We were lucky to catch up with Joy Walden recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Joy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Looking back at internships and apprenticeships can be interesting, because there is so much variety in people’s experiences – and often those experiences inform our own leadership style. Do you have an interesting story from that stage of your career that you can share with us?

When I was first getting into the business, I did an internship at Arcpoint Studios in Fort Worth, TX. IT was a fantastic internship with an even better team that aimed at giving their interns hand-on experience in the Video Production industry. I try to tell people who are just starting out just how important things like internships, networking events, and film commissions can be. Many people overlook them because they don’t payout immediately, but it is so important to humble yourself and strive to learn as much as possible and meet as many people as you can.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I first started my interest in video/film production when I was in College at UNT. I had always enjoyed movies, but didn’t understand my love for the production side until exploring that in my major. I did an internship in Fort Worth and tried to put myself anywhere there was film/video. This helped me meet people and make connections that eventually lead me to the job I am in now; Studio Manager at Red Productions. Production management lead me to my other passion of Leadership. Leadership now-a-days, especially in media, can be ineffective and uncaring. I hope to grow in my knowledge and skills as a leader to build up the people around me to create a better industry that cares about its team members just as much as its projects.

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing a team requires care, resilience and humility. There is a major difference in a Leader and a Boss, and I argue a leader is almost always more effective. A major distinction between the two is a boss has subordinates, but a leader has teammates. Leadership management style humbles the leader to be part of the team and allows them to grow and work along side them. That does not mean a leader is a pushover, but is personal and intentional. I would advise anyone to be a leader.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative/in the creative industry, is the relationships it makes. Connecting with people to create is one of the most inspiring feelings there is.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ajoyfulproduction.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajoyfulproduction/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-walden/