A Touch of the Madness: Creativity In Writing And Filmmaking With Larry Kasanoff
Aug 19, 2024
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Larry Kasanoff, a creative powerhouse behind hits like Mortal Kombat and Terminator 2, discusses the delicate balance between creativity and business in writing and filmmaking. He shares insights on accessing a ‘touch of madness’ to fuel creativity and emphasizes the importance of maintaining one’s voice in the face of industry pressures. Kasanoff also provides tips for authors looking to pitch their works for film and explores how a playful attitude can enhance the creative process. Finally, he reflects on the rapid timelines of book publishing compared to the film industry.
Balancing creativity with commercial success is essential, urging creators to pursue their passions while understanding market demands.
Utilizing advertising platforms and social media effectively can significantly enhance authors' visibility and audience engagement after publishing their work.
Perseverance, collaboration, and community are vital for long-term success in creative industries, allowing artists and writers to thrive despite challenges.
Deep dives
Embracing Creativity and Perseverance
Creativity in writing and filmmaking requires a balance between following one's passion and achieving commercial success. Larry Kazanoff emphasizes the importance of focusing on what you love to create, alongside understanding what can be profitable. He believes that many potential creators today might hesitate to pursue their ideas due to fear of failure or societal judgment. Kazanoff encourages embracing what might seem like 'mad' ideas, as these often lead to the most innovative and successful projects.
Navigating the Advertising Landscape
The episode discusses different advertising avenues for authors, highlighting the effectiveness of platforms like Bookbub, Facebook, and Amazon ads. Authors are turning to Bookbub for its user-friendly approach and precise targeting capabilities for advertising books, particularly those that are first in a series. Social media, particularly TikTok, is rapidly becoming a powerful tool for engaging potential readers, although the evolving nature of these platforms often requires adapting strategies. Successful marketing does not solely rely on paid promotions; authors can also utilize their email lists, direct sales through personal websites, and social media content to effectively connect with their audiences.
Crafting Effective Marketing Strategies
Kazanoff provides insights into creating compelling pitches for stories and projects, stressing the importance of understanding the movie and publishing industries. A strong pitch should include a captivating logline and tagline to highlight the essence of a book's story. He explains that focusing on the unique aspects of a project can help persuade producers and agents to take interest, even if they initially seem intimidating. The key to success lies in being articulate about your project's strengths and knowing your audience, allowing for a better chance of resonating with potential collaborators.
The Role of Technology in Storytelling
The conversation touches on the impact of technology, particularly AI, on creative industries. Kazanoff views technological advances as tools that can enhance storytelling rather than replace the creative process. He insists that while AI can streamline various aspects of production, it is essential for creators to maintain their artistic vision and not allow technology to dictate their work. Embracing new tools responsibly can lead to greater efficiency and creativity, paving the way for innovative storytelling formats.
The Importance of Longevity and Community in Creative Careers
Kazanoff highlights the significance of perseverance in maintaining a long-term career in creative fields. Many talented individuals may drop out of the industry when faced with challenges, but those who genuinely love the craft tend to stick around. Building a supportive network and continuously seeking collaboration opportunities are vital for artists and writers to thrive. By emphasizing a community-oriented approach and consistently nurturing creative passions, individuals can find fulfillment and success throughout their careers.
How can you balance creativity with business when it comes to writing — and filmmaking? How can you access that ‘touch of madness' in everything you create? How can authors pitch their books for film? All this and more with Larry Kasanoff. In the intro, Paid ads with BookBub, Facebook and Amazon [BookBub]; Blood Vintage […]