#14 - SUMMARIES | How Chris Conner Built a 20-Year Career Behind the Curtain

2025-12-19

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Hello, Hello! In this episode, we explore the career wisdom of indie film producer Chris Connor, who has over 20 years of experience in film, political campaigns, and advertising. The discussion focuses on Connor's unique approach to maintaining anonymity in an industry built on self-promotion and his philosophy of letting work speak for itself. We examine his journey from Florida to Nashville, his decision to avoid Los Angeles, and the key lessons that have shaped his successful career.We also talk about:The...

Hello, Hello!

In this episode, we explore the career wisdom of indie film producer Chris Connor, who has over 20 years of experience in film, political campaigns, and advertising. The discussion focuses on Connor's unique approach to maintaining anonymity in an industry built on self-promotion and his philosophy of letting work speak for itself. We examine his journey from Florida to Nashville, his decision to avoid Los Angeles, and the key lessons that have shaped his successful career.

We also talk about:

The SWAT team incident during a student film that taught crucial safety lessons [0:04:33]
Connor's mentorship philosophy of making yourself valuable rather than seeking mentors [0:05:20]
Financial discipline strategies for surviving the feast-or-famine nature of film work [0:07:22]
The self-funded pilot strategy used for "Still the King" starring Billy Ray Cyrus [0:08:22]
Three essential rules for pitching projects successfully in the industry [0:09:06]

People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:

Chris Connor (indie film producer) [0:00:23]

Raiders of the Lost Ark [0:01:38]

Cocoon (filmed near Indian Rocks Beach) [0:03:20]

Watkins College of Art in Nashville [0:03:36]

Witt's Barbecue on Nolensville Road [0:04:24]

Nashville SWAT team [0:04:33]

YMCA commercial [0:05:35]

Olympia Dukakis and Diane Ladd [0:06:28]

Hideout Pictures [0:08:16]

Billy Ray Cyrus [0:08:22]

"Still the King" (TV show) [0:08:22]

Blumhouse Productions [0:09:23]

"The Clever Leagues" project [0:09:36]

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