Today is the season finale for Life, Camera, Action season 2. To wrap us up, my guest Harriet and I will be talking about how she takes designs and brings costumes to life for both theater and film. Harriet is a professional costume, prop, and puppet maker based in the UK. When she’s not working on set or backstage she co-runs The Wardrobe Chronicles, an online space to educate and encourage creatives aspiring or currently working within the costuming industry. In her almost decade-long career, she has worked on everything from regional theatre to Disney's Aladdin (2019) and The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, currently streaming on Netflix. Remember: Costumes are the final element that make a character real. They are the symbol that people literally buy into and wear to emulate their heroes. Therefore, it’s incredibly important to choose the right team to work with to make your designs a reality. Only choose people who truly get and appreciate your vision. Research: To bring your costuming to the next level for your storytelling projects, compare your designs and explore their functionality. If they will be used on stage, is there a practical place for a mic pack? If you have a design for screen, are there features that will potentially set you up for continuity errors? The more thorough your design, the more efficient the construction process will be. Challenge: It’s important to know your worth as a creative and stand by it. This honors you, the people you collaborate with, and the projects you take on. So take some time and calculate your typical cost for a project including base materials, time, extra resources, equipment rentals, etc. Then add on an additional amount that you would like to receive for your services. If that total comes out as a number that feels great to you, stick to it! If not, recalculate and adjust as needed. http://www.victoriaruke.com To learn more about Harriet, her projects, and The Wardrobe Chronicles: https://www.thewardrobechronicles.com/ Follow her on social media: @chronicleswardrobe @endlessworkshop…

Today my guest Leanna and I will be discussing how she and her team produce meaningful stories and take filmmakers’ scripts to the next level. This includes how to research your characters, bring them to life and edit fluff from your script. Leanna is the founder and CEO of Billings Productions. Starting out as an actress, she became familiar with the business side of filmmaking. After earning her doctorate in clinical psychology, she understands the parallels of her academics and the film industry. The main missions for Billings Productions are to tell stories highlighting mental health and social injustices while moving away from how filmmakers present stories from a white narrative and to include diverse characters and topics. Remember: When selecting cast and crew, it's important to not overemphasize a resume to the point of overlooking attitude and ability to collaborate. In order to create a fun, close-knit and effective set, interview everyone for character traits to make sure they’re a great fit. Research: What scenes, details, plot lines, or conversations, within your script truly add to the story? What ones don’t? Continually ask yourself what each element contributes to the story arc as you write and edit, then take out or adjust anything that could be seen as filler content. Challenge: Starting with your main characters, document all of your characters’ personalities. This can be done through personality tests like the Myers-Briggs tests. Then keep track of their storyline and for each major decision or reaction, compare it for accuracy against the test. This will help you stay true to the character or intentionally make an out-of-character choice. http://www.victoriaruke.com To learn more about Leanna and her work: https://www.billingsproductionsinc.com/ Follow her on social media: @BillingsProductionsinc…

Today my guest Vickie Sampson and I will be talking about how to set your sound up for success during production in order to make the sound editing process a seamless experience with a great end result. Vickie Sampson is a Writer, Director, Film and Sound Editor who has worked on over 200 films as a Supervising Sound Editor for feature films since 1973. She is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences also known as the Oscars and Alliance of Women Directors. She has directed over 7 short films, 15 commercials and is attached to direct the upcoming feature film titled Revolutionist in Fall 2021 starring Virginia Madsen. You can explore more about her career in the award-winning feature documentary called Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound. Remember: Overlooking sound on set, will only make the sound editing process that much more difficult. So don’t take shortcuts to save time and daylight, but rather plan ahead and be flexible enough to prioritize the quality of the project as a whole. Research: When vetting your locations for your shoot, make multiple trips to the site at various times of day before making the final decision. This way you can get a feel for the naturally occurring sounds that may enhance or interfere with your project and can make a plan moving forward. Challenge: Go through your current script and take note of what sound would make up the ambiance of your scene. Schedule a few hours dedicated to capturing those sounds to use throughout your film. http://www.victoriaruke.com To learn more about Vickie and her projects: https://www.echocreekfilms.com/ Follow her on social media: @vickiesampson @directorgal…

Today my guest Ele and I will be uncovering how common sounds in entertainment get made through the art of Foley. Ele is a stage Foley Designer and Performer who has designed, choreographed, and performed Foley for over 80 productions in Chicagoland, with companies including Theatre of Western Springs, Lifeline Theatre, Oak Park Festival Theatre, and The Second City Training Center. She is a Foley designer in residence for Locked Into Vacancy Entertainment's monthly live comedy serials, and for WildClaw Theatre's Deathscribe, the annual international live horror radio festival. She contributes to the next generation of Foley Artists with her guest lectures at Northwestern University's School of Sound and at Harvard University's School of Music, and with her consulting for theaters across the globe. Remember: Sound is an essential part of the storytelling experience. Whether you’re in theater or film, it’s easy to get excited about sound when it comes to sounds effects like body hits for a fight sequence or blasts in an explosion. But those are not the only sounds that carry a story forward, so don’t overlook the “everyday sounds” within your project. Research: Review a current script you’re working on. What everyday sounds that would naturally be in the scene are important in order to tell the story? What sounds showcase a character’s emotions? What sounds can be used for foreshadowing? Make sure to take note of any sounds that need to be prioritized during production or post-production. Challenge: As an ongoing challenge, focus on collecting sounds for your project. This can be done through collecting physical objects that create unique noises or simply taking notes of interesting sounds you hear that you would love to incorporate in your next story. http://www.victoriaruke.com To learn more about Ele and her projects: http://www.wildclawtheatre.com/ http://www.lockedintovacancy.com/ Follow her on social media: @WorldBShiny…

Today my guest Michael Forsch and I will be talking all about auditions! What to expect in the audition room, how to calm your nerves, and tips and tricks that you can use to deliver a show-worthy performance! Michael Forsch is a Producer, Actor, Director, and Writer. Originally from Los Angeles, Michael Forsch started working in show business early as a child actor. After moving to Las Vegas 15 years ago he has been very active in the Vegas independent film scene. His film credits include “Party Bus To Hell” (acting alongside Tara Reid) and as a Producer, he has produced award-winning short films as well as internationally distributed feature films. Remember: Casting directors are rooting for you to succeed. So when you step into the audition room, focus on just giving your best performance. Even if you don’t receive that particular part, your memorable audition can get you booked for other roles that the casting department is looking to fill. Research: What local acting and improv classes are available in your area? As you research your options, don’t forget to research the instructors. What are their credentials? Do they have positive reviews? Are they currently working? Acting classes are not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Make sure the environment and the instructor is what will bring out the best in you. Challenge: If you’re trying to break into the industry as an actor or uplevel your current acting career, go get up-to-date headshots. Look for a professional photographer who specializes in headshots. This will ensure that they don’t simply capture a “pretty” photo, but one that highlights your features in a way that showcases your suitability for a variety of roles. http://www.victoriaruke.com To learn more about Michael and his projects: https://www.michaelforsch.com/ Follow her on social media: @michaelforsch…

Today my guest Carrie and I will be talking about how to create value in everything you do in order to live a purpose-driven career. Everything from finding peace in the audition room, to bringing awareness to societal issues through the roles you play. Carrie Gibson is a professional actor, singer and writer. She has founded two touring theater companies that toured character-driven original work on social issues to schools, and communities throughout the U.S. Carrie’s credits include Bones, Scream Queens, Superstore, All Rise, Hollywood, This is Us, and a recurring role on the Netflix comedy The Politician . She has co-written several screenplays that are in development and set to go into production in 2021-22. Remember: Auditions, while necessary for actors, don’t have to be evil. Going into an audition with the singular goal of encouraging people you come in contact with welcomes in an entirely new experience in the audition room. Research: How can you implement active empathy in your personal and professional life? Not only will this enhance your relationships and your interaction with the world around you, but it will also strengthen your ability to embody a variety of characters with different backgrounds. Challenge: In your next audition, observe those around you and see how you can encourage them. Intentionally look for something about them that you can compliment or highlight to put a smile on their face. This ensures you’re remembered for your talent AND your heart. http://www.victoriaruke.com To learn more about Carrie and her work: http://www.imdb.me/carriegibson http://carriegibsontheactor.com/ Follow her on social media: @carriegibsontheactor…

Today my guest Kenny Aronoff and I will be discussing everything you have ever wanted to know about how to become a rockstar in your life AND career! Including how to launch and sustain a successful career as a musician. Kenny Aronoff is known as the “hardest hitting man in show business” and is voted “Top 100 Greatest Drummers of All Time” by Rolling Stone Magazine. He is a legendary drummer, bestselling author, and event speaker whose career has allowed him to play with John Mellencamp, Sir Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, Elton John, Steven Tyler, Avril Lavigne, Alanis Morissette, and many more. Remember: The biggest key to sustaining a successful career in music is understanding how to embrace adversity and stay ahead of the times. So the next time you find yourself in an unexpected or difficult position, figure out how you can use the situation to your advantage to keep propelling yourself forward. Research: What does your digital footprint look like? Are you creating an authentic brand experience? What will potential sponsors, scouts and managers see upon first glance? Take inventory on what content you have out there and if it properly reflects you and your message. Challenge: Take some time and intentionally focus on growing your audience. A great tip on choosing where to start would be to see who the other influencers and artists are in your genre and category. Then, follow, like, and comment in order to contribute to existing conversations and cross-pollinate your audience. http://www.victoriaruke.com To learn more about Kenny and his work: https://kennyaronoff.com/ Follow him on social media: @KennyAronoff @Aronoffofficial…

Today my guest Scott Page and I will be discussing the idea of creating Super Fans and how it is the key to a scalable career as an artist, musician, entrepreneur and super brand. Scott Page is a musician, technologist, and entrepreneur known for his saxophone and rhythm guitar work with Pink Floyd, Supertramp, and Toto. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music and is the CEO of Think:EXP, a Los Angeles-based media company focused on live immersive entertainment. Remember: Your goal is to start with 100 Super Fans. That is the first step to creating true brand loyalty and then scaling from there. This means, don’t get overwhelmed with the idea of success only stemming from having thousands or even millions of fans. Just start with a solid 100 as your first step. Research: Do you have a “Viral Coefficient" within your work? What can you add to your projects, campaigns, or social media posts in order to give your audience a reason to share pieces of you and your brand with their inner circle? Challenge: Who are your Super Fans or potential Super Fans? Take inventory on who is constantly liking your posts, sharing feedback, rating you 5 stars, and reacting to the things you put out into the universe. Then, connect with them on a deeper level. What are their interests? What is their mission? How can you collaborate to support one another? http://www.victoriaruke.com To learn more about Scott and his work: https://thinkexp.co/ Follow him on social media: @iamscottpage…

Today my guest Sheila and I will be discussing one of our favorite types of entertainment, reality TV. As a reality TV producer, she is going to reveal how she puts all of the essential pieces together such as story, cast and crew in order to bring everyday people to our screens. Sheila Conlin is an experienced executive producer, talent agent, manager, and director of sales & marketing. She is a respected pioneer in unscripted television, trailblazing processes that bring real people to the TV screen. She is instrumental in launching and sustaining successful television brands including Hell’s Kitchen, Revenge Body with Khloé Kardashian, Kitchen Nightmares, Hotel Hell, The Moment of Truth, True Beauty, The Swan, Nanny 911, and Paradise Hotel. Remember: When working with real stories, welcome unexpected twists and challenges and use them to your advantage. It’s these moments that can bring a new and exciting dynamic to your story. Research: What’s a real-life storyline or plot that you would love to explore? Has anyone shared something similar before? If so, how did they do it and what unique perspective would you be able to bring to tell your story in a new and fresh way? Challenge: Filmmaking and television now have to be more creative than ever before in their production process with so many limitations on travel and transportation. Therefore, I would challenge you to start documenting a personal experience or the experience of someone close to you in your very own home. Create a story from your day-to-day life or something special you can share with the world. You don’t have to have a fancy camera crew or major production budget. Just start with the resources you have and tell a great story. http://www.victoriaruke.com To learn more about Sheila and her work: https://theconlincompany.com/ Follow her on social media: @conlincotv @theconlincompany…

Today my guest Sue and I will be discussing how to apply “The Hero’s Journey” concept to craft that storytelling element within your podcast that allows your guest to shine as the expert in their field or, the hero of their story. Sue Wilhite is Spiritual Leader, Business Coach, Best-Selling Author and Podcast Host. On her show, The Sweet Sound of Success, she implements her storytelling abilities to highlight her profound and influential guests all while sharing her vast business expertise with the world. Remember: Everyone has a story, it’s your job as an interviewer, speaker or podcast host to find that story and bring it to the forefront. This will create authentic and inspiring content from your guest and will provide so much value to your audience. Research: What type of questions do you ask in your interviews? Are you setting your guests up for one word answers? Or are you asking questions that prompt conversation and storytelling? Challenge: Every interviewer can find great insight through the process of being interviewed. Go ahead and dissect your own “Hero’s Journey” and share it with others on various platforms. Not only will this help you as an interviewer, but it will also cross pollinate your audience and grow your following. http://www.victoriaruke.com/ To learn more about Sue and her podcast: https://sweetsoundofsuccess.com/ Follow her on social media @suewilhite @sweetsoundofsuccess @positivelysuccess…

Today my guest Kyle and I will be discussing all of the key elements that create an amazing director. Including how to prepare for your shoot and how to support your cast and crew creatively so that they have permission to step out and try something new. Kyle Lawrence is an award-winning DGC Director and producer. With 17 years of experience in the film industry, Kyle began writing and producing a TV series at the age of 16 which was broadcast around the globe. Since then, Kyle has directed feature films, shorts and web series. In addition to directing and producing, Kyle has worked on over 250 episodes of television and a number of other films in various technical on-set and post production positions, including Supergirl, The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, Disney's Descendants and others. Remember: It’s incredibly important to prepare as much as you can before stepping on set for a project. Go in with a shot list, in-depth knowledge of the script, and a clear understanding of the goal for the day’s shoot. Research: Who can you collaborate with to expand your circle? In an industry that so heavily emphasizes networking, it is critical to be actively seeking out business relationships to establish and grow with. Challenge: When taking on a project, create your own preparation process. This will ensure that you get to set with a clear outline of what you need to accomplish in order to make the project a success. http://www.victoriaruke.com/ To learn more about Kyle and his work: https://www.kylelawrence.com/ https://www.youtube.com/user/klawrence1987 Follow him on social media: @realkalaw…

Today my guest Samara and I will be diving into her career as a Speech and Dialect Coach to explore the concept, “I am what power sounds like”. Not only will you learn about different vocal tools you can use to step into character as an actor or increase your impact as a speaker, but you will also learn how to own your voice in order to be heard. Samara coaches actors on projects like Wonder Woman 1984 , Eurovision , and American Crime Story: Versace . When not on set, Samara is a public speaking coach for women running for office for the first time, entrepreneurs, and anyone struggling to use their voice in the moments that matter. She has a podcast on iHeartRadio called Permission to Speak and a forthcoming book of the same name published by Penguin Random House about voices and power. Remember: Creating an authentic accent or dialect is all about muscle memory and recognizing what sounds create the experience you hear. So tune into how the people around you communicate and focus on what they do to form different sounds. Research: Out of the different vocal tools listed in the show, such as pitch, up speak, down speak, and vocal fry determine what ones you utilize most often. Are they serving you? What other tools would help you ultimately be heard? Challenge: Start using your voice with great intention in order to share your message best. Whether it's to step into character with a unique accent or it’s to make a difference as a speaker. Your voice matters, so use it well! https://www.victoriaruke.com/ To learn more about Samara and her services: https://www.ladialectcoach.com/ Follow her on social media: @samarabay Get her Voice Tips cheat sheet: https://mailchi.mp/1e2c2d8ecc8c/tips…

Today my guest Anna and I will be talking about how she is changing the narrative of neurodiversity in the film industry both on set and in her personal life as an autistic filmmaker. Anna Czarska is a producer, director, award-winning writer, actress, as well as Managing Director and Creative Head of Development for Sticky Tape Productions. She is most known for producing The Dining Room, Cost You Nothing, and her upcoming film Mildly Different, set to release this year. Her background in business and love for unconventional cinema has allowed her to use her art to address topics involving mental health and societal matters that require greater public awareness. Every project she takes on challenges the audience to think of things in a new way and leaves them with a deeper perspective on life. Remember: It’s the up to everyone on set to create the collaborative atmosphere that produces incredible projects. Be open to new ideas, listen to people’s perspectives, and respect everyone’s creative process. Even if you don’t apply someone’s idea, you being open to it in the first place drastically affects the dynamic on set. Research: To create a really authentic, accurate and properly represented character with neurodiversity, it’s essential that you do your research. Check out what symptoms or behaviors are typical, what ones are uncommon and what is misunderstood. How would they affect your character’s daily tasks? Then, ask the community! Submit a character description or excerpt from your script and request their reviews on it. Then adjust as needed to capture that character’s reality. Challenge: What is a cause or societal issue that you have a deep connection with that you could bring awareness to? What demographic could use representation in the cinematic industry? See where you can use your artistic voice to empower a cause that is close to your heart. https://www.victoriaruke.com/ To learn more about Anna's upcoming film: https://www.stickytapefilms.com/ https://www.patreon.com/MildlyDifferent Follow her on social media: @StickyTapeProductions @MildlyDifferentFilm…

Today my guest Ben and I will be talking about how musicians and composers can weave storytelling into their music. This ensures that a film score, for example, won’t fall flat and will create an immersive experience for the audience. Benjamin Lim Yi is a Singaporean stage and film composer based in Beijing. His works have been performed by the most prestigious orchestras and internationally recognized classical musicians worldwide, and his soundtracks for film have screened in major international film festivals. His most recent work for television is currently the top trending tv series in China, 'Vacation of Love'. He also runs a post-production audio studio, BLY Studios, in Beijing. Remember: Creating an immersive experience through your music will require you to channel your inner artist. Use “color” and “shading” to express the story in your score. Research: As you’re writing music for a film or theatre production, take into account the inner dialogue of the characters. Rarely do we exclusively feel one singular emotion at a time, so in order to make your music that much more captivating, mirror the range of emotions that the character might be simultaneously experiencing. This will ensure that the music does the story justice and is truly believable. Challenge: As a musical storytelling exercise, find a script - whether it’s from your favorite movie or a fellow filmmaker and practice scoring the film in a way that reflects the story. Be intentional with the emotions the music evokes and don’t forget to utilize the silence when needed. https://www.victoriaruke.com/ To learn more about Ben and his services: http://benjaminlimyi.com/ Follow him on social media @benjaminlimyi…

Today my guest Earlene and I will be discussing the whole idea of supporting the trait of creativity within yourself and others. This conversation is especially for you if you work with a team of creatives or you’re a parent who is raising a creative child. Earlene Coats is the Founder and President of Everyday University. As someone who went from failing scribble art in kindergarten to becoming a now extremely successful entrepreneur, she knows exactly what it’s like to have your dreams squashed AND what it’s like to achieve them anyway. Today she helps busy moms go from chaos to confidence so that they can raise independent, confident children while creating an unbreakable family bond. Remember: Your version of creativity won’t always look like the person next to you. It also might be fueled differently. For example, you might need a more traditional education or you might need an alternative education. Either way, search for what best serves you and don’t feel the need to compare yourself to others. Research: Who were the characters in your life that supported your creativity? Who were the ones that didn’t? Explore how that affected you and your career today. Then take notice of the possible roles you’re playing within the lives of the creatives around you. Challenge: Practice speaking life into the creatives around you. This doesn’t mean you need to lie about liking something that you don’t. Be honest and be constructive! Your goal is to challenge someone to be even better, not discourage them from their dreams. https://www.victoriaruke.com/ To learn more about Earlene and her services: https://everydayuniversity.com/ To schedule some time with Earlene: https://calendly.com/earlene-everyday-university/30min…