Fabulist

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 founders define success on their own terms?  This conversation dives into the second act of creative entrepreneurship—from launching new ventures to leading quietly behind the scenes—and offers a rare glimpse at how these visionary women are redefining purpose, growth, and legacy.

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 the divide between speaker and audience, to prioritize intimacy over scale, and to create the kind of creative connection that changes lives. Together, Hector and Marko reflect on the inspiration behind Paradiso, the challenges they overcame to make it happen, and why staying small and intentional is the key to its magic. From school trip nostalgia to raw artistic expression, this episode captures the spirit of a creative community redefining what’s possible when we gather. And yes… next year is already in motion. 🎟️ Explore Paradiso 2026: https://paradisofest.com/ 📣 View the 2026 Announcement on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DH3erFeu778/ [https://www.instagram.com/p/DH3erFeu778/]

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, the lessons they’ve learned, and how they’ve adapted in an industry that’s constantly evolving. We explore: - The big break that put them on the map - Their philosophy on creative longevity and staying independent - The evolution of title design and branding in Hollywood - Why they’ve avoided the pitfalls that took down once-dominant studios - Their bold decision to shut down for six weeks every year (and why clients respect it) If you’ve ever dreamed of running a creative studio—or just want an inside look at the world of motion design—this episode is a masterclass in building a sustainable, creative business.

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 models to avoid the same fate? The next wave: Why ingenuity, adaptability, and a new definition of “motion design” matter more than ever This is Part 4 in our End of the Beginning of Motion Design series, featuring candid insights from industry leaders navigating a rapidly changing creative landscape.  Listen now—because what happens next is up to us.

What does it really take to build lasting relationships in the creative industry? In this episode ofThe 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 build something bigger. Whether you're a studio owner, a creative leader, or just looking to level up your business game, this conversation is packed with insight, candor, and maybe even a few hot takes. Tune in as we go beyond transactions and talk about what really sustains a career in this ever-evolving industry.