🎙️ Episode Title: Producing with Purpose: A Conversation with Ross Campbell of Wasted Potential Studios

In this episode of Backstage at TENCROW Studios, we sit down with producer, director, and industry strategist Ross Campbell, COO of Wasted Potential Studios and former head of Ark Entertainment. From childhood acting roles to international film financing, Ross brings a wealth of experience and candid insight into the business side of making movies — and the real work it takes to turn ideas into distribution-ready productions.

Ross shares how he transitioned from acting into producing, studying at Chapman University's creative producing program — a degree focused on getting projects off the ground from concept to completion. He dives into how hands-on film school experience helped him build real-world skills, including how one of his student films went on to win a BAFTA for Best Short Film.

But this episode goes far beyond storytelling. Ross lays out a step-by-step breakdown of independent film financing, covering:

• How to secure minimum guarantees from distributors like Lionsgate

• The role of foreign pre-sales and sales agents

• How and when to use debt financing and equity partners

• What investors are really looking for — and how to protect their returns

We also explore the impact of state incentives, why North Carolina is a hidden gem for indie filmmakers, and how Wasted Potential Studios is leveraging Unreal Engine to push the boundaries of virtual production and interactive storytelling — including their upcoming open-world game Medieval Life.

Ross also shares eye-opening stories, like his early experience getting hit with unexpected SAG costs that nearly derailed his first feature, and what filmmakers need to know about union rules, global one-roll status, and distribution pitfalls.

Whether you're a filmmaker, investor, or just someone curious about how films go from script to screen (and make money doing it), this episode offers a crash course in both inspiration and execution.

🎧 Topics Covered:

• Breaking into producing through creative strategy

• Lessons from Chapman University’s hands-on curriculum

• How to build a BAFTA-winning film on a $5K budget

• Film financing structure 101: equity, debt, pre-sales, and MGs

• Maximizing state tax incentives (especially in NC)

• Why North Carolina may be the next big creative hub

• Upcoming projects from Wasted Potential Studios

• The future of filmmaking with Unreal Engine

• Advice for aspiring producers and indie investors

💥 One of the most informative and energizing episodes to date, this conversation is loaded with practical insight, war stories, and clear financial strategy — all designed to empower creatives and investors alike to step into the world of film with confidence.

In this episode, we sit down with attorney, mediator, and author Bob Worden, Esq., who brings a fresh lens to some of the most pivotal wars in history. Drawing from his book How to Stop Wars and Save the World, Bob shares what happens when you apply the mindset of a professional dispute resolver to global conflict—specifically the American Revolution, Civil War, and Vietnam.We dive into the real reasons behind the American Revolution, including Britain's strategic missteps, leadership failures, and a deep misunderstanding of colonial life. Bob unpacks how bad information, personal egos, and logistical chaos made war inevitable—and what could have changed the outcome.He also explores modern parallels to Ukraine, the dangers of government overreach, and how well-intentioned systems often get hijacked by opportunists. From King George III's isolation to George Washington’s reluctant leadership, this episode uncovers forgotten insights with surprising relevance to today's geopolitical tensions.📚 Topics include:Why Britain misunderstood the coloniesThe truth about Loyalists, taxes, and colonial class warfareHow misinformation and ego escalate conflictWhat history teaches us about mediation and powerThe ripple effects of the French alliance and post-war economicsLessons modern leaders can learn from past empiresIf you're a student of history, a fan of political philosophy, or just want a no-BS take on how wars start—and how they might be prevented—this episode is for you.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.📖 Grab the book: How to Stop Wars and Save the World by Bob Worden, Esq.

In this episode of Backstage at TENCROW Studios, we sit down with the founders of Wasted Potential Studios and Ark Entertainment to pull back the curtain on a game-changing partnership. What happens when a film studio, a $100M game dev powerhouse, and a film financing company decide to build something bigger — together?

We break down:

• 🎮 How gaming, filmmaking, and VFX are merging in real-time

• 💡 The origins of their joint venture — and why Eastern NC is the launchpad

• 🏗️ What it takes to scale production capabilities across film and interactive media

• 💰 How they’re approaching funding, IP protection, and long-term creative control

Whether you're a filmmaker, investor, or just obsessed with where media is headed — this conversation offers a rare inside look at the future being built right now.