Andrés wanted to be a rock star. One problem. He couldn’t play.
That didn’t stop him from strutting the halls of his high school with a Billy Idol spiked haircut.
While studying film, a twist of fate led him into the world of interpreting — and into the arms of the woman who’s been his partner for 30 years.
Join us for Andrés’ story: from would-be rock star to two decades at TIFF, one of the world’s premier film festivals.
Glyn Evans has spent years turning big ideas into eye-catching visuals for brands and agencies that like to think boldly...and he's been at the leading edge of technology the whole time.
At Stonehenge he keeps the cameras rolling and keeps adapting to the rapidly changing technology landscape.
Still adventurous and passionate about getting to work every day.
How do we future proof ourselves and stay creative?
When it comes to AI and the rapidly changing technology in the video production industry Glyn Evans from Stonehenge Digital has a plan:
Glyn: "Really the only thing we can do right now is be aware of where the technology is, use it, play with it, and try and integrate it into your workflow as best you can. How can this serve my customer?"
This is his 20th year at tiff, the film festival celebrating its 50th year in Toronto. Here's a short excerpt from a conversation I had with my friend Andrés Beiger. In this clip he talks about his privileged role of managing the interpreters and translators for this "not-for-profit cultural organization with a mission to transform the way people see the world through film."
From Audio guy to Accidental Businessman
Lee de Lang never set out to be a businessman. He started in audio, became a self-professed film nerd, and somehow found himself running a thriving, and at time demanding, business. In this episode, Lee shares what he’s learned along the way—about the pitfalls of being good at what you do, and the unpredictable rollercoaster of success.
Wayne "Son" Roberts.
This episode's guest is Wayne “Son” Roberts — ad industry trailblazer, musician, and proud Canadian. After decades as creative director at Blade Branding, he’s now pouring his creative energy into storytelling through film.
Son has been a friend, collaborator, and mentor to many — including me. Here’s a longer slice of our "chin wag" from the VU studios. Enjoy.
The tradition continues!
Since 1997, Medieval Times has trusted DB Audio to help bring their legendary dinner and theatre show to life with sound.
I had the pleasure of sitting down in the VU Studios with Monet — the very first Queen in the show’s history.
Creative director, musician, and proud Canadian. Son Roberts has been a friend, collaborator and mentor for me and for many. Here's a teaser to an "chin wag" we had together in The VU studio.
"Failure is a critical component to success."
Key takeaway: Many entrepreneurs fall into the trap of self-reliance and a do-it-yourself attitude. Greg found this out the hard way when sitting across from a billion dollar investor.
"Failure is a critical component to success."
My latest guest is Greg Salmela, creative director at Aegis Design in Toronto, shared the story of living out his entrepreneurial dreams, achieving early success, and looking back on the wisdom gained over the years. A key takeaway is to avoid the trap of self-reliance and do-it-yourself. Surround yourself with people who can help in good time and bad.
For this episode, I sat down with Yuri Gorbachow: musician, composer, audio engineer, award winning music editor and educator!
He shared insights on the evolution of tech and the revolution in AI. As an educator, he is future proofing a new generation of creators.
BE A BETTER LEADER!
Here's a short clip from my conversation with author, and ad industry leader, Henry Wong.
Henry Wong joined me for a wide ranging conversation about being a better leader, career highlights as an advertising creative, and where to get his favourite dish, Chow Mein.
When I asked him if AI was going to be the end of 'story' he was cautiously optimistic about human creativity and it's ability to come up with the unexpected, the added twist and uniqueness that is the core of connection.
"As humans...we have to EVOLVE".
Great advice for living from this legendary Canadian music editor, Yuri Gorbachow. He has survived and thrived after each tech 'disruption' in the last 40 years. From MIDI and DRUM MACHINES. To PERSONAL COMPUTERS to AI MUSIC APPS.
The full VU interview with Yuri will be live soon on Spotify soon.
In the meantime: Be A Better Human!
Not that he's bragging but...Yuri has been music editor on the award winning series such as The Tutors (Michael Hirst), Vikings (Michael Hirst), and Handmaids Tale (Bruce Miller).
Peter Pappalardo is "nuts"...about advertising and music.
On the latest episode of The VU we talked about his role on VaynerMedia's award winning Planter's SuperBowl "All or One" mixed nuts spot (2022), his starring role in the "food pairing" cooking show Brisk & Cheddar, and his hilarious new "viral" music video "Half Horse Half Man".
For this episode I welcomed back my very first guest Roger King from PNAgency (April 2020). As the "King" of the non-union voice agents in Canada Roger shares his VU on how the role of voice actors has changed, the bright side of the pay-to-play websites, and his take on why AI has lots of people "shaking in their boots".
Resolution: "Be a better human"
The top question I asked everyone who joined me on The VU podcast this year was: "Is AI coming for your job?" Check out excerpts from some of the fascinating answers in this retrospective.
My big take-away: In order to future-proof yourself you have to be the best version of yourself. And take care of the people around you.Thank you to everyone who joined me for these interviews. I'm looking forward to having many more conversations in 2025.
Happy New Year
What happens when fantasy sports gets real?
You produce a very funny short film with friends that starts winning awards.
Ren Olivieri's short film The Trade is the topic of this special edition of The VU.
For this episode I welcomed back valiant voice agent Tanya Buchanen from Ta-Da Voiceworks to give us her overvue of voice-over industry, her role as teacher with tough love, and her secret to success...integrity and gettig a good nights sleep.
On this episode of The VU my friend and neighbour Chris Evangelou started by telling me what it took to get him to leave homeland, Cyprus - in the Mediterranean, to come live in Canada. And, yes, there was a woman involved.
He shared the technical and creative significance of his "fresh, new" craft as a colourist which he does out of his 'boutique' business SLATE in Toronto.
We discussed his satisfaction with his work on the B&W film "Beautiful Evening. Beautiful Day". And his thoughts on the role of AI tools in the future of post-production.
