From Dreamer to Doer: Who Better Than You? Movie Producer, Will Packer on How to Build Success and Resilience in life.

Feb 18, 2025

Will Packer, a renowned film producer behind hits like Girls Trip and Straight Outta Compton, shares his journey from a college student to industry titan. He emphasizes the importance of targeting the right audience and how authentic storytelling resonates widely. Packer discusses the evolving producer role, balancing creativity with project management, and navigating Hollywood's changing landscape with the rise of streaming and AI. He also reveals strategies for building self-confidence, likening it to a muscle that can be developed through practice.

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ADVICE

Identify "Who" and "Why Now"

Identify your target audience and the "why now" for your project.
Specificity is key: imagine a real person who would love your content.

ADVICE

Personify Your Audience

Create a fictional persona representing your target audience.
Consider their demographics, habits, and preferences when making decisions.

ANECDOTE

Girls Trip Genesis

Will Packer made "Girls Trip" after attending the Essence Music Festival.
He identified an underserved audience and delivered a fresh, authentic experience.

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A Note from James:

Who's better than you? That's the book written by Will Packer, who has been producing some of my favorite movies since he was practically a teenager. He produced Straight Outta Compton, he produced Girls Trip with former podcast guest Tiffany Haddish starring in it, and he's produced a ton of other movies against impossible odds.

How did he build the confidence? What were some of his crazy stories? Here's Will Packer to describe the whole thing.

Episode Description:

Will Packer has made some of the biggest movies of the last two decades. From Girls Trip to Straight Outta Compton to Ride Along, he’s built a career producing movies that resonate with audiences and break barriers in Hollywood. But how did he go from a college student with no connections to one of the most successful producers in the industry? In this episode, Will shares his insights on storytelling, pitching, and how to turn an idea into a movie that actually gets made.

Will also discusses his book Who’s Better Than You?, a guide to building confidence and creating opportunities—even when the odds are against you. He explains why naming your audience is critical, why every story needs a "why now," and how he keeps his projects fresh and engaging.

If you're an aspiring creator, entrepreneur, or just someone looking for inspiration, this conversation is packed with lessons on persistence, mindset, and navigating an industry that never stops evolving.

What You’ll Learn:

How Will Packer evaluates pitches and decides which movies to make.
The secret to identifying your audience and making content that resonates.
Why confidence is a muscle you can build—and how to train it.
The reality of AI in Hollywood and how it will change filmmaking.
The power of "fabricating momentum" to keep moving forward in your career.

Timestamped Chapters:

[01:30] Introduction to Will Packer’s Journey

[02:01] The Art of Pitching to Will Packer

[02:16] Identifying and Understanding Your Audience

[03:55] The Importance of the 'Why Now' in Storytelling

[05:48] The Role of a Producer: Multitasking and Focus

[10:29] Creating Authentic and Inclusive Content

[14:44] Behind the Scenes of Straight Outta Compton

[18:26] The Confidence to Start in the Film Industry

[24:18] Embracing the Unknown and Overcoming Obstacles

[33:08] The Changing Landscape of Hollywood

[37:06] The Impact of AI on the Film Industry

[45:19] Building Confidence and Momentum

[52:02] Final Thoughts and Farewell

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