Updated: Dec 27, 2024
In this episode of the Mistakes in the Making series, Kyler Wilson shared a personal and professional lesson about the critical importance of contracts in creative endeavors. Joined by Natalie Ruffino Wilson, the discussion delved into how a lack of legal agreements can jeopardize relationships, undermine trust, and threaten the success of creative projects. This candid conversation serves as a cautionary tale for filmmakers, writers, and artists navigating the complexities of collaboration.
Working Without Contracts: A Common Pitfall
The episode began with Kyler reflecting on his own experiences of working without contracts, even with close friends and colleagues. He acknowledged how easy it is to trust verbal agreements when working within a comfort zone, but warned that this approach often leads to complications.
Kyler shared his current collaboration with his best friend, Kyle Williams, as an example. Despite their strong relationship, the absence of a contract introduced unnecessary risks. Kyler emphasized that clear agreements are vital for maintaining professional boundaries and protecting creative efforts, regardless of the personal connection.
Early Creative Endeavors and Trust Issues
Kyler recounted an early mistake involving a script he had written. After a colleague expressed interest in his work, they approached him with an idea for a new script. Without a written agreement, Kyler began developing the concept, trusting their verbal understanding.
Dedicating several days to outlining and then drafting the script, Kyler poured his energy into the project. His colleague initially expressed enthusiasm, reinforcing Kyler’s belief that their arrangement was on solid ground. However, this trust was soon tested as feedback and demands for changes began to surface.
The Feedback Process: From Collaboration to Conflict
Kyler’s experience took a negative turn during the feedback stage. While the first round of changes seemed reasonable, subsequent requests became increasingly significant and, in Kyler’s view, detrimental to the story. When Kyler voiced concerns about these changes, his colleague dismissed them, creating a stalemate. Despite his reservations, Kyler incorporated most of the feedback, hoping to preserve the collaboration. However, one particular demand—to alter the script’s fundamental motivation and lore—proved too much. Kyler refused, sparking even more conflict.
A Creative Breakdown
After submitting the revised script, Kyler waited months for feedback, only to be met with another wave of requested changes. When he pushed back, his colleague decided to bring in another writer, effectively cutting Kyler out of the project. This was a significant blow to Kyler after months of dedicated work. It underscored the risks of informal agreements and highlighted the need for clear contracts to protect not only the work but also the professional relationships involved.
The Lessons Learned
Kyler’s experience offers valuable lessons for creatives:
Contracts Build Clarity: A contract serves as a written understanding of each party’s responsibilities, rights, and expectations. This clarity helps avoid misunderstandings and disputes down the line.
Trust Isn’t Enough: Even in collaborations with friends or trusted colleagues, a contract provides a professional framework that ensures fairness and accountability.
Feedback Needs Boundaries: Establishing how feedback will be given and implemented is crucial to maintaining the integrity of creative projects.
Protect Your Work: A contract safeguards your creative contributions, ensuring you’re credited and compensated appropriately.
Natalie’s Parallel Experience
Adding to Kyler’s narrative, Natalie shared her own story of being removed from a script she worked on without a contract. Like Kyler, she trusted the verbal agreement, only to be blindsided when circumstances changed. Her experience reinforced the episode’s core message: contracts aren’t just legal formalities—they’re tools for protecting both the work and the relationships involved in creative projects.
Resources for Filmmakers: Tools for Success
Kyler and Natalie acknowledged that many filmmakers and creatives avoid contracts because they seem intimidating or overly formal. To address this, they recommended several resources, including:
Contract Templates: Pre-made templates can simplify the process of drafting agreements.
AI Tools: Emerging technology can assist in customizing contracts to suit specific needs.
Legal Professionals: Consulting with an entertainment lawyer ensures your contract is robust and comprehensive.
These resources empower filmmakers to navigate the business side of creativity with confidence, ensuring their work is protected.
The Emotional Toll of Trust Issues
Beyond the logistical challenges, Kyler and Natalie touched on the emotional impact of trust issues in creative collaborations. The fallout from broken agreements can strain relationships, damage reputations, and discourage creatives from pursuing future projects. By establishing clear terms from the outset, contracts help preserve trust and foster healthier working relationships. They allow collaborators to focus on the creative process without the stress of ambiguity or potential conflict.
The Path Forward: Encouraging Best Practices
Kyler and Natalie concluded the episode by encouraging filmmakers to prioritize professionalism in every project, no matter the scale or participants. They emphasized that contracts aren’t barriers—they’re bridges that connect expectations and protect everyone involved. They also shared their contact information, inviting listeners to reach out with questions or for guidance. Their feature film, Best Laid Plans, stands as a testament to the lessons they’ve learned and the resilience they’ve built through their experiences.
Key Takeaways for Creatives
Always Use a Contract: No matter how small or informal a project may seem, a contract is essential for protecting your interests and relationships.
Set Clear Expectations: Define roles, responsibilities, and processes upfront to avoid misunderstandings later.
Be Proactive About Feedback: Establish a system for giving and implementing feedback that respects the creative vision.
Learn from Mistakes: Every setback is an opportunity to grow. Use past experiences to inform your approach to future projects.
Value Professionalism: Treat every collaboration with the same level of care and diligence, whether working with friends or industry professionals.
Final Thoughts: A Lesson in Resilience
Kyler Wilson’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges and rewards of working in the creative industry. By sharing his mistakes, he offers invaluable guidance for filmmakers striving to balance trust, professionalism, and artistic integrity. Contracts may not eliminate every challenge, but they provide a foundation for healthier collaborations and more successful projects. As Kyler and Natalie demonstrate, protecting your work is not just about avoiding conflict—it’s about honoring the creativity and effort you bring to every endeavor.
Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Updated: Dec 27, 2024
Hosts Chris Barkley and Nicholas Buggs sat down with Phaith Montoya, a trailblazing plus-size influencer and brand ambassador for NAMI. Together, they explored topics ranging from resilience and mental health to the challenges of social media and the shifting dynamics of the fashion industry. This enlightening conversation offered actionable insights and heartfelt reflections that resonate deeply with creatives and influencers alike.
Introduction to Phaith Montoya: An Influencer with Purpose
From the outset, Phaith Montoya captivated listeners with her authenticity. She described her journey as a plus-size influencer in the fashion and lifestyle space, carving a niche for herself in an industry often resistant to change. As a brand ambassador for NAMI, she bridges her passion for fashion with advocacy for mental health—a cause close to her heart.
Navigating Rejection in the Creative Industry
For many filmmakers, influencers, and artists, rejection is an inevitable part of the journey. Chris and Nick opened the discussion by reflecting on the mental toll this can take. Phaith shared her personal experiences of failure, both as a student and as a professional, and how those moments shaped her resilience. Her advice was clear: “Trying and failing is better than never trying at all.”
These words resonate not only with aspiring creatives but with anyone facing challenges in their personal or professional lives. Phaith’s story of overcoming academic setbacks is a testament to the power of perseverance and the lessons learned through adversity.
Resilience Through Community and Support Systems
Phaith attributed much of her strength to her upbringing and her supportive family, who nurtured her confidence despite societal pressures surrounding body image. This led to a broader discussion about the importance of community in overcoming life’s obstacles.
Chris shared a touching story about the unwavering support he received from his parents during a difficult period. Nick emphasized how leaning on others—whether friends, family, or online communities—can provide a lifeline during tough times. Phaith highlighted the transformative power of social media, where online communities can act as virtual support systems, offering encouragement and resources to those in need.
Challenging Misconceptions About Plus-Size Models
As a plus-size influencer, Phaith has faced her share of misconceptions, including assumptions about her health and work ethic. She opened up about the discrimination she’s encountered in healthcare, employment, and everyday interactions, underscoring the pervasive nature of bias against plus-size individuals.
Representation, she argued, is crucial to changing societal perceptions. Seeing diverse body types in fashion and media not only challenges stereotypes but also inspires others to embrace their own uniqueness. Chris and Nick praised Phaith for her courage in confronting these issues head-on and using her platform to advocate for inclusivity.
The Role of Influencers in Shaping Culture
The conversation shifted to the evolving landscape of social media and the responsibilities of influencers. Phaith’s journey began on TikTok, where her content initially focused on fashion but gradually expanded to include personal stories. This balance between authenticity and privacy is a challenge many influencers grapple with.
Phaith emphasized the importance of being genuine and relatable, noting that audiences crave real connections. Chris and Nick echoed this sentiment, pointing out that today’s audiences are savvy—they can spot inauthenticity a mile away. By staying true to oneself, influencers can build stronger, more meaningful relationships with their followers.
Life in a Creator House: The Good, the Bad, and the Unexpected
Phaith shared her unique experience of living in a creator house, a communal space where influencers collaborate and create content. While the environment offered exciting opportunities, it also revealed stark differences in work ethics and approaches among creators.
Transitioning from a traditional job to a career in social media brought its own set of challenges. Phaith stressed the importance of building genuine connections and leveraging relationships to navigate this competitive industry. Her insights underscored the value of community and collaboration in achieving long-term success.
Advice for Aspiring Influencers
For those looking to break into the influencer space, Phaith offered invaluable advice:
Consistency is Key: Regular posting keeps audiences engaged and helps build a recognizable brand.
Engage Authentically: Responding to comments and interacting with followers fosters loyalty and trust.
Adapt to Trends: While staying true to your voice, incorporating trending topics can boost visibility.
Learn from Others: Observing successful creators and applying their strategies to your content can accelerate growth.
Chris and Nick added that while adapting trends is important, putting a unique spin on content is what sets influencers apart.
Mental Health in the Spotlight
Navigating the world of social media isn’t without its dark moments. Phaith candidly discussed dealing with grief, online negativity, and the impact of toxic comments. Nick provided a crucial culture check, reminding creators not to internalize online hate, which often stems from bots or trolls.
Phaith highlighted the importance of self-esteem and resilience in overcoming these challenges. Positive self-talk, a supportive network, and a focus on personal growth can help creators thrive even in difficult times.
Redefining Success and Happiness
One of the most poignant moments of the episode came when Phaith shared her definition of "making it." For her, success isn’t measured by numerical values or external validation. Instead, it’s about finding happiness in what you do and having the freedom to pursue your passions.
This perspective resonated deeply with Chris and Nick, who admired Phaith’s grounded approach. Her message was clear: peace and joy come from living authentically and embracing life’s journey, rather than fixating on end goals.
Celebrating Joy Amid Life’s Challenges
Toward the end of the conversation, Phaith shared her favorite Bible verse, which serves as a source of comfort during tough times. She also spoke about finding joy in life’s ups and downs, likening life’s challenges to the inevitability of night, followed by the promise of morning.
Chris reflected on his sales experience, noting how perseverance eventually leads to success. This cyclical nature of life, where hardships give way to triumphs, reinforces the importance of hope and resilience.
Engagement and Community: The Heart of Success
The episode concluded with a call to action. Phaith encouraged listeners to follow her on social media, where she continues to inspire and educate her audience. She also recommended Yeti for its exceptional loungewear, particularly for plus-size individuals, a nod to her commitment to promoting brands that prioritize inclusivity.
Chris and Nick reminded listeners of the importance of engagement. Subscribing, liking, and commenting on content not only supports creators but also fosters a sense of community—a recurring theme throughout the episode.
Final Thoughts
Phaith Montoya’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, authenticity, and community. From overcoming rejection to challenging societal norms, her journey inspires creatives to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their passions unapologetically.
For anyone navigating the challenges of the creative industry or seeking to find their voice in a crowded digital landscape, this episode offers a wealth of insights and inspiration. As Phaith eloquently put it, "Making it isn’t about the numbers—it’s about living your dreams and finding joy in the process."
Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Updated: Dec 27, 2024
Filmmakers and MAKE IT podcast hosts Chris Barkley and Nicholas Buggs welcomed writer, director, and producer Coke Daniels. With an entertainment industry career spanning several decades, Coke’s journey from hip-hop artist to acclaimed filmmaker offers a compelling narrative of resilience, creativity, and mentorship. His story highlights the challenges and triumphs of independent filmmaking, particularly for urban filmmakers striving to make their mark in a competitive industry.
From Hip Hop to Hollywood: Coke Daniels’ Early Journey
Coke Daniels began his creative career in the late 1980s as a hip-hop artist signed to Live Records. While music was his entry point into the entertainment industry, his passion for storytelling soon led him to explore filmmaking. Transitioning to film, he worked as a co-producer on My Baby’s Daddy and made his directorial debut with the cult classic Who Made the Potatoe Salad?.
The leap from music to film wasn’t without its challenges. Coke’s early projects required him to learn on the job, often with minimal resources and significant hurdles. Reflecting on this period, Coke emphasized the importance of perseverance and seizing every opportunity to hone his craft.
Lessons from Mentors and Industry Veterans
Mentorship played a pivotal role in Coke’s development as a filmmaker. He credits industry veterans like Eddie Griffin and John Amos for offering guidance and insights that shaped his approach to storytelling. A piece of advice from Jeremy Kramer at Miramax stood out: "Direct your own films to gain experience." This wisdom pushed Coke to take the reins of his creative vision and learn the intricacies of directing firsthand.
Coke’s relationship with Eddie Griffin was particularly influential. Eddie emphasized the necessity of having a well-structured script rather than relying solely on ideas. This advice proved invaluable as Coke navigated the complexities of screenwriting, transitioning from drafting scripts in Word to adopting professional tools and techniques.
The Evolution of a Filmmaker
Coke’s breakthrough came with Karen, a satirical thriller that tackled timely social issues and showcased his growth as a storyteller. With a legitimate budget and widespread recognition, Karen marked a turning point in Coke’s career, cementing his reputation as a filmmaker unafraid to address provocative topics. His latest project, The Waterboyz, further exemplifies his dedication to impactful storytelling. Inspired by the water boys of Atlanta, the film offers a nuanced portrayal of this subculture, highlighting their entrepreneurial spirit and the challenges they face. Shot on a tight schedule and under challenging conditions, the film reflects Coke’s ability to adapt and deliver a compelling narrative.
Challenges of Urban Filmmaking
As an urban filmmaker, Coke has faced unique obstacles, including limited support and resources for black filmmakers. He spoke candidly about the double standards and systemic barriers that often hinder filmmakers from underrepresented communities. Despite these challenges, Coke remains committed to uplifting others in the industry. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and creating opportunities for emerging filmmakers. "We have to support each other," he said, underlining the need for a collaborative approach to storytelling within the urban genre.
The Art of Storytelling
For Coke, storytelling lies at the heart of filmmaking. He believes that a great film balances visual elements with a strong narrative, creating an immersive experience for the audience. Reflecting on his career, Coke acknowledged that much of his learning came through trial and error, a journey that shaped his distinctive voice as a filmmaker. His ability to adapt and learn on the go has been instrumental in overcoming the lack of formal film education. "You don’t need a film school degree to tell a great story," he asserted. Instead, passion, dedication, and a willingness to learn from mistakes are what matter most.
The Making of The Waterboyz
The Waterboyz stands out as a labor of love for Coke Daniels. The film focuses on the often-misunderstood water boys of Atlanta, aiming to shift perceptions and showcase their resilience and ingenuity. Coke shared the challenges of shooting the film, from navigating Atlanta’s rainy weather to working on a compressed timeline. Despite these difficulties, he delivered a film that not only entertains but also resonates with its audience, sparking meaningful conversations about community and entrepreneurship. The film’s impact extends beyond the screen, fostering dialogue about the societal factors influencing the lives of young African-American youth in the south. It’s a testament to Coke’s belief in the power of storytelling to drive change and challenge stereotypes.
Mentorship: A Key to Success
Throughout the podcast, Coke reiterated the importance of mentorship in filmmaking. He credited his mentors for teaching him the nuances of the industry, from crafting compelling scripts to navigating the business side of film. Now, as an established filmmaker, he is committed to paying it forward by mentoring the next generation. For Coke, mentorship is about more than sharing knowledge—it’s about building a supportive community where filmmakers can thrive. "We need to lift each other up," he said, emphasizing the role of collaboration in achieving collective success.
Overcoming Challenges: Lessons Learned
Coke’s journey hasn’t been without setbacks, but each challenge has provided valuable lessons. He spoke openly about the struggles of being a first-time writer and the pressure to meet industry expectations. Through perseverance and a commitment to growth, he transformed these obstacles into opportunities to refine his craft. One of Coke’s key takeaways is the importance of having a clear vision for each project. This clarity not only guides the creative process but also helps navigate the inevitable challenges that arise during production.
Future Plans and Final Reflections
Looking ahead, Coke Daniels remains focused on creating films that combine entertainment with meaningful messages. He expressed a desire to continue exploring untold stories and amplifying underrepresented voices. As he reflected on his career, Coke emphasized the importance of storytelling as a tool for connection and change. Whether through films like Karen or The Waterboyz, his work demonstrates the transformative power of narrative.
Call to Action: Supporting Independent Filmmakers
Coke concluded the podcast with a heartfelt message to the audience, urging them to support independent filmmakers. He encouraged listeners to watch The Waterboyz and shared where it’s available, including Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Google Play. Supporting independent films, he noted, is essential for fostering diverse voices in the industry. By championing projects like his, audiences play a crucial role in shaping the future of filmmaking.
Key Takeaways from Coke Daniels’ Journey
Mentorship Matters: Learning from industry veterans can provide invaluable guidance and open doors to new opportunities.
Storytelling is Key: A compelling narrative, combined with strong visuals, is the foundation of great filmmaking.
Adapt and Learn: Formal education isn’t a prerequisite for success—passion, perseverance, and a willingness to learn are what truly count.
Support Each Other: Collaboration and mentorship are vital for creating opportunities and building a thriving filmmaking community.
Focus on Impact: Films have the power to challenge perceptions and spark meaningful conversations.
Final Thoughts: A Trailblazer in Urban Filmmaking
Coke Daniels’ journey from hip hop artist to acclaimed filmmaker is a testament to the power of resilience and creativity. His work not only entertains but also sheds light on important societal issues, making him a trailblazing voice in urban filmmaking. Through mentorship, storytelling, and a commitment to amplifying diverse voices, Coke continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike. His message is clear: with passion, perseverance, and the right support, anything is possible in the world of film.
Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.