A workview is your fundamental view of work. It describes how you view work’s role in your life and what you believe makes it meaningful. A life view, on the other hand, is your view of life. It describes what you value in life and what is important for you to live a good life.
2023 On a location scout with the team to figure out how to obtain the best view from a parking lot
A Day in the Life of a TV Producer
As a TV producer, my days are a thrilling mix of business and creativity. I oversee budgets, secure funding, manage contracts, and keep the project on schedule. On the creative side, I decide which ideas or scripts to produce, audition actors, hire directors and crew, and manage all aspects of production, from set design to cinematography.
Finding compelling material is a daily challenge that keeps me on my toes. Let me share some personal stories highlighting how I’ve overcome obstacles by shifting my view.
The Treehouse Challenge
Early in my career, my Executive Producer was relentless about finding extraordinary ideas. One day, he tasked me with finding a show-stopping treehouse for a home remodel show. After an exhausting search that yielded only standard options, I realized I needed to think bigger. I dove back into research, scouring online Yellow Pages and basic web searches until I discovered a company that built extreme treehouses. The company said yes and a week later we filmed the arrival. Yet the story doesn’t end there. We now needed to get this treehouse over a house without damaging what had already been built. This tested my out-of-the-box view like no other. The final reveal was nothing short of spectacular. You can check it out here: Treehouse Reveal (fast forward to 38 minutes in).
“Sometimes, it’s not about the first idea you find, but about pushing past the obvious to uncover something extraordinary.”
2004: The arrival to film the treehouse
The Jeff Corwin Experience
Working with Jeff Corwin was one of the most profound experiences of my life. When I joined Season 1, I had extensive international travel knowledge but limited conservation or animal behavior expertise. My boss, who had worked with Jeff for years, emphasized the importance of conservation in our storytelling.
Once, I arrived in a country with limited resources to prepare for a shoot. Every story we had planned fell through. Stressed and frustrated, I felt like I was losing sight of the bigger picture. One day, while scouting b-roll locations, I paused to admire the view from a hilltop. That moment of clarity reminded me to appreciate the bigger picture. Eventually, all the pieces fell into place, and the episodes we produced on the island succeeded. Still, leading up to filming, I did not sleep at all. The job had to get done.
“In the midst of chaos, sometimes all you need is a moment to breathe and appreciate the view to regain clarity.”
Filming a segment in Saint-Martin with Jeff Corwin
Filming with Jeff Corwin and the Team in Vigo, Spain
Enjoying the View
Over 20 years in the industry, I’ve learned the importance of enjoying the view, even during the most hectic production days. Here’s how I do it:
Be Present: In the whirlwind of multitasking, I focus on living in the moment. Breathing exercises and stretches help me stay grounded.
Once, during rehearsals for the American Music Awards, I stood between Alicia Keys and Usher. I was stoked working this job. My sixteen-year-old self would have been ecstatic, and taking a moment to appreciate it made me realize how far I’d come.
Take a Moment: Notice your surroundings and appreciate them. I make it a point on set to pause and take in the scene. These small moments of gratitude help me stay connected to my work and the fantastic opportunities it brings.
On a second film trip to Greece, our local producer ran at a different pace than me. As always, I am stressed about whether I am producing up to expectations and want to move fast. The local producer, on the other hand, loved coffee. When we stopped for fuel, he would like to go in and sit for coffee. The first few times, I worried if we could complete our tasks. But he said I must come in and relax at one gas station stop. We walked into the most beautiful gas station I have ever seen, with one outstanding view of the Crete oceans. I am glad I took that moment. I talk about that coffee shop to this day.
Practice Mindfulness: Meditation, journaling, and visualization keep me focused on my goals. I create a vision board to plan for the coming year every October. This practice helps me stay aligned with my path and reminds me of what I’m working towards.
“In the hustle of production, never forget to take a moment to enjoy the view and appreciate how far you’ve come.”
The VIEW from my seat at the Daytime Emmy Awards
As I reflect on my journey and the views that have shaped it, I realize the importance of perspective in both work and life. Every challenge has been a lesson, and every view is a reminder of why I do what I do. I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your own views, whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or pursuing another passion. How do your views influence your work and life? Share your stories in the comments below. Let’s inspire and learn from each other’s experiences, one view at a time.
My favorite filming view: In the ocean with my family
