
The Fabulist
These are the business stories behind today’s most disruptive studios and production companies.
Hello, I’m Joel Pilger, advisor to the world’s leading studios who is also a founder himself. On this podcast, we discuss how studios master the art of business for studios working in motion, animation, live action, sound, and experiential. Learn more or apply to join FORUM, the private network of studios at at https://joelpilger.com/forum/
Huge thanks to our elite audio production partner, Coupe Studios https://coupestudios.com. © 2019-2025 JPMP.
Latest episodes

Oct 2, 2024 • 32min
The Transition to Digital Was Nothing Compared to AI with Michael Gilday
In this enlightening episode of The Fabulist Podcast, host Joel Pilger sits down with Michael Gilday, founder and CEO of Deep Vibe Creative, for an in-depth discussion on the transformation and future of creative industries in the age of AI.
Gilday shares his extensive career journey, from the early days of analog media to the cutting-edge digital era, and highlights the unique skills and crafts that are being overshadowed by technological advancements. Concerned about the diminishing opportunities for students and junior roles in creative fields due to AI technologies, he urges the younger generation to become indispensable by helping older professionals stay relevant.
The conversation spans various topics, including the role of AI in artistry, the eroding middlemen in the industry, and the cautionary lessons from the music sector's technological struggles. Gilday emphasizes the importance of passion over financial motivation in creative careers and shares his insights into leadership, business acumen, and the evolving demands of the creative workforce.
Join us as we explore the potential and pitfalls of AI in the creative world, the importance of regulation, and the fine balance between technology and human creativity. Whether you're an industry veteran or an aspiring creative, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating the future of the creative landscape.
Highlights:
AI's Impact on Opportunities:
How AI is reshaping job roles and opportunities in creative fields.
Craft and Technology:
The transition from analog to digital and its effects on craft and learning.
Leadership and Collaboration:
The role of creative leaders in nurturing talent and managing innovation.
Future Outlook:
The need for regulation and responsible use of AI in creative industries.
Tune in for an engaging discussion that blends personal experiences, professional insights, and forward-thinking perspectives on creativity and commerce.

Sep 17, 2024 • 36min
Your Studio's Future is Brand-Direct with Kevin Rapp
Let's dive deep into the highs and lows of the creative life with Kevin Rapp, the seasoned creative leader and founder of Ultra Friends.
In this episode, Joel Pilger invites Kevin to explore:
Why creatives often find themselves exploited
The emotional toll of turning passion into a career
How business realities can erode the joy of creation
Kevin shares powerful insights on finding value in creative work, navigating the tension between business and creativity, and empowering the next generation of creators.
Tune in for this honest conversation about the challenges and triumphs of living a creative life.
Connect with Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-rapp-consulting/
Thanks for our audio production partners at http://coupestudios.com
Find out more about FORUM at https://www.joelpilger.com/forum

Aug 13, 2024 • 38min
Mackinations: The Dash Studio Story with Mack Garrison
Joel Pilger dives into the intersection of creativity and commerce with Mack Garrison from Dash Studio, addressing industry challenges and trends such as post-COVID screen fatigue, the rise of influencers, and industry disruptions. The pair discuss the importance of diversification, innovation, and community building amidst an evolving landscape. Further topics include Dash Studio’s adaptive strategies, including creating templates for clients, and emphasize the need for flexibility, play, and partnership in the creative field. The conversation also highlights Dash’s initiative, DASH BASH, an inclusive animation festival fostering industry connections and knowledge sharing.

Jun 4, 2024 • 47sec
The Fabulist is back!
The Fabulist is back!

7 snips
May 30, 2024 • 30min
The End of the Beginning of Motion Design | Part 3 with Ryan Summers and John LePore
Join industry disruptors Ryan Summers, a motion design visionary, and John LePore, co-founder of Black Box Infinite, as they navigate the future of motion design. They discuss the rising importance of strategic creativity and how emerging technologies like AI are reshaping storytelling. The conversation highlights the gap between order-takers and tastemakers, emphasizing the need for designers to adapt to new client expectations. They explore immersive experiences in entertainment, urging professionals to balance innovative storytelling with technical skills for success.

Apr 1, 2024 • 1h 4min
The End of the Beginning for Motion Design | Part 2 with Ryan Summers and John Lepore
Ryan Summers, a senior creative director at Spilt, teams up with John Lepore, a futurist specializing in emerging tech, for a riveting discussion about the future of motion design. They dive into the seamless transfer of motion design skills across industries and the importance of solving core client problems. The conversation highlights innovative tools like real-time CG and immersive experiences, such as the NFL's Toy Story-themed broadcasts. They emphasize adaptability, clear communication, and a thoughtful creative process as essential for success in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Jun 6, 2023 • 37min
Beat at loyalkaspar
In a world inundated with brands, one visionary offers a more considered method to branding.
GUEST
Beat Baudenbacher | Principal, Chief Creative Officer at loyalkaspar
HOST
Joel Pilger | Global Consultant at RevThink | Instagram | LinkedIn
NOMINATE A FABULIST
Know a creative entrepreneur who should be on “the list”? Nominate them.
CREDITS
Post-Production by Coupe Studios Music & Sound Design
Engineered by Taylor Marvin, Alex Hawley
Produced by Celia St. Amant, Eric Singer
The Outsourceress: Lidia Scarlat
Special Thanks to Multimedia Storytellers Arbo Radiko
NOTES
We asked Beat to share an image of an object dear to their company. Here's what we got:
"So what popped into my head was the first MACINTOSH CLASSIC we got at my home in Switzerland, which opened the world of computer-generated visuals to me. We still have it at the office in NYC, but it doesn't work anymore."

May 10, 2023 • 34min
Orion at Residence
Find out why Residence isn't a holding company in the traditional sense, the overall reception in the industry and what are the championing values of the companies Residence embraces.
GUEST
Orion Tate | Founder, Chief Creative Officer at BUCK and Residence
HOST
Joel Pilger | Global Consultant at RevThink | Instagram | LinkedIn
NOMINATE A FABULIST
Know a creative entrepreneur who should be on “the list”? Nominate them.
CREDITS
Post-Production by Coupe Studios Music & Sound Design
Engineered by Taylor Marvin, Alex Hawley
Produced by Celia St. Amant, Eric Singer
The Outsourceress: Lidia Scarlat
Special Thanks to Multimedia Storytellers Arbo Radiko
NOTES
We asked Orion to share an image of an object dear to their company. Here's what we got:
"I like a good metaphor, and sometimes use mycorrhizal fungi to describe residence's philosophy of non-competitive cooperative sharing.So, here's a mushroom!"

11 snips
Feb 8, 2023 • 37min
Ryan & Orion at BUCK
Ryan Honey and Orion Tate, co-founders of the acclaimed motion design studio BUCK, dive into the studio's vibrant culture, likening it to a 'multi-headed hydra' that adapts and thrives. They discuss fostering creativity through support and autonomy, and the importance of balancing growth with core values. The pair also reflect on evolving client relationships, emphasizing innovation and collaboration as keys to navigating the future of design. Their insights on nurturing a creative community are both inspiring and thought-provoking.

4 snips
Jan 11, 2023 • 1h 3min
The End of the Beginning for Motion Design | Part 1 with Ryan Summers and John Lepore
Join Ryan Summers, a senior creative director at Spilt known for his expertise in visual effects, and John Lepore, a creative consultant with 16 years at Perception NYC specializing in tech design, as they explore the evolving landscape of motion design. They discuss the profound influence of the 'Spider-Verse' franchise, the significance of community among creatives, and the importance of adaptability in a tech-driven future. Their insightful anecdotes and reflections reveal a bright road ahead for motion design, encouraging collaboration and innovation.
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