The best title sequences don’t just introduce a film or TV show—they set the tone, create anticipation, and often become iconic in their own right. In this episode, I connect with Aaron Becker and Seth Kleinberg , the co-founders of Filmograph , a studio that has shaped some of Hollywood’s most memorable visual storytelling moments. From their early days at Prologue to building a boutique studio that works directly with top filmmakers, Aaron and Seth reveal the real story of Filmograph’s rise , ...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 3Ep. 4
In this special episode of The Fabulist , Jared Yeater , a former Managing Director at The Mill, joins Ryan Summers, John LePore, and Joel Pilger to break down the shocking closure of The Mill and what it signals for the future of motion design, VFX, and creative studios. Discussion Points: Was The Mill’s collapse inevitable? How much was due to industry shifts vs. mismanagement? What does this mean for the future of motion design and visual effects? How should studios rethink their business m...
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 3Ep. 3
What does it really take to build lasting relationships in the creative industry? In this episode of The Fabulist , Joel Pilger sits down with Tony Kadillak, Executive Producer of Business Strategy & Sales at Versus, to unpack the art of business development beyond just sales. From the origins of the Assembly networking event to the nuances of client relationships, Tony shares his philosophy on fostering trust, navigating industry shifts, and why every client interaction is an opportunity to...
Feb 17, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Welcome to Season 3 of The Fabulist , the podcast for creative studios mastering the art of business. Powered by Coupe Studios , host Joel Pilger travels the world to gather insights from studio leaders who are not just participating in the industry—but reinventing it. In this episode, we’re diving into the creative powerhouse of Turin, Italy, where two distinct yet interconnected studios, Illo and Algo , are blending art, data, and motion into bold, boundary-pushing work. Joining us are Ilenia ...
Feb 05, 2025•50 min•Season 3Ep. 1
In this episode of The Fabulist, Joel Pilger dives deep with Derek Dienner, founder of Make Films and producer of the upcoming feature film Brave the Dark. Derek shares his remarkable journey from running a thriving commercial production company to navigating the highs and lows of bringing a heartfelt narrative drama to life. Discover how Derek balances the dual challenges of managing a creative business and pursuing his dream of making impactful films. From securing $4 million in funding during...
Jan 20, 2025•51 min
In this thought-provoking episode of the Fabulist Podcast , host Joel Pilger brings together a panel of creative industry leaders—Simon Dixon of DixonBaxi, Mitch Monson of Sibling Rivalry, and Carson Hood of BGSTR—for an authentic and inspiring conversation on the evolving role of personal and professional reputation in the creative world. The discussion explores: The transition from competition to collaboration and the democratization of the creative industry. The importance of fostering trus...
Dec 09, 2024•47 min•Ep. 19
In this episode, I sit down with Joe Nash to unpack the complexities of running a creative studio in today's ever-evolving market. We dive into: Why authenticity and truly caring about your clients’ challenges are the ultimate game-changers. The shift from traditional agency models to in-house teams—and what that means for studios. The power of curiosity in navigating change and finding new opportunities, from motion systems to experiential design. How to define success on your own terms—whether...
Nov 25, 2024•31 min•Ep. 18
In this episode of The Fabulist, I – your host Joel Pilger – am joined by industry veteran Justin Cone at BUCK to tackle some of the biggest shifts currently shaping the motion design world. We dive into the rise of in-housing, as brands increasingly bring creative work in-house. This trend, while challenging for studios reliant on agency work, is creating fresh opportunities for those ready to build direct, meaningful relationships with brands. We also get into the role of AI in creative workfl...
Nov 11, 2024•49 min•Ep. 17
In this episode of The Fabulist , Joel Pilger talks with artist and entrepreneur Dominic DiMaria, co-founder of Das Audie. Together, they explore the art of “positioning” — how creatives can stand out by embracing a unique perspective and refusing to compromise on originality. Dominic shares his Magnetic framework, a process that helps creatives communicate their authentic voice, transforming how they approach clients and projects. Tune in for practical insights on breaking through the noise, bu...
Oct 28, 2024•46 min•Ep. 16
In this episode of The Fabulist, we tackle one of the most misunderstood roles in the creative industry: “What does a Producer actually do?” To help answer that question, I’ve brought together an incredible panel of powerhouse Producers – Rebecca Olson, Kathryn Henderson, Leyla T. Rosario, and Jessica L. Ransom – to shed light on the role of these behind-the-scenes masterminds. From navigating complex projects to keeping creative chaos in check, these experts reveal the magic Producers bring to ...
Oct 16, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 15
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 opportunit...
Oct 02, 2024•32 min•Ep. 14
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 generati...
Sep 17, 2024•36 min•Ep. 13
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 p...
Aug 13, 2024•38 min•Ep. 12
The Fabulist is back!
Jun 04, 2024•47 sec
The Fabulist is back! Join host Joel Pilger as he leads this discussion with disruptors Ryan Summers and John LePore into the evolving landscape of motion design. This episode, titled ‘The End of the Beginning of Motion Design,’ highlights the rise of AI, the widening gap between order-takers and tastemakers, and the critical role of strategic creativity. Whether you’re a studio owner or a curious creative, this episode offers insights into navigating the future of motion and how your job is not...
May 30, 2024•30 min•Ep. 11
Joel Pilger rejoins forces with Ryan Summers and John LePore for a fresh deep dive into the incredible potential and versatility of motion design! Oh, if you missed PART 1, see the link below. In this episode, we answer these questions: - How can motion design skills be seamlessly transferred into adjacent industries, like automotive and experiential design? - Why is it crucial to focus on solving clients' core problems instead of just executing? We're also exploring the future of motion design ...
Apr 01, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 10
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 Si...
Jun 06, 2023•37 min•Ep. 9
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 ...
May 10, 2023•34 min•Ep. 8
The world’s most celebrated motion design studio balances nonstop evolution with a relentless pursuit of its North Star. GUESTS Ryan Honey | Founder, Chief Creative Officer at BUCK Orion Tate | Founder, Chief Creative Officer at BUCK 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 Senior Producer: Jocelyn Arem at Arbo Radiko Sound Design: Eric Singer at Coupe Studios The ...
Feb 08, 2023•37 min•Ep. 6
Animation… broadcast design… motion graphics… mograph… motion design… Looking back over the past 30 years, our field has exploded, regardless of what you call it. In this veritable tour de force, I’m joined by futurists John LePore (formerly of Perception NYC) and Ryan Summers (IF, DK, Spillt) who argue convincingly that we are just getting started. Hold on for the ride as we lift the veil, break down walls, and help you make sense of our rapidly evolving industry. It’s the end of the beginning ...
Jan 11, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 5
On the journey to building a legacy, there is a fine line between fragility and stability. GUEST Erin Sarofsky | Owner and Executive Creative Director at Sarofsky 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 Senior Producer: Jocelyn Arem at Arbo Radiko Sound Design: Eric Singer at Coupe Studios The Outsourceress: Lidia Scarlat TRANSCRIPT Coming soon...
Jan 10, 2023•46 min•Ep. 4
Along one studio’s journey to the highest levels, its founder struggles with darkness… only to discover a deeper purpose. GUEST Marcel Ziul | Executive Creative Director & Founder at STATE Design 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 Senior Producer: Jocelyn Arem at Arbo Radiko Sound Design: Eric Singer at Coupe Studios The Outsourceress: Lidia Scarlat TRANS...
Dec 13, 2022•40 min•Ep. 3
Sibling’s work is bold, clear, and smart. But as with any creative business, the work is – at most – half the story. GUESTS Joe Wright | Co-Founder, Director, Chief Creative Officer at Sibling Rivalry Mikon van Gastel | Co-Founder, Director, Chief Creative Officer at Sibling Rivalry HOST Joel Pilger | Global Consultant at RevThink | Instagram | LinkedIn NOMINATE A FABULIST Know an amazing creative entrepreneur who should be on “the list”? Nominate them here . CREDITS Senior Producer: Jocelyn Are...
Dec 05, 2022•35 min•Ep. 2
