Fabulist

In this episode of The Fabulist, Joel Pilger sits down with three powerhouse studio founders—Shawna Schultz (Mass FX Media & 38th and Post), Katwo Puertollano (rezonate), and Samantha Louise (Versus)—to explore what happens after you’ve built a successful studio. 

What do seasoned founders build once the studio is humming? How does leadership evolve from momentum to meaning? And how do these founders define success on their own terms? 

This conversation dives into the second act of creative entrepreneurship—from launching new ventures to leading quietly behind the scenes—and offers a rare glimpse at how these visionary women are redefining purpose, growth, and legacy. 

What is Fabulist?

The glamorous studio story is a lie. This is what actually happens behind the scenes.

A candid look inside the world’s most interesting studios and production companies… and the business decisions fueling their best work.

I’m Joel Pilger. I ran Impossible Pictures for 20 years. Today in Forum™, I help founders run their studio on purpose.

If you work in motion, animation, live action, sound, or experiential… this is where founders get real about the business.

Join the movement: http://joelpilger.com

Huge thanks to our audio production partner, Coupe Studios. Learn more: coupestudios.com

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