Seth Dolan
Seth Dolan
Co-Founder of Gladiator Productions, Inc.
Los Angeles, CA
www.gladiator.productions
instagram @sethd_la
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twitter @sethdolan1
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“The short answer is basically that I am a producer. ”
I have loved entertainment and performing arts since I was a little kid. I thought I wanted to be on-stage, and went to school for that...but slowly in college I realized I loved behind the scenes so much more. I started learning how to produce theatre, and it led to me now producing immersive experiences, events, filmed and digital entertainment. I absolutely love what I do, it's a huge part of who I am.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I started in school really by being more active in the opportunities I had to work in the theatre than class! All I cared about was what was AFTER class. I ended up producing the largest calendar of shows in a single year in the school's history. I then went to MAC Cosmetics because I was just fascinated by the Brand and its standing for equality. They didn't have anyone to run their launches, shows and events at the time in LA so I basically built my own job and from there started getting noticed at the company eventually leading all of North America. After numerous collabs with outside companies and creatives, it was time to head out on my own so me and my colleague and dear friend started our own production company.
How do you stand out in your field?
Total excellence while maintaining the best attitude. In our field, there are folks who have very high standards but are honestly miserable to work with. Or, they are really fun but you don't really get what you want. I think both me and my company are so fun and positive, yet we have the most unbridled attention to detail that gives an outstanding product every time.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
We are working on a few projects for brands that I can't name yet...but its mostly launches for some entertainment and retail companies.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I love things that help a person escape reality. Entertainment is really a powerful engine. In it, I see solutions to a lot of the world's problems by bringing people together under a message to leave with a feeling that hopefully they remember. The feeling we get is what we remember. Most things I've produced show that (with a really grand nod, and some sparkle since I love glitter).
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Navigating the web in terms of SEO and advertising is super new to me owning my own company. That is a skill I never developed so I want to learn more.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Client outreach! That is the biggest challenge.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Social Media...I love working on social media, but its a full time job and with a new company its pulling at lot of focus for me.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I would tell myself to listen more...listen to what advice others have (sure), but also really listen to my gut. It would have probably helped me get to where I am faster.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
SEO, Advertising, Client recruitment.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Those looking to make a statement...particularly one of positive change...in the field of entertainment marketing and experiences.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I think the best collabs I have experienced are those who have a vision for what they are looking for, yet remain open to the creative expertise that myself and my partner can bring. We work together hand-in-hand, understanding there is a solution for EVERYTHING (we really believe that and it shows). Also those who want to make a positive message...I'm not into collabs with people who have a lot of negativity or aren't looking to better the lives of the people we touch.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Start with the seed...send us an email with your thought and let us help you water it to help grow! It helps to have an idea of target budget, as we can make any budget work...but we need to start the idea with blue sky thinking to get to the endgame.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
I constantly seek out inspiration...it lives all around us in everything!
This member profile was originally published in October 2020.