The Business of Animation Podcast
By Cabblow Studios
Let me know how you enjoyed the show! Send me a DM on IG @cabblow.podcast.
For more from Cabblow Studios follow me @cabblow and @cabblowstudios on Instagram!
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The Business of Animation PodcastAug 16, 2023
Ep. 20 - OAKFIELDS COLLEGE: Animation Portfolios, Lectures & Laughter
I'm going back to university! I kid, I kid, but I did spend a full day with third year animation students at Oakfields College in Pretoria, South Africa.
I'm really excited for you to meet the students, see their work, spend time in their classes and introduce Oakfields College to those who haven't heard about it! Seeing the experience of studying animation from the student's perspective is very powerful - maybe even more powerful than traditional advertising. That's why I'm spending a day with animation students and unveiling the mystery around their chosen university course. If you're not sure where to study animation I've got you covered on the podcast with Cabblow's University Guide! This episode was sponsored by Oakfields College Learn more about 3D Animation at Oakfields: https://www.oakfieldscollege.co.za/full-time-animation Tell me how you enjoyed the episode. Send a DM on Instagram @cabblow.podcast ! _______ SOCIALS: https://instagram.com/cabblow https://instagram.com/cabblow.podcast https://instagram.com/cabblowstudios ALL THE LINKS: Loving the music & sound on the podcast? Try ArtList for yourself and get extra 2 months free when you sign up using my link: https://tinyurl.com/CabblowArtlist It's an affiliate link, proceeds from using the link help keep the podcast going. _______ Our animated short films are available to buy on our studio website: https://cabblowstudios.com/movies _______ Have a happy day wherever you are in the world! - Cabblow #BusinessOfAnimation #CabblowPodcast #AnimationStudent #OakfieldsCollege
Ep. 19 - A Little Thing Called “Industry Standard”
Ep. 18 - Managing a Production Pipeline
Today's episode is sponsored by TVPaint French 2D animation software.
To learn more & download the free trial visit: tvpaint.com
Right off the bat I’ll tell you that production management does not come naturally to me. From learning the pipeline, figuring out how to plan a production and where on earth all those files will be stored and how they'll be share. So today I’m sharing all the useful lessons I'm learning along the way to being a better production manager.
Tell me how you enjoyed the show. Send a DM on Instagram @cabblow.podcast or a voice mail on the Anchor app.
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ALL THE LINKS:
Loving the music & sound on the podcast? Try ArtList for yourself and get extra 2 months free when you sign up using my link:
https://tinyurl.com/CabblowArtlist
It's an affiliate link, proceeds from using the link help keep the podcast going.
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Our animated short films are available to buy on our studio website: cabblowstudios.com/movies
For more from Cabblow Studios follow @cabblow and @cabblowstudios on Instagram
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Season 2 was recorded at new•studios podcast recording studio at The Oval Office Park, Sandton, South Africa.
Have a happy day wherever you are in the world!
- Cabblow
Ep. 16 - Sell, Sell, Sell
I would say 2022 is the year where I gained the most experience pivoting our sales strategy. I don’t know how many times I pitched, re-pitched, re-packaged and revised our presentations this year. We had to re-adjust to manage some unexpected financial woes or risk falling apart. Since book 2 is all about learning from the set-backs while still making progress today’s lessons fit just right.
Tell me how you enjoyed the show. Send a DM on Instagram @cabblow.podcast or a voice mail on the Anchor app.
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Things mentioned in today's episode:
How cool! Kidscreen featured Rorisang & The Gurlz!
https://kidscreen.com/2022/11/02/anime-rising-adapting-the-genre-for-foreign-market-success/
Facebook art page: @artbycabblow
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ALL THE LINKS:
Loving the music & sound on the podcast? Try ArtList for yourself and get extra 2 months free when you sign up using my link:
https://tinyurl.com/CabblowArtlist
It's an affiliate link, proceeds from using the link help keep the podcast going.
_______
Our animated short films are available to buy on our studio website: cabblowstudios.com/movies
For more from Cabblow Studios follow @cabblow and @cabblowstudios on Instagram
_______
Season 2 was recorded at new•studios podcast recording studio at The Oval Office Park, Sandton, South Africa.
Have a happy day wherever you are in the world!
- Cabblow
Ep. 15 - Improving day-to-day studio operations
Today's episode is sponsored by TVPaint French 2D animation software.
To learn more & download the free trial visit: tvpaint.com
When I started Cabblow Studios I don’t think I fully grasped what I was getting myself into. I just didn’t to want be a statistic of unemployment as a recent university graduate. Running a studio has many moving parts from creative tasks, to managerial tasks as well as marketing and sales. It can feel like you’re being pulled a hundred different ways just trying to get your business off the ground.
So let’s talk about all the lessons I’m learning about improving the day-to-day operations of a studio.
Tell me how you enjoyed the show. Send a DM on Instagram @cabblow.podcast or a voice mail on the Anchor app.
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Things mentioned in this episode:
Strategyzer Intro To The Business model Canvas: https://youtu.be/wwShFsSFb-Y
How cool! Kidscreen featured Rorisang & The Gurlz!
https://kidscreen.com/2022/11/02/anime-rising-adapting-the-genre-for-foreign-market-success/
_______
ALL THE LINKS:
Loving the music & sound on the podcast? Try ArtList for yourself and get extra 2 months free when you sign up using my link:
https://tinyurl.com/CabblowArtlist
It's an affiliate link, proceeds from using the link help keep the podcast going.
_______
Our animated short films are available to buy on our studio website: cabblowstudios.com/movies
For more from Cabblow Studios follow @cabblow and @cabblowstudios on Instagram
_______
Season 2 was recorded at new•studios podcast recording studio at The Oval Office Park, Sandton, South Africa.
Have a happy day wherever you are in the world!
- Cabblow
Ep. 14 - Customer Service in Animation
It's always exciting when a new potential customer approaches. It could be through a DM on Instagram or Facebook. Filling in the contact form on our website or a referral by email. Sometimes it doesn't workout and clients decide to take their business elsewhere. Other times it's a match and you've clinched the deal...
Now what!? How do you make sure you do right by your client and give them the best possible experience. Let's talk about it...
Tell me how you enjoyed the show. Send a DM on Instagram @cabblow.podcast or a voice mail on the Anchor app.
_______
ALL THE LINKS:
Loving the music & sound on the podcast? Try ArtList for yourself and get extra 2 months free when you sign up using my link:
https://tinyurl.com/CabblowArtlist
It's an affiliate link, proceeds from using the link help keep the podcast going.
_______
Our animated short films are available to buy on our studio website: cabblowstudios.com/movies
For more from Cabblow Studios follow @cabblow and @cabblowstudios on Instagram
_______
Season 2 was recorded at new•studios podcast recording studio at The Oval Office Park, Sandton, South Africa.
Have a happy day wherever you are in the world!
- Cabblow
Ep. 13 - Bootstrap / Hire Yourself! (Featuring Brian Wilson, Paula Boffo & Vanessa Sinden)
Today's episode is all about how hiring yourself and bootstrapping can pay off and we have friends! I’ve asked my friends and mentors in the industry to share some of their opinions about competitions & incubators and the impact they’ve had on their careers or on the industry. You’ll hear the voice notes sprinkled in the episode!
Today's guests are:
Brian Wilson - Story Writer & Founder of Zero Gravity Studios, Nigeria
Brian's Ciclic Experience: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/persistence-vision-brian-ola-wilson
Paula Boffo - Animation Director & Illustrator, Argentina (We met through the Stories x Women Competition)
Paula's project "La Sombra Del Altiplano" & instagram @sukermercado
Vanessa Sinden - Animation Producer, Triggerfish Animation, South Africa
Triggerfish website: www.triggerfish.com
If you’d like your opinion shared on the podcast send me a DM on the podcast Instagram @cabblow.podcast or send a voice message on the anchor app and we might add your voice note to the show.
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ALL THE LINKS:
Loving the music & sound on the podcast? Try ArtList for yourself and get extra 2 months free when you sign up using my link:
https://tinyurl.com/CabblowArtlist
It's an affiliate link, proceeds from using the link help keep the podcast going.
_______
Our animated short films are available to buy on our studio website: cabblowstudios.com/movies
For more from Cabblow Studios follow @cabblow and @cabblowstudios on Instagram
_______
Season 2 was recorded at new•studios podcast recording studio at The Oval Office Park, Sandton, South Africa.
Have a happy day wherever you are in the world!
- Cabblow
Ep. 12 - Competitions can help you level up!
Competitions! Love them or hate them they can be a really useful tool to motivate you to make progress in your business. I’ve done a few competitions both in business and in animation and in this episode I share some of the lessons I’ve learnt from those experiences. If you’re thinking about entering that business contest or animation pitching event this episode could be the tool that helps you make a decision.
Tell me how you enjoyed the show. Send a DM on Instagram @cabblow.podcast or a voice mail on the Anchor app.
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Information about the competitions:
Stories x Women: https://variety.com/2022/film/global/stories-x-women-in-animation-annecy-1235294769/
Road to Annecy Competition: https://youtu.be/FuSzhuQlS9s
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ALL THE LINKS:
Loving the music & sound on the podcast? Try ArtList for yourself and get extra 2 months free when you sign up using my link:
https://tinyurl.com/CabblowArtlist
It's an affiliate link, proceeds from using the link help keep the podcast going.
_______
Our animated short films are available to buy on our studio website: cabblowstudios.com/movies
For more from Cabblow Studios follow @cabblow and @cabblowstudios on Instagram
_______
Season 2 was recorded at new•studios podcast recording studio at The Oval Office Park, Sandton, South Africa.
Have a happy day wherever you are in the world!
- Cabblow
Ep. 11 - Let's Talk About Production Value
Today's episode is sponsored by TVPaint French 2D animation software.
To learn more & download the free trial visit: tvpaint.com
“Don’t concentrate on the finger or you’ll miss all that heavenly glory” is a quote by Bruce Lee in the movie “Enter The Dragon”. Bruce is trying to get his pupil to understand that the focus of his martial arts is content. In Bruce’s words, “Emotional content”, not the finger pointing to the moon, but the moon! How does Bruce Lee pointing at the moon have anything to do with animation?
Well to me, the finger pointing to the moon is “production value” and the moon is our animated film or TV show, but what happens when Production Value actually distracts us from all the “heavenly glory” of a really great film? Let’s talk about it!
Tell me how you enjoyed the show. Send a DM on Instagram @cabblow.podcast or a voice mail on the Anchor app.
_______
ALL THE LINKS:
Loving the music & sound on the podcast? Try ArtList for yourself and get extra 2 months free when you sign up using my link:
https://tinyurl.com/CabblowArtlist
It's an affiliate link, proceeds from using the link help keep the podcast going.
_______
Our animated short films are available to buy on our studio website: cabblowstudios.com/movies
For more from Cabblow Studios follow @cabblow and @cabblowstudios on Instagram
_______
Season 2 was recorded at new•studios podcast recording studio at The Oval Office Park, Sandton, South Africa.
Have a happy day wherever you are in the world!
- Cabblow
Ep. 10 - Are Business Incubators Worth It?
In the iconic words of Rafiki, "It is time!!" SEASON 2 IS HERE!
Ever just went down a rabbit whole on the internet and found something called an “incubator”? It feels like a really great training/up-skilling opportunity, but you’re not sure whether it’s for you and if you even qualify? In this episode I break down business incubators and share my personal experience with them to help you figure out if they are the right next step for you.
Tell me how you enjoyed the show. Send a DM on Instagram @cabblow.podcast or a voice mail on the Anchor app.
_______
ALL THE LINKS:
Loving the music and sound effects on the podcast? Try ArtList for yourself and get 2 months free when you sign up using my link:
https://tinyrul.com/CabblowArtlist
It's an affiliate link, proceeds from using the link help keep the podcast going.
For more follow @cabblow and @cabblowstudios on Instagram
Our short films are available to buy on our website: https://cabblowstudios.com/movies
Season 2 was recorded at New•Studios podcast studio at The Oval Office Park, Sandton, South Africa.
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Have a happy day wherever you are in the world!
- Cabblow
Ep. 9.5 - The Most DIY Way to Make a Podcast - SEASON 1 EPILOGUE
In this episode we recap & reflect on season 1 of the podcast as we gear up for season 2. Cabblow shares some behind the scenes and the makeshift processes followed to even get the podcast going in the first place. In this episode we also reflect on some highlights and favourite moments of the season. What went well? Where we can improve and where where are we going next?!
Tell me how you enjoyed the show. Send a DM on Instagram @cabblow.podcast or a voice mail on the Anchor app.
_______
ALL THE LINKS:
Loving the music and sound effects on the podcast? Try ArtList for yourself and get 2 months free when you sign up using my link:
https://tinyrul.com/CabblowArtlist
It's an affiliate link, proceeds from using the link help keep the podcast going.
For more follow @cabblow and @cabblowstudios on Instagram
Our short films are available to buy on our website: https://cabblowstudios.com/movies
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VIMEO ON DEMAND: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/3teaspoonsofsugar
KWELI TV: https://www.kweli.tv/programs/3-teaspoons
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Season 2 was recorded at New•Studios podcast studio at The Oval Office Park, Sandton, South Africa.
Have a happy day wherever you are in the world!
- Cabblow
Ep. 9 - All About Durban Film Mart with GM Magdalene Reddy
I remember when I was in film school I had zero zilch idea how films and series are bought and sold. How does a film (or tv show) go from the hands of a creator and end up in front of the eyes of a viewer? Answer... Film markets!
Durban Film Mart is an international film market where creators, producers or animators can meet with buyers and broadcasters to pitch their projects or sell their finished productions. In this episode I sat down with Magdalene Reddy - the General Manager of the Durban Film Mart - to hear all about the market and the animation events and opportunities they offer. Happy listening and remember to leave a positive review and rating if you enjoyed the show!
ALL THE LINKS:
Get your accreditation for DURBAN FILM MART Asap rocky!
https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/accreditations/
Follow DFM on your preferred socials:
https://www.facebook.com/Durban.Filmmart.Africa/
https://mobile.twitter.com/durbanfilmmart
https://www.instagram.com/durbanfilmmart/
Follow Cabblow Studios on Instagram:
My handle: @cabblow
The Podcast: @cabblow.podcast
The Studio: @cabblowstudios
Have a happy day wherever you are in the world!
- Cabblow
Ep 8. Callipeg Co-creator Lise Menzin is effortlessly changing the game in 2D animation app development
Listen, after talking to Lise in today's episode I was seriously considering getting an iPad just so I can try Callipeg and work it into my current workflow. Callipeg started a year ago (2020) and after its successful Kickstarter the app has already seen so much momentum and success with a growing user base. If this is not a great case study for starting a successful business in unprecedented times then I don't know what is. Two more things: 1. As an artist and an animator I also came to appreciate the real humans who create our beloved software programs and 2. As a business owner this conversation opened my eyes to the possibility of creating a unique pipeline that could make use of the portability of an iPad.
Don't forget to follow Callipeg on all their socials.
Follow Callipeg on IG: @callipeg.app
Learn more about the app on their site: https://callipeg.com
ALL THE LINKS:
Follow @cabblow and @cabblowstudios on Instagram
Subscribe to the Cabblow Studios YouTube Channel - since I did two promos for it in today's episode
Top 45 Animation Podcasts - We ranked 41, cool!
BUY/RENT OUR FILMS: https://cabblowstudios.com/movies
BUY SOME MERCH ON OUR STORE: https://hellopretty.co.za/cabblowstudios
WATCH OUR SHORT FILM "3 TEASPOONS OF SUGAR":
VIMEO ON DEMAND: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/3teaspoonsofsugar
KWELI TV: https://www.kweli.tv/programs/3-teaspoons
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Have a happy day wherever you are in the world!
- Cabblow
Ep. 7 - Accidentally speaking your dreams into existance with Daby Faidhi - Production Designer @ Warner Bros Animation (UPDATED)
Up until now all the episodes we've released have been about business and money and strategy etc... but now it's time to talk about the other aspects of this job/career/industry, which is loving what you do and finding fulfilment. I had such a great time listening to Daby's story from growing up in Iraq & studying architecture in Israel to working in Animation in Hollywood. Her production credits include The Breadwinner & Shaun the Sheep (I almost wrote "of the dead"), Harley Quinn TV Show & Scooby Doo. She is a concept artist, background designer, freelance illustrator & qualified architect! She also works freelance so go to her website to feel inspired!
Remember we want to have sustainable businesses, but we also want to enjoy what we're doing and that's what this episode is all about.
Follow Daby on IG: @daby_ihsan
Check out her portfolio for instant inspiration: https://zainabfaidhi.com/
ALL THE LINKS:
Follow @cabblow and @cabblowstudios on Instagram
Top 45 Animation Podcasts - We ranked 41, cool!
BUY/RENT OUR FILMS: https://cabblowstudios.com/movies
BUY SOME MERCH ON OUR STORE: https://hellopretty.co.za/cabblowstudios
WATCH OUR SHORT FILM "3 TEASPOONS OF SUGAR":
VIMEO ON DEMAND: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/3teaspoonsofsugar
KWELI TV: https://www.kweli.tv/programs/3-teaspoons
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Have a happy day wherever you are in the world!
- Cabblow
Ep. 6 - Leadership lessons with Stuart Forrest CEO of Triggerfish Animation
In today's episode I interview Stuart Forrest - the CEO of Triggerfish Animation Studios. The Cape Town based studio is (as of this recording) the largest animation studio on the African continent. Triggerfish has become a powerhouse in the animation industry. From projects like the award-winning "Revolting Rhymes" Christmas specials on BBC based on Roald Dahl classics to the Netflix original animated series "Mama K's Team 4". The show is Africa's first Netflix original animated series. It was a pleasure to sit down and talk to Stuart and basically use the time as a bit of a mentorship session!
Learn more about Triggerfish: https://www.triggerfish.com/
ALL THE LINKS:
Follow @cabblow and @cabblowstudios on Instagram
Top 45 Animation Podcasts - We ranked 41, cool!
BUY/RENT OUR FILMS: https://cabblowstudios.com/movies
BUY SOME MERCH ON OUR STORE: https://hellopretty.co.za/cabblowstudios
WATCH OUR SHORT FILM "3 TEASPOONS OF SUGAR":
VIMEO ON DEMAND: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/3teaspoonsofsugar
KWELI TV: https://www.kweli.tv/programs/3-teaspoons
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Have a happy day wherever you are in the world!
- Cabblow
Ep. 5 - Can an animated short film make money!?
Today's episode I break down some of the ways that we've been able to make money through our short film "3 Teaspoons of Sugar". This doesn't have to be an illusive process. What I've discovered is that it's more about trying different methods of making money and treating your film like a product that you can milk to your heart's content.
ALL THE LINKS:
BUY SOME MERCH ON OUR STORE: https://hellopretty.co.za/cabblowstudios
WATCH OUR SHORT FILM "3 TEASPOONS OF SUGAR":
VIMEO ON DEMAND: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/3teaspoonsofsugar
KWELI TV: https://www.kweli.tv/programs/3-teaspoons
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Follow @cabblow and @cabblowstudios on Instagram
Have a happy day wherever you are in the world!
- Cabblow
Ep. 4 - This is not cute // The blessing of not having a template
In this episode I talk about all the times when pushing to have a career in animation and start a business in animation is not easy. Essentially it's working without a template. It's not cute, it's "unfun" and just plain hard!
There is a plus side to being a trailblazer, though, and making your own way path. You get to discover the true worth of the work that you do. You get to learn just how capable you are and you learn how to charge the true value of the work you put out there!!
HERE COMES THE SELF-PROMOS:
- BUY SOME MERCH ON OUR STORE: https://hellopretty.co.za/cabblowstudios
WATCH OUR SHORT FILM "3 TEASPOONS OF SUGAR":
- VIMEO ON DEMAND: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/3teaspoonsofsugar
- KWELI TV: https://www.kweli.tv/programs/3-teaspoons
THINGS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE:
https://payscale.com - It's really useful for benchmarking potential salaries!
Follow @cabblow and @cabblowstudios on Instagram
Have a happy day wherever you are in the world!
- Cabblow
Ep. 3 - The Independent Animator's Starter Kit
In this episode I share some elements (or tools or principles) that I believe would give you a good starting point if you were looking to break out into the animation business independently. This list is by no means a "one-size-fits-all" situation - nor is it exhaustive. I came up with this list based on my experience and observations. Always relate what I'm saying to your specific context and apply what's most relevant.
In the second half of the podcast I dive into the eco-system of the animation industry because there is so much more to animation than the actual production process of a project. Happy listening!
Things mentioned in today's episode:
- The trailer to the graduation film that made me question my decision to do Animation: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1454455904871876 (Sorry I could only find it on Facebook, lol)
- The interview I did with African Digital Art: http://africandigitalart.com/2020/06/medical-intervention-animation-storytelling-interview-with-animator-kabelo-maaka/
If you haven't seen our short film "3 Teaspoons of Sugar" you can buy/rent it on Vimeo on Demand: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/3teaspoonsofsugar
Keep up to date with the studio by following @cabblowstudios on Instagram.
Keep up to date with the host by following @cabblow on Instagram.
Have a happy day!
- Cabblow
Ep. 2 - What EVEN is a business?! Let's DEFINE this thing!
Ok, so in the previous episode I shared why I started a business, but what is business exactly? Isn't it just a means of money exchange for products and services. I think, "Yes", but I'm also learning that it's more than just selling products or services. It's about something called "value" and that's what I'm talking about in today's episode.
...
In continuing from episode 1 I thought the most logical place to start is at the beginning with a definition of business. I find that as I'm building Cabblow Studios it's important for me to actually stop and think about business conceptually before jumping into the practical stuff. As I am learning and gaining new insight I thought it would be good to share the knowledge gained so far. Happy listening!
...
Things mentioned in today's podcast
Strategyzer Business Model Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBh9h0LWoawphbpUvC1DofjagNqG1Qdf3
Video Creators YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/VideoCreatorsTV
Creative Pep Talk Podcast: https://www.creativepeptalk.com/
Ep. 1 - Why did I start an Animation Business?
Maybe you're toying with the idea of starting your own studio and you're looking for a valid reason - I'm willing to bet that you already know the answer and might be afraid that it's not valid enough. Well, in this episode I share the very simple and short reason why I started Cabblow Studios and the long story of how that came to be.
You don't need an extensively substantiated reason to start, all you need is a reason that is is compelling enough to you and that's what makes it valid all on it's own! (Preaching to myself)
Things mentioned in this episode:
In early 2019 the youth unemployment rate in South Africa was at 55,2%, scary! Here are some links to the research by Statistic South Africa:
Link to the summarized infographic: http://www.statssa.gov.za/?p=12121
Graphic explained: http://www.statssa.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Youthdatastorygraph.jpg
Ep. 0 - The Business of Animation Podcast Prologue
A little prologue before the first episode of the podcast introducing Cabblow Studios - the company behind the podcast, the host Kabelo "Cabblow" Maaka and the overall purpose of the podcast.
Things mentioned in today's episode:
Cabblow Studios: @cabblowstudios
Our first short film 3 Teaspoons of Sugar - Tour dates coming soon
We have merchandise from our short film on sale on the Cabblow Studios online store - looks like I launched it on time for the podcast after all :)