This is Not a Podcast
Listen, folks, the last thing we want is to deliver another stale podcast or a YouTube channel full of tedious advice. Podcasts have been a trusty companion in my life, and I'll list a few favourites at the end, but let’s face it—the formula is wearing thin. I’d like to think we can steer clear of that cliché, though who knows? We are probably guilty so far, but we aim for something more—a documentary of sorts and this video is a scene in that larger narrative. It might end up a cut scene in the long run, but in the spirit of “working out loud,” here it is.
Mike and I plan to interview interesting people as part of our experiment with YouTube. To get the ball rolling, though, we interviewed ourselves. This served a dual purpose: establishing our credentials so you know we’re not just another pair of guys doling out advice and then pitching a production starter kit. More importantly, it let us delve into why we create (the quick answer - improved mental health, financial gain, and increased understanding and empathy).
While expanding on these reasons, we quickly veer off on a tangent about prototyping—a tangent that covers the entire production process. Why did we get so engrossed in this topic? Because several years ago, when we were introduced to the idea, our creative process transformed. It became less of a task and far more rewarding.
Yes, “prototyping” is a buzzword, but it holds genuine power. Mike and I have always been prototyping. We just didn’t realize it. The short films we made as kids were the rehearsals for the work we do today. The 100-page screenplays I wrote, now mere PDFs on my computer, were prototypes for the scripts that eventually became movies. At the time, we thought they were failures. Fortunately, with enough hindsight, we’ve learned that everything was just a prototype for the next thing. In the grand scheme, there may never be a final product. So, in that spirit, here’s Mike and me, discussing filmmaking. Consider this a prototype for the next thing.
P.S. We learned much of what we talk about here from J5 Design. To see what they’re up to, check out J5 Design.
- By Eric PaulsHere are Three of my favourite podcast over the years: