Xan Aranda
Happy Holidays, everyone!
I can’t believe 2019 is almost over. While I do feel like time moves faster the older I get, I’m on a mission to slow it down by practicing mindfulness.
Speaking of! I'm taking a wee break from the pod for the holidays. I am excited to resume with more incredible guests in 2020!
Until then, let’s talk about the oh so lovely and Emmy nominated filmmaker Xan Aranda and showrunner of a forthcoming Netflix series.
She’s a producer/showrunner/director/writer who has been described as a unicorn: a producer with both the logistical and creative brain.
Her work spans a range of film, television, branded content, commercials, music videos, stand-up specials, and more.
We've been circling each other for quite some time, so this meeting was a few years in the making. And let me tell you…it was worth the wait. Xan is a perceptive and kind human with a varied and impressive resume. Most recently, she was the EP on season 1 of HBO’s Room 104 alongside the Duplass Brothers, two of my indie heroes.
Her curious and pragmatic artist brain, however, outshine her admirable credits. She yearns to be a part of the emotional healing of our planet, and as you’ll hear from our chat, she is very much on the right path to do so.
She’s been a producer for over 20 years. She’s spent the past two decades working non-stop, and now fresh into her 40s, she’s finally slowing down. But only a little bit. And on her terms…which for most producers often simply means finding time to eat lunch in silence.
This hour is filled with incredible advice gems and inspirational anecdotes.
We discuss the importance of associate producers, the working class of the industry, how she's taking part in the paradigm shift post #MeToo, and what real wealth means in Hollywood.
To be perfectly honest, I was in a bit of a slump on the day we recorded and felt grateful to walk away re-invigorated and inspired to keep pushing on.
I hope it does the same for you. If so, will you tell me all about it?
Wishing everyone a holiday season full of love!