7 Questions continued 

 If you could make your "dream" commercial, describe it (interesting location, actors, product etc.) and why?

I almost had a client bite on my dream concept. The concept? Just a phone number on the screen for 30 seconds. That's it. No logos, no copy, no music, just a phone number for 30 seconds. You know people would end up talking about it and end up calling the number.

 If you routinely deal with AE's who cause extra work for you (late with copy, poor directions, last minute changes, not letting client know what to expect, etc.) how do you try to deal with them?

I deal with AEs and clients daily and the best way to handle any issues that might pop up is to remember that people are just people. Bitching about a problem doesn't make it go away, but finding solutions does and it impresses those around you.

 Try to keep it all in perspective. Nobody has ever died because a spot didn't make its air date.

Is there any special equipment, software or services that you have just discovered that really help your productivity/creativity?

 Are you on an Apple and need Photoshop but can't afford it? Go to the Mac app store and get Pixelmator. It'll be the best $15 bucks you'll spend. 

Are you going/have you gone to the NAB show- what did you get out of it (or hope to ) If you went, what was the overall mood of the event?

Never been. Frankly it seems like a bad idea to get that many TV people together with that much alcohol.

Given your career, do you find yourself dissecting the commercials you see on TV or movies that you watch and critique the choices that the producers made?

Dissect yes, critique no.  

I always want to try to figure out the production whether that's writing or editing. But for the most part I just watch the spot and figure out if it's an effective spot or not.  

I don't see the point in trying to critique other producers. Most commercial producers answer to the client. A client won't air a spot they hate.

How does this effect your enjoyment of media?

When I watch a movie or TV show I just try to enjoy it. I try to leave work at work.  

If somebody goes through a lot of trouble and heartache to make a show or a movie the least I can do is pay attention and try to enjoy the story they are telling.  

Hopefully, they'll do the same for my projects.

If you were to go to a different market to work in the same field - where would it be and why?

I'm quite happy where I am, but if I had to leave I'd have to go someplace with a great local music scene. And good BBQ.  

We all know of producers who freelance outside of work. Whats your feeling on the subject?

It seems like some people are hustling. That's great, I get it.

But when was the last time you grabbed your significant other and watched a sunset?

We only get so much time on this planet, seems like a waste to spend too much of it working.

NOBODY on their deathbed wishes they'd spent more time at work.