Fabulist

What’s actually happening inside creative studios right now? I work with hundreds of creative studios and production companies across 40+ countries — motion design, VFX, live action, experiential, music, and sound. And toward the end of every year, founders ask me the same question: “You work across the industry… what are you seeing right now?” This episode is my answer. Not pulled from headlines....

We’re challenging each other—and the industry. Joel sits down with Vagrants co-founders Dustin Devlin and Winston Macdonald (Boston-based creative/production studio) and Tim Bradley , founder of Pennant Video Co. , to unpack how today’s best studios are evolving beyond “project vendors” into true strategic partners. From Boston’s “old guard” union shop era to today’s gray area where studios look a...

Running a standout studio isn’t about selling hours—it’s about protecting the craft, picking the right clients, and staying scrappy (in smarter ways). Joel sits down with Barton Damer , founder/founding artist of Already Been Chewed (ABC) , the Texas-based studio channeling skate culture into high-end 3D, VFX, and product campaigns for world-class brands. They get real about evolving from freelanc...

What happens when a studio anniversary party turns into one of the motion design industry’s most loved gatherings? In this episode of The Fabulist , I talk with Cory Livengood (Creative Director & Founder, Dash Studio) and Meryn Hayes (Executive Producer, Dash Studio) about the evolution of Dash Bash—a Raleigh-born festival that’s become a biannual hub for creativity, collaboration, and commun...

In this episode of The Fabulist , Joel Pilger sits down with three powerhouse studio founders— Shawna Schultz (Mass FX Media & 38th and Post), Katwo Puertollano (rezonate), and Samantha Louise (Versus)—to explore what happens after you’ve built a successful studio.  What do seasoned founders build once the studio is humming? How does leadership evolve from momentum to meaning? And how do these...

What does it take to create a truly transformational experience—not just an event? In this special episode, Joel Pilger sits down with Paradiso co-founders Hector Ayuso and Marko Pfann to unpack the heart, hustle, and human connection behind this one-of-a-kind gathering in Mérida, Mexico. Born from a dream—and a desire to break all the traditional “conference” rules—Paradiso set out to eliminate t...

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 t...

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 th...

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 o...

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 an...

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 b...

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...

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 opport...

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 bu...

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...

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 com...

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 t...

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 cr...

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 strat...

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 curiou...

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...

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 Mus...

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...

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 ....

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...