Craig Emanuel is a Hollywood entertainment lawyer with over 30 years experience in the business. Currently managing partner of Loeb & Loeb, in his time has represented some of the most influential writers, actors and directors in Hollywood.

People like Tony Gilroy (writer of the Jason Bourne series, The Devils Advocate and Rogue One, the recent star wars movie too name but a few), director Robert Rodriguez, who’s responsible for loads of classics From Dusk til Dawn, Sin City, Grindhouse and Machete… and one of Craig’s longest standing clients… is none other than Australia’s very own Crocodile Dundee… Paul Hogan.

But what makes Craig really interesting is that he is a creative at heart. His early passion for photography has stuck with him and when he’s not working, he’s travelling and taking photos. And… they are really good.

Street photography, landscapes, portraits and loads more… he’s regularly updating his blog with photos and writing which are absolutely worth checking out.

I caught up with Craig via Skype fresh after the Golden Globe parties, to get a better idea of how he ended up where he is today. We cover a lot of ground including…

– how he went from playing piano in cocktail bars to landing his first gig as a lawyer
– the importance of building a network (and some practical tips)
– why and when to find your niche
– how to keep your clients
– maintaining ethics in the cut throat world of hollywood (and why it’s important)
– the appeal of photography
– a close call in the barrios of Buenos Aires
– the best advice he’s ever been given

There are gems of wisdom peppered throughout the interview, some of which I will list in the show notes.

This was a truly fascinating discussion for me and if you’ve ever wanted a little peak into show business, you’ll enjoy this one.

Remember if you like the podcast please subscribe so you don’t miss any, we have some great guests coming up as well.

But now, without further ado, introducing Craig Emanuel.

Some Quotables

“Go buy a suit and get a haircut and come back tomorrow” – Nigel Sinclair to Craig when he hired him

“People judge you by the respect you give them when you have leverage, not when you don’t have leverage”

On Photography: you can “see something that somebody else doesn’t see. Can find beauty or something of interest in things that aren’t necessarily there in the first instance you look at it”

“There comes a point in anyones career where you really have to decide what is the area you want to focus on […] if you want to be able to attract high level business and clients, you really have to, today more so than ever before, show that you have a value add that you can bring to the table. And you get that by developing and learning an area of specialisation.”

Insights

These are things I personally took from the interview. I feel the client related stuff can apply in any client related jobs.

Always do the best job you can for your client.

If you don’t have a direct line of your communication to your client you are vulnerable

Remain close to the clients other reps. Protect their interests as well. Protect the holistic relationships.

If a client wants advice, don’t just tell them what they want to her.

Never send emails when emotional. Once sent they can’t be undone.

Network building: when ending a meeting, always ask if there is anyone else they can think of you should talk to. This is a great way to leverage and build a network.

The better your network, the more value you can add your clients.

Do the right thing by others. You live and die by your reputation.

Make the most of transit time with audio books. Gradually move up in speed. Try and hit 2.5 speed. The brain adjusts and slows it down in your head.

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Mentioned in the Show:

3 Cups of Tea by Greg Mortensen

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Find out more about Craig:

www.mydailythought.com