Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to John Redlinger. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
John, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
First and foremost, acknowledgment is key. When I begin to sense the onset of an “imposter attack” I try to create space – even briefly – to take inventory of what’s really going on. It is important to recognize that feelings of self-doubt can be normal, especially in a creative industry where the circumstances are often fluid and results are subjective. Then, for me, it’s essential to reflect on past experiences and accomplishments. As a writer/director, I’ve successfully brought creative visions to life, received positive feedback from clients and audiences, and managed the operations of my small business (production company Bad and Classic Productions, alongside my business partner Sam Schweikert). Reminding myself of these achievements helps build confidence and reinforces that I am qualified for whatever challenge I might be facing at the time. Additionally, I’ve cultivated a network of colleagues, mentors, and fellow creatives who understand the challenges of the industry. Sharing experiences and seeking advice from these trusted people provides valuable perspectives and reassurance.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My production company, Bad and Classic, began back in Texas as a group of friends taking turns operating the camera while we made short films for school projects or tried to recreate scenes or shots from movies we loved. Fast forward some (many) years, we’re a full-service production house. The past two years have brought exciting growth and many opportunities… I want to keep that momentum going! We’re involved in a few exciting projects in various stages of post-production. Recently, we’ve helped bring others’ stories to life – two independently financed pilots, a documentary, and a behemoth film noir short film – and are working to get a larger narrative project of our own off the ground for 2024. Besides that, we’re continuing our day-to-day operations as a full-service freelance production company… anything from cinematic actors’ reels, proofs-of-concept, short films, interviews, and live theatre projects – we’ve got it covered! And outside of Bad and Classic Productions, I teach an ongoing acting scene-study class here in LA. We’re moving into an exciting new location in January!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I would say curiosity, perseverance, and collaboration. In my experience, “curiosity” is a direct precursor to creativity and it’s crucial in crafting authentic, relatable stories. I’d encourage aspiring creatives to engage in diverse experiences and try to understand various perspectives. Ask questions of people who interest you are have differing backgrounds or opinions. Approach the world from the mindset of a student, always trying to learn. And READ. An actual book – fiction or nonfiction, it doesn’t matter. But unplugging, going analog and reading is the easiest and best investment in your imagination. “Perseverance” speaks for itself, but it’s not an innate quality; rather it’s something that must be practiced and reinforced. My own perseverance comes from a belief in my purpose as a storyteller and is constantly aided by my friends and collaborators – community can get you through those rough patches of stagnation. And “collaboration” is the beating heart of filmmaking. In college and in my 20’s, when I was primarily pursuing acting, I honed my ability to work seamlessly with fellow actors, mentors, and members of whatever creative team was there bringing the story to life (when not working, being in a good class is important). This skill became invaluable as I increasingly stepped into the roles of a writer, director, and producer. Clear and effective communication is essential for translating creative visions into reality – whether yours or somebody else’s. My advice to those starting their journey is to actively seek collaborative experiences. Join student film projects, get some friends together and compete in a 48 Hour Film fest, or audition for a local theater. Be hungry and fearless in seeking out any creative endeavors that involve teamwork. Then, practice articulating your ideas and working together (and being receptive to feedback).
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
For somebody aspiring to work as a director, you can do no better than Judith Weston’s “Directing Actors.” For food for thought and fuel for ambition, I’d recommend Malcolm Gladwell’s “Outliers.” And for some investment in your own mental health, I’d offer up “The Happiness Trap” by Russ Harris. To summarize their nuggets of wisdom would do them a disservice… you’ll just have to crack one open!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.badandclassicproductions.com
- Instagram: @johnredlinger
- Other: https://vimeo.com/badandclassic
Image Credits
Main Photo Credit: Riker Brothers
