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We talk with filmmaker and writer-producer Brandon Random about making Brooker, a Florida-set adventure with a classic pulse, built through resource-driven writing, local crews, and full creative control. We explore the trade-offs of skipping Hollywood’s machine, and why human performance may be cinema’s last line of defence against AI.

• Indiana-Jones-in-Florida premise and moral twist around a powerful relic
• Writing from available resources to design plot, settings and MacGuffins
• Gains of independence: final cut, creative control, tonal purity
• Drawbacks: no star names, limited marketing, harder discovery
• Building a high-performing local crew and respectful set culture
• Choosing not to direct while producing, writing and wearing many hats
• Production design wins: practical cave set and the relic mask
• Festivals, distribution realities, and marketing without a studio
• Financing via self-funding, favours, trades and modest day rates
• Strategy for the next project: big if financed, small if not
• Florida as a dynamic, underused film canvas and practical base
• Decentralised filmmaking, tech tailwinds and a clear view on AI
• Career advice: be serious, test yourself, keep what survives

The best way to find out more and contact us is at brookermovie.com

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What makes a brand truly unforgettable? Is it the logo, the tagline, or something deeper beneath the surface? In this fascinating conversation with Michael Dargie—author, podcast host, brand strategist, and self-proclaimed "octopus whisperer"—we explore the art and science of authentic brand storytelling.

Michael introduces us to the concept of "Brand Jitsu," his innovative approach that applies martial arts principles to brand strategy. Like his black belt training in Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, where techniques must be learnable in under three minutes to be useful in combat, Brand Jitsu provides businesses with fast, effective methods to find, shape, and share their unique stories. The secret? Focus on what lies beneath the surface—your values, vision, purpose, and personality—rather than just the visible elements like logos and websites.

Through compelling examples, including a funeral home campaign that celebrated life rather than focusing on death, Michael demonstrates how authenticity creates memorability. Drawing from his extensive background in improvisational comedy at Calgary's Loose Moose Theatre, he shares valuable insights about establishing audience expectations and the power of contrast in brand positioning: "When people are yelling, sometimes it's better to whisper." This philosophy has guided his award-winning Rebel Rebel podcast, where he interviews entrepreneurs and creatives who've found success by daring to be different.

Beyond branding, Michael's life philosophy of "do cool and weird shit with cool and weird people" has led him on remarkable adventures—from scuba diving with giant Pacific octopuses to motorcycle book tours across Canada. His boundless curiosity and willingness to say "yes" to new experiences inform both his personal journey and professional approach, culminating in advice we could all benefit from: "Believe in yourself. You're not going to, but you need to."

Ready to transform your brand from forgettable to unforgettable? Discover Michael's book "Brand Jitsu: How to Move Your Brand from Meh to Memorable," available now from Dundurn Press, and connect with his work at michaeldargie.com.

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The line between triumph and disaster often comes down to one thing: mental focus. In this eye-opening conversation, veteran Hollywood stunt performer and performance psychologist Brian Hite takes us behind the scenes of blockbuster films to reveal the psychological dimensions of high-risk work.

Few people occupy the unique intersection of practical danger and academic study like Hite.With over 100 film and television credits including Superman, Twilight, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, combined with a PhD in organizational psychology, he offers insights that challenge conventional wisdom about performance under pressure.

"Pressure comes from a focus on consequences," Hite explains, sharing how a seemingly simple rooftop stunt became terrifying due to a 50-foot drop on one side. This perfectly illustrates his revolutionary approach: rather than learning to cope with pressure, eliminate it entirely by redirecting attention to the present moment. His four-phased performance method provides a practical framework for anyone facing high-stakes situations.

The conversation weaves through fascinating behind-the-scenes stories – from learning stunt work at a Batman theme park show to establishing mentorship networks in Hollywood and working with military personnel on resilience training. Haidt's experiences demonstrate how the mental game applies equally to dangerous physical feats and everyday challenges.

Most profoundly, Hite offers liberating wisdom about life's journeys: "There is no path. Every step that we take, the path manifests underneath us." This perspective frees us from the anxiety of missing predetermined routes to success and reminds us that our unique experiences shape who we become.

Ready to transform how you handle pressure in your own life? Connect with Brian at brian@brianheidt.com or visit brianheightglobal.com to discover how performance psychology can help you thrive when stakes are highest.

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