Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gregory Kasunich. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Gregory, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success in filmmaking and production can look like different things to different people, but for me it comes down to one fundamental question: are you creating work that you love?

It’s important to take on work that pays the bills, builds your network, and generates leads.

In fact, to be successful as producer or filmmaker, it’s imperative that you take on jobs because they pay well and keep your doors open, or they afford you an opportunity to grow your network and relationships, or helps build your reel, or gives you a chance to learn a new skill or technique, but the true measure of success is the ability to build a career or business where you can invest in the kind and quality of work that you truly love.

What you say “yes” to often times is as important as what you say “no” to. The more often you can say “no” to work that does not align with your vision, values, mission, or passion, and the more often you can say “yes” to that little guiding voice, the more success you’ll find. You’ll be building a brand unique to you.

Make work you truly love. That, and don’t be a jerk.

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.

As a Creative Producer and Director I help companies, brands, musicians, advertisers, and individuals tell their story in the best possible way to the widest and most receptive audience. I aim to craft relatable and authentic narratives and messaging that illuminates the values of the subjects and then I assemble the best possible team of creatives, craftsmen, and collaborators to bring those stories to life.

This could look like a series of intimate vignettes with a musician shot in studio as they create their latest album, bringing fans in to the experience. It could be partnering with style icons to show how washable designer rugs can be both function and stylish in national commercial spots. Or it might be making narrative feature length and short form live action and animated films about immigration or global warming. To me it’s all the same: taking a good story and telling it well.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The best thing about being a professional creative is the opportunity to connect with people from all over the world, from different walks of life, among different demographics, and across continents and languages. In order to understand someones story, or to create a character that feels real, you need to truly empathize with them. To build and lead a crew you need to understand the job and communicate with people who have spent years honing their craft. For a story to land, there needs to be authentic points of connection. I am constantly seeking that connection and I am continually rewarded when I find it.

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?

I believe that everyone is creative. Full stop. To be a person in this world is to be creative. From getting dressed, to cooking, to problem solving, driving, teaching, reading, writing, setting up your desk at work or even having a conversation, it’s all creativity at play.

The trick, I suppose, is to stop and acknowledge those small moments of creativity, nurture them, protect them, build on them.

If and when you fail at your art (and you should fail), lean into it, don’t be ashamed of it, learn from it, and keep going. Share your art, or don’t, maybe keep it for yourself, but make it. Do it for free, do it for money, do it for fun. Encourage others freely and often, these things lead to amazing relationships. Be kind with yourself and others. Take breaks. Take risks. Take your time. Always be learning. Teach others when you can.

There is no right or wrong way to be creative. Sometimes you’ll be rewarded. Keep going. Sometimes you’ll be ridiculed. Keep going. If you stick with it, it will pay dividends.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.GregoryKasunich.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregoryjmkasunich/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorykasunich/

Image Credits
Holland Clement / Betsy Martinez