Insights from a Hollywood Entrepreneur on Building Relationships and Embracing Change In this exclusive A.O. Network interview, Erman Baradi, a prominent figure in Hollywood, shares his insights on connecting talent and fostering relationships within the entertainment industry. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit, Erman discusses his latest ventures, including the Artist Emerged International film festival and his aspirations for future projects. He emphasizes the importance of personal connections in Hollywood and offers valuable advice for aspiring filmmakers looking to navigate the industry’s challenges. Interview with Erman Baradi Can you tell us about your latest projects and ventures in Hollywood? What has been your primary focus lately? Right now, I’m gearing up for my film festival, Artist Emerged International, which is in its second year under the umbrella of the 6th annual Ethos Film Awards. It’s cool to run my own fest and see the immense talent from around the world. I’m also in writing mode. I have a poetry book out, but this winter, I’m going to dedicate time to sitting down and actually writing my first novel. As a screenwriter, I’m trying to do more with IP. So, I’m in the early stages of a podcast in which I can flex my writing muscle. What inspired you to start connecting creatives in the entertainment industry, and how has that mission evolved over time? When I first started out, the intention was to do these big conferences in Hollywood as a means of connecting myself and connecting others. I still do that from time to time, but more recently, I’ve toned it down in scope. You can make more meaningful connections in Hollywood with a room of 20 people having coffee or grabbing dinner together than a party of 200 people. The mission is the same; the manner in which I do them has changed. How do you balance running your own business while maintaining strong relationships in Hollywood? I see value in elevating others to the point where they may very well have their breakout moment before I do. That’s totally fine! Because I know they won’t forget me. Ultimately, maintaining strong relationships in entertainment is the business. For a lot of them, it’s not like they attend an event and it’s goodbye forever. We build those relationships over time. What are the biggest challenges you face as a Hollywood insider and entrepreneur, and how do you overcome them? Piggybacking on the last question, sometimes I forget my own needs as a creative. I’m getting other people signed, but my manager reminds me all the time I still have to be selfish in a way. Sometimes I have to find the second wind to write because I’m exhausted producing for other people and putting on these events. I’m not complaining in any way, but that has become a reality. Luckily, being that I work for myself, on those days I can sit at a coffee shop all day, I take advantage of those moments! How do you see the role of social media and digital platforms influencing the way creatives connect in the industry today? For a while now, we’ve seen these influencers get repped by top talent agencies. Some people hate it, some applaud it. Let’s be honest – you can be the most talented person in the world and no one knows it. With these platforms available, creators take advantage of the tools at hand and are getting discovered. Can’t really knock them for it if they know how to get themselves to the point of living in the middle of nowhere and getting discovered online to getting signed by UTA. Can you share some of the success stories that have come out of your networking events or collaborations? For example, recently we have an actor who met his manager through my events, and now he’s in a pretty recognizable role on a TV show. I’m glad I was part of that, to be able to get him connected to a talent rep who would lead him in the right direction. I have the blessing to name drop. Actor Laith Wallschleger got signed by Emagine Content. Go team go! What advice do you have for up-and-coming filmmakers and creators looking to break into the Hollywood scene? I recently had this conversation with someone. Networking can feel intimidating, but it’s a necessary part of the game. Like I said earlier, you can be the most talented person ever and no one knows it. You pay a ticket to attend an event, pay for parking or for an Uber, you get there and buy some drinks, and then what? What if you don’t meet the person you hoped to meet? Networking does take its time. You don’t just show up once. You have to keep showing up. How do you decide which creatives and projects to collaborate with or support through your business? You know those people who have a million credits to their name? For me, I’d rather have less under my name but with material that really sticks. While I’m in my “yes” period, that doesn’t mean yes to everything. I still have to “get” the person I’m collaborating with to some degree. Liking you as a human being definitely works in the longevity of our relationship. If I like you today, who knows? Maybe we’re working together five years down the line. What do you think are the most significant changes happening in the entertainment industry right now, and how are you adapting to them? My manager spoke to me just this week about IP. Everyone has a screenplay that they can email someone the traditional way. But what’s something that you have that has a proven audience? Where do you see your business in the next five years, and what goals are you working towards in the future? It’s come to the point where my brand can work on its own without me having to be hands-on all the time. It allows me to focus