In this episode of the Creative Potential Podcast, Chris Decker brings on filmmaker and producer Paul Levatino to discuss his journey in the creative industry, his latest documentary 'Bastards of Soul', and his personal battles with imposter syndrome and fear. Paul shares his experiences working with various artists, including Erykah Badu and Dave Chappelle, and offers insights into the power of storytelling and the importance of realizing one's creative potential. Through rich anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, this conversation delves into the human experience of chasing dreams, overcoming obstacles, and finding purpose in artistic endeavors.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Embrace Your Creative Passion: Paul’s journey shows the importance of following your creative instincts and pursuing what you love, even when it feels daunting.
• The Power of Tragedy: Tragedy, though painful, can deepen our understanding of love, compassion, and the human experience, and it often becomes a catalyst for meaningful art.
• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Even seasoned professionals like Paul struggle with self-doubt, but pushing through it can lead to the creation of something truly special.
• The Significance of Time: The quote, "The trouble is you think you have time," serves as a powerful reminder to seize opportunities and realize your dreams before it’s too late.
• The Impact of Collaboration: Paul's success underscores the value of collaboration and the support of others in bringing creative visions to life.

QUOTES

• “As sad and heartbreaking as tragedy is, I think it's necessary for us to understand what love is.”
• “Nobody's looking for tragedy, but it's the unexplainable events that connect us all as human beings.”
• “The trouble is you think you have time.”
• “Sometimes the nicest guys are the loneliest guys, and that’s something I think a lot of people can relate to.”
• “I had imposter syndrome, but as I saw the film come together, I realized that the vision was inside me all along.”

Connect and learn more about Paul Levatino.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paullevatino/

Timecodes
00:00 Intro
02:05 Paul's Background in Music and Photography
04:24 Working with Erykah Badu and Other Artists
07:13 The Story of Chadwick and Bastards of Soul
11:01 The Purpose of Tragedy and Human Existence
16:02 Creating the Documentary: Challenges and Triumphs
30:57 Reflections on Creative Potential and Overcoming Fear
36:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts