WAIM #065 - Dan Pal of PalCinema, Television & Music

What Am I Making Podcast

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WAIM #065 - Dan Pal of PalCinema, Television & Music

This week, DePaul Univ. film professor, Dan Pal stops by the sheddio to chat about teaching the art of film to kids who have lived their lives in a streaming age, and following your gut.

Matty C

and

Dan Pal

May 27, 2024

Transcript

I just recently discovered Dan Pal and his PalCinema substack. A mutual friend had shared a piece Dan had written that was a musical memoir of 1987. I found the essay really interesting and as I bounced around reading several of the film reviews on Dan’s page, I figured that he and I would have much to discuss. It turns out I was absolutely correct on that score.

We jumped right into the discussion with the story of Dan willing his professorship into being. After a series of career misfires, Dan followed his love of film to a self-designed Master’s Degree through the esteemed University Of Chicago. Dan shares the interesting story of diving in headlong, simply because he knew that he belonged in the world of film.

Throughout his extensive career, Dan has shared the wisdom of his own experience with his students. He advises that if you have a love for something deep in your gut that will not go away, you’d better follow it. Dan and his career at DePaul are living proof of that ethic. I shared my own story with Dan about leaving a day job at 51 to pursue a career in the arts and music. His wisdom and experience in this area were quite a boost to my confidence, to be honest.

Dan and I cover some of our favorite filmmakers working today and the paralysis of choice that streaming provides. We cover the limitations of the algorithm and the possible consequences it might have on our culture at large by minimizing what budding filmmakers or musicians might be exposed to.

This was an incredibly fun chat with a fellow film lover, and someone who I admire for finding a way to live the life he saw as the best fit for himself. That is a lesson we could all take notes on.

Cheers,

Matty C

Discussion about this episode

What Am I Making Podcast

Hey there. I’m Matty C. For the formally inclined folks in the crowd, the official designation is Matt Carlson.

I am a 50 year old musician, songwriter, and graphic designer that's spent the Covid era pondering deep and meaningful questions about music, film, literature and art in the 21st century.

It seems as though we’re living in age where musicians have to give their music away, content is around every corner and we don’t seem to really value much of any of it the way we used to.

What is it really like to make a living pursuing a life in the arts these days? Why are we seeing a lower percentage of artists in the workforce than at anytime in 100 years?

Now, I’ve reached a point of massive change in my life and I am preparing to spend more of my time, and hopefully, generating a portion of my income from my creative endeavors. That’s a terrifying endeavor, but it’s also incredibly exciting.

I’ll be discussing these ideas and a whole lot more of my own curiosity and creative endeavors on this platform using the written word, videos, podcasts, music and probably some other assets I learn along the way. I’ll be seeking out smart, and fascinating creatives as they build their own lives while fighting an ever-growing series of new challenges and opportunities.

All of these journeys and detours are an effort to share my exploration of culture in the modern world, and to help shine a brighter light on the work I have been doing for years as a musician, designer and podcaster.

This discussion is at the very center of our civilization, what it means to be human andhow to find a meaningful way to connect through that shared humanity in the form of artistic expression. Art is at the core of the relationship. Let’s explore it with that context, and that incalculable value, in mind.

If you enjoy what you hear on the show, please subscribe to my Substack where I also I post this podcast as well as a variety of essays, video and recordings regularly in my search to find out what art really matters to people right here and right now, and they are willing to do to invest in our culture.

Thank you so much for being here. It’s wonderful to have your support.

https://whatamimaking.substack.com

Hey there. I’m Matty C. For the formally inclined folks in the crowd, the official designation is Matt Carlson. I am a 50 year old musician, songwriter, and graphic designer that's spent the Covid era pondering deep and meaningful questions about music, film, literature and art in the 21st century. It seems as though we’re living in age where musicians have to give their music away, content is around every corner and we don’t seem to really value much of any of it the way we used to. What is it really like to make a living pursuing a life in the arts these days? Why are we seeing a lower percentage of artists in the workforce than at anytime in 100 years? Now, I’ve reached a point of massive change in my life and I am preparing to spend more of my time, and hopefully, generating a portion of my income from my creative endeavors. That’s a terrifying endeavor, but it’s also incredibly exciting. I’ll be discussing these ideas and a whole lot more of my own curiosity and creative endeavors on this platform using the written word, videos, podcasts, music and probably some other assets I learn along the way. I’ll be seeking out smart, and fascinating creatives as they build their own lives while fighting an ever-growing series of new challenges and opportunities. All of these journeys and detours are an effort to share my exploration of culture in the modern world, and to help shine a brighter light on the work I have been doing for years as a musician, designer and podcaster. This discussion is at the very center of our civilization, what it means to be human andhow to find a meaningful way to connect through that shared humanity in the form of artistic expression. Art is at the core of the relationship. Let’s explore it with that context, and that incalculable value, in mind. If you enjoy what you hear on the show, please subscribe to my Substack where I also I post this podcast as well as a variety of essays, video and recordings regularly in my search to find out what art really matters to people right here and right now, and they are willing to do to invest in our culture. Thank you so much for being here. It’s wonderful to have your support. https://whatamimaking.substack.com

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