On this episode of Own It, we’re talking to Mindy Goldberg from Epoch Films. Mindy has worked in and around the movie and production industry for many years. Her experiences as a producer has touched famous directors and actors in both the U.S. and the United Kingdom.
In 1989 after helping build a production company for others, Mindy and a partner went out on their own to start Epoch Films. They produce both motion pictures and television shows, but also create fantastic commercial advertising for major clients like Google, Old Spice, Toyota and Little Caesars, among others.
We talked about her journey, her unique perspective on the agency world from the production side and the big picture of the gender gap in agency ownership. We so enjoyed this talk with Mindy. We know you will, too.
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Mindy and her partner started Epoch Films not just for their own success, but to provide a platform for artists who were typically excluded from commercial work, enabling them to earn a living while pursuing their art. This approach helped introduce unique talent to the advertising world.
The business has drastically changed due to technology, leading to increased disposability of content. Ads are now made for various platforms, requiring multiple short assets and having a shorter shelf-life compared to traditional broadcast ads, which has made the industry more crowded and competitive.
While there's been some visual progress with more women working behind the camera and owning companies, Mindy believes the fundamental power structure still heavily favors white men. She highlights that female owners often face different expectations regarding wealth distribution and are more questioned than male counterparts, reflecting a societal mindset where women are expected to be more communal.
Mindy emphasizes that the greatest joys of owning her own business are the freedom to design her life and the ability to pivot. This includes making choices like taking time off for family or pursuing new ventures like feature films, showcasing the personal autonomy and self-direction that ownership provides.
Mindy advises aspiring owners to clearly define their goals and not be shy about pursuing them. She also stresses the enduring value of honesty, humor, and compassion in building successful businesses, fostering strong relationships, and maintaining a human-centric approach in an increasingly competitive and fast-paced environment.
