has called you to do something significant in your life, you’ve got to say no to things.   For example, Jesus walked away from certain villages and towns. The power of no can clarify your life in ways you can never imagine.   Stop making decisions. Avoid decision fatigue by delegating and streamlining your decision-making process. The worst thing you can possibly do is make a great decision about something that doesn’t matter!   Discover your one big thing. Discover what you were born to do! It’s not about passion, it’s about figuring out what God wired you to do.   Understand the power of your story. Your story matters and how you integrate that story into your work is going to be the key for your breakthrough in your career or ministry.   Remember, God was willing to sacrifice His Son to win your story back and there’s somebody that needs to hear it.

Don’t derail your career! These keys to success from Phil Cooke will help you last the long term as a creative leader. https://philcooke.com Find out what makes people get off track and explore the ways you can finish well and inspire others. Whether you’re in media and communications, the film or television industry, these secrets gleaned from interviews with Hollywood studio executives, producers and directors will help you sustain your career.   Please Like, Favorite and Share this video!   Get my new book: Maximize Your Influence – How to Make Digital Media Work for Your Church, Your Ministry, and You https://www.philcooke.com/maximize-your-influence/   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056 Prefer video? Subscribe to My YouTube Channel and Get More Great Advice https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career. Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook https://www.philcooke.com   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com   Other Great Resources: Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook at https://www.philcooke.com Write it down. Get Phil’s planner! Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo Get “One Big Thing: Discovering What You Were Born to Do” https://amzn.to/2M2maTr Get “Maximize Your Influence: How to Make Digital Media Work for Your Church, Your Ministry, and You” https://www.philcooke.com/maximize-your-influence/   (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   *More About This Episode* 8 Keys to Success for a Long-Term Career Start writing things down. An idea, an interesting thought – successful people write it down. Default to action. Be intentional and make decisions quickly. Be willing to take the hits. Own your mistakes and move forward. Be ruthless about your time. Dreaming is great, but execution is how you move things forward. If God’s called you to something great, you need to say no to some things. Start protecting your time. Stop making decisions. Be conscious of decision-fatigue. How many decisions could be delegated to others? What decisions are you making that don’t need to be made at all? Discover your one big thing. Let go of things that hold you back from doing what you are amazing at. Understand the power of your story. Your story matters! Think of how your story could influence and impact the way you work. Understand the power of teams.

There are few people better suited to share first hand, boots on the ground discoveries made in global media than authors, producers and media strategists, Phil and Kathleen Cooke. Hear how this powerhouse couple has managed to run a media company together for 30+ years on this episode of “Life Off Screen.” Phil and Kathleen co-founded The Cooke Media Group and The Influence Lab where they have produced film and television programming in more than sixty countries and have been influential in shaping the stories of some of the most successful nonprofit and ministry organizations of our time. Phil was Executive Producer of “Let Hope Rise – the Hillsong Movie” released to theaters nationwide and Producer of “The Insanity of God” a feature documentary that premiered nationally as a Fathom Event. He has authored the books: “Jolt!: Get the Jump on a World That’s Constantly Changing,” “One Big Thing: Discovering What You Were Born to Do,” “Unique: Telling Your Story in the Age of Brands and Social Media,” co-wrote “The Way Back: How Christians Blew Our Credibility and How We Get it Back” and his most recent project is “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals.” Kathleen is a Screen Actor’s Guild actress, speaker, writer, adjunct professor, as well as casting director, producer, and media consultant at Cooke Media Group. Through the “Influence Lab,” Kathleen founded “Influence Women” mentoring women in global media. She’s the author of “Hope 4 Today: Say Connected to God in a Distracted Culture” and is on the national Board of Directors for the Salvation Army, 4 Word Women, and the Hollywood Prayer Network. Enjoy the show!! We'd love to hear your comments!!!

Broadcast TV is still a viable way to get your message and story out to the world. Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com offers ten tips to help you launch a media ministry with success. Find out how storytelling, creativity and culturally relevant programming can help you impact the world.   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056   Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/T0tfZLqWjsM Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.   **More about this episode: ** 10 Commandments of Starting a Broadcast Television Media Ministry In most cases, when I receive a call from a pastor, evangelist, or other ministry leader interested in launching a television ministry, their primary concern is usually about equipment. These questions are important, but I’ve discovered over the years that they aren’t nearly as important as these 10 fundamental areas:   #1 – Understand The Power of Telling a Story – Ultimately, no matter what communications medium we choose, that’s all we’re doing – telling a story. The great Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman said “Facts go straight to the head, and stories go straight to the heart.”   #2 – Don’t Feel Everything Has to be Explicit – Don’t feel the obligation to tell the entire salvation, healing, and deliverance story with each program.    #3 – Be in Touch with the Current Culture – Christian producers often don’t keep up with current programming and graphic styles, and I’m amazed at the number of Christian media professionals who never even watch television.   #4 – Make Sure your Financing is in Place – I always recommend that you have six months of funding in the bank before you ever began a media outreach.   #5 – Always be open to change.  The most successful media ministries are ministries who aren’t afraid to change, update, and present a fresh, new approach to an ever-changing audience.   #6 – Have a Clear Focus – Have a clear purpose and focus for each program you do.  If you’re producing a program on the theme of salvation, then every aspect of that program needs to point in that direction.   #7 – Don’t Forget Creativity – Exercise those creative muscles… and do it on a regular basis.  Don’t take the easy way out, either in sermon preparation or program production.    #8 – Don’t Let Your Vision Stop at Preaching – Preaching is a wonderful thing, however, don’t forget other wonderful program ideas – documentaries, movies, children’s programs, news, animation, music, and other formats.    #9 – Don’t Forget Research – I’m convinced one of the most neglected areas of media ministry is research.  Do you really know who’s watching your program and why?  That knowledge should greatly affect what you produce.    #10 – Don’t Underestimate The Importance of Quality – Today’s audiences are more technologically sophisticated than ever, and refuse to watch programs that aren’t up to current standards of quality.  Always remember – stewardship isn’t necessarily saving money, it’s using money most effectively.    I couldn’t write an article like this without urging you to do something else that I believe is absolutely critical for a media ministry – the need for prayer, and to seek the wise counsel of others. If you will stay near the heart of God in your decision making, and seek the help and counsel of both Godly men and women, as well as experienced media professionals, your chances of success will be greatly increased.   Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   Other Great Resources: Get my “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com   Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Ever think of a brilliant idea in the middle of the night – and forget it by morning? In a day when content is king, here’s Phil Cooke’s favorite apps and tools to help him capture ideas for better organization and increased productivity. https://philcooke.com    Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056 Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/KPdmTT5Yr9I   Resources mentioned in this video: Captio http://captio.co/ Things https://culturedcode.com/things/ Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals https://www.philcooke.com/unique-creative-planner/ Field Notes https://fieldnotesbrand.com/ Field Notes Leather Cover https://amzn.to/3e7Vr0X Fisher Space Pen https://www.spacepen.com/ The Pilots Pen https://amzn.to/2zi8le0 Levenger: https://www.levenger.com/   (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on Amazon. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career. Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook https://www.philcooke.com   Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com   Other Great Resources: Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   **More about this episode: ** How to Capture Your Creative Ideas Today, we live in a creative economy, and the best ideas are king. But the problem is, as any veteran creative professional will tell you, ideas are fragile. They often come and go without warning, and if we don’t have a good system for capturing those ideas, then we’ll never benefit from having them in the first place.   After years of different methods, here’s the system I use now. Keep in mind that you don’t have to copy the way I do it – or the way anyone else does it. The important thing is to develop a system that works for you. Apps: I use a mobile phone app called “Captio” for IOS that is pre-programmed with my email address. All I have to do is write the idea down like a text, hit “Send” and it automatically is sent to my inbox.   For a little more organization, I use “Things” as my task list. It’s really a dumping ground for ideas, but it allows me to put them in categories, and convert them to action steps. It’s a fantastic app that syncs via all my devices, and it also provides an email address so I can easily turn an email into a task.   Print: I designed my planner called “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” after working with more than 30 similar journals and planners. It features minimal templates so you’re not having to create lists or daily calendars, but it’s plenty open so you’re not spending all day answering stupid questions and filling out useless information.   For total portability, I also carry a small “Field Notes” notebook in a leather case the size of a wallet. I have this on me pretty much all the time – especially when I’m not carrying anything else. I found the leather cover on Amazon, and it comes with a loop for a Fisher Space Pen (which I love for writing in bed or lying by the pool). This particular leather case is a bit thick, so I’m still looking. Let me know if you’ve discovered the ideal thin leather notebook cover this size.   By my bedside, I keep a stack of notepads, as well as “The Pilots Pen.” The pen features a tiny light on the tip of the pen so I can write in the dark when ideas hit in the middle of the night. With this amazing pen, I can write for hours and never wake up Kathleen, or keep from turning on the overhead light on late night flights.   When it comes to organization, that’s another blog post, so stay tuned. The important thing to remember today is that getting things done starts with getting things down.   Read more at https://www.philcooke.com/how-i-capture-ideas-and-why-you-need-to-start/

Social media has become the new “front door” of the church – especially in the aftermath of the Coronavirus. In this interview, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com and Dave Adamson explore how churches can leverage social media and YouTube to pastor people and connect with their communities.   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056 Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/0fZTqJfBH6A   CONNECT WITH ME AT: Twitter: https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to take you from where you are to where you want to be in your career. Website: https://philcooke.com Find out about Cooke Media Group: https://www.cookemediagroup.com   LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Dave Adamson @Aussie Dave Twitter: https://twitter.com/aussiedave Facebook: https://facebook.com/aussiedaveadamson Instagram: https://Instagram.com/aussiedave YouTube: Website: https://daveadamson.tv Email: daveadamson@northpoint.org Text: (201) 267-2156 “Chasing the Light” https://amzn.to/3eT7dxr “52 Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know” https://amzn.to/2VLhVih YouVersion: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/2487-7-hebrew-words-every-christian-should-know   Get organized with my planner: “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live. Other Great Resources: Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com   **More about this episode: ** How the Digital World is Changing the Church – Interview with Aussie Dave Adamson Here are quick take-aways from today’s interview: --Pastors: Don’t be afraid to leverage the technology of our day. People will find your content when they are searching for answers. --Many churches are using social media as a megaphone for the church when they should be leveraging the technology as a telephone: a 2-way conversation. --Social media offers the power to stay engaged with people through the week. It doesn’t have to be polished or professional, just start using it as a conversation to connect with your community. --Church attendance is not decreasing; it’s decentralizing. --The church is relevant in the community when they are meeting the needs of the people in the community. Having an online presence allows us to do this. Start leveraging social media to impact the community you are in! --Don’t be afraid to use YouTube to reach a generation wandering far from God.

In today’s digital age, church communications need to be a priority for pastors. Phil Cooke offers help on leading teams, best church websites, research and development labs and more to help you get your message out to a greater audience. https://philcooke.com   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056   Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/hPQrIDc4wFw   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.   More about this episode: My 5 Communication Priorities If I Were a Pastor Pastors have many responsibilities, but one of the most important priorities for church leaders should be communication. After all, “preaching the gospel” is a primary task, and if your message isn’t being heard or making an impact, then what’s the point?   With that in mind, here are five key decisions that if I were a pastor, would be on my priority list:   Learn how to lead creative people.You may be leading a very small church, but as you grow, you need to surround yourself with creative people. In a world where capturing people’s attention is incredibly important, a great creative team will help you grow.   Your church website should be primarily focused on potential visitors.From my experience, virtually 100% of new visitors will check you out online before they visit. Make it incredibly easy on your site for a new visitor to find out who you are, where you are, what time your services begin, and why they should visit.   Understand that your Sunday message is the point of the spear for everything you communicate all week.One of the biggest challenges I find in churches is that the pastor preaches a message in the pulpit, but then the church’s social media tells a different message, the website tells another message, and the email blasts or print pieces tell still another message.    Never forget this: Whatever theme the pastor is preaching on should be reflected in every communication platform of the church. Redundancy builds trust and drives the message in deep. When you aim all your communication guns in one direction it makes a huge impact, so get everyone on the same team, and get them following the lead of the pastor.   Create a research and development lab in your church.An R&D lab is about trying new ideas, experimenting, failing, and learning from failure. If we’re going to make an impact in today’s changing, disruptive culture, we need the courage and support to push the envelope. Fail fast, so you can get back on the right track.   You never know what will create a breakthrough until you give it a shot so start encouraging your team to worry less about failure and more about creative thinking.   Be ruthless in positioning a team around you.I can’t express how much a creative team can amplify your message and ministry. The problem is, most churches put very little effort into selecting the members of that team. Hire slow and fire fast.    Remember that the stakes are high, and to maximize your calling and ministry, you need the best people in the right positions. Stop trying to scrimp and save a few bucks, and stretch to find the right people. You won’t regret it.   None of this is meant to minimize the importance of preaching the gospel message, service to the community, or discipling believers. However, none of that will happen if you can’t communicate your message. I’d love to know your reaction to my priorities…   Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   Other Great Resources: Increase your productivity with my“Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com   Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Filming on location? Find out what Hollywood filmmakers can’t live without. Producer Phil Cooke https://philcooke.comshares his essential list and what other directors and producers (including X-Men producer Ralph Winter) keep in their location film kit.   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056   Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/MQtUIHoxaks   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.   More about this episode: 3 Things You Need When Filming on Location Over the years, I’ve produced and directed programming on location in more than 60 countries around the world.  For producers, directors and any film crew that spends lots of time on a film or video set – particularly in far away places – there are certain things you just don’t leave behind.  Filmmaking novices could do well to learn what more experienced filmmakers consider “must have” items during a shoot.     For me?  The top 3 would probably be my laptop (I’m always writing), a raincoat, and a great bag.  In fact, I’m a little obsessive about bags and have way more than I should.  But on location, a bag is my office, so I’m not afraid to spend money for one that does what I need. So I asked some other experienced professionals what were the top 3 absolutely “must have” items they take to every location.     Here’s a few answers: From Stu Hazeldine, Director of the upcoming feature film “The Shack:”Script in a leather binder. Director’s Viewfinder. Blundstone boots. From Lisa Swain, formerly Production Coordinator on films like “Big Fish,” “Anger Management,” and “Face/Off” and now Associate Professor of Cinema at Biola University:   Sharpie. Swiss Army pocket knife. Chapstick.   From Korey Pollard, Assistant Director of “House,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Nashville,” “CSI,” and “Monk:” Charlie Peacock’s West Coast Diaries. My Bible. AA meeting list.   And when I asked Ralph Winter, Producer of films like “X-Men,” “Wolverine,” “Planet of the Apes,” “The Promise,” and “Altered Carbon” from Netflix, he couldn’t stick to 3 items, but since he produces $100 million plus movies in all kind of challenging conditions, I let him explain: From years of traveling, I build several “go” bags, that are always ready. Probably too much to explain here. But for instance: Snow bag: heavy gear, sweat shirts, sweaters, hats, gloves, boots, various levels of socks, scarves, etc. Hockey size bag, good to –20 degrees. Ready for Fedx with manifest to any country. Computer gear: backup laptop updated exact copy of working laptop; backup drives (3); various cables, power supply for apartment, office, trailer; Apple TV; older but spare Apple Extreme for use in apartment; Blu-ray NTSC drive with USB for laptop (otherwise a problem in countries like Spain, which are PAL); computer repair tools (several packets). Phone gear: separate iPhone 6+ for local sim card (everything else syncs with iCloud and iTunes); phone repair tools and various covers. Passport, Global Entry, Nexus cards; local currency which I have built up over the years; never know when you need cash for taxi, or a favor. Reduce wallet size: I take only specific credits cards that I will use on location, leaving others at home so they don’t get lost. Cards in my wallet I make of and keep copy in office and home, in case of loss. Always carry a pocket knife (good site for this is www.everydaycarry.com ) but this is in packed luggage of course, along with cigar lighter, cutter, etc. – Ralph Winter Everyone’s list is worth considering.  What are the 3 things you can’t live without on a shoot?   Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   Other Great Resources: Ralph Winter’s suggested website: https://everydaycarry.com Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com   Get my “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

If you aspire to a career as a DP or cinematographer, Phil Cooke’s interview with Hollywood DP and producer Stephen Ashley Blake will take your career to a new level. https://philcooke.com Gain detailed information from these seasoned Hollywood professionals that will increase your skill level and help you maintain your integrity in Hollywood.   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056   Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/hrB8f-_jckc   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.   More about this episode: Stephen Blake Interview: Hollywood Director of Photography In this interview, Stephen Blake speaks to the learning disciplines and processes of becoming a good DP, including lighting, studying the masters, leadership on set, as well as maintaining good character in your career.   Stephen Blake was drawn to media at a young age. He interned for Oscar and Emmy Award winning producer Arnold Shapiro at Goden West Broadcasters when only 17 years old and was working as a director of photography by age 22. Today, he leads Realm Entertainment, a company passionate about telling stories that captivate the world. Find out more about his current project “Steal Away” here: https://realm-entertainment.com/projects   Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   Other Great Resources: Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com Get the book “The Making of Gone with the Wind” https://amzn.to/30upaM2 Get my “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Considering moving to LA? Shun Lee Fong offers tips for actors and creatives for a successful move to Hollywood in this interview with Phil Cooke. https://philcooke.com As a lawyer, SAG-AFTRA actor, and director of the Hollywood-based Greenhouse Arts & Media, Shun Lee offers a unique Christian perspective to the film and television industry.   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056   Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/FEaZg4L-kcc Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.   More about this episode: Shun Lee Fong Interview – Moving to LA Successfully Do you need to live in LA to be a working actor? Phil Cooke discusses the ins and outs of navigating life and career in Hollywood with Shun Lee Fong in this inspiring and insightful interview. Find out the mistakes that many people make and learn the secrets to success as an actor, filmmaker, producer – or any type of creative interested in the film and television industry.   Shun Lee Fong is the president and creative director of The Greenhouse Arts & Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit creative arts organization, and sits on its Board of Directors. He is also the CEO and creative principal of Genuine Productions LLC, a media and entertainment production company with an emphasis on both original and client-based film, new media and publishing.   Shun Lee graduated summa cum laude from Creighton University with a degree in journalism and mass communications. After obtaining a Juris Doctorate at the University of Iowa, he practiced law for five years in Nebraska and Iowa, focusing on civil litigation, corporate transactions, intellectual property and media law.   In 2003, he left his law practice to pursue professional acting, writing, and other creative opportunities. Since then, he has performed in a number of productions in film, theater, commercial, voiceover, and print, and is a member of the Screen Actors Guild-AFTRA. He has spent significant time on stage and in the recording studio as a songwriter and multi-instrumental musician. He also has written a number of screenplays, articles and other works and is an often-requested speaker.   Shun Lee is the author of The Saints & The Poets, a book of essays on creativity, leadership and faith. He has taught classes on mass media and entertainment law, film distribution and marketing, and negotiating strategies for the graduate and undergraduate programs at a number of universities, including Creighton University, John Paul the Great Catholic University, Regent University and Lipscomb University.   Follow Shun Lee: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shunlee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shunleefong/   Follow The Greenhouse: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenhousearts/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/greenhousearts/ Find out more about The Greenhouse at https://greenhouseproductions.com   Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   Other Great Resources: “The Saints and the Poets” by Shun Lee Fong available here: https://amzn.to/2sVrhfn   Get my “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com   Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com    

Responding correctly in a crisis can ultimately lead to a breakthrough in your career. Phil Cooke https://philcooke.comshares a personal story of how his response during 9/11 affected the way people perceived him as a leader and made a dramatic difference in his career.   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056   Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here:https://youtu.be/ikdLME5Gxbw   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.   More about this episode: Leaders: How a Crisis Can Build Your Career Whether you’re intentionally looking for it or not, a crisis could build your career. Time and time again, leaders have experienced breakthroughs in their career because of the willingness to personally step up during a time of crisis. Sometimes it’s direct, as when there’s no one else willing or able to take command of a situation, and other times it happens when someone responds above and beyond.   In my own career, I was a freelance producer and director in Los Angeles when 9/11 happened. The afternoon of the event, I realized that while the country was rightly transfixed on the horrific event and secular news organizations were covering it 24/7, Christian media was virtually ignoring it. In many cases, the problem came from the fact that Christian programming is well scheduled in advance and few Christian TV or radio stations have qualified people or facilities to break into regularly scheduled programming with a live report.   But they should have. So I quickly sent out an email or fax to Christian radio and TV station managers across the country. It was a detailed memo not only strongly encouraging them to break into their programming, but I also gave them a list of what to do and how to do it.   The response was immediate. My phone lit up from stations across the country that were using my guidelines in production meetings, calling in local terrorism experts, Islamic scholars, as well as ministry leaders, and going live in response to the tragedy. As a result, significant numbers of Christian TV and radio stations supplied a spiritual voice to millions of listeners and viewers in the media conversation during the weeks and months following 9/11. While it wasn’t the motivation for my actions, that memo essentially put me on the map. Christian media outlets, churches, and ministries suddenly wanted my advice on other media issues as well – so much that we needed to grow in response. That’s the point where I went from a solo act to a team of media professionals.   The lesson? If you have the creative ideas, the willingness to take a risk, and the confidence as a leader, responding well to a crisis can have a powerful impact on your career. It doesn’t mean we should start looking under every rock for a crisis or using tragic events for self-promotion. But it does mean that when a crisis happens in your organization or career, that’s not the time to hide. Step up and be counted. Your moment may have arrived. The way you step up to handle crisis can change the way people perceive you as a leader. Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when theygo live.   Other Great Resources: Get my “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com   Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Whether you’re directing commercials or directing films, these tips from Phil Cooke http://philcooke.com will make a difference in the quality and length of your career and help you be the kind of director that crew and actors want to be attached to.   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056   Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/fENJ7lFeY3M   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.   More about this episode: Directors: 5 Critical Things You Need to Do On Set In the old days, directors were contract players, so they were directing nearly every day of their career. But in today’s freelance film and video world, most directors aren’t shooting more than once every two or three months. As a result, many directors don’t understand how to act on a set or how to lead.     Here are five things that have made an important difference for me on a film set or in a TV studio:   1) Do your homework.   Once you get to the studio, the cash register starts ringing. From the moment you show up on the set you should be ready to make decisions. Things may change in the course of a shoot, but standing around on the set trying to decide what to do will cause the crew to lose confidence in you.   2) Don’t be a jerk.   There’s enough pressure on a film set without an immature director losing control. Remember this: Once you start yelling, you’ve just sent a message to the crew that you’re out of ideas.    Don’t let your insecurities or fear get the best of you. Stay calm. Be nice. When things get tough, that’s when you need the loyalty of your crew most of all.   3) Always be open to ideas from unexpected places.   I was shooting a TV commercial in Houston once and was stumped. We had changed the spot during shooting and were trying to decide a big payoff shot for the end. Nobody had a good answer, until a low-level prop assistant made a suggestion.   It was brilliant, and it saved the commercial.  I was glad I was listening.   4) Be confident.   The crew is looking to you for answers and they need to know you have a vision and everything is going to be alright. Even if you don’t know the answers, don’t let them think you’re lost. Don’t be afraid to ask for help but be a leader. The set will fall into chaos if the crew starts believing you’re not up to the task.   5) Finally, lavish credit on the crew.   This is your team. They’re the key to making you successful. Forget the arrogance. Dump the pride. You’ll be amazed at the ideas, innovation, and unexpected answers they’ll come up with. Encourage them, and they’ll reward you with an incredible effort.   Good directors of movies, documentaries, short films and other media know how to inspire people to do amazing things. Next time you’re on set, apply these directing skills to get the best out of your crew and the best performance out of your actors. Inspire your team to greater creativity!   Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   Other Great Resources: Get my “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com   Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com  

Game shows, live events and sporting events are often filmed with multi-cameras. Phil Cooke https://philcooke.cominterviews multi-camera director Clay Jacobsen who shares practical tips on how to capture a compelling experience on your next multi-cam gig. Bonus tips for church media directors in directing for the audience while directing for the IMAG screen.   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056   Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/Jx6cApJ_tdo   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.   More about this episode: Clay Jacobsen Interview: Multi-Camera Directing With over 40 years of TV production experience, Clay Jacobsen’s multi-cam directing credits include the Dove Awards, American Idol Extra, Ellen and Entertainment Tonight. He currently directs the television game show Jeopardy. Here are important take-aways from his interview with Phil Cooke…   It’s important to give the viewer what they want in a multi-camera show. Make it look real; if it’s too flawless, people will wonder if it’s live! Get the right crew around you. Never look at the program monitor; if you do, you’re behind! Look at all cameras to be a step ahead of what’s happening next. In a church multi-cam setting, you’ve got to ask: How can I best help my pastor tell his message well? Keep in mind you have two audiences: the live audience and the people watching from home. Audience shots are important for the viewers at home. Lighting: a good room can look cheap if it’s not lit right. Know the limitations of your camera people. Get out there and operate a camera to know what can and cannot be done. Faith in Hollywood: You don’t have to bang people over the head. Your light is the witness… When someone is in trouble, they will talk to you. Know your craft as well as you can. Make sure you’re on a track you want to be on.   A Primetime Emmy nominee, Clay Jacobsen is a member of the Director’s Guild of America. An alumna of Oral Roberts University, Jacobsen is also an author of multiple novels “that challenge the spirit.”   Find out more about Clay Jacobsen here: https://www.clayjacobsen.com/   Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   Other Great Resources: Get my “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com   Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Business video calls can be fantastic – or a disaster and can affect how you are perceived by clients and colleagues. Phil Cooke https://philcooke.comoffers tips to present yourself as a confident professional on a Skype or iPhone video call.   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056   Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here:https://youtu.be/zTERneHnGXs   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.   More about this episode: How to Be a Rockstar on Video Conference Calls Mostconference calls are in a business or professional context, so we need to give more thought to how we’re seen on those calls. From the way you set up your camera, are you perceived as a confident, professional leader? Is your shot pleasing to watch as you speak? Are there distractions that keep me from hearing your message?     Here are a few of the most common mistakes people make. Let me know if you’ve seen anyone do these and check out my blog article for some great (and fun) visuals on each point. https://www.philcooke.com/how-to-become-a-rock-star-on-video-conference-calls/   When the shot is too close:  When you get too close to your computer camera, it distorts your face – especially your nose.Consider the other people on the call and always remember to never sit too close to the camera.   When there are people in the background: This is an especially big problem if you work from home. Make sure your wife, kids, or dogs aren’t running around in the background, distracting from what you’re saying and being generally annoying for everyone else watching.   When there’s an inappropriate background:  I’ve actually been on video conference calls where there’s an unmade bed in the background of somebody’s home office. Think about what kind of background will be more professional and a better environment for the call.   When there’s bad framing:  People want to see YOU, not everything else in the office.  Plus, in most cases, they see your shot as a small frame, so you need to be bigger in that frame to get your message across.   When It’s Too Dark:  I shouldn’t have to say much about this, but you won’t believe the number of people who don’t think about the lighting.  I want to see your eyes and expression, so either turn on the lights, open a window, or find a better location.   When you’re not looking at the camera!  Do your best to look at the actual camera lens on your computer or phone. Otherwise, it looks like you’re talking to your keyboard.   Think about the framing!  Visit my blog for the sample screenshot of this one! A shot I often use on conference calls positions my head in the upper third of the screen so it feels more natural. You can see my bookshelves, so people know it’s from my office. And I can control the lighting because I’m between a window and some track lighting that I can aim.     Also, make sure the camera lens is eye level or slightly above. You don’t want people looking up at your neck and chin because you’re sitting higher than the camera. Likewise, if the camera is too high, you look diminished and small – not the confident, authoritative perception you want. Keep it line of sight or just slightly above.   Next time you schedule a conference call, think about your perception. It’s a media driven world, so your clients, co-workers, vendors, and associates will make a lot of assumptions from the camera angle and framing you choose.   Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   Other Great Resources: Get my “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com   Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Productive meetings can happen if handled properly! Phil Cooke shares tips on how to conduct effective meetings and how to use meetings to your advantage. Bonus tips: How to attend other people’s meetings and advance your career to the next level. (If you’ve got an upcoming meeting at a Hollywood studio, a church, or with a client, watch for these extra pointers!)   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056   Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here:https://youtu.be/r9_VTnENsi8   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.   More about this episode: My Rules for Attending Meetings I hate meetings. I really do. So if I have to attend a meeting, I want it to be productive. Here’s a list of things I want my Cooke Media Group team to know during a meeting, and the list might be worth sharing with your team as well:   Print an agendaso people know where this meeting is going. Be direct and intentional and you will accomplish something.   1) Learn to listen.  Nothing is more important in a meeting than simply listening. Too many people in meetings aren’t really listening, they’re just thinking of the next thing to say.   2) Write down initial ideas.  Never blurt out that brilliant revelation you just received. Jot it down first, and then see when it would be appropriate to interject into the conversation.   3) Value the time in meetings. Don’t tell us about your life story, the dream project you’re working on, or some new insight you recently read about.  Honor the people in the room and focus on the task at hand.   4) Do your homework.  Nothing is more embarrassing than tossing out an idea that’s already been tried or already failed. Learn about the client or project before walking in the room. Make sure that what you contribute is something new and worth their time. Never walk into a meeting blind.   5) Stop interrupting people.Nothing anyone has to say is so important that it’s worth interrupting. Just bide your time and speak when it’s appropriate.   6) Never dominate a meeting.  Keep your comments short and to the point. As you talk, watch the reactions of other people in the room. Are they listening? Are they interested? Or have they tuned you out? Cut to the chase.   Always have a hard “out.” Let your people know what time the meeting will end. Trust me – they will appreciate it.   Bonus tips! How to behave when attending other people’s meetings: -Step back.Don’t contribute in the same way you would if it were your meeting.   -Don’t be quick to give ideas.They may have been working on this project for years. Listen first.   -Practice discernment.Speaking too soon may be a recipe for disaster. Learn and hear from their perspectives.   -Make notes.Write down things you think are great ideas. Look for an opportunity to share later.   Any good advice for meeting behavior I’ve left out?   Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   Other Great Resources: Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1   Get my “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com Get more tips for meetings here:  https://www.philcooke.com/how-to-behave-in-other-peoples-meetings/ https://www.philcooke.com/my-rules-for-attending-meetings/   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Starting small with your ministry, non-profit or entertainment company? It may be the best thing ever – and give you an advantage over larger organizations in today’s digital age. Phil Cooke https://philcooke.comshares why he believes small matters and how it can work towards your success.   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056   Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here:https://youtu.be/Y-03QVOxJPI   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.   More about this episode: Why Small Could be the Best Thing Ever Seth Godin wrote a book about it and I’m a firm believer that in the digital age, “big” isn’t always good. Starting small – and even staying there – isn’t failure, it can be freedom.   Here are my top reasons I believe being small is perfect for the digital age:   Small doesn’t care about policies and procedures.As an organization grows, personal decisions and relationships take a back seat to official policies and procedures because once the Employee Handbook becomes the size of a Bible, things get complicated.   Small doesn’t care about your salary or office.Working out of a spare bedroom or small rented studio keeps things lean and mean, and there’s no time for ego to get in the way. When the stakes are high, people care less about perks and more about making a difference.   Small doesn’t care about obsessive scheduling.When I worked at a large organization, I had to apply for time off – even if it was to run an important errand. Contrast that to our team at Cooke Media Group, where it’s not based on WHEN or HOW you work, but WHAT WORK GETS DONE.   Small doesn’t care about the organizational chart. The most creative and productive teams I’ve worked with never mention titles and act like they don’t exist. On creative and productive teams you talk to whoever you need to talk with to get things done.   Small doesn’t care about obstacles.Small organizations know obstacles exist because it’s all small has ever known. For example, they don’t worry as much about budgets because they know they’ll get it done somehow – which makes incredible creativity happen.   Small doesn’t care about regular meetings.Leaders today average 31 hours a month in meetings that’s often wasted time. Compare that to small teams that have meetings standing up, on the run, or at lunch.   Finally, small doesn’t care about certainty.The bigger the organization, the more is at risk so they naturally lean toward being absolutely sure before decisions are made. But look at Paul’s missionary journey in the New Testament, Acts 16: “Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia.” They didn’t know where they were going, and just responded as doors opened. They weren’t as concerned about certainty as they were the mission.   Never feel embarrassed or ashamed about being small. Whatever size business, church or company you’re leading, in the digital age, small allows you to be nimble, change course quickly, respond faster, and most importantly – attempt things that make large organizations nervous. Amazon started with one man at a desk. Never forget that.   Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   Other Great Resources: Get organized with my “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com   Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Producer Simon Swart shares how to be a successful indie filmmaker in Hollywood in this interview with Phil Cooke. https://philcooke.comGain insight on financing independent movies, the future of faith films, and the distributing and marketing strategies that can help guarantee an indie success. Executive producer of “I Can Only Imagine” with a long career with major Hollywood studios, Simon is the president and CEO of Nthibah Pictures.   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056   Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here:https://youtu.be/DjSnJKR5FL4   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.   More about this episode: Simon Swart Interview – How You Can Succeed as an Independent Filmmaker Simon Swart has worked in executive positions with major Hollywood studios, including Fox, MGM, Relativity, Dreamworks and Disney and has played a pivotal role in distributing Avatar, Titanic, Star Wars and other top films. In this interview, he shares the secrets he’s learned of what it takes to be successful today in the world of independent film production. (Make sure to listen for Simon’s key tips for new producers at 31:00.)   Here are some takeaways from the interview: The Film Industry Business -People forget it’s a business. You get to do it again if you make money. -You’ve got to have a plan for releasing and that’s a business proposition. You’ve got to be able to look at the numbers; you’ve got to be able to read the budget. -How do we deploy our capital in the most effective way? As a creator, you have to think about that.   Story and Producing -You always start with who your audience is. Who’s your market? -Don’t take a project you don’t absolutely love. -Just remember there’s a difference between a story and a concept and an actual movie that’s packageable. -If nobody’s connecting with the script, there’s probably a reason why. As a producer, you’ve got to be really honest about the project you’re putting together.   Faith as an Independent Filmmaker -As a Christian, my faith has played a pivotal role [in the development of Nthibah Pictures]. -Faith based movies – The danger now is to keep doing what people have been doing. -Audiences don’t want to be preached at when they go to the movies; pick the stories properly [and you don’t have to preach].  -When you connect to our humanity and give people hope and you bring people together [you’ll make] way more money. You can “do good” by doing good.   Simon Swart is the president and CEO of Nthibah Pictures, a global media company with offices in Johannesburg, South Africa and Los Angeles. Nthibah Pictures works with established talent and leading studio partners to finance, develop, produce, market and distribute films for the U.S. market and beyond.   Find out more about Simon Swart and Nthibah Pictures here: https://www.ntbpictures.com/ Add Simon’s latest film, “I Am All Girls” to your watchlist on IMDb here: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9013182/?ref_=nm_flmg_prd_3   Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   Other Great Resources: Get my “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com   Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

How is creativity connected to design? Showcasing industrial design, fashion and graphic design, Phil Cooke’s recent visit to the Helsinki Design Museum inspired thoughts about creative design that will encourage artists and designers in your creative pursuits. https://philcooke.com   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056   Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BtxMkfyX-QY   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to take you from where you are to where you want to be in your career.   More about this episode: Creative Design: What I Learned at the Helsinki Design Museum The Helsinki Design Museum is small, but if you’re visiting the city, I highly recommend it. Here are a handful of thoughts about creativity and design that stood out for me as we toured the exhibits:   You don’t have to be an artistto be a designer.The museum showcases a number of designer’s notebooks, and you’re immediately reminded that many of the drawings and sketches are not works of art. In fact, some are hardly readable. Many designers have brilliant ideas but aren’t necessarily artists themselves. So stop worrying that you’re not a great artist. The point is to get your ideas down on paper.   Design is collaborative.A large exhibit upstairs tracks the very successful Aamu Song & Johan Olin’sdesign practice based in Helsinki.  Their focus is on finding “masters” around the world who have created everything from toys to clothes to household items. They work with these artisans to tweak the product and make it ready for the market. The museum did a great job of showing just how collaborative their work must be to lead that many artists and designers around the world.   Creativity is a process, not a moment.One interesting exhibit was based on the many iterations of the Nokia mobile phone.  Creating what was once the most popular phone in the world wasn’t a flash of inspiration, but a long process featuring many different designs and prototypes. Most of the time, true creativity doesn’t happen in a flash, but in a long process of variations, rough ideas, and failures. But it’s the process that opens the door to insightwhich leads to a successful design.   Creativity is about problem solving.The museum isn’t just interested in the Finnish contribution to graphic or glassware design, but also includes brilliant creations from all walks of life such as farm equipment, transportation, and medicine. They even include the re-design of a wash basin in Finnish sanitariums that dramatically lowered rates of infection among patients.   Design is a way of life. The museum reminded me that being a “designer” isn’t just a job title or a field of study. Design is a way of thinking and a way of living. At some level we’re all designers because we’re all trying to use creativity to navigate through our lives.   For creativity to flourish, it needs to be valued.One of the reasons Finnish design is so popular and successful is that designers are valued in this country. The joke in many other countries about designers is that 90% of their job is responding to client requests to make the logo bigger. But in places like Helsinki where designers are valued and honored, amazing things happen, and world changing ideas are born. – Phil Cooke   Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   Other Great Resources: Visit the Helsinki Design Museum! Find out more herehttp://www.designmuseum.fi/en/ Get creative! Here’s my “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo The Way Back https://amzn.to/2QhIFSY (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Is your open office driving you nuts? Phil Cooke shares tips on creative office designs that will yield the most productivity for your team, plus insight on how a good design can help circumvent sexual harassment in the workplace. https://philcooke.com   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056    Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/DjSnJKR5FL4   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.   Best Office Spaces for Creative Teams Designing the right office for your creative team is important. A well-thought out design can spur creativity while a poor design can stifle it.    The open office was a great idea that ultimately never worked out well. There was no privacy and no quiet place to work. In most cases, they’ve proven to be a disaster.   Brainstorming is great, but there comes a time when you have to go into your office, shut the door and work. The best office design would have a big open space for people to talk and brainstorm, but also give everyone private offices where they can work without constant interruptions.   Statistics prove that if you are interrupted, it can take you 25-40 minutes to regain that same level of focus you had before that interruption!   Windows are also important especially in our day of so much inappropriate activity and harassment at work. I wouldn’t build an office today without office doors that are glass or at least a window in the wall so people can see in. We need to do everything we can in our work spaces so nobody’s taking advantage of.   Office space is more important than most people think. Don’t let the same guy who designed your warehouse or your sanctuary design your office space. They need to understand what space works, how people interact, and what leads towards the most productivity.    Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   Other Great Resources: Get my “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com   Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com 

Can you be creative on a deadline? Most creative professionals work within schedules and time frames – the television episode shooting in two days, the fast-approaching deadline for a film to be locked, or a ministry video due for a Sunday’s service. Phil Cooke offers techniques on delivering creativity under fire when you don’t have the luxury of waiting until the mood strikes.   We often think that creativity is something that’s inspired, beautiful, and only happens when the spark strikes or the muse speaks. Actually, nothing could be further from the truth.   I’m a proponent of what I call “practical” creativity – which means creativity on a deadline. I’ve spent my career working for clients – studios, networks, nonprofits, major churches and ministries. In those cases, I don’t have time to wait for inspiration, I have to deliver ideas on a schedule. Worse – sometimes I have to deliver when there’s enormous pressure, risk, and a great deal on the line.   If you’re in the film and television industry or in any position which requires your talents as a creative, chances are, you work in a similar situation. While we’d all like to experience the comfort of waiting for wonderful ideas to come from the heavens, with most projects, we have to conjure up something right now.   Certainly we can’t totally control creativity, and can’t just hit an on and off switch, but there are techniques we can use to draw from when we have to deliver creativity under fire.   Be a raging consumer of media yourself.Read books, watch movies, TV and online video. Go to museums. Subscribe to popular magazines. Know what’s current.   To know what creative ideas will work, you need to know what’s working now, what’s failing, and what’s already been done. Keep your finger on the pulse of the culture.   Have confidence in your talent.This comes from years of work, practice and failure. (Rinse and repeat.) The more experience you have, the more options will come to your mind under pressure. The more confidence you have, the more likely you are to step up.   Plus, experience and confidence tends to quiet that voice in your head that’s telling you that you have no talent and your work is trash. However, the key is that you should be mastering your craft when the pressure is not happening, so that when it does hit, you’re ready to be amazing.   Develop creative connections.Creative professionals are rarely the lone wolf types who sit alone in a studio thinking brilliant thoughts. For instance, read about Pixar’s “Brain Trust” and how it works in Ed Catmull’s terrific book “Creativity, Inc.”https://amzn.to/2Jh4D6W(Note that as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)   Always have creative friends and mentors you can reach out to when you’re coming up blank because building on each other’s ideas is a key to creating brilliant work. Who would you call right now if you needed some help? Create a list so you’ll have it when things get tough.      Be the voice of calm in the middle of the storm.When deadlines approach, or the $%#@ hits the fan, people tend to freak out. You need to be the calm creative leader in the middle of the madness. Even in desperate situations, I’ve seen stressed out film crews and other creative teams completely relax in the presence of a leader who is calm and in control. You’ll never produce compelling creative work if you don’t know how to experience calm within yourself – especially when it matters most.    Unless you’ve decided to be a landscape painter and only work when the muse speaks, then chances are you need to deliver creative projects on time and on budget. You can master practical creativity, but it takes preparation and discipline. There’s no better time to start than right now. – Phil Cooke   For more tips for creative professionals, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com/how-to-be-creative-even-when-its-risky   Get Phil’s “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” here: https://amzn.to/2vAj0eE   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ 

CEO of Mastermedia International Dan Rupple shares insight into affecting Hollywood as well as tips for those considering a move to Los Angeles in this interview with Phil Cooke.   Known by many as one of the founding members of the Christian comedy team Isaac Air Freight, Dan Rupple has over four decades of media experience as a respected producer, writer and speaker. His Hollywood experience includes ten years as supervising producer with CBS television (“The Price is Right,” “The Late Show with David Letterman”), plus serving as head of programming and development for five internet television companies. Featured on NBC Nightly News, CNN, FOX News and The Washington Post, he is an honored Biola University graduate and an ordained minister.   In 2016, Dan was installed as the CEO of Mastermedia International, building meaningful trust relationships that confidentially serve today’s leading media professionals, creating honest dialogues around issues of faith and offering them insights regarding America’s vast Christian community. Mastermedia also exits to be an encouraging voice to the media leaders of tomorrow.   Here are some quick takeaways from today’s interview… Always be a student. The film and television industry changes really quickly. You’ve got to be able to adapt.   You can change the way Hollywood looks at the Christian community in three ways: Congratulate them on good shows. Let them know there is an audience out there for quality programming. Create projects that are reflective of faith. Be a reflection of faith no matter what part of the industry you are in.   If you’re considering a move to Hollywood, Dan comments: --Come if you feel that’s the way God wired you. If it’s a joy, and you’ve got the drive, passion and talent, he encourages the move. --Understand the industry. --Stay strong in your convictions. --Prepare to be surprised. Learn your craft, form your network, get prepared with your projects. God will surprise you with opportunities, so be ready!   Overall, Dan reminds Christian workers in the film and television industry in Hollywood, “People are one miracle away from meeting the Lord.”   Find out more about Mastermedia International here: https://mastermedia.com/   For more insight on the intersection of faith, media and culture, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Watch Phil’s video on how he uses his “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” now at https://www.philcooke.com/unique-creative-planner/   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ 

Interested in a successful career in Hollywood? Phil Cooke interviews Hollywood Prayer Network founder Karen Covell with tips on the spiritual aspect of how to be survive – and thrive in Hollywood.   Jim and Karen Covellstarted the Hollywood Prayer Networkas a prayer ministry in 2001. As active industry professionals, their vision and mission is to encourage Christians to pray for believers and non-believers working in the entertainment industry in Hollywood.   A career in Hollywood in film or television is challenging and very few people survive and go on to success. Whether you’re an actor, director, producer or crew on a set in Hollywood, Karen offers several keys to being successful and “making it in Hollywood.”   For creatives in Los Angeles, community is important.You can’t do it alone. Often creatives feel like they’re all alone in Hollywood, but that’s not the case. The Hollywood Prayer Network can help Christians connect with other Christians in LA and gain a prayer covering for what they are working to accomplish in the industry.   The church needs to understand that society needs creative people.Hollywood is defining our culture and Christians can have an influence on that. Phil adds that the people in Hollywood are not necessarily anti-God or anti-Christian, it’s more how they’ve been raised.   Creative people are spiritual and open to spiritual things.Karen mentions that she’s never been turned down when she offers prayer. She’s seeing a shift in the industry where Christians are not afraid to share with others – and unbelievers are open to what someone believes, even if it’s different from what they believe.   People moving to LA should be ready to commit for the long haul to be successful. Get experience first through the city you live in or nearby before you move to LA. Hollywood is a brutal place. You must stay connected to your faith and know that there’s a bigger picture outside of your career.   Phil adds that it’s important to make sure that your spouse is united with you in the decision to move to Hollywood. Make sure you’re on the same page before you move here. (See Phil’s blog on that topic here: https://www.philcooke.com/why-couples-need-to-agree-on-each-others-career-choices/#more-17303)   Phil encourages creatives not to come to Hollywood unless you’re committed and driven. There are other cities where other filming is happening; it may not be the top tier, but they are hiring local crew and you can gain experience before you make the leap to LA. Karen adds you can connect with the film commission in every state where you live.   Don’t come to Hollywood unless there’s nothing else you can do. You have to know in your heart this is absolutely the right move for you.   Karen’s last words of advice for creatives considering a move to Hollywood: --Have relationships along the way. --Know that even the biggest failure is not a failure; you’re learning and growing. If you find it hard, connect with the Hollywood Prayer Network! --Work hard and keep growing in your talent. --Be prepared to persevere for the long haul.   The Hollywood Prayer Network has three goals: To pray through the call sheets of current issues and people in the industry. To match prayer partners with media missionaries. To encourage kids and families to pray together for Hollywood through an online calendar.   Join the movement and check out the resources at https://www.HollywoodPrayerNetwork.org. Find out more about Karen at https://www.KarenCovell.com   Creatives are loving Phil’s new planner. Order your copy of “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” here: https://amzn.to/2Gdx2JN (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ 

Are you able to speak the language of change – or is the power of tradition holding your team or organization back? If you’re surrounded by people stuck in the “we’ve always done it this way” mentality, Phil Cooke offers insight to overcome their objections and move them toward your change initiative.   Although there is power in tradition and traditions do matter, we need to remind ourselves that traditions are reminders, not destinations. People change, styles change, technology changes. If we don’t speak the language of that change, we won’t reach this generation or the next.   Wired Magazine reports that the average phone app updates every 30 days. In this digital age, our lives are in constant transition. If you’re struggling with your team accepting new ideas, it’s important to understand what’s behind their hesitation. Knowing why people resist change is half the battle to help them embrace the new.   Leaders – here are four key reasons why people don’t change. If you can understand these, you can help bring your team or organization to a new level of effectiveness in our constantly changing world.   Self interest People resist change because change imposes on their territory. If you’re trying to implement change, you’ve got to address this question of self-interest, the question of “What’s in it for me?” Address the issue of how this change impacts them personally and change will be embraced more easily.   Misunderstanding or lack of trust About 77% of emails are misunderstood! A good leader will recognize this and go out of their way to help their team understand the issues at stake and why change is necessary. Explain it well for a smoother transition.   Differing ways of assessing Everyone has a different vantage point, a different way of assessing change. It’s worth taking the time to understand the different list of priorities guiding people in their work roles. Smart leaders ask questions and take this into consideration before making major change.   A lack of confidence in the decision-making process Your team may not feel all the relevant information has been included in the change making process – or they may not trust the person in charge of implementing the change. The key here is to be sure they’re involved in the process.   Help them understand the importance in the changes and get them involved early. A sense of ownership will help them more readily jump on board as new ideas are implemented.   As you lead your team or organization, it’s important to recognize areas of resistance to change in your own life. What changes are you fighting in our own life? Are you stuck in a rut? Always be open to change.   Remember, change is coming whether we like it or not. The quicker you are to embrace change – and the more you know how to get other people on board with new ideas, the better you’ll be in position for what’s next. – Phil Cooke   Find out how to get “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” and “Jolt” by Phil Cooke here: https://www.philcooke.com/store/   For more tips on leadership and a free eBook on Creativity, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Prefer audio? Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ 

Being aware is critical to all aspects of your life - faith, family and friends. Phil Cooke has produced TV and film programming in more than 60 countries around the world, and in the process, he’s been shot at, survived two military coups, fallen out of a helicopter, and once in Africa, he was threatened with prison. He has also authored numerous books. His most recent is "Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals." If you are a writer, designer, musician, or media producer, then stop wasting your day filling in meaningless templates, mindless reports, and information you will never look at again.  Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/yc8uwajc  

Church media directors know a Christmas production or Easter pageant can easily flare up into a nightmare. Here’s a checklist from Phil Cooke https://philcooke.comto help you produce a professional program that warms people’s hearts – without losing your sanity.   Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056   Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here:https://youtu.be/ypkm8KVC5b0   Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.   More about this episode: Church Media Checklist for Holiday Programs (or how to avoid the nightmare before Christmas)   Start preparation early. Experienced media or communications professionals know you can’t start too early on a program or theatrical production. Whether it’s live, multi-cam or video-taped, get your hands on a script or musical score as soon as possible. Waiting till the last minute is recipe for your own “nightmare before Christmas.”   Bring your crew into the planning process. Your media team and volunteers may have valuable ideas that can help the production. Wise directors will listen – and remember they don’t have to use all the ideas that come in.   Understand lighting differences. Make sure you understand the difference between stage lighting and television lighting – and then keep in mind you don’t have to ruin one in favor of another. Find a happy medium that works well for a live audience as well as for video (which can extend the reach of your event).   Create a shot list.Winging it is not a good thing! Always have a plan. If you have a shot list, you can go off it in an inspired moment – and then come back to it.   Stop screaming and yelling. If you’re directing a Christmas or Easter presentation and you lose control, you instantly lose respect with your team and create frustration. Have a greater vision and inspire your crew! Make them want to do amazing work.   Use cuts and dissolves correctly and know the difference between them.They are to an editor what periods and commas are to a writer. If you want something to go quickly, then cut! If you want to slow a moment, use a dissolve. These are not random editing decisions; there should be a purpose behind your choices.   Shoot a rehearsal.Film a rehearsal so you can make sure you’re capturing what you envisioned. It’s worth the extra money and time to bring in a paid staff or your volunteers to shoot a rehearsal.   Have a debriefing.Especially when you have multiple performances, shoot and debrief after each one. Lock your camera crew down before they leave for the evening and talk about what went wrong, what went right – and what could be done better. It’s a chance to be very inspirational with your team.   Toss out normal service camera rules. A pageant is completely different than a Sunday service, so your cameras should be set up accordingly. Be flexible and don’t be afraid to move the cameras around according to the script or music plan. Choose the best way to capture the program.   For any pageant or production, always think in terms of starting the planning process early. You can also apply these same strategies to shooting a filming a concert or a worship album. Any kind of special event will benefit if you think through this checklist in the early stages. – Phil Cooke   Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.   Other Great Resources: Get my “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)   Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com   Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1   Follow me: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056  Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Time off? Make the most of your holiday weekend and increase your productivity with these tips from Phil Cooke. Bonus: Find out how an attitude of gratitude can help your work environment and impact your business and career. Everybody’s busy and it’s important to take a break to recharge and refocus. What do you do when you have time off? Thanksgiving, Christmas and other long weekends offer a chance to pause and gain a fresh perspective. Here are ideas to consider when you have time off… 1. Be thankful. It’s not just for Thanksgiving! Use opportunities to encourage and thank your team. Companies that excel at employee recognition are 12X more likely to have strong positive business results. Encouragement helps! When you find a day off, think about who you need to thank and send them an encouraging note. 2. Do the cleanup! Do the job nobody else wants to do – on Thanksgiving day and at your workplace. Do the dirty work; tackle the hard jobs. If you look for and do the jobs that nobody wants to do, your boss and leaders will be grateful and you’ll be noticed. It can ultimately be your ticket to a promotion. 3. Read a book. Be intentional about fighting the effect of the digital revolution. It’s great exercise! Turn off your phone and find a book you can really enjoy. Stop – slow down – and read. 4. Stop being productivity. People mistake being busy with accomplishing something. Take time off – and get off the treadmill! Clear a space so you can focus on your creative time. 5. Reflect. Go to church, take time out… Take a day to stop, pause, pray and meditate. Holidays are a perfect time to remember what your purpose is, why you’re here and where you’re going. A day off can open up new ideas to you. Holiday weekend coming up? Take the time off to rest and refresh. You’ll be recharged for the next week and approach it with a new attitude. – Phil Cooke Read more Thanksgiving weekend ideas here: https://www.philcooke.com/its-thanksgiving-weekend-heres-what-you-need-to-know/ For more tips on how to encourage your team, read Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com/why-leaders-are-encouragers/ Get Phil’s “Unique – The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” here: https://amzn.to/2Kj4X3y Order “The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to our Brains” byy Nicholas Carr here: https://amzn.to/2ORVSiQ (Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.) Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056 Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/ Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ

Can you schedule creativity? Most highly creative people have a regular routine. In this episode, Phil Cooke shares truths and practical ways to inspire your imagination.   Everybody is creative, but research shows that most significant creativity drops at age six! Creativity is the currency of this culture. In a time when CEO’s are looking for creative employees, these truths from Phil Cooke will spark your imagination and even help you schedule your creative moments:   Inspiration happens when you have a regular routine.Train your brain so that when you show up, something happens! Most highly creative people are slaves to routine.   Different people have different creative rhythms. What time are you most creative?Carve your day around that moment and try to find as much alone time as you can.   Real creativity happens in solitude.Brainstorming is great, but at some point you need to go in your office, shut the door and work it out. Real breakthrough ideas happen in solitude.   Creative thinking needs a place to happen. Where are you most creative? Even in a regular job, you can shape your day around ways to help you focus and create. Be open to the moments where you can get creative insight (in the shower, in the car, in a coffeeshop, etc.).   Ruts kill creativity.Start doing things differently. Drive home a different way. Change your habits and you’ll start seeing new things and your creativity will be recharged.   Daydreaming is good for creativity - and good for your brain. That relaxed random thinking where ideas can pop in and out of your head is good for you. Don’t let your phone rob you of creative moments.   Most breakthrough ideas are ridiculed before they are valued.Stick with it; pursue it. Be tenacious long enough for your idea to gain value.   Here are a few more quick tips to stir your creativity… Start reading books about creativity. Phil recommends these resources: “Think Like An Artist – and Lead a More Creative and Productive Life” by Will Gompertz available here: https://amzn.to/2PE1sdm “Daily Rituals: How Artists Work” by Mason Currey available here: https://amzn.to/2JG7e8J   Allow for analog space in your digital list.Be wary about the “ease” of technology and apps that keep you connected to your phone and computer. Check out Phil’s new planner: “Unique – The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” by Phil Cooke available here: https://amzn.to/2PCbU59  (Please note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.) Focused on creative people, the Unique creative planner gives you what you need for planning, while removing the limits for you to be creative. Find out more at https://www.philcooke.com/unique-creative-planner/   Apply these truths from Phil Cooke and let your creativity be recharged.     For more tips on creativity, visit Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Get a free eBook on Creativity! Sign up for Phil’s blog at https://www.philcooke.com   Listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056    Find out more about Cooke Pictures here: http://www.cookepictures.com/   Visit Phil Cooke’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzivfiicpepFmAv5ZblgYWQ