In this episode, host Clint Till interviews Kevin Pettit, a filmmaker and film critic who shares his journey from the BMX scene in South Jersey to becoming a filmmaker and critic based in Philadelphia. Kevin discusses how his early exposure to BMX premieres and the camaraderie among filmmakers inspired him to pursue a career in film. He recounts his experiences working on indie films, including a noir Western called "Monaco Blues," and emphasizes the importance of patience and collaboration on set. Kevin also talks about his transition to film criticism, writing reviews on Substack, and the lessons he's learned about persistence and creative fulfillment. This episode offers valuable insights into the world of filmmaking and film criticism, making it a must-listen for aspiring creatives.

Timestamps:

00:00 - 00:24 : Introduction by Clint Till

00:24 - 01:13 : Background on the Persistence of Vision podcast.

01:13 - 01:35 : Introduction of guest Kevin Pettit.

01:35 - 02:03 : Kevin's background and start in the BMX scene.

02:03 - 03:01 : Transition from BMX filming to indie filmmaking.

03:01 - 04:32 : Kevin's experiences and camaraderie in the BMX filmmaking community.

04:32 - 05:00 : Lessons learned from the BMX community.

05:00 - 06:07 : Kevin's move to Philadelphia and indie film projects.

06:07 - 07:06 : Working on "Monaco Blues" and other indie films.

07:06 - 08:09 : Patience and collaboration on film sets.

08:09 - 09:09 : Kevin's first major film set experience.

09:09 - 10:18 : Transition to film criticism and writing on Substack.

10:18 - 11:49 : Persistence and lessons learned in film criticism.

11:49 - 12:36 : Kevin's writing habits and workflow.

12:36 - 13:57 : Creative fulfillment through writing and filmmaking.

13:57 - 15:12 : Importance of surrounding yourself with talented people.

15:12 - 16:33 : Support from Kevin's fiancée and overcoming writer's block.

16:33 - 18:29 : Enjoying the creative process and setting realistic expectations.

18:29 - 19:10 : Final thoughts and encouragement for creatives.

19:10 - 20:04 : Kevin's plugs and where to find his work.

Key Takeaways:

Kevin Pettit transitioned from the BMX scene to indie filmmaking, driven by his passion for capturing moments and storytelling.

The importance of patience and collaboration on film sets, as well as the camaraderie among filmmakers, were key lessons from Kevin's experiences.

Kevin's journey into film criticism on Substack highlights the value of persistence and creative fulfillment in the competitive world of film and writing.

Surrounding oneself with talented individuals and having a supportive network are crucial for personal and professional growth.

Resources and Links:

Kevin's newsletter, "See You at the Movies"

Calls to Action:

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