We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Scott Harben a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Scott, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
As a commercial director/photographer/artist it has been one of the most difficult obstacles to overcome. I think it was just a time thing. As you do the work you need to find the value in it and not worry about how others see you. We live in a time where social media has people and artists clamoring for validation but I really sought to find it in myself. As a professional you know your work is good, have gotten accolades throughout the years and have clients coming to you for your style and work ethic. You have to stop seeking validation from the random people on social media. It is not a truly quantifiable thing so I just do the work and confidently put it out there. Doing the work is the reward. If someone doesn’t like it the hell with them. It wasn’t for them it was for you. I work from time to time in the entertainment industry and have learned from other directors. Make the work for you, you cant please everyone so dont try to. You got here so you are not an imposter. Everyone and I mean everyone who is a master of what they do have second thoughts all the time. It just comes down to trusting your gut.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a multi disciplinarian I work very hard to tell good stories. Whether it is in motion picture, still photography or oil paintings the process is the same. What’s the story, how do I compose it and does the execution pay homage to the story. I have been doing this for 35 years and have learned a lot along the way. My partner and I started 24/SEVEN Film 3 years ago with the goal to change how clients can tell their stories. We have a small core team but have access to writers, actors, producers, DP’s, Editors, Colorists, Visual EFX and art in all mediums. Most clients go through their agencies but a growing number of clients who cant afford or dont want to work with big agencies come to us for the ala’carte capabilities we have. We have worked on budgets of $500K to $35K. We can go beyond those numbers but it is where so many companies are these days. We also dont charge markup fees. We feel if we want those high numbers well why not put it into your rate. Clients appreciate the transparency. We also work with Advertising Agencies all over the world and currently have crew working with Taylor Sheridan on several of his entertainment projects. We are open to work with everyone and anyone to help tell their stories and bring their brands to light.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Knowledge, knowing how to do it right and how best to achieve our clients goals is primary. Every product or service we work on I do my best to get to know it as well as the clients themselves. That knowledge goes a long way in telling the right story.
Vision. You must have a definable vision. Being able to tell stories is one thing but being able to sell the idea is another. You must be able to stand in from of the big money decision makers and confidently get your vision across or they will walk away and you will never see them again.
Collaboration. Dont think you know it all. Those types will always give themselves away and turn off their audience. Collaboration is key to success. In my work my team and their opinions are highly valued. I look to them to bring their expertise to bear on every project we do.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
Clients who can answer the question, “Why should I care about your brand?” This is a key question because it shows me they know who they are and who their ideal customer is. Now I am not saying we wont help them define these things but the more they know the more I will know. Also clients who are aware of what production value means. Why things cost what they do and why hiring those who are seasoned veterans are ideal partners. I love partnering with clients who have an open mind and are willing to try new things. One’s that dont look at numbers to make every decision but those that think with their hearts too. Consumers in all areas make decision emotionally and numbers cant quantify that. Also clients who trust. Very important to trust your partners or there will be issues down the road.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://24sevenfilm.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/24sevenfilms/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/24SevenFilms
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?fetchDeterministicClustersOnly=true&heroEntityKey=urn%3Ali%3Aorganization%3A78723978&keywords=24%2Fseven%20film&origin=RICH_QUERY_SUGGESTION&position=0&searchId=e3d1ad18-ab50-4f9f-aa6e-f2555a6e2f86&sid=.7r&spellCorrectionEnabled=false
- Other: https://vimeo.com/user20529086
Image Credits
Scott Harben
Connor Harben
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
