The Zack Arnold Podcast

Have you ever wanted to pursue a passion your whole life that’s well outside your comfort zone…but felt like you missed your opportunity and now you’re “too old?” Maybe you always dreamed of running a marathon, or maybe you wanted to earn your black belt in martial arts, but somehow life always seemed to get in the way. If this sounds familiar, today’s guest Ginny MacColl has some sage advice to share with you:“It’s never too late to get stronger.”Ginny is an actress (Poms, Stars Fell On Alabama, Outcast), a former Broadway dancer, and at age 68 has added competing on American Ninja Warrior to her long list of accomplishments. She is also the mother of two, her daughter being Jessie Graff who is the record-breaking female athlete and stunt woman also on American Ninja Warrior who has served as her inspiration.In this interview, you will hear how Ginny went from being at the top of her acting career during the ’80s, working on Broadway and acting in national commercials (all while being a mom) to getting divorced, aging out of the good roles, and having to leave New York City to start all over again as a single mom.Ginny is a MASTER at understanding how to summon the right mindset to overcome any adversity, both on the ninja course and in real life. And in today’s world, knowing how to find opportunity amidst endless challenges is as important as ever. She is also an absolute machine when it comes to being consistent, and she demonstrates that determination and perseverance will take you a lot further than natural ability or talent. If you’re feeling stuck, uninspired, or that you are just frankly “too old” to get back in shape, Ginny will help you break out of the molds you’ve trapped yourself in and encourage you to push beyond what you ever believed was possible.And by the way, the second you’re done listening to this interview, I highly encourage you to jump right into Part 2 where I interview her daughter and American Ninja Warrior legend Jessie Graff.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere’s What You’ll Learn:The advice she got from her daughter Jessie when she told her she wanted to get stronger.How it took her a year to get strong enough to do a single pull up.Her best strategy for getting through ANY obstacle.How you can turn nervous energy into an ally in any situation.How blizzards, bats, and cross-country skis taught her valuable life lessons about determination and conquering challenges.The mind trap she won’t fall prey to when it comes to skipping training sessions.How she reversed osteoporosis.What the key to accomplishing your goals in life and in training is.KEY TAKE AWAY: Setting attainable goals plus accountability is what keeps you on track.Her tips for getting started with an exercise program (no matter your age or fitness level). Useful Resources Mentioned:American Ninja WarriorEp121: Breaking Down Impossible Obstacles to Make (Almost) Anything Achievable | with Jessie Graff, ANWOur Generous Sponsors:Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet EvercastAs work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn’t work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven’t heard of Evercast, it’s time to become acquainted. Because Evercast’s real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.» Click here to be the first to gain early access to the new EvercastP.S. It’s (finally) priced for freelancers and indie creatives like us!This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat.Guest Bio: Ginny MacColl is an actress, dancer and athlete known for POMS (2019), Stars Fell On Alabama (2020); Outcast (2016) and American Ninja Warrior (2017-2018). Raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, Ginny began her dancing and acting career in NYC appearing in Off-Broadway and Broadway (  1973-76) as well as over 100 national and regional commercials (1976-1991). After a 20 year hiatus from acting to work in radio and raise her children: Jessie and Darren Graff, with husband, Dick Ishler, Ginny rekindled her acting career recently in Southport NC. There she began strength training inspired by her daughter, Jessie Graff, stunt actress, and record breaking female from American Ninja Warrior. With her slogan, Strength is Ageless, Ginny continues to inspire Seniors to get stronger! Ginny is the proud grandmother to Marley Graff (5) and 3 stepchildren, Talon (11), Kyle (21) and Courtney (16).Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

Having spoken to and worked with hundreds of people worldwide over the last six months, if there’s one constant to the ever-changing landscape of 2020, it’s that this global pandemic has been a magnifying glass amplifying every tiny little detail about our lives (and society at large) that just wasn’t working. For many this intense awareness has been paralyzing while for others it’s been a motivating call to action.So what’s the difference for those who feel stuck versus those who take action and see results?Maybe you’re sick of being stuck on the wrong career path and feeling desperate to pursue your true passion, but you’re too afraid to take action because you’re waiting to “see how things work out?”Maybe you’re anxious about work swallowing up what semblance of life you have outside your career…especially now that you’re stuck working from home?Or maybe you are so overwhelmed about all the uncertainties and unknowns that you feel paralyzed and unable to focus on anything but just getting through another day. Yes, pandemic-induced procrastination is indeed a thing.If any of these sound like you, I have three amazing guests on today’s show that know exactly how you feel. Ariel Fujita is an unscripted editor making the transition to colorist. Maxton Weller is a sound editor and composer for films and video games, and Kristi Shimek is an indie film editor transitioning to scripted television. This episode is a case study where I speak candidly with all three who are members of the Optimizer community who have successfully navigated the challenges of being an introvert, who have battled the perfectionism that holds us back from accomplishing our goals, and who can relate to how imposter syndrome keeps us stuck in the wrong career path. And we discuss the strategies and methods they all implemented to work through these common pitfalls to feel confident and clear, not only about what they want in life but more importantly, how to actually live it. All three guests have recently completed my coaching & mentorship program, put in a lot of hard work, and have achieved amazing results…while by the way, living through a global pandemic.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere’s What You’ll Learn:The serendipitous timing of how Maxton ended up starting coaching with Zack when he needed it most.The separate but eerily similar stories of how Ariel and Kristi both almost skipped Zack’s Networking for Introverts seminar because they were too shy and scared.Why Ariel struggled with burnout and the mind-set shift she had to make to overcome the endless cycle.KEY TAKEAWAY: Learning to ask the right questions will improve the quality of your life and the connections you make.Why building confidence requires a deep dive into your psychology and your motivations.The number one thing you need to get better at before you can even start networking.How to stop waiting for focus to magically appear and instead learn to train it.What you need to implement systems to improve time management and keep you accountable.What a brain dump is and why doing it regularly will alleviate stress and anxiety.Why doing a daily wrap up is essential for setting boundaries especially when working from home.How Kristi got back her nights and weekends by setting expectations at the start of a job.What Maxton’s IMDB spreadsheet revealed to him and how it led to a relationship with a composer he’s admired for years.Maxton’s revelation about outreach emails: “It’s not IF people want to help you, it’s CANthey help you”What transformed Kristi from being afraid to send outreach emails to doing it every single week and getting a 100% response rate.The magic formula to writing successful outreach emails.The Ben Franklin Effect: what it is and how it helps you build relationships.Maxton’s advice: Don’t wait to see what happens. Take action.Ariels’ advice: Why not do the scariest thing at the scariest time to get where you want to be. Useful Resources Mentioned:Enroll in the ‘Optimizer’ Coaching & Mentorship program‘Insider’s Guide to Writing Great Outreach Emails’The Ben Franklin EffectContinue To Listen & Learn:Want a Response to Your Cold Emails? Then Every Message MUST Do These 5 ThingsThe 5 Most Common Mistakes You’re Making With Your Cold Emails (and How to Fix Them)Why Writing Cold Emails Is the Most Important ‘Soft Skill’ You Must Master (Especially If You’re An Introvert)Ep64: [CASE STUDY] Overcoming Burnout and Imposter Syndrome | with Chryss Terry[CASE STUDY] Why I Said No to a Job (A Great One)…During a PandemicEp47: The Ugly Side of Depression, Burnout, and Imposter Syndrome | with Gen MaloneOur Generous Sponsors:Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet EvercastAs work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn’t work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven’t heard of Evercast, it’s time to become acquainted. Because Evercast’s real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.» Click here to be the first to gain early access to the new EvercastP.S. It’s (finally) priced for freelancers and indie creatives like us!This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat.Guest Bios:ARIEL FUJITA Ariel Fujita is an editor with 15 years of experience in unscripted post production television. She got her start as a Post Production Assistant and has taken on many different roles throughout her career: Post Production Coordinator, Assistant Editor, Off-line editor, and On-line Editor. Ariel’s editing credits include Are You The One? (MTV), America’s Next Top Model (VH1), and Last Call With Carson Daly (NBC).After working primarily in off-line post production, she has recently made the transition to on-line editing and she hopes to eventually pursue a career as a colorist for scripted television and independent films.Ariel lives in Los Angeles with her wife and their five cats. When she’s not working, she enjoys watching horror films and she makes a killer mac and cheese.KRISTI SHIMEK Kristi Shimek is a Los Angeles based Film and Television Editor. Within her first year of moving to Hollywood, she was cutting indie features in the LA circuit with stars such as Lou Diamond Phillips, Danny Trejo, Lea Thompson, and Nicolas Cage.Recently, Kristi has edited on two breakout feature film successes. The Night Clerk , a character based thriller directed by Michael Christofer (Original Sin, T he Witches of Eastwick ) and starring Tye Sheridan, Ana de Armas, and Helen Hunt, which reached #5 on Netflix’s Top Ten List in June 2020. And Inheritance, a narrative commentary on patriarchy and privilege directed by Vaughn Stein (Terminal) and starring Simon Pegg and Lily Collins, which was featured at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival.In addition to films, Kristi has just finished editing on her first network television show, NEXT, a near-future tech based drama created and executive produced by Manny Coto and starring John Slattery, which is set to debut on October 6th on Fox.MAXTON WALLER Maxton Waller is a composer and multi-instrumentalist living in Los Angeles, California with a formidable output and unparalleled work ethic. He has been writing and performing music professionally since the age of 10.In 2007, he moved to Los Angeles and got his start in good old-fashioned rock and roll. After a few cross-country tours, he leapt to film/interactive and never looked back. You can hear his work across television and the internet; the Hulu Original Series “RocketJump: The Show”, Stan Lee’s animated series “Cosmic Crusaders”, Nickelodeon’s animated series “Rainbow Rangers”, and literally (not metaphorically) dozens of YouTube videos with views in the hundreds of millions.In addition to this, Maxton has written songs placed in the Netflix Original Series “Marvel’s The Defenders”, CBS’ reboot of “MacGyver”, “Video Game High School”, “Sons of Anarchy”, The MLB network, and countless others.He has studied at some of the greatest schools in the country; The Musician’s Institute and the Berklee College of Music. Maxton is highly-regarded for his deep understanding of audio, easy-going personality, and fast turnaround.There’s a reason you’ll see the same studios hire him repeatedly – Maxton is a musical force of nature and he elevates every project he works on.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

This episode is a reading of guest author, Debby Germino's article: I Said No to a Job (A Good One)…During a Pandemic » Read the full article here Continue to Listen & Learn: The “Passion Tax” - Why Artists and Creatives Are Exploited, And How To Say ‘No’ How to Handle Transition Times and Increase Your Resilience How to Stay Productive (and Stop Procrastinating) During Your Next Hiatus | with Debby Germino Ep48: Feeling Lost? It’s Time to ‘Find Your Why’ | with David Mead Happiness in Training Publication on Medium by Debby Germino Focus Yourself Online Course This is The Best Training Tool for Happier Living Finding Happiness in the Impermanence of Life Can Giving Thanks to Suffering Increase Your Happiness? How Note Taking Will Make You Better at Life The Four Types of Creative Jobs (and The Secret To Knowing Which Is the Perfect Fit For You) Finding Your ‘One Thing’ | with Jay Papasan Are You 'Productive' or Just 'Busy?' Answer These 5 Questions Honestly to Find Out. The Zen-like Art of ‘Getting Things Done’ | with David Allen Apply for Optimizer Coaching & MentorshipSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

When you think of film editors, let’s face it - healthy habits and good physical conditioning are not images that immediately come to mind. But with a pandemic upon us, and with the high cost of the ‘Passion Tax’ we constantly pay as Hollywood creatives, healthy living is no longer an option - it’s a necessity. If we want strong immune systems and creative minds that are resilient to high-stress environments, it is imperative we adopt healthier habits like eating better and moving more throughout the day. While it might seem as though these are new concepts, today’s guest proves these ideas have proven successful for decades.Legendary and Oscar-winning Hollywood film editor Walter Murch (who has edited such films as Tomorrowland, Cold Mountain, The English Patient, Apocalypse Now and The Godfather III, to name a very select few) knows just how important it is to be health-conscious and physically fit in order to do the intense creative work that’s required to edit critically acclaimed films and documentaries. Walter has spent years not only honing his craft but also honing his most valuable assets: His body and mind. And for those unaware, Walter is THE leading pioneer in the standing desk movement (I just amplified his work, but he started it).In today’s conversation, Walter shares his secrets for maintaining his health and energy levels while working long hours on feature films. He dives deep into the neuroscience of why our brains work better when our bodies are moving more and the strategies he uses for incorporating movement throughout the day. We talk in detail about his specific creative process, the long-standing issue of burnout and excessive working hours, and how he feels about editors being classified as “below the line.” While this was originally a conversation from the ‘Fitness in Post’ days, there is an abundance of timeless wisdom to be gleaned from the legend himself who has survived well over four decades in a brutal industry where when people start dropping like flies, the executives simply reply, “Then get more flies.” (as Walter tells it)Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Zack’s favorite passage from the book, Behind the Seen (which he calls "porn for editors”) that became the inspiration for his healthy lifestyle and this podcast.The tragic story of Walter’s motivation to incorporate movement into his workday.Walter’s exact process for getting his body and mind prepared for any new project (and how you can adopt the same process).The importance of capturing ideas when they strike and his secret weapon to ensure he never misses one.The crucial task every editor should do to understand the script and inhabit the story better.Walter’s best advice for adding more movement throughout the day.What a short-order cook, composer, and brain surgeon have in common with editors and how he’s adapted his working habits to be more like all three of them. HINT: Standing is involved.Why skipping lunch breaks is not only bad for your health but bad for your productivity.Two tricks Walter uses to prevent low back pain when using a standing desk.How a sedentary lifestyle is shortening your lifespan and the ways neuroscience recommends reversing it.Why Walter only eats breakfast and lunch and avoids dinner.The amazing power of sleep and how it enhances your creativity.What the essence of being an editor is and what Walter believes are the essential skills necessary based on the technology today.How Walter approaches cutting documentaries versus scripted films and what the major similarities and differences are between them.KEY TAKEAWAY: The seasick feeling or 'hiatus flu' that editors experience at the end of a project is completely natural, so be aware and do not make any big decisions during this time. Useful Resources Mentioned:In the Blink of an EyeThe ConversationsBehind the SeenMissing link found between brain, immune system; major disease implicationsHow to Get the Best Sleep of Your LifeEp113: The Importance of Setting Boundaries, Advocating For Yourself, and Asking For Help | with Janace TashjianDear Hollywood: It’s Time For An Intervention About The Hours We Work [Petition Inside]Our Generous Sponsors:Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet EvercastAs work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of Evercast, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.» Click here to be the first to gain early access to the new EvercastP.S. It's (finally) priced for freelancers and indie creatives like us!This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat.Guest Bio:Walter Scott Murch (born July 12, 1943) is an American film editor, director, writer and sound designer. With a career stretching back to 1969, including work on THX1138, Apocalypse Now, The Godfather I, II, and III, American Graffiti, The Conversation, and The English Patient, with three Academy Award wins (from nine nominations: six for picture editing and three for sound mixing), he has been referred to by Roger Ebert as "the most respected film editor and sound designer in the modern cinema."Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

It’s an understatement to say Hollywood is undergoing major changes right now, but are these circumstances unprecedented? I argue things have changed a lot less than we want to believe over the last few months, the major difference is our level of awareness. And what we’ve become keenly aware of is how badly none of us want to go back to normal.There’s no question the pandemic has caused upheaval and instability, leaving us all wondering if we’ll weather the storm or sink with the ship. As the industry attempts to reopen, we grapple with difficult changes like working from home, safety protocols for returning to set or to the office, and setting boundaries for the health and sanity of ourselves and families.Though the change and uncertainty we’re all experiencing might feel new, it’s surprising how little things in our industry have actually changed over the last several decades, specifically in regards to the working conditions and the insane demands put upon our time.Today’s guest, Oscar nominated editor Carol Littleton, ACE, who has edited such legendary films as E.T., The Big Chill, Silverado, The Accidental Tourist, Grand Canyon, Benny & Joon, and The Manchurian Candidate, has endured many changes in her long career in Hollywood. She worked her way into commercials, to indie films, all the way up the ranks to working with some of the best directors in the industry.She successfully made the transition from film to digital, but it was that change that required a greater focus on her movement habits and healthy lifestyle choices to sustain her career and well-being. These habits have contributed to her vitality for her work and her zest for life that you will hear throughout our conversation.This is the second in our series of archive conversations from the ‘Fitness in Post’ days with hollywood film legends where we clearly see that living a healthy lifestyle, weathering major industry changes, and enjoying a long and successful career are not mutually exclusive (pandemic or otherwise). Learn from the cream of the crop how to be resilient and gracious in the face of adversity, no matter how uncomfortable the circumstances.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Carol got her first feature film because...she spoke French?How she went from working on small independent features to working with big Hollywood directors like Stephen Spielberg and Lawrence KasdanThe big question: How did she get her break cutting E.T.???What the biggest creative challenge was in making E.T. a successful story.The biggest difference between editing on film to editing on an NLE system (and what has been lost in the process).How Carolapproaches a day of dailies and cuts a scene.How the physicality of working on film kept her in shape and active all day long.The switch to Avid drove her crazy because she was so sedentary!!!The difference between your mental agility and acuity is immense when you are sedentary vs being mobile.Sleep, diet, and exercise are her top priorities to stay sharp and creative.How to fight the fear of thinking that if you stop to take a break from work you won’t get everything done (it’s real, but you can overcome it).Turn your work into your exercise to tax your body just enough that it will free your mind to work at its optimal performance level.KEY TAKEAWAY: Eating healthy will make you resilient and capable of handling the ups and downs of the industry.KEY TAKEAWAY: Eating intentionally, mindfully, and with others is the secret to staying energized throughout the day and keeping morale high.Carol’s passion for long walks has taken her through cities and countries across the globe. Useful Resources Mentioned:Ep60: Legendary Film Editor Walter Murch On Surviving 50+ Years In PostEp50: EditFest 2018 Panel “The Extended Cut: How to Survive and Thrive In Editorial”Our Generous Sponsors:Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet EvercastAs work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of Evercast, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.» Click here to be the first to gain early access to the new EvercastP.S. It's (finally) priced for freelancers and indie creatives like us!This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat.Guest Bio:Carol Littleton, A.C.E. is one of Hollywood’s most talented and successful film editors. Her editing career spans 40 years, with more than 40 feature films to her credit. Ms. Littleton began a close collaboration with writer-director Lawrence Kasdan in 1981 with his directorial debut, BODY HEAT. She continued her collaboration with Kasdan on eight more films, including THE BIG CHILL, SILVERADO, GRAND CANYON, and their last collaboration on DARLING COMPANION in 2011. Ms. Littleton has also collaborated with director Jonathan Demme on four films, including, THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE.Littleton received an Academy Award nomination in 1982 for Steven Spielberg’s E.T.: THE EXTRATERRESTIAL. Other films she has edited include PLACES IN THE HEART, TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE (Emmy Award for editing) and the restoration of Erich Von Stoheim’s 1926 classic, GREED. In 1994, she edited CHINA MOON, the directorial debut of her husband, noted cinematographer John Bailey, A.S.C.More recently, the 2015 release of A WALK IN THE WOODS was Littleton’s second collaboration with director Ken Kwapis. In 2016, Littleton edited her first collaboration with director Jay Roach on ALL THE WAY, a political film dramatizing the first 11 months of President Lyndon Johnson’s presidency after Kennedy’s assassination in 1963.In 1988, Littleton was elected President of the Editors Guild and served two terms and later in 1998, two terms as Vice President. The Editors Guild honored Ms. Littleton in 2010 with the Fellowship and Service Award. In 2016, the American Cinema Editors honored Ms. Littleton with its Career Achievement Award. Littleton is presently serving on the Board of Governors for AMPAS and on the Board of Directors for ACE.Ms. Littleton has two other passions in life: music and nature. Throughout her college years, she played oboe in various chamber groups and orchestras and still has an abiding love of concert music. Her formative years growing up in rural Oklahoma, gave her an intimate love of nature. Healthy, hands-in-the-dirt gardening and lug-soled hiking are the perfect antidotes for the dark editing room.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

The following is an episode where I provide my articles in audio form so you have the opportunity to walk and listen instead of sit and read if that’s your preference. My hope is that you’ll use this opportunity to get up and step away from your chair for the next 30 minutes and build the habit of moving more whether you’re working, stuck at home, or otherwise. The following is a reading of my article The “Passion Tax” - Why Artists and Creatives Are Exploited, And How We Can Start Saying ‘No’ which can be read at https://optimizeyourself.me/passiontax.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

No matter the rung of the ladder you happen to be on in the entertainment industry, making it in Hollywood is no easy feat. And with how our world is evolving post-pandemic, you might think it will be nearly impossible to maintain any sort of work-life balance for our foreseeable future, especially if you’re fortunate enough to reach the top rung of the ladder like today’s guest.If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to not only survive but thrive while working on giant tent pole films like The Avengers series, Captain America: Civil War and Iron Man 3, or a multitude of other blockbusters, then this conversation is going to give you the inside look you’ve been waiting for. Award-winning editor Jeffrey Ford, ACE has made his career working with big name directors like Michael Mann, Joss Whedon, Anthony & Joe Russo, and Joe Johnston, and he does not sugar coat the reality that editing these films is an all-consuming endeavor.In today’s interview with Jeffrey (which was originally recorded a few years ago back in the ‘Fitness In Post’ days), he does share with us his secrets and routines for maintaining his health and family life without succumbing to bad habits and burnout. We dive deep into the methods he uses to stay energetic and creative despite the long hours, specifically maintaining consistent movement throughout his workday. He also talks about the immense importance of keeping his team rested and refreshed so they too can be productive and creative while still meeting the demanding and intense work schedules on huge tentpole films. While the conversation might not be brand new, the topics we discuss are as relevant as ever.If setting boundaries and maintaining some semblance of sanity in our post-pandemic world is a priority for you, after listening I highly recommend following up this episode with my interview with producer Janace Tashjian where we discuss the importance of setting boundaries, advocating for yourself, and asking for help.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:The story of how Jeff began his film career after graduating from USC film school and getting his first job as an apprentice editor with director James Gray and editor Dorian HarrisWhat film school taught him about teamwork and making connections with people in the industry.The struggles he endured through years of unemployment, only working 5 days a month while making films on his own to hone his craft.His humility still leaves him surprised and enthused that people continue to let him cut their films.The extreme focus necessary to edit the film, Public Enemies with Michael Mann, and the demanding schedule and hours he endured.Jeff believes that the longer you sit in front of your screen without moving, the more it inhibits your objectivity and relationship with your audience.Why he makes time for 3 to 4 movement breaks throughout the day.The reason his standing desk has been an enormous benefit to his creativity and mental fortitude.The scheduling fix they use on the Marvel movies to avoid burnout and ensure everyone stays healthy and happy.The importance of having a work environment that provides daylight, space, and amenities to maintain health and well being.Self-assertion and setting boundaries must be built into your routine due to the competitive and intense nature of the business.On Jeff’s team, taking care of yourself is looked upon as a strength rather than a weakness.KEY TAKE AWAY #1: Keep perspective about the job by understanding that your family is your most important support system to keep you going.KEY TAKE AWAY #2: Staying in shape physically is directly connected to your mental well being which is connected to your success.KEY TAKE AWAY #3: Divide the workload between more people working shorter hours to stay creative and productive. Useful Resources Mentioned:Ep113: The Importance of Setting Boundaries, Advocating For Yourself, and Asking For Help | with Janace TashjianEp11: Making It In Hollywood as a “Creative” (What They Don’t Teach You In Film School) | with Norman HollynEp17: Is Taking Free Work Really Worth It? | with Alan Bell, ACEOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat.Guest Bio:JEFFREY FORD, A.C.E. (Editor) was born in Novato, California. He attended high school in Troutdale, Oregon and graduated from the University of Southern California School of Cinema-Television in Los Angeles with a degree in Cinema-Television Production.He began his professional filmmaking career in 1994, working as an editorial assistant on James Gray’s debut feature film, “Little Odessa.” He went on to work as an assistant editor on several feature films, including the Academy Award®-nominated “As Good as It Gets” for editor Richard Marks and director James L. Brooks.Ford’s first solo feature as editor was “The Yards” for director James Gray, which premiered in competition at the Cannes Film Festival in 2000. He edited “Teddy Bears’ Picnic” for Harry Shearer, “One Hour Photo” for Mark Romanek, “Hide and Seek” for John Polson, “The Family Stone” for Thomas Bezucha (his work receiving an A.C.E. Eddie nomination) and “Street Kings” for David Ayer. He also edited “Shattered Glass” and “Breach” for director Billy Ray. With Paul Rubell he co-edited "Pubic Enemies" for director Michael Mann. In 2011 he teamed with Thomas Bezucha again for “Monte Carlo."At Marvel Studios, Ford co-edited “Captain America: The First Avenger" (with Robert Dalva) for director Joe Johnston, "Iron Man Three” (with Peter Elliot) for Shane Black and “Marvel’s The Avengers" and "Avengers: Age of Ultron” (both with Lisa Lassek) for director Joss Whedon.“Captain America: Civil War” is Ford’s second film for Joe and Anthony Russo. He also co-edited (with Matthew Schmidt) the Russo's first Marvel Studios feature “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.”He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two sons.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

Today’s interview is a little bit different than you might be used to where I’d like to introduce you to the newest sponsor of the Optimize Yourself podcast: Evercast. If you’re a content creator or someone who works in the entertainment industry and you’ve never heard of Evercast, you need to because this technology has the potential to change the way you work and live in our post-pandemic reality. In the following conversation I chat with Roger Barton and Brad Thomas, the co-founders of Evercast. As Brad & Roger will talk about in our interview, Evercast is essentially the “Zoom for creatives,” a live streaming & video conferencing platform combined with blink-of-an-eye low latency that empowers you to collaborate from your workstation to anyone’s device worldwide. You can stream anything to anyone anywhere, but unlike Zoom, when it comes to live streaming video content, it actually works! The first time I was introduced to Evercast all I could think to myself was GAME. CHANGER. I cannot stress this enough, Evercast is changing the way we collaborate as creative professionals, whether you’re an editor like me or a director, producer, cinematographer, location scout, or just about any other job in the filmmaking industry. If you value your craft, your well-being, and spending quality time with the ones you love, Evercast now makes that possible for you and me. » Click here for a live demo to see Evercast in action Show Credits: This episode was edited by Chris Orsi, and the show notes were prepared by Zack Arnold and published by Glen McNiel. The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

For some reason there seems to be this fallacy in Hollywood that someone has to “give you your big break” in order to make it in the industry, and in the meantime you’re just waiting for your big break to appear. The idea that you have to be in the right place at the right time, or worst of all, that you just need to have a lot of “luck” to make your dreams a reality (and you all know how I feel about the “L word”) must be a myth, right?Today’s guest is here to debunk that myth that success is about waiting for opportunity but instead all about making sure no one can outwork you, making sure you are ready for opportunities when they become available, and most importantly never giving someone the opportunity to tell you ‘No.’James Wilcox is an African-American award-winning editor who’s edited such shows as Dark Angel, My Wife and Kids, Everybody Loves Chris, CSI Miami, Hawaii 5-0, Roots, Genius, and he’s recently completed Ron Howard’s new film Hillbilly Elegy, to literally name just a few. (Seriously, look up his IMDb page). What’s so fascinating about James’ path is that he’s made numerous transitions in his career including cutting news, comedy, drama, historical fiction, and feature films. In addition to such a wide variety of experience, James also sees himself as a pioneer for black editors and talks about the importance of providing mentorship to other people of color.In today’s conversation we cover topics like:How James prepares himself to be ready for opportunities when they are offeredWhy he sees himself as a pioneer for black editors and the importance of providing mentorship to other people of colorThe delicate balance of working hard and playing hardAnd the many stories of how he forged his varied and successful career path including how he became Ron Howard’s editorIf you enjoyed my episode with Monty DeGraff, you’re going to love this one. James is talented, funny, and chock full of stories that give you an inside look at how to not only build a successful and inspiring career but also how to mentor others while leaving time and energy for your health and well-being. In short, James has mastered the balance of both working hard and playing hard.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere’s What You’ll Learn:Early on James discovered that shortcuts didn’t work for him and that to be successful, “no one would out work him”A “double-edged sword”: How his relentless work ethic has been both a gift and a curseThe story of how James went from wanting to be a doctor, then a baseball player, and finally, to becoming an editor.James got his first opportunity in the News business.The three skills needed to be a solid news editor: Speed. Creativity. Accuracy. These skills helped him down the road.Why James studied acting for 3 and half years when he moved to Los Angeles and how that was part of his journey to scripted television editing and directing.His mantra: “Don’t give anyone a reason to tell you no.”KEY TAKEAWAY: Always be ready and prepared for the next opportunity so when it presents itself you can seize it.His dad’s advice: If you’re thorough you can’t be denied.KEY TAKEAWAY: We all have to ask ourselves how do we get better at fostering diversity and opportunity for people of color in the industry?James believes there is a rapid awakening right now on a global level and the George Floyd murder has inspired activism and change.His passion for mentoring and supporting people of color is a big part of how he hires his assistant editors.One of the key skills his last assistant editor had that he values and appreciates.The unbelievable story of James getting to work with Ron Howard on the Emmy nominated series Genius and then getting to work on his new movie, Hillbilly Elegy.KEY TAKEAWAY: Don’t always expect your payoff to come from the thing you are investing in.What the Marshmallow experiment teaches us about patience relative to success.James’ advice to POC looking to advance their careers and make it in Hollywood. Useful Resources Mentioned:Ep107: Recognizing, Mentoring, and Promoting Diversity In Hollywood | with Monty DeGraff, ACEEp114: Breaking Into (and Making It) In the Industry as People of Color | with Mirra Watkins, Ariel Brown, and Isaiah CaryStanford Marshmallow ExperimentEp39: Breaking “Bad” From Assistant to Editor | with Kelley Dixon, ACE (pt 1)Ep40: Breaking “Bad” From Assistant to Editor | with Kelley Dixon, ACE (pt 2)Our Generous Sponsors:Special thanks to our sponsor Evercast for making today’s interview possible. To learn more about how to collaborate remotely without missing a frame, and to get your real-time demo of Evercast in action, visit OptimizeYourself.me/evercastGuest Bio: James D. Wilcox, ACE began his editing career in Atlanta, Georgia in 1982. An opportunity with CBS NEWS in Los Angeles moved James to California where he covered events that ranged from Pope John Paul’s U.S. Tour and the 1984 Olympics to the Reagan-Gorbachev Summit. During his tenure at CBS, James produced and edited the Emmy Award-Winning documentary series, “Lip Sync” which exposed the 1991 Milli-Vanilli Grammy scandal.By 1999, James had transitioned into scripted television with a wide variety of shows including: Showtime’s “Soul Food”, FOX’s “Dark Angel”, Comedy Central’s “Reno 911!”, UPN’s “Everybody Hates Chris”, CBS’s “CSI: Miami,” “Hawaii Five-0” and ABC’s “My Wife and Kids” where he began his directing career.In 2016, Wilcox teamed up with Director Mario Van Peebles on “Roots” which was nominated for an Emmy in Outstanding Limited Series. Following the nomination, Wilcox collaborated with director Ron Howard on Nat Geo’s “Genius” which gained two more Emmy nominations for Outstanding Limited-Series in 2017 and 2018. That January, James took home the ACE Eddie Award for “Best Edited Miniseries or Motion Picture for Television” for his work on “Genius: Einstein.”More recent work by James includes the Netflix series “Raising Dion” starring Michael B. Jordan, as well as the pilot of “Filthy Rich” directed by Tate Taylor (“The Help”, “Ma”) which premieres this year on FOX Television. Currently, James is working again with Ron Howard and Imagine Entertainment, cutting Netflix’s “Hillbilly Elegy” (due for release in 2020).James is an active member of the Motion Picture Editors Guild (MPEG), the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Picture Editors Peer Group, American Cinema Editors, and The Directors Guild ofAmerica.On his craft, James has said, “I strive to be the best and tell the story I’d pay to see. When I edit, I won’t settle for just good enough.”Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

Have you ever felt like you didn’t fit in?Have you ever struggled to find role models that looked like you and had similar life experiences?If you’re a person of color in Hollywood (specifically post-production), the likelihood is extremely high you know these issues all too well...like a likelihood of roughly 99% (as I discussed in a previous episode with seasoned editor and mentor Monty Degraff).Furthermore, if you are a POC who’s a college student or recent grad, you might be concerned about how the color of your skin could affect the chances of you succeeding in the industry (and if it’s even worth trying), no?In today’s conversation, I discuss these issues and more with two recent grads and one senior from Temple University in Philadelphia, all of whom are black. Ariel Brown is a senior in the Film and Media Arts Program. Mirra Watkins graduated from Temple 3 years ago and has since moved to Los Angeles and is working as an AE and Editor in unscripted television and digital media. And last but not least, Isaiah Carey is a 2018 Temple graduate now working in the video production world as a cameraman and editor in Philadelphia.All three of these amazing, talented, intelligent, and hard-working individuals have navigated their way as minorities in a white-dominant industry and have learned some valuable lessons along the way that they have been courageous enough to share with you. Each of them have adopted the unique perspective to turn their struggles into their greatest assets. And each of them has learned that the adversity they face has made them stronger and more capable in their jobs and in life, and ultimately nothing will deter them from achieving their dreams.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Ariel’s deep desire to pursue her passion of the arts through filmmaking.Isaiah's love of learning and how that led him into post production.How Mirra began building her editing skills as a kid who loved to read.Why Mirra hopes to one day be the next Shonda Rhimes and her passion to tell “real s@#! to people” through films and stories.KEY TAKE AWAY: Being specific and vocal about your desires and goals will open up the right doors and opportunities to get you where you want to go.Isaiah’s dream is to be in a Post Production finishing facility working as a colorist and being part of a team environment.Ariel’s favorite stories show that anyone can do anything they can put their minds to and those are the stories she wants to tell.Mirra’s experience in high school trying to get into the band and the difficulty she had being accepted in a mostly white school.What it’s like to fight for every opportunity including the classes you want to take despite being qualified in every way.Even in Philadelphia at Temple University, the number of black students in post production is less than 1%.Isaiah’s experience with being treated unfairly on his college thesis project and how he handled it.KEY TAKE AWAY: Persistence and perseverance will help you find the right people and places to get the opportunities you want.The problem of gentrification for minorities negatively and the lack of awareness among whites.Ariel is the first in her family to go to college and graduate and she will not let the color of her skin stand in the way of achieving her dreams.KEY TAKE AWAY: Don’t be afraid to sell yourself and use your stories of adversity to demonstrate your value.Mirra is not looking for a handout based on her race and wants to be hired for her skills, attitude, and love of stories.Advice for hiring managers: Take a shot on those people with lesser experience. They often turn out to be the best.Advice for POC dealing with racism: Just keep going and don’t let it dictate the trajectory of your life. Useful Resources Mentioned:Ep107: Recognizing, Mentoring, and Promoting Diversity In Hollywood | with Monty DeGraff, ACEWant to Be Part of the Solution but Don’t Know How? Start with Listening.Ep11: Making It In Hollywood as a “Creative” (What They Don’t Teach You In Film School) | with Norman Hollyn[FiP] Ep114: What Every College Student (and Recent Grad) Needs to Know About ‘Making It’ In Hollywood, pt1[FiP] Ep115: What Every College Student (and Recent Grad) Needs to Know About ‘Making It’ In Hollywood, pt2Guest Bios:Mirra WatkinsI wear many hats, depending on the day. I am a Video Editor, an Assistant Editor, a Screenwriter, a Poet, a Podcaster, and a Mental Health Advocate. What I identify most as are a storyteller and an escapist.Since a child, I’ve always had an affinity for storytelling. Growing up, the library and bookstore was my second home. Such a big love for reading developed my imagination in ways I had no clue would be a significant asset in my writing, filmmaking, and editing. As a teen, my love for film grew out of the desire of wanting to be an actress. I used both novels and films to escape from a depressing childhood, never realizing the connection between the two. An intermediate course in video editing at Community College of Philadelphia was where the two loves collided. Soon after, I continued my film education at Temple University and moved to Los Angeles to pursue my storytelling dreams.I’ve been fortunate enough to work as an Editor and Assistant Editor in an array of mediums: documentary, commercial, corporate, digital media, and unscripted. I plan to switch to narratives to achieve my dream of editing, writing, and directing stories that help people escape from their harsh realities and help others heal from their heartaches and traumas. Creating and collaborating on real stories, much like my favorite films of 2019 (The Farewell, Honey Boy, and The Last Black Man in San Francisco), is on my horizon.Ariel BrownAriel Brown is a student of Temple University Class of 2021. There she is studying to receive her Bachelor degree in Film and Media Arts with a concentration in post production. While finishing her degree she is also working as a freelance filmmaker and animator.Ariel's long term goal is to create better accessibility to film and other arts for young, aspiring artists. She believes that art is an amazing outlet for people to flex their creative abilities and that everyone deserves a chance to gain experience in their preferred art form.In her current endeavors towards this goal, she leads a student-run production organization on her campus, as President. The organization aims to provide more on set and networking opportunities among students throughout the university through a shared love of film.Isaiah CaryHi everyone, my name is Isaiah Cary I am a 24 year old bi-racial male currently working in the film industry in the Greater Philadelphia Area. I graduated from Temple University in 2018 with a degree in Film and Media Arts with a concentration in Post Production. I would like to say that I entered the real film world in August of 2017 with my internship, interning at a production/post production house in Philadelphia. I was lucky enough to have that internship turn into my job/career and here I am now. Working on different productions every week for commercials, ads, tv shows, and many more.In my free time I love to ski and snowboard and that is what got me into filming. Filming myself and my friends at the mountains having fun and coming home and editing when I was younger was the best thing I could think of, so why not go to school for it! Having gone through film school and entering the "adult" world of the film industry has taught me life lessons that I will never forget.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content