Connecting People in Creative Industries (07:18)

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Roy Skillicorn started out as a photographer and found that he had a talent for connecting people. He became an agent, representing several photographers at once and finding them work with ad agencies. Skillicorn explains that this job often involves matching personalities as much as talent.

Film Production in the Midwest (05:36)

Skillicorn grew from print rep to owning a film production company, where he represented numerous Chicago directors. Backyard Productions had a local focus and Midwestern ethic, and Skillicorn worked to match local talent with the best work.

Risks of Ownership (04:45)

Skillicorn explains that as the owner of a production company, he took on huge financial risk. Taking on new projects and talent also posed risks to his reputation. Overall the success of the company exceeded his expectations.

Internet and Learning From Change (08:31)

Skillicorn argues that the internet brought new opportunities for people's creativity and made the advertising business accessible to more people. Production companies had to learn from younger artists and adapt. Skillicorn explains that understanding himself and his strengths helped him reinvent himself.

Success and Lifelong Learning (07:36)

Skillicorn describes his experience teaching and argues that to be successful, people have to change and think outside of the box. He is driven by a passion to help others be creative, and marks success by gaining the respect of peers and continuing to learn.

Credits: A Conversation With Roy Skillicorn: Conversations with Giants (00:18)

Credits: A Conversation With Roy Skillicorn: Conversations with Giants