Bill Dolan (Spirit Media)

Welcome to the world of television and video production! Changes and adjustments to a project are common and it’s important for producers to be prepared for this. As an expert in your field, it is your duty to always hold the flag of purpose and remember why we are doing the project in the first place. Keep the audience in mind and always be true to the core message. How we present the message, including casting and style is subjective and that’s why a good creative agency will deliberately build in intersections of decision where stakeholders can review, validate or fine tune elements of the production.

There will always be a struggle if you have hired the wrong team members. Surrounding yourself with competent, professional, trustworthy, caring, and hard-working team members will bridge the gap quickly. Additionally, premier production companies always have a very deliberate system, with a Gant chart that outlines the production flow, roles, responsibilities, deadlines, and clear outcomes. Combine this with a consistent communication system and you have the framework for a seamless on site or remote production operation.

Producing brilliant creative is a craft that demands cooperation and collaboration. Find multiple mentors who can guide you in different ways. You may have a director mentor. You may have a producer mentor. You may have someone who teaches you cinematography, editing, art direction, or script writing. But the greatest mentors will show you how to lead and cast vision for yourself and your team. They will teach you how to excite, encourage and bring out the best in the people around you. These are the people that years from now, you will remember them and thank them for the lasting impact they had on your life.

If you are truly advancing in the video production field, you are most likely surrounded by brilliant people. The best will never be intimidated by someone who is hungry to learn, technically and artistically. Always be humble and ready to serve and grow. The true craft of visual creativity is a lifelong journey, and you know you are working in the right circles when people encourage you and help feed your passion.

Great brands are ultimately defined by their WHY, WHAT they do, HOW they do it and also WHO they serve. Clarity about your audience and those that you are uniquely positioned to serve will have a profound impact on your brand. The more you focus on those that are not just positioned to buy from you, but those whom you could have a profound impact, will elevate your position as trusted authorities, and a trusted brand.

At the heart of knowing yourself and living your brand is creating a brand manifesto. This is a foundational document for your company, clients and any new employees to help understand the most important elements of your organization. 1- Start with your PURPOSE (why) statement that outlines why you exist. 2- List the MISSIONS necessary to fulfill your purpose, and know that they may change as your organization grows. 3- Outline GOALS that will hold your missions accountable to a timeline that will assure results. 4- Clarify your uncompromising VALUES that will frame how you do business. 5- Cast an inspiring VISION that will help your team understand what it means to live your BRAND SOUL.