How a Nickelodeon Augmented Reality App Led to Film Producing

Contrary to the ruthless image often portrayed in business biographies and Hollywood headlines, success in this industry often boils down to three ingredients – hard work, good luck, and decency. People often over-emphasize the first two, but a growing body of evidence suggests that kindness can be a formidable strategy. Do people want to work with you? Do you elevate projects as a team player? Are you willing to tackle challenges with enthusiasm?

Seven years ago when a client asked me to consult on Nickelodeon Screens Up, a mobile application that blends Augmented Reality (AR) with TV, I felt intimidated and exhilarated. The app was developed through a cross-continent collaboration between Nickelodeon and four agencies and tech partners located in three countries. Working with the geniuses on these teams proved to be inspiring and life-affirming.

When AR hit the main stream in 2017, this technology felt like we’d realized a futuristic fever dream. It was exciting to launch a brand-new app experience that tied directly with children’s TV shows – with the app, kids could see slime, blimps, SpongeBob, and other special effects timed with the network’s programming.

Working on a project for a major studio opened doors to collaborations outside of tech. Many years later, one of the major funders behind our forthcoming proof-of-concept short, Marnie and The Meerkat, is a Nickelodeon executive I met on this project.

Back then, I was hot off the heels of exiting a company and wanted to prove that I still had the “innovator startup touch” (a hustle-harder mindset that I loathe today). This mentor saw my potential and emphasized my gifts as a storyteller. He knew before I was ready to admit it out-loud that I wanted to develop content for film and television.

Today, I’m in the process of transitioning from a fruitful career in creative entertainment technologies to narrative storytelling. Is it scary? Sure. But I’ve developed a robust network of friends and colleagues. It’s been amazing to see how many people who have been supportive of this journey.

Have you experienced the benefits of good karma in your career? Feel free to tell me on LinkedIn. You just never know where a meaningful connection might lead.