The Fabulist™ (Joel Pilger)

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 workflows. Justin and I discuss how AI can open up creative possibilities, but only when it’s used to enhance—not replace—human insight and craft. Justin shares his thoughts on where AI adds value and where studios should draw the line to ensure their work remains both high-quality and human-centered.

Lastly, we explore the idea of “ephemeralization” — doing more with less—and how staying curious, adaptable, and plugged into the industry can help studios navigate these ongoing shifts. This is a must-listen for anyone in the creative industry looking to stay ahead in a rapidly changing landscape.

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.

This is a story about storytellers, creators, filmmakers, and fable finders. Those intrepid souls who launched a business only to wake up one day and discover they had built an empire.

Strategic creatives like Joe and Mikon.

MIKON VAN GASTEL (CLIP): When you are an entrepreneur and you're in this business, the forces around you are fucking with everything you are trying to build.

JOEL PILGER (VO): Real and raw founders like Marcel

MARCEL ZIUL (CLIP): To just like show your pitches to your competitor and say, bro, you kicked my ass. Teach me here, please. I need to learn.

JOEL PILGER (CLIP): And how did they respond?

MARCEL ZIUL (CLIP): They showed me their pitches.

JOEL PILGER (CLIP): Whoa.

JOEL PILGER (VO): And makers like Erin, who I asked, what does it take to run a great creative business?

ERIN SAROFSKY (CLIP): Everything’s a hustle. It's not being built on the back of a, you know, a mountain that was already there.

JOEL PILGER (VO): One thing is clear, these creatives dismissed the safer path and ignored convention.

JOE WRIGHT (CLIP): What the company is today is completely different from what it was when we started it.

JOEL PILGER (VO): I'm Joel Pilger and this is my new podcast, the Fabulist. Brought to you by Coupe Studios and Arbo Radiko.

I've made a list and I'm traveling the world to capture the stories of these fabulous people behind the world's most interesting studios and production companies. Listen for a deep dive with names like Sibling Rivalry, State Design, Sarofsky, and many more to come.

To hear these stories, and their legacies - I’ll see you there.

Photo by Erica Schultz

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, building a memorable brand, and why “the only ‘next’ that matters is the next first.”

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 every production.

I’ll admit: I wasn’t cut out to be a Producer. In fact, my studio’s turning point came when I finally hired a rockstar Producer. The difference was night and day, transforming Impossible Pictures into a high-functioning powerhouse. It’s why, even though I’m all about championing creatives, I’m here to declare:

Producers are the Unsung Heroes of our Industry!

Still not convinced? Give this episode a listen and I guarantee you’ll see just how indispensable these heroes are.

And if you already agree, show some love to your favorite Producer in the comments.

Huge shoutout to Coupe Studios for making The Fabulist so fabulous

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 Outsourceress: Lidia Scarlat

NOTES
We asked Ryan and Orion to share a photo of an object dear to their company.
Meet Noodles, the mascot of this episode's graphic cover. Noodles is from BUCK's F5 Opening Titles project. Watch it here.

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!"

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.

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 with thrilling innovations, from real-time CG tools to mind-blowing immersive experiences, like the NFL's Toy Story-themed broadcasts.

Plus, we'll discuss the essential mindsets for success, including a thoughtful approach, clear communication, and always being ready to provide guidance and expertise.

Don't miss out on this exciting exciting episode and stay tuned for....part 3, obviously!

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

At the heart of every studio, every production company, and every creative enterprise, there is a founder. A dauntless entrepreneur who carved their own path and beat the odds. My name is Joel Pilger, and I like to call this type of courageous human, a Fabulist. 

On Season 01 of The Fabulist, we heard the stories that the journey is hardly ever a straight line.

In Season 02, we continue the journey.

HOST

⁠Joel Pilger⁠ | Global Consultant at RevThink | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠

NOMINATE A FABULIST

Know a creative entrepreneur who should be on “the list”? ⁠Nominate them⁠.

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 Notarangelo, founder and creative director of Illo, and Luca Gonnelli, co-founder and CEO of Algo.

Together, they share their journey of running two studios under one roof, crafting ownable visual languages, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance—all while navigating the evolving demands of brands, AI disruption, and the ever-changing creative landscape.

Tune in as we explore:
🎨 How Illo infuses optimism and playfulness into motion design
📊 Why Algo focuses on data visualization and automation for scalable content
🌍 The importance of fostering an international yet distinctly Italian studio culture
⏳ Why they prioritize quality of life over hustle culture—including their sacred aperitivo tradition 🍷
💡 How creative studios can stand out in an era of algorithm-driven content

If you run a studio and want to master the art of business, visit joelpilger.com to apply for FORUM, a private network of the world’s leading studios.

🎧 Listen now and get inspired by Illo & Algo’s unique approach to creativity, strategy, and the business of design!

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.

The Fabulist is back!

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 for motion design, folks.

And that’s a very, very good thing…

So put on your shades, because the future is super bright.

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."

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

TRANSCRIPT

Coming soon

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 it’s scaling big or staying small and impactful.

Joe shares wisdom from his time working with studios of all sizes and insights from building Brand Tracker, a tool connecting incredible creative work to the people who need it most. If you’ve ever felt the push and pull of staying relevant in a fast-changing industry, this conversation is for you.

Listen now to explore what it takes to innovate, adapt, and thrive in the creative world!

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 Arem at Arbo Radiko

Sound Design: Eric Singer at Coupe Studios

The Outsourceress: Lidia Scarlat

Special Thanks: Rich Macar at Buttons NY and Dallas Taylor at Defacto Sound

TRANSCRIPT

Coming soon.

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 to simply ease in or out of this industry, but to stay ahead of its curve.

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.

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

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 trust and authenticity in relationships with clients, collaborators, and teams.
• ​How personal values and actions can positively impact company culture, reputation, and success.
• ​Practical advice for creatives on how to show up authentically, add value, and find their unique lane in the industry.

Join Joel and his guests as they candidly share their journeys, insights, and aspirations for the future of creativity. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring leader, this episode offers a fresh perspective on thriving in the creative industry.

Listen now. Be inspired. Let’s redefine leadership as simply being valuable.

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 the chaos of COVID, to signing a distribution deal with Angel Studios for a theatrical release in over 2,500 theaters, Derek’s story is one of resilience, vision, and entrepreneurial grit.

If you've ever wondered what it takes to transition from producing commercials to creating feature films—or how to persevere when the odds seem insurmountable—this is the episode for you. Hear about the challenges of the entertainment industry, the power of belief and grit, and the importance of staying connected to your creative roots. 

Links:

Tune in now to explore the intersection of creativity and commerce, and to celebrate the journey of reinventing the future of storytelling.