We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lamont Pete a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lamont, thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
Making a full-time living in the entertainment industry, especially as a television executive producer, isn’t a walk in the park. It takes time, resilience, and a whole lot of strategy. Was it like that from day one? No chance. You don’t just wake up and find yourself at the top of the game. You grind, you fail, you pivot, and you build.
For me, it started with a foundation radio as a morning disc jockey and then spending time as A&R in the music industry, prior to all of that I was a school teacher,. So with all of that experience it gave me a unique perspective on storytelling and the power of media.
From there, I transitioned into TV and film production—over 30 years in the game now—and made it work by focusing on relationships, understanding what makes compelling content, and staying ahead of industry shifts. I didn’t just sit back and hope for opportunities; I created them.
Key milestones?
Well, joining Pantheon Media Group which is under the Endeavor media family and producing high-profile projects such as the upcoming Netflix doc about Diddy—these things don’t happen overnight. It took years of networking, proving my value, and delivering results. And now I also have a deal with Sunset Pictures/Warner Bros as a film producer. So as you see I continue to push the envelope in entertainment.
Could I have sped up the process?
Maybe. But hindsight is 20/20. If I knew then what I know now, I’d have doubled down on strategic partnerships earlier, leveraged digital media more aggressively, and been even more selective about the projects I took on. But at the end of the day, no shortcuts replace experience. You earn your place by putting in the work.
So, yeah—I make a living doing this, and I wouldn’t trade the journey for anything
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Lamont Pete, a television and film producer with over 30 years in the industry, and one of the early pioneers of reality television.
My journey started in casting, where I played a key role in shaping some of the biggest unscripted shows on TV. I spent 15 years working with MTV Networks, casting and producing content that defined an era—back when reality TV was still finding its identity. That experience gave me a front-row seat to the evolution of the industry, teaching me how to identify compelling personalities, craft narratives, and produce content that keeps audiences engaged.
Over the years, I’ve worked on more than 35 hit shows across major networks, including MTV, CW, BET, VH1, and NBC. My expertise spans casting, producing, and developing original content that resonates.
Right now I have a first look deal with Pantheon Media Group (formerly known as Asylum Entertainment which is under the Endeavor media family. Beyond that I also am currently working with Sunset Pictures and Warner Bros on a motion picture project.
I also served as a Consultant Producer on the new upcoming Netflix documentary about Diddy which should be airing Spring of 2025.
What sets me apart?
First, I understand both the creative and business sides of the industry. I know how to take an idea from concept to execution—whether it’s reality TV, documentary, or scripted content. My background in casting means I have a sharp eye for talent, and my experience producing across multiple networks gives me an instinct for what works.
Second, I know how to navigate different industries. Beyond entertainment, I’ve worked as a consultant for political campaigns, helping candidates craft narratives that connect with voters. At its core, it’s all storytelling—whether you’re producing a TV show or shaping a political campaign message.
What am I most proud of?
Longevity. This business isn’t built for the weak, and staying relevant for over three decades—adapting, evolving, and still producing at a high level—is an achievement in itself. I’m also proud of the relationships I’ve built. This industry is about trust, and I’ve worked with some of the best in the business because I deliver results.
For anyone looking to collaborate—whether you’re a network executive, a brand needing media strategy, or a creative with a project idea—just know that I bring experience, vision, and execution. If we’re working together, we’re not just making content—we’re creating something that lasts.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
First, we need to stop treating the arts as a luxury and recognize them as a fundamental part of the economy. Creatives don’t just entertain; they generate billions in revenue, create jobs, and influence global culture. Governments and private sectors should invest more in grants, tax incentives, and funding opportunities that allow artists to create without financial strain.
Education is another key factor. As someone who graduated from San Diego school of creative and performing arts, we need stronger arts programs in schools, not just for those who want to be artists, but to foster creative thinking in all fields. Too often, creative careers are dismissed as unstable, but the truth is, industries from tech to business rely heavily on creative minds.
From a business perspective, networks, studios, and brands should take more risks on original voices. The industry has a habit of recycling the same names and ideas, but true innovation comes from fresh perspectives. Giving more opportunities to independent creators, diverse storytellers, and emerging talent strengthens the entire ecosystem.
On an individual level, people can support creatives simply by engaging with their work—buying art, streaming independent films, attending live performances, and sharing projects on social media. Exposure matters, and in a world dominated by algorithms, every view, share, and dollar spent helps keep artists working.
Finally, we need to respect creative labor. Too many expect artists to work for “exposure” instead of fair pay. The more we value creative contributions—financially and culturally—the stronger and more sustainable the creative ecosystem will be.
At the end of the day, a thriving creative industry isn’t just good for artists—it’s good for society as a whole. It challenges perspectives, sparks movements, and keeps pushing the world forward.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
One of the biggest things non-creatives struggle to understand is the sheer uncertainty that comes with this path. In most traditional careers, there’s a clear trajectory—education, entry-level job, promotions, stability. In the creative world? None of that exists in a straight line.
You can pour your heart into a project for months, even years, and still get a no. You can be on top one year and struggling for your next gig the next. There’s no guaranteed paycheck, no set hours, and no certainty that what you’re working on will ever see the light of day. That kind of instability isn’t for the faint of heart.
Another thing? The work never stops. Non-creatives often see the final product—a hit show, a documentary, a film premiere—but they don’t see the sleepless nights, the endless rewrites, the negotiations, or the projects that never made it past development. Creativity isn’t just about inspiration—it’s discipline, resilience, and constantly having to prove yourself.
And let’s talk about the mental weight. In creative fields, you’re not just selling a product—you’re selling your vision, your ideas, your perspective. When something gets rejected, it’s hard not to take it personally because it’s you being put on the line. That’s a pressure most people don’t experience in a traditional job.
What I’d want non-creatives to understand is that this isn’t just a job; it’s a way of life. It takes sacrifices, relentless dedication, and an ability to keep pushing forward even when everything says stop. But for those of us who do this, the reward isn’t just success—it’s the ability to create something that moves people, changes conversations, and stands the test of time. And that? That makes every struggle worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pantheonmedia.com/
- Instagram: Iamlamontpete
- Facebook: Lamont pete
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lamontpete
