Happy Tuesday, Dear Listener!

If you’re looking for a boost to kickstart your day, I hope my conversation with Zello Support leaves you feeling as energized as it did me.

After discovering them on IG (because, let's face it, that's how we all find good stuff now), I reached out to CEO Louis Dargenzio and President John Pollack to come on the show and share their incredible story of how they quickly pivoted their business to help our community in a major way.

When the wildfires ripped through LA, leaving countless families homeless — including on of their own, Ashlyn Mangandi — Louis texted John, and they jumped into action.

If they could help one family, what about the thousands more?

John knew they had to rethink their entire approach. Within a week, they launched a non-profit, rallied an incredible group of volunteers, and set up a furniture showroom to help families devastated by the wildfires.

It’s as inspiring and moving as any Hollywood film.

Louis began his career as a Teamster Honeywagon Driver and worked his way up to become the founder of Zio Studio Services, a leading production services company, and later served as President of Sunset Studios.

John isa seasoned exec who has held leadership roles at NBCUniversal, Electus, and Shine International. We crossed paths with back in my ColorCreative days and it was an absolute pleasure to reconnect with him.

Learn more about ways you can donate, support or volunteer.

Together, we can aid in the recovery of our community.

As always, thanks for doing this life thing with me!

ICYMI

Alex Coco - Producer of ANORA

Who is responsible for scrubbing Karla Sofia Gascón’s digital footprint?

Judalina Neira - Executive Producer of THE BOYS

AOP POLL

UPCOMING HAPPENINGS

Budgeting Workshop - Announcing soon, Limited Slots with Patreon peeps having first dibs. Join Now!

Emerging Filmmaker Program - Applications are open to female-identifying, early-career filmmakers based in Washington state. Deadline 2/28. Apply

Stowe Writers' Retreats - Five days to invest in your writing and professional development. Deadline 3/3. Apply

WILDFIRE RESOURCES

CCI/Getty Fire Relief Fund -  Deadline is TODAY 2/18 at 5pm. Granting up to $10k to artists and arts workers affected by the fires. Link

Fire Relief / David Lynch Fundraiser - This Sat 2/22, some friends throwing a fire relief fundraiser and David Lynch-themed costume party. Ticket proceeds will go to Los Angeles & Pasadena Unified School Districts' Education Foundations, which provide direct assistance to families, teachers, and faculty members impacted by the January fires. Link

Supporting Artists -  List of Resources for Artists & Art Workers. Link

PRODUCER’S CORNER

• READ | 90 Days or Bust - Sean Baker advocates for longer theatrical windows. Link

• LEARN | Budgeting Software - Used Saturation on a shoot and really dig it. Streamline️ production budgeting, payments, and actualization. Link

• GROW | Feel Like You’re Enough - Dr. Laurie Santos is here to help . Link

• WATCH | SNL50 - Iconic characters, iconic sketches. Weekend Update will always be my favorite.