No Set Path: Creative Entrepreneurship Growth Stories

How did a suburban kid with a penchant for skate videos become a celebrated food filmmaker? Join us as Kevin takes us through his unexpected journey, from wielding his dad's Hi8 camera to navigating his way through health challenges and discovering a profound love for culinary storytelling. Influenced by his optometrist father, who documented the family's life, Kevin's early years were a mix of creative experimentation and a pivotal health scare that set him on a transformative path.Discover how Kevin's passion for food and filmmaking flourished during his time at UCLA, where he majored in economics and minored in human complex systems, all while sidestepping traditional culinary and film schools. His entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of "Taste," an international documentary series capturing the stories of unique food entrepreneurs across three continents. Kevin's college experiences, from founding a film organization to traveling extensively, were instrumental in shaping his career and bringing his vision to life.Go behind the scenes of independent filmmaking as Kevin shares his minimalist approach to production, emphasizing authenticity and human connections. Learn about the practicalities and strategic decisions that have defined his journey, from balancing high-quality gear with a frugal lifestyle to hosting culinary tours that connect people through shared stories and meals. This episode is a testament to staying true to one's passions and the power of genuine human interaction in a digitally driven world.CHAPTERS:(00:01) Journey From Suburbia to Filmmaking (07:44) Passion, Education, and Entrepreneurship in Filmmaking (13:34) Culinary Exploration and Career Path (27:11) Independent Filmmaking and Culinary Entrepreneurship (42:27) Entrepreneurial Approach to AuthenticityEPISODE LINKS: Website: tastewithkevin.com Instagram: @tastewithkevin YouTube: @tastewithkevinMORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” Website: nosetpath.com Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish Website: drewenglish.com

In this episode, host Drew English interviews writer and director Josh Caldwell. They discuss Josh's journey in the film industry, starting with his breakthrough $6,000 feature, 'Layover', and his subsequent work for big names like Paramount Studios, Hulu, and Netflix. Josh also shares his experiences and philosophies on living a creative professional life, the importance of gaining diverse experiences outside of the film industry, and how he finds balance and inspiration from nature and fly fishing.EPISODE LINKS: Website: joshua-caldwell.comInstagram: @joshuacaldwelldirectorCourse: 6kfilmmaker.comThe Obstacle Is The Way: Amazon LinkMORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” Website: nosetpath.comInstagram: instagram.com/nosetpathYouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglishTwitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglishWebsite: drewenglish.com

In this episode, host Drew English sits down with Taylor Dedrick, the woman behind Unless Media, a marketing and social media firm based in the Hudson Valley.Taylor is a Hudson Valley Native, having been born and raised in Saugerties, New York. Taylor founded Unless Media, a Creative Marketing Studio, in 2021 with the goal of bridging the gap between structured marketing practices and freethinking, creative small businesses. She graduated from Siena College in Loudonville, NY, with a B.S. in Marketing and Digital Design and went on to work as a digital marketing specialist, where she quickly learned corporate marketing wasn't for her. There were two things she knew for sure: she loved watching small businesses flourish, and she loved her community. So she took her knowledge and experience in marketing and launched Unless Media, where she now gets to work with creative, inspiring individuals and small businesses every day.Key points discussed in the episode:- Taylor shares how she transitioned from a corporate marketing specialist to running her own creative marketing studio. She talks about the importance of fostering creativity and explains why she moved away from the predictability of a traditional 9-to-5 job.- Taylor discusses her work process, detailing her typical day and how she manages different aspects of her business, from answering emails and arranging the day's schedule to creating content and brainstorming for future projects.- Taylor touches on how she manages content shoots for her clients, describing the process as both fun and inspiring.- The conversation explores the rise of the 'side hustle', with Taylor sharing her journey of turning her side gig into a full-time business.- Taylor provides some insight into how her clients find her and how she reaches out to potential clients.Listen to the full episode for more insights into Taylor's journey and her approach to creative digital marketing.EPISODE LINKS:Website: unlessmedia.comInstagram: @unlessmediiaMORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH”Website: nosetpath.comInstagram: instagram.com/nosetpathYouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISHInstagram: instagram.com/drewenglishhLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglishTwitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglishWebsite: drewenglish.com

Evan Bourcier, a self-taught filmmaker, shares his experiences navigating the industry, his passion for teaching and helping other self-taught individuals and his observations on the changing landscape of online content creation.Evan reflects on his initial fascination with the world of high-end cinematography, which led him to produce content prolifically, only to bring it to an abrupt halt. He explores the motivations behind his decision, revealing that his urge to share knowledge stemmed from a desire to process the information he was learning. He also shares his observation on the hyper-engineered nature of online content that often lacks authenticity, and how he's striving to balance strategy with personal interest.Despite his success, Evan admits to struggling with connecting his content to his audience since his hiatus. He expresses his desire to keep his content authentic and intriguing, even as he navigates the complex algorithms and changing dynamics of the online world.EPISODE LINKS: Challenger Media House: challengermediahouse.com Evan’s Website: ebourcier.com Evan’s Instagram: @ebourcierMORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” Website: nosetpath.com Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish Website: drewenglish.com

In this first solo episode of the podcast, host, Drew English unpacks the concept of value coming from being vulnerable, taking risks and opening up about challenges professionally.

A Deep Dive into Filmmaking with Michael Litwak: Lessons, Passion, and Personal InsightsA fascinating discussion with filmmaker Michael Litwak where he shares his experiences from his early career to creating commercially successful projects. Litwak emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning, dedication, and collaboration as key factors in successful projects. He also gives some personal insight on preserving creative control over work and contributing value to the industry. Litwak engages with his followers primarily through Instagram, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of his work. Michael concludes with details about his upcoming film, 'Molli and Max in the Future' and how fans can stay updated with its progress.EPISODE LINKS: https://www.michaellitwak.com/ https://www.instagram.com/michaellitwak/MORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” Website: nosetpath.com Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish Website: drewenglish.com

Jeremy Perez-Cruz is a brand, marketing, strategy and creative leader based in Brooklyn, New York.Jeremy has spent 20 years building and growing brands that have brought together the physical and digital in ways that have transformed how we define “the real world.”In his work for some of the world’s largest and most beloved brands, he’s led creative at The New York Times, served as VP of Creative at Skillshare, VP of Brand at Buzzfeed, Head of Brand Marketing at Uber, Senior Design Manager of Global Beverage at Pepsico and Founder of Etsy’s Global Brand Studio.Today, Jeremy leads Parts Per Million, a brand-focused creative and strategic studio specializing in five-day innovation sprints and anchored in a philosophy of curiosity, collaboration, empathy and play.Obsessed with light, color, and the sincerity of candid moments, Jeremy’s photography is deeply observational and emotive. His @sleepingplanes instagram account captures spontaneous, honest moments of meaning in everyday life in New York City. Jeremy’s images represent a human instant, glimpsing the world at a singular time, and reflect a collaborative connection between an artist, their subject, and the audience.EPISODE LINKS:Parts Per Million: ppm.nycBrand Portfolio: jpc.nycPhotography: sleepingplanes.comInstagram: @sleepingplanesEverything else: Linktr.eeMORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” Website: nosetpath.com Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish Website: drewenglish.com

Oren grew up between the United States and Israel nurturing hobbies in painting and photography, building LEGOs, and voraciously watching movies. These activities laid the groundwork for what would eventually become a love of cinematography and a passion for crafting bold, cinematic imagery.Last year, Oren wrapped filming on the feature film ‘The Creator,’ directed by Gareth Edwards, along with cinematographer Greig Fraser ASC ACS, slated for release on September 29 2023. Two of his other recent features premiered at the TIFF and TriBeCa film festivals in 2022. He has also shot multiple award-winning short films, including 'Opera of Cruelty,' which won a Student Academy Award, and ‘See You Soon,’ which won the audience award at the Palm Springs International Shortsfest before subsequently premiering on Short of the Week and receiving a Vimeo Staff Pick.During his studies at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Oren was nominated for the ASC Gordon Willis Student Heritage Award, and was a finalist for the Arri Volker Bahnemann Award for Cinematography. Oren has also shot hundreds of commercials and music videos for a variety of clients including Nike, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, HBO, Foot Locker, Grey Goose Vodka, Doritos, Kohler, Wilson Tennis, Marriott Hotels, ACE Hardware, Crest, Viacom, and Universal Studios.EPISODE LINKS: Oren’s Website: orensoffer.com Oren’s Instagram: @orensofferdpMORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” Website: nosetpath.com Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Website: drewenglish.comInstagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish

Matheus Bastos is director of photography based in New York and Los Angeles. Growing up as the first generation child of immigrants, he found an avenue into the arts and a passion for storytelling at a young age, entertaining himself with films and music.His work has played at multiple film festivals around the world such as SXSW, Tribeca Film Festival, Cinequest, Cannes Court Metrage, as well as Rolling Stone, Billboard, Revolver, and more.EPISODE LINKS: Matt’s Website: http://www.matheusbastos.com/ Matt’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matt_bastos/ Matt’s VERY old Tumblr: https://mattpbastos.tumblr.com/MORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” Website: nosetpath.com Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish Website: drewenglish.com

Classically trained as a filmmaker and cinematographer, Pecci then spent over 20 years forming and running a production company that has produced award-winning content for brands like Bose and Sam Adam's, and music videos and treatments for artists like the Wu Tang Clan, Lucius, Killswitch Engage, and Meshuggah.His two recent acclaimed short films, the Russian sci-fi epic "12 Kilometers" and the Argento-inspired thriller "Who's There" are both currently in development to be features.EPISODE LINKS: Mike’s Website: mikepecci.com Mike’s Instagram: @mikepecci Mike’s Podcast: inlovewiththeprocess.comMORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” Website: nosetpath.com Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish Website: drewenglish.com