Film Pro Productivity

Carter Ferguson
  • 4.9 (20)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Are you a creative who wants to do more, create more, and live more? This is the podcast for you. Join 30-year film pro Carter Ferguson as he shares practical strategies and real-world insights to help you boost productivity, sharpen your focus, and achieve greater success. Discover how to streamline your creative process, build better habits, and unlock your full potential. 

  1. THE INTELLIGENCE TRAP: WHY SMART PEOPLE STRUGGLE WITH PRODUCTIVITY Part 2 #182

    2D AGO

    THE INTELLIGENCE TRAP: WHY SMART PEOPLE STRUGGLE WITH PRODUCTIVITY Part 2 #182

    Why does knowing what to do still not translate into doing it? In part two of this two-part series, the focus shifts from diagnosing the intelligence trap to dealing with it. This episode looks at how systems, attention, and environment matter more than motivation or willpower when it comes to sustained productivity. Rather than pushing harder, the episode explores how to redirect intelligence by changing structure, protecting attention, and designing conditions where progress becomes the default instead of a daily fight.  “Motivation is unreliable. Systems are what keep work moving when energy drops.” Carter Ferguson (Host)   LINKS Official website: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/filmproproductivity Contact: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/contact Indie Film Hustle Network: https://indiefilmhustle.com/ifh-podcast-network-filmmaking-and-screenwriting/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqo0Zld2Lm2lJDpDh3GsuZg  QUOTES “Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.” Stephen King “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” James Clear “Your focus determines your reality.” George Lucas “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Aristotle “Success is the product of daily habits, not once-in-a-lifetime transformations.” James Clear “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.” Vincent van Gogh THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY JAMES MCCREADIE & DEBBIE MAY REFERENCES The Science of Intelligent Achievement – Isaiah Hankel Deep Work – Cal Newport Systems over motivation Attention as the primary bottleneck Environment shaping behaviour Habits and structural change Please check out my friends shows: FILM FIGHTS WITH FRIENDS PODCAST with Stephen Koepfer and Paul Varacchi (etc) THE FILMMAKERS PODCAST with Giles Alderson (etc.) THE HORROR CUT with Stephen Kerr and Gary Hewitt WILDE WORLD with David Wilde FILMMAKING CONVERSATIONS with Damian Swaby MUSIC & CREDITS A Himitsu Music: Adventures by A Himitsu Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music released by Argofox https://www.youtu.be/8BXNwnxaVQE Music provided by Audio Library https://www.youtu.be/MkNeIUgNPQ8 Contact the artist: x.jonaz@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/ahimitsu https://www.twitter.com/ahimitsu1 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgFwu-j5-xNJml2FtTrrB3A

    22 min
  2. THE INTELLIGENCE TRAP: WHY SMART PEOPLE STRUGGLE WITH PRODUCTIVITY Part 1 #181

    FEB 8

    THE INTELLIGENCE TRAP: WHY SMART PEOPLE STRUGGLE WITH PRODUCTIVITY Part 1 #181

    Why do smart, capable people struggle to follow through? In part one of a two-part series, this episode looks at the intelligence trap - the way thinking, analysis, and complexity can quietly replace action. Drawing on ideas from Isaiah Hankel and real creative experience, it explores how depleted mental energy, busyness, and fragmented attention undermine productivity, even when motivation and ability are high. This episode isn’t about fixing anything yet. It’s about noticing what drains your energy, what work expands when focus collapses, and how intelligence can start working against progress instead of supporting it.  “Smart people don’t stall because they lack discipline. They stall because they see too much.” Carter Ferguson  LINKS Official website: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/filmproproductivity Contact: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/contact Indie Film Hustle Network: https://indiefilmhustle.com/ifh-podcast-network-filmmaking-and-screenwriting/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqo0Zld2Lm2lJDpDh3GsuZg QUOTES “Being intelligent doesn’t automatically make you effective.” Isaiah Hankel “Clarity about what matters provides clarity about what does not.” Cal Newport “Your mind is for having ideas, not holding them.” David Allen “The key is not to prioritise what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” Stephen Covey “What we call interruptions are really the enemy of deep thought.” Herbert Simon “What is important is seldom urgent, and what is urgent is seldom important.” Dwight D. Eisenhower “The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge.” Daniel J. Boorstin THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY JAMES MCCREADIE & DEBBIE MAY REFERENCES The Science of Intelligent Achievement – Isaiah HankelDeep Work – Cal NewportThe intelligence trapFinite mental energyBusyness as avoidanceAttention fragmentationPlease check out my friends shows: FILM FIGHTS WITH FRIENDS PODCAST with Stephen Koepfer and Paul Varacchi (etc) THE FILMMAKERS PODCAST with Giles Alderson (etc.) THE HORROR CUT with Stephen Kerr and Gary Hewitt WILDE WORLD with David Wilde FILMMAKING CONVERSATIONS with Damian Swaby MUSIC & CREDITS A Himitsu Music: Adventures by A Himitsu Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music released by Argofox https://www.youtu.be/8BXNwnxaVQE Music provided by Audio Library https://www.youtu.be/MkNeIUgNPQ8 Contact the artist: x.jonaz@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/ahimitsu https://www.twitter.com/ahimitsu1 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgFwu-j5-xNJml2FtTrrB3A

    17 min
  3. GETTING STUFF DONE with HIGH IMPACT ACTIONS #180

    FEB 1

    GETTING STUFF DONE with HIGH IMPACT ACTIONS #180

    In this episode, I explore why finishing creative projects feels so difficult, especially as time, energy, and resources become more limited. Building on the idea of momentum, I introduce the concept of High Impact Actions — small, focused steps that genuinely move work forward instead of draining attention through endless to-do lists. Drawing on insights from thinkers like Cal Newport, Andy Grove, and James Clear, I explain how choosing clarity, leverage, and focus over volume helps creative people manage friction, protect energy, and actually complete the work that matters. OFFICIAL WEBSITE: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/FilmProProdPod FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/filmproproductivity CONTACT: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/contact INDIE FILM HUSTLE: https://indiefilmhustle.com/ifh-podcast-network-filmmaking-and-screenwriting/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqo0Zld2Lm2lJDpDh3GsuZg QUOTES: “Vision without execution is hallucination.” — Thomas Edison“Clarity is power.” — James Clear“The tasks with the biggest impact are often the ones we resist most.” — Leo Babauta“Increases the output of others.” — Andy Grove“If you don’t produce, you won’t thrive – no matter how skilled or talented you are.” — Cal Newport“Clarity about what matters provides clarity about what does not.” — Cal Newport“Concentration is the secret of strength.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson“The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do.” — Michael Porter“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” — Walt Disney“Action is the foundational key to all success.” — Pablo Picasso“Done is better than perfect.” — Sheryl Sandberg (referenced)“There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all.” — Peter Drucker----------------------------------------------------------- This episode is sponsored by a terrific supporter and friend of the show Matt Herbert. ----------------------------------------------------------- Please check out my friends shows: FILM FIGHTS WITH FRIENDS PODCAST with Stephen Koepfer and Paul Varacchi (etc) THE FILMMAKERS PODCAST with Giles Alderson (etc.) THE HORROR CUT with Stephen Kerr and Gary Hewitt WILDE WORLD with David Wilde FILMMAKING CONVERSATIONS with Damian Swaby ----------------------------------------------------------- Thanks: A Himitsu Music: Adventures by A HimitsuCommons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music released by Argofox https://www.youtu.be/8BXNwnxaVQEMusic provided by Audio Library https://www.youtu.be/MkNeIUgNPQ8 –––Contact the artist: x.jonaz@gmail.comhttps://www.facebook.com/ahimitsuhttps://www.twitter.com/ahimitsu1https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgFwu-j5-xNJml2FtTrrB3A

    24 min
  4. HOW TOXIC PEOPLE POISON CREATIVE DRIVE #179

    JAN 25

    HOW TOXIC PEOPLE POISON CREATIVE DRIVE #179

    This episode looks at how toxic people can subtly undermine creative drive. Focusing on subtle human interference rather than platforms or technology, it breaks down a series of toxic archetypes that drain momentum, shut down thinking, and make effort feel risky. The episode explores why productivity collapses in certain environments and why distance, not debate, is often the most effective response. OFFICIAL WEBSITE: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/FilmProProdPod FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/filmproproductivity CONTACT: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/contact INDIE FILM HUSTLE: https://indiefilmhustle.com/ifh-podcast-network-filmmaking-and-screenwriting/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqo0Zld2Lm2lJDpDh3GsuZg QUOTES: “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” – Suzy Kassem“Clarity is power.” – James Clear“People who care about tone more than truth usually have a reason.” – Hannah Arendt“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt“Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action.” – William James“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” – Sally Berger“Where there is no respect, there is no energy.” – Peter Drucker“Stay away from people who belittle your ambitions.” – Mark Twain----------------------------------------------------------- This epsiode is sponsored by my good friend and long time supporter of the podcast Petra Kolb. Thanks Petra! ----------------------------------------------------------- Please check out my friends shows: FILM FIGHTS WITH FRIENDS PODCAST with Stephen Koepfer and Paul Varacchi (etc) THE FILMMAKERS PODCAST with Giles Alderson (etc.) THE HORROR CUT with Stephen Kerr and Gary Hewitt WILDE WORLD with David Wilde FILMMAKING CONVERSATIONS with Damian Swaby ----------------------------------------------------------- Thanks: A Himitsu Music: Adventures by A HimitsuCommons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music released by Argofox https://www.youtu.be/8BXNwnxaVQEMusic provided by Audio Library https://www.youtu.be/MkNeIUgNPQ8 –––Contact the artist: x.jonaz@gmail.comhttps://www.facebook.com/ahimitsuhttps://www.twitter.com/ahimitsu1https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgFwu-j5-xNJml2FtTrrB3A

    31 min
  5. THE ENSH*TTIFICATION OF LINKEDIN - A SEASON 15 UPDATE - #178a

    JAN 14

    THE ENSH*TTIFICATION OF LINKEDIN - A SEASON 15 UPDATE - #178a

    Episode 178A breaks down how LinkedIn is now restricting reach and pushing creators toward paid visibility. It’salso a very quick intro to season 15 which launches on teh 25th January 2026. OFFICIAL WEBSITE: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/FilmProProdPod FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/filmproproductivity CONTACT: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/contact INDIE FILM HUSTLE: https://indiefilmhustle.com/ifh-podcast-network-filmmaking-and-screenwriting/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqo0Zld2Lm2lJDpDh3GsuZg QUOTES: The enshittification of platforms isn’t a bug. It’s the business model.” Cory Doctorow“You haven’t failed. Your audience hasn’t vanished. The system has just decided it’s time to charge you.” Carter Ferguson, Film Pro Productivity“If effort no longer matches outcome, you’re not imagining it. That’s pattern recognition.” Carter Ferguson“Posting more won’t fix it. Trying harder won’t fix it. The system is no longer designed to reward that behaviour.” Carter Ferguson“Stop feeding the machine. Downgrade social media to a noticeboard and put your real effort where you have control.” Carter Ferguson“The cost of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.” Henry David Thoreau ----------------------------------------------------------- Please check out my friends shows: FILM FIGHTS WITH FRIENDS PODCAST with Stephen Koepfer and Paul Varacchi (etc) THE FILMMAKERS PODCAST with Giles Alderson (etc.) THE HORROR CUT with Stephen Kerr and Gary Hewitt WILDE WORLD with David Wilde FILMMMAKING CONVERSATIONS with Damian Swaby ----------------------------------------------------------- Thanks: A Himitsu Music: Adventures by A HimitsuCommons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music released by Argofox https://www.youtu.be/8BXNwnxaVQEMusic provided by Audio Library https://www.youtu.be/MkNeIUgNPQ8 –––Contact the artist: x.jonaz@gmail.comhttps://www.facebook.com/ahimitsuhttps://www.twitter.com/ahimitsu1https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgFwu-j5-xNJml2FtTrrB3A

    15 min
  6. STOP FEEDING THE MACHINE - START CREATING STUFF THAT MATTERS #178 [Special]

    JAN 1

    STOP FEEDING THE MACHINE - START CREATING STUFF THAT MATTERS #178 [Special]

    For creatives and freelancers, time and attention are our most valuable resources. In this New Year special, I dig into the idea of enshittification - how online platforms slowly shift from serving users to extracting value from them - and why social media, algorithms, and subscription-based systems are quietly undermining creative focus, ambition, and long-term work. This episode is about recognising the trap that today’s platforms have set, stepping away from systems that no longer serve you, and refocusing your energy on work that actually matters - work that is significant, honest, and genuinely representative of you as a creative. OFFICIAL WEBSITE: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/FilmProProdPod FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/filmproproductivity CONTACT: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/contact INDIE FILM HUSTLE: https://indiefilmhustle.com/ifh-podcast-network-filmmaking-and-screenwriting/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqo0Zld2Lm2lJDpDh3GsuZg QUOTES: “The enshittification of platforms is not a bug. It’s the business model.” Cory Doctorow  “When growth becomes impossible, companies turn to extraction, and quality is the first casualty.” Cory Doctorow  “Before long, you’re not making films. You’re making content.” Elliot Grove “When you build on someone else’s platform, you’re building on land you don’t own.” Douglas Rushkoff “The most important thing a creator can do is make something that matters. Everything else is noise.” Cory Doctorow ----------------------------------------------------------- Please check out my friends shows: FILM FIGHTS WITH FRIENDS PODCAST with Stephen Koepfer and Paul Varacchi (etc) THE FILMMAKERS PODCAST with Giles Alderson (etc.) THE HORROR CUT with Stephen Kerr and Gary Hewitt WILDE WORLD with David Wilde FILMMMAKING CONVERSATIONS with Damian Swaby ----------------------------------------------------------- Thanks: A Himitsu Music: Adventures by A HimitsuCommons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music released by Argofox https://www.youtu.be/8BXNwnxaVQEMusic provided by Audio Library https://www.youtu.be/MkNeIUgNPQ8 –––Contact the artist: x.jonaz@gmail.comhttps://www.facebook.com/ahimitsuhttps://www.twitter.com/ahimitsu1https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgFwu-j5-xNJml2FtTrrB3A

    55 min
  7. STOP BELIEVING THESE 3 PRODUCTIVITY LIES #177

    09/07/2025

    STOP BELIEVING THESE 3 PRODUCTIVITY LIES #177

    Many people unknowingly follow “productivity myths” that hinder their progress rather than help it and you may recognise these myths in your own way of working and behaviour. But don’t worry—I’ll also provide clear, practical steps to replace your unhelpful productivity habits with effective solutions. So, without further ado, let’s get started. OFFICIAL WEBSITE: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/FilmProProdPod FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/filmproproductivity CONTACT: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/contact INDIE FILM HUSTLE: https://indiefilmhustle.com/ifh-podcast-network-filmmaking-and-screenwriting/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqo0Zld2Lm2lJDpDh3GsuZg QUOTES: You cannot overestimate the unimportance of practically everything. Greg McKeownBeing busy is a form of laziness – lazy thinking and indiscriminate action. Tim Ferriss People who enjoy meetings should not be in charge of anything. Thomas Sowell If you chase two rabbits, you will not catch either one. Russian ProverbMultitasking is the art of messing up several things at once. Steve UzzellYou don’t have to be motivated to be productive. You just have to show up and let discipline take over. James Clear Where there is clarity, there is no room for confusion. Steve MaraboliWhen you know your role in the team, you empower others to play theirs. Simon SinekYour work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great. Steve JobsTHIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:  ----------------------------------------------------------- Please check out my friends shows: FILM FIGHTS WITH FRIENDS PODCAST THE FILMMAKERS PODCAST THE HORROR CUT WILDE WORLD ----------------------------------------------------------- Thanks: A Himitsu Music: Adventures by A HimitsuCommons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music released by Argofox https://www.youtu.be/8BXNwnxaVQEMusic provided by Audio Library https://www.youtu.be/MkNeIUgNPQ8 –––Contact the artist: x.jonaz@gmail.comhttps://www.facebook.com/ahimitsuhttps://www.twitter.com/ahimitsu1https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgFwu-j5-xNJml2FtTrrB3A

    27 min
  8. THE BAD APPLE EFFECT #176

    08/31/2025

    THE BAD APPLE EFFECT #176

    For freelancers and creatives, surrounding yourself with the right people is critical to staying motivated and inspired. Today’s episode dives into the "bad apple effect," how negative influences impact your life and work, and how to remove them to create space for positivity and productivity. OFFICIAL WEBSITE: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/FilmProProdPod FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/filmproproductivity CONTACT: https://www.filmproproductivity.com/contact INDIE FILM HUSTLE: https://indiefilmhustle.com/ifh-podcast-network-filmmaking-and-screenwriting/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqo0Zld2Lm2lJDpDh3GsuZg QUOTES: You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Jim RohnSurround yourself with people who lift you higher. Oprah WinfreyDon’t let negative and toxic people rent space in your head. Raise the rent and kick them out. Robert TewA rotten apple quickly infects its neighbour. Benjamin FranklinTHIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:  ----------------------------------------------------------- Please check out my friends shows: FILM FIGHTS WITH FRIENDS PODCAST THE FILMMAKERS PODCAST THE HORROR CUT WILDE WORLD ----------------------------------------------------------- Thanks: A Himitsu Music: Adventures by A HimitsuCommons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music released by Argofox https://www.youtu.be/8BXNwnxaVQEMusic provided by Audio Library https://www.youtu.be/MkNeIUgNPQ8 –––Contact the artist: x.jonaz@gmail.comhttps://www.facebook.com/ahimitsuhttps://www.twitter.com/ahimitsu1https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgFwu-j5-xNJml2FtTrrB3A

    17 min
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4.9
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About

Are you a creative who wants to do more, create more, and live more? This is the podcast for you. Join 30-year film pro Carter Ferguson as he shares practical strategies and real-world insights to help you boost productivity, sharpen your focus, and achieve greater success. Discover how to streamline your creative process, build better habits, and unlock your full potential. 

Information

  • Creator
    Carter Ferguson
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    188
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Carter Ferguson
  • Show Website
    Film Pro Productivity