If there is a force to be reckoned with in the animation industry, it is Taylor K Shaw, the founder and CEO of BWA Studios. With her unwavering commitment to amplifying black creativity and breaking glass ceilings, Taylor is undoubtedly redefining the animation industry.

In a recent podcast episode, Taylor took listeners on a fascinating journey, revealing how her post-college aspiration of becoming a talk show host evolved into building a collective of talented animators, designers, and creators.

The Path to BWA Studios

In the podcast, Taylor shared the genesis of her company, BWA Studios, an acronym for Black Women Anime. Recognizing the lack of diversity in leadership positions in the entertainment and advertising industry, Taylor decided to fill this gap. She highlighted the challenges she faced in building her team and launching her company. One key challenge was finding black animators and creatives – a hurdle that led to the birth of BWA Studios.

Disrupting the Animation Industry

Taylor delved into the differences between live action and animation, pointing out crucial stop points to avoid a budget explosion. 

She recounted the company’s journey, particularly a project with Hulu called Monuments, which honored influential women like Coretta Scott King, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Marjorie Stoneman Douglas. This project demanded a unique creative style and required the BWA team to scale up their operations.

A Multi-Hyphenate in the Entertainment Industry

One of Taylor’s core messages in the podcast was the importance of being a multi-hyphenate in the entertainment industry. She believes in bringing all of oneself to a space and not putting different parts of oneself into a box. This belief, she noted, is fundamental in creating a space that encourages innovation and creativity.

In this vein, Taylor emphasized the importance of being a multi-disciplinary team member and the value of versatile individuals. She encouraged listeners to express their ideas and not be put in a box.

Looking Ahead

As Taylor continues to push boundaries in the industry, she remains committed to building a sustainable pipeline of diverse talent. 

Her advice to those starting out in the industry is clear: it’s okay to be a multi-hyphenate. Don’t try to put different parts of yourself into a box because that makes you a better team member.

This enlightening conversation with Taylor K Shaw underscores the power of embracing a multi-hyphenate skillset and challenging the status quo. It’s a testament to Taylor’s pioneering spirit and the innovative vision of BWA Studios.

Find this episode and more on our Okay Copy Podcast, where we explore the journeys of inspiring creative minds. Available now on Apple, Spotify and Youtube.

This series is brought to you by Wercflow. Werc is a tool that empowers producers and crew to efficiently manage networks, hire, and collaborate seamlessly. Visit us and join our beta waitlist at httsp://www.werc.app/.

In the fascinating world of post-production, Lauren Hertzberg stands out as a trailblazer leading Cut and Run, a prominent post-production company.

In a recent podcast episode, Lauren candidly shares her career journey, her approach to post-production, and valuable advice for those eager to venture into this creative landscape.

Lauren’s journey into post-production began rather unexpectedly when she realized that her academic pursuits weren’t aligned with her career aspirations. After dabbling in various jobs, Lauren found herself working at her father’s production company where she taught herself the intricacies.

Upon moving to Chicago, Lauren found her footing in the post-production world, starting as a receptionist at a post-house. It was there that she learned the importance of growth from within and the power of mentorship. Her journey exemplifies the value of trusting the process, even when it involves taking a few steps back to propel forward.

At Cut and Run, Lauren fosters a transparent, team-oriented culture that values every team member’s contributions. The complex and dynamic nature of post-production allows creativity to thrive. Lauren stresses the importance of establishing strong relationships with clients and making them feel comfortable throughout the project journey.

As a seasoned professional, Lauren shares valuable insights on building a post-production team and hiring editors. The process involves strategic considerations, such as building a compelling reel and establishing strong client relationships.

For those aspiring to make a mark, Lauren emphasizes the importance of understanding various roles within the company while maximizing resources and managing project timelines. Her journey serves as a testament that the road to success in the post-production world is not linear but filled with lessons, growth, and exciting opportunities.

Lauren Hertzberg’s story is not just about an unexpected career transition. It is about finding one’s passion, trusting the process, and building a successful career from scratch. Her insights serve as valuable nuggets of wisdom for anyone navigating their way in the post-production world.

Find this episode and more on our Okay Copy Podcast, where we explore the journeys of inspiring creative minds. Available now on Apple, Spotify and Youtube.

This series is brought to you by Wercflow. Werc is a tool that empowers producers and crew to efficiently manage networks, hire, and collaborate seamlessly. Visit us and join our beta waitlist at http://www.werc.app/.

Breaking into the production industry may seem like a daunting task, but for Kiara Kii Brown, senior photo producer at Bustle Digital Group, it was a journey filled with passion and determination.

Starting as a receptionist at Root Studios, she worked her way up to the role of a senior photo producer. Kiara’s journey is filled with experiences that offer valuable insights into the dynamic world of photography and production.

Transition into Production

In our conversation, Kiara shares her transition into production, highlighting the stark contrast between editorial and branded productions. The journey wasn’t always smooth, but her consistent efforts, effective communication, and ability to build strong relationships played a crucial role, especially when budgets were tight.

When explaining the differences between editorial and branded productions, Kiara emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships in the industry to lean on when budgets are tight. According to her, one must be comfortable with negotiation and should approach collaborations with a mindset of mutual benefit rather than trying to get the upper hand.

Specialization and Creative Control

In this conversation, Kiara dives deep into the nuances of creative execution, discussing the significance of specialization and the advantage of having celebrity experience for photographers. She underlines the importance of knowing your craft and perfecting it.

According to Kiara, photographers need to be consistent in their work. They should know what they are good at and focus on perfecting that particular style. She also highlights the importance of creative control in photography and production, especially when working with celebrities.

Challenges and Solutions in Production Work

In her journey, Kiara faced many professional challenges, including unpredictable weather conditions and budget-constrained creative visions. She discusses the importance of being prepared for any situation and having the ability to think on their feet.

Production Career Paths and Work-Life Balance

In the final segment of the conversation, Kiara emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and the need for setting boundaries. She suggests that while it is important to be dedicated to your work, one should also take time for oneself. She highlights the importance of honing one’s craft as a photographer and shares her thoughts on how to get noticed in the production industry. 

According to Kiara, the quality of your work is what will make you stand out, not your marketing efforts. This insightful conversation with Kiara Kii Brown offers valuable lessons for those aspiring to make a mark in the production industry.

To learn more about Kiara’s experiences and her insights into the production industry, listen to the full podcast episode. Her journey serves as a roadmap for others looking to navigate the complex world of content.

Find this episode and more on our Okay Copy Podcast, where we explore the journeys of inspiring creative minds. Available now on Apple, Spotify and Youtube.

This series is brought to you by Wercflow. Werc is a tool that empowers producers and crew to efficiently manage networks, hire, and collaborate seamlessly. Visit us and join our beta waitlist at http://www.werc.app/.

Welcome to a fascinating behind-the-scenes journey into the world of film production. We recently had the pleasure of hosting the talented agency producer Chance Bassett on our podcast.

Chance’s in-depth understanding and insightful perspectives provided a rare glimpse into the roller-coaster ride that is commercial production. 

Chance’s Journey in Production

Bassett grew up in a family immersed in the arts. Her father was a documentary filmmaker and her mother a production assistant. This exposure to the world of production, combined with her experiences as a child actor, gave her a unique perspective on the process of creating a film. Her enthusiasm for the arts carried over into his education, where he studied drama and English, before eventually discovering her true passion – being a producer. 

A Producer’s Role in the Creative Process

In our conversation, Chance shared valuable insights into the intricate process of producing a film. She discussed her approach to dissecting scripts and creating budgets, as well as the importance of consuming media to inspire the creative process. Chance also highlighted the critical role that a producer plays in championing the project, managing clients, and finding solutions to unexpected problems.

The Power of Mentorship and Production Companies

According to Chance, the importance of mentorship and the role of production companies in the film industry cannot be overstated. She credits her success to the support and guidance she received from her mentors. She also spoke about the significance of having a good creative brief, strong communication skills, and the ability to sell the vision of the film.

Overcoming Challenges in Production Work

Our conversation also touched on some of the unique challenges of being a producer, from dealing with unexpected hurdles to managing celebrity schedules. Chance shared some of her own experiences, such as having to reshoot a commercial because a celebrity couldn’t make it due to an accident, and having to film a party scene with a limited number of people due to Covid-19 restrictions. Despite these challenges, Chance emphasizes the importance of being prepared, flexible, and maintaining a positive attitude.

Global Experiences and the Importance of Empathy

Chance’s global experiences in production work have underscored for her the importance of understanding different cultures and staying adaptable. She emphasized the necessity of empathy in managing production processes across different parts of the world. 

In conclusion, our conversation with Chance Bassett offered a captivating peek into the unseen realities of film production. From the meticulous process of bringing a film to life to the importance of mentorship and empathy, this episode unveiled the extraordinary effort and passion that lies beneath the glamour of filmmaking. Whether you’re a budding producer or a film enthusiast, these insights provide a deeper understanding of the cinematic world.

Find this episode and more on our Okay Copy Podcast, where we explore the journeys of inspiring creative minds. Available now on Apple, Spotify and Youtube.

This series is brought to you by Wercflow. Werc is a tool that empowers producers and crew to efficiently manage networks, hire, and collaborate seamlessly. Visit us and join our beta waitlist at http://www.werc.app/.