LaCour Studio deux

18/04/2024

new video up on YT

Have you ever considered the striking resemblance between the journey of a torpedo towards its target and our own paths through life's decisions? Today, we'r...

17/04/2024

“Storytelling is the most powerful way to put ideas into the world.” -Robert Mckee

Storytelling has become quite the buzzword these days. By now you have heard about the power of storytelling whether it's to “connect with your customer, or just “to stand out.” While this is very true here are a few things Story is NOT… From author Philipp Humm.

Story is not a…

Case Study: Case studies are often ultra-impersonal, rather boring accounts of how your company helped another company. Ask yourself: how many case studies have you read in your life and how many you remember? Not that many, right? Why do you not remember them? Because they’re not personal enough. Humans Care about humans, not about companies.

Story is not a…

• Testimonial: Testimonials are short, bite-sized reviews of a customer's experience working with you. For instance, "I loved working with Philipp. He's got a German accent that's hotter than a pretzel straight out of the oven." I love testimonials, and they are a great way to give social proof, but they are just snippets of a story.

So, what is a story?

In its simplest form, a story is something interesting that happens to a specific person (not a company).
It's a narrative, or a series of events, that are connected and told in a particular order to entertain, inform, or inspire others.

So when we combine a strong story structure with proven cinematic elements of sound, moving pictures, timing, music, and sound effects the power of your story is 10x more effective.

Here at LaCour Studio we combine these proven techniques ensuring you story will be stuck in the heads of many, creating emotionally connected viewers of your Why, your Fight, and what you want to contribute to the world.

DM us the word “STORY” for a free document that will guide you in using your own stories to weave through your marketing. And, if you would like to learn more about creating your own Brand Story in the most powerful way we will help you get started with that as well.

And follow for more Storytelling insights like I do. ⚡️

06/04/2024

Preventing burnout and finding more mind blowing ideas for your business is a similar process.

As an entrepreneur you are gifted with the power to innovate and adapt.

When navigating the shadows of expectation and disappointment, we are reminded that our attachments to specific outcomes can often blind us to the true picture of our lives.

At the heart of this journey lies the essence of detachment and celebration, as we come to understand that all endings are merely new beginnings.

Breathwork and Meditation offer a transformative path to explore and connect to profound wisdom.

These tools allow us to transcend the limitations of our expectations and embrace the limitless potential of each moment, in turn helping us get more out of life.

Yes, the more you can connect and stay in this present moment the more you will get out of life because life only exists now.

Meditation and breathwork has provided the tools to expand my consciousness and to increase our level of awareness.

This enables us to see beyond the narrow confines of our individual experiences, our perspectives.

With the right practice of meditation and breathwork, we can develop the capacity to hold our expectations without becoming attached to them, allowing us to experience flow with the currents of life, rather than resist them.

As entrepreneurs it is essential to move fast, to drive the business forward with outreach, providing value, and fulfillment to the customers.

Only there are many things we cannot control. Its our attachment to the result that can hinder it coming to fruition.

Meditation and breathwork, is extremely helpful in learning to let go of our attachments.

What works for one may not necessarily work for another, so I encourage you to start experimenting.

Join my SKOOL on breath and meditation for FREE guidance in embracing breath and meditation, allowing you to enjoy the ebbs and flows of life and get more out of it.

www.skool.com/breath-is-the-way-8979/about

27/03/2024

Ready to impact more people?

Bring your true potential into focus by analyzing your past and creating an unforgettable story that has the power to capture the essence of humanity,

If you are a coach, expert or entrepreneur, sharing your story can motivate others to see themselves as the heroes of their own lives, just as you have.

Your story can awaken the many dormant adventurers, lovers, leaders, artists, and rebels, helping them realize their own hidden potential. And we need more of all of these, especially rebels right now.

It's a call to action that can transform lives and inspire greatness.

As a coach or mentor, your story can help others understand their own behavior, clarify their understanding of morality, and guide them towards the ultimate adventure, divine romance, and eternal battle between good and evil.

If you are like most people and don’t think you have a story, or just don’t know how to unpack it, DM us the word STORY for a free document that will inspire you and guide you in finding some of your stories.

If you know your story and ready to present it in the most powerful way. A way that will amplify it and help you impact more people. Send us a DM and we will be in touch.

20/03/2024

Attention is the new oil.

If you are a coach, consultant or entrepreneur seeking innovative ways to capture and maintain the interest of their audience, keep reading.

What if I told you that the key to unlocking the full potential of your brand lies in the ancient art of storytelling?

When done correctly, attention is freely given, willingly and often unknowingly.

The subtle belief that marketers must wrestle with an audience's attention is a misconception.

Storytelling is a unique form of information exchange that leverages a co-creative process, where the teller and listener engage in a symbiotic relationship.

As the story unfolds, the listener adds their own images and emotions to the narrative, blurring the lines between the message and the recipient.

This phenomenon is known as "narrative transportation," a state where we lose ourselves in the story, so much so that we become oblivious to our immediate surroundings.

If you've ever missed your exit while listening to a captivating podcast or audiobook, you understand these effects all too well.

In that moment, did you feel coerced into surrendering your attention? No. You willingly traveled into the world of the story.

At this point, attention transforms into something much more valuable: CAPTIVATION.

Captivate your audience with a story, and you will have access to all the attention you could ever need.

So, why not harness the power of storytelling to tell your brand's story and captivate your audience?

Comment STORY below for some free resources to guide you in crafting your brand's narrative, and watch as your audience willingly gives you their attention, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in your brand's journey.

The future of marketing is storytelling, and the time to captivate your audience is now.

16/03/2024

A brand's story is at its most compelling when it strikes a balance between fiction AND reality... let me explain.

Jean-luc Godard once said, 'You can start with fiction or start with documentary, either way you will inevitably find the other.' This quote beautifully captures the essence of creating a unique and authentic brand story for coaches, consultants, and entrepreneurs.

Just as a filmmaker weaves a narrative through a blend of fiction and documentary, a brand can craft its own story by balancing the imagined and the real. In the world of branding, fiction represents the aspirations, dreams, and values that a company wishes to embody. It's the creative spark that ignites the imagination and sets the stage for what could be.

On the other hand, documentary represents the facts, data, and real-life experiences that shape a brand's identity. It's the foundation upon which a brand story is built, grounded in the truth of what the company has accomplished and the people it has touched.

The two elements are inextricably intertwined. A brand's story is at its most compelling when it strikes a balance between the two.

When creating a video we allow fiction and documentary to inform and inspire one another.

Many of our clients start by envisioning a future where their services have made a significant impact on their clients.

This vision, or fiction, can inspire the brand to take concrete steps toward realizing that future.

At the same time, the company can draw upon the documentary aspects of its story, such as its history, mission, and the testimonials of its customers, to give its narrative a strong foundation in reality.

So, brand story is a delicate dance between fiction and documentary. By embracing both the imagined and the real, we can create narratives that move people emotionally, syncing the viewers nervous systems with whatever emotion you choose.

If you are ready to start crafting your story comment STORY below.

13/03/2024

I am a guide for coaches, consultants, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders alike. I want them to feel empowered enough to create their story?

Most of them don’t think they have a story, know how to unpack it, or have enough ideas.

I’m here to tell you, ideas and your stories are LIMITLESS.

Here are some thoughts on ideas…

They are in the air.

Thinking about this, I decided to dive into some of the history of creativity and inspiration…

Here is what I found.

Many prolific thinkers throughout history have studied the idea of creativity and inspiration…

Contemplating whether their “powers” extend beyond personal memories and acquired facts.
 
Robert Emerson, author, and scientist, proposed the idea about the existence of a shared mind among all individuals. Also known as the “collective consciousness.”

Thomas Edison, the renowned inventor, attributed some of his groundbreaking ideas to a source beyond himself. 

He once humbly remarked that "ideas are in the air.”

Joseph Banks Rhine, a psychologist, did work that established the reality of telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition through rigorous scientific experiments.

This led to the acknowledgment of an extrasensory factor termed "Psi." Also known as a sixth sense. 

Professor R. H. Thouless of Cambridge University, endorsed Rhine's findings, stating, "The reality of the phenomena must be regarded as proved as certainly as anything in scientific research can be proved." 

Dr. Rhine concluded that people can learn things in a special way, beyond just using our regular senses. 

All of this to say you are capable of more than you think you are. 

If you have not gotten started on sharing your story because you think you lack the ideas and just don’t know...

Because building your brand story and sharing it with the world is not a small feat. 

But my purpose is to help guide you through those feelings, facing discomfort, and still change the world with your story.

Comment STORY below if you want me to guide you through the process of creating your Brand Story. You will also learn how to tap into the collective consciousness in the process! LFG!!!

11/03/2024

We are looking for 5 coaches, consultants, and service providers to try our new story building process. Comment Story below if you are ready.

07/03/2024

We all, collectively created the iPhone…

Before the iPhone officially came out, can you remember thinking to yourself any of the following?

“I’d love a phone that was just a screen.”

“I’d love it if I could combine my music, camera and phone into one device.”

If so, odds are, you helped put the idea out there, into the collective consciousness, and Steve Jobs downloaded it. Thank God he had the resources to make it happen.

The scientist Robert Emerson actually proposed the idea of the Collective consciousness. And guess who agreed? Thomas Edison!

What is this? Well, it's like a collective mind where we get our ideas from, but we also put our own ideas into it.

This is why “they” say when you have a great idea you have to execute on it ASAP because odds are someone else is going to capitalize on it before you do.

Lets just be thankful that Steve Jobs had the resources to create what we were all thinking…

When I help guide coaches, consultants, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders alike to feel empowered enough to create their brand story we have to realize how abundant ideas are.

So, what does this mean for you? It means that you are capable of more than you think! You can create your brand story and share it with the world!

And one of the best ways to do that is to talk about it.

Comment STORY below and we can book a call where we share and discuss our process with you.

04/03/2024

Vulnerability is Courage!

When I was coming up I always saw vulnerability as a weakness. I would hide it away and avoid it at all costs.. But, what if I told you that vulnerability is actually the key to unlocking true courage and growth, both personally and professionally?

We help coaches, consultants, and entrepreneurs unpack their most powerful story. Most of the people we work with often feel the need to project an image of strength and invincibility. But the truth is that embracing vulnerability can be the most powerful tool in our arsenal. When we open ourselves up to our clients, we create a space of trust and understanding that can lead to deeper connection and more meaningful work.

Vulnerability is the courage to show up authentically, to admit our limitations, and to be open to learning and growth. It’s the willingness to take risks, to try new things, and to face our fears head-on. And it’s the foundation of strong relationships, both with our clients and within our businesses.

Here are a few tips for embracing vulnerability in our work:

Share your story: Share your own experiences, struggles and successes with your clients. This will help them to see you as a real person. Not just a service provider.
Be open to feedback: encourage your clients to give you honest feedback and be open to making changes based on their input. This shows that you value their opinion and are committed to providing the best service possible.
Take risks: Don't be afraid to try new things and take risks in your business. We are definitely doing that here at LaCour Studio. This shows that you are willing to push the boundaries and grow.
Be vulnerable with your team. Share your struggles and successes with your team members and encourage them to do the same. This will create a culture of openness and trust within your business.

By embracing vulnerability, we open ourselves up to new opportunities for growth and success. So let's be courageous, let's be vulnerable, and let’s watch our businesses thrive.

Make sure to book a call through the link below if you want help unpacking your most powerful story and turning it into a masterpiece.

29/02/2024

Jean-luc Godard once said, "You can start with fiction or start with documentary, either way you will inevitably find the other." Just as a filmmaker weaves a narrative through a blend of fiction and documentary, a brand can craft its own story by balancing the imagined and the real.

In the world of branding, fiction represents the aspirations, dreams, and values that a company wishes to embody. It's the creative spark that ignites the imagination and sets the stage for what could be. By starting with fiction, brands can establish a vision of what they want to represent and the impact they want to make on the world.

On the other hand, documentary represents the facts, data, and real-life experiences that shape a brand's identity. It's the foundation upon which a brand story is built, grounded in the truth of what the company has accomplished and the people it has touched. By starting with documentary, brands can create a solid and authentic foundation for their narrative.

As Godard suggests, the two elements are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they are inextricably intertwined. A brand's story is at its most compelling when it strikes a balance between the two, allowing fiction and documentary to inform and inspire one another.

For instance, a company might start by envisioning a future where its products have made a significant impact on the lives of its customers. This vision, or fiction, can inspire the brand to take concrete steps toward realizing that future, such as investing in research and development or expanding its product line.

The company can draw upon the documentary aspects of its story, such as its history, mission, and the testimonials of its customers, to give its narrative a strong foundation in reality. By weaving these real-life experiences into its story, the brand can demonstrate its authenticity and credibility.

By embracing both the imagined and the real, brands can create narratives that are both inspiring and grounded in truth, setting the stage for a powerful and authentic connection with their audience. Comment STORY below to get started.

21/02/2024

I had a friend who practiced Jiu-Jitsu to keep his depression at bay. However, when he was injured and unable to continue practicing, he lost his primary outlet for creative energy and, sadly, took his own life.

Around this time was my first rib injury and couldn’t do ANYTHING physical, no yoga, no cycling, just rest for Three months. This is also when I stumbled upon a quote by Miyamoto Musashi, "Every warrior should have a peaceful art as well as a killing art, this is the two-fold way." This simple yet profound idea resonated deeply with me and helped me find balance in my own life.

The two-fold way emphasizes the importance of having both a "hard" and "soft" art in one's life. For me, these two practices are Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and filmmaking. Filmmaking is my peaceful art, helping me share stories that lead to more balance and inner harmony to the world. Jiu-Jitsu is my "killing art," allowing me to channel my energy into a more intense physical practice.

When injured in BJJ I have always shifted my creative focus to filmmaking which includes, writing, storytelling, shooting video, editing, production, lighting, sound design… etc.

13/02/2024

Show your clients your purpose, and they'll be more aligned with your brand.

Humans are curious creatures, aren't we? We're wired to explore, learn, and connect. But there's something that truly sets us apart: our insatiable need for purpose. It's what drives us to create, innovate, and build a better world. And guess what? It's the secret sauce to a successful brand too!

Picture this: You're scrolling through your feed, and you come across a brand that shares your values and beliefs. It's like finding a kindred spirit! Suddenly, you're not just a customer; you're part of a tribe. That's the power of purpose. When a brand shows you their "why," they create an emotional bond that goes beyond the product or service.

So, what does this mean for your business? Simple. Show your clients your purpose, and they'll be more aligned with your brand. When you're on the same page, it's like a match made in marketing heaven. You'll inspire loyalty, trust, and a sense of belonging that'll make your competitors green with envy.

But here's the kicker: Purpose isn't just about making your customers feel warm and fuzzy. It's also about inspiring them to take action. When people are aligned with your brand's purpose, they're more likely to share it with their friends, family, and followers. And that, my friends, is the sweet taste of organic growth.

Now, let's get down to business. How do you show your clients your "why"? Here are a few tips to get you started:

1 Be authentic: Don't just slap a purpose on your brand like a bumper sticker.
2 Share your story: Everyone loves a good origin story. Let your clients know how your brand came to be and what inspired you to create it.
3 Walk the talk: Don't just say you care about the environment or social causes.
4 Engage with your community: Build a tribe of like-minded individuals who share your values and beliefs.

The secret to creating a brand that resonates with your clients on a deeper level. Embrace your purpose, and watch your brand soar to new heights. Now go out there and make a difference!

Comment READY if you are ready to have a team help you develop your brand story and turn it into a masterpiece in film.

09/02/2024

What affects you, coaches, speakers, actresses, and even Batman all the same?

It’s that nagging sense of inadequacy and the fear of being exposed as a fraud, AKA impostorism.

You know what I am talking about. It’s why we have hundreds of videos in drafts and zero posted. It’s why, even though you have an AMAZING story, you haven’t shared it with the world.

It can be extremely frustrating to deal with, but trust me imposterism attacks everyone, even the most successful people, characters, and instructors.

You are not alone.

Emma Watson said, "I'd walk down the red carpet and go into the bathroom. I had on so much makeup and these big, fluffy, full-on dresses. I'd put my hands on the sink, look at myself in the mirror, and say, 'Who is this?'" she told Vanity Fair. "I didn't connect with the person who was looking back at me, and that was a very unsettling feeling."

As much as we’d like to believe the higher we climb, the more likely we are to chase away our imposterism, moving up the ladder means higher expectations.

But there is a bright side!

The more something matters to you, the more you are apt to worry about being good at it. No matter how much praise you receive or how many goals you accomplish, you will not arrive at a place completely free of self-doubt or imposter feelings.

And that is okay.

So you are struggling with impostorism. What is the next step?

Start looking at imposterism differently.

Don’t get me wrong, imposterism stinks, BUT if we can shift our mindset to realize that having those uncomfortable feelings only reaffirms how much we care about our craft, we can use it to our advantage.

Then you need to start CELEBRATING yourself and your successes.

19/12/2023

I didn’t always use my gift of photography and filmmaking to amplify the voices of coaches, consultants, and entrepreneurs.

Take a trip with me down memory lane for just a moment, please…

In the early part of my career, I used photography and lighting techniques to highlight and participate in the Hollywood and fashion industry.

I also had to take-up side jobs. Can you believe I was a carpenter’s assistant–creating elaborate furniture and window displays for all the top fashion brands?

While I loved the creations we were making, it occurred to me that my work was not necessarily making the world a better place. In fact, I felt like I was supporting an industry that was centered on ego, materialism, and abundant waste.

I witnessed waste that made my stomach turn.

In one particular instance, we had to recreate a 50s style inspired room, with old gas tanks and large printed images, furniture, and the like. We worked about four weeks on these elaborate showrooms. The project would use everything we created for three days of events to show their clothing. The event always kicked off on a Thursday.

And then on Monday we got instructions “to destroy”. (It was in the contract. We HAD to destroy it. They didn't want competitors using their props.)

Of course, some small things would make their way into our living rooms, but it was heartbreaking to fill more dumpsters up of mostly toxic non-recyclable plastics, wood, particle board, different adhesives and glues... all for a weekend of displaying a clothing collection.

After I decided I didn’t want to participate in these industries and waste any longer, I began searching for a way to use my talents, so I could shine a light on those who were changing the world, one person at a time, and making it a better place for all of us.

I truly believe coaches, consultants, and entrepreneurs are creating positive change, and this is WHY I have chosen to help my clients expand, strengthen, and amplify their own stories of transformation and how they are making a positive impact on people.

I recently had the honor of capturing Duke’s story. At one of the lowest points in his life, he had a chance encounter with a stranger on a beach. That encounter led to a series of events that changed Duke’s life forever–and helped him define his WHY.

You can hear Duke’s story here. As you watch, pay attention to the power of the WHY.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_VyC3OvIKk

And remember this: Your clients buy your WHY, not your what.

Ready to schedule your Story Strategy Call, so we can focus on your why and share it in a powerful way with your audience?

You can find a date and time that works for you below.

https://calendly.com/lacourstudio/discover-call-with-lacour-studio

with care,

Eric LaCour | FILMMAKER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Connect with Duke: www.TruthJourney.com

08/12/2023

“To be a person is to have a story to tell.”
—Isak Dinesen

We are here to help you find, develop, work, and refine it. Then share it the most powerful way possible. Comment “STORY” below if you are interested in what we offer.

28/11/2023

You got it.

22/11/2023

Not only is Authenticity your highest vibration, but it also breeds trust, and trust paves the way for enduring connections.
Comment “ready” if you are ready to get started.

16/11/2023

The power of story!!!

The so-called “New Chess Boom” describes the increase in viewership and playing of chess across the world starting in 2018 and picking up speed in March 2020 as people were forced to turn toward the internet for more of their entertainment…

Comment STORY below if you are ready to use the power of your own Brand Video to blast past your revenue goals in 2024!!!

The Queen’s Gambit, the Chess Boom, and the Future of Chess April 5, 2021April 14, 2021 MJEBoundaries of Economics Written by Roy Lahood Chess, a game that has been around for almost 1500 years, is seeing a rapid resurgence in popularity this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the release of a new...

15/11/2023

As you probably know by following me I am pretty obsessed with The Hero's Journey... well, it it interests you then you want to check this out:

13/11/2023

In previous posts we have been going over the Hero's Journey.

So far we have traveled these stages together:

The Ordinary World
My Call to Adventure
The Refusal of the Call to Adventure
Meeting Your Mentor

At this point, it’s time for us to Cross the Threshold into Adventure between my Ordinary World and the Special World I have been sharing on our journey together.

Training Kenzie the past few weeks hasn’t been without it’s trials and tribulations:

1) Punctuality — to run any successful business my team is always on time… I’ve always had an “easy going” attitude , but when it comes to business we do not mess around. Kenzie was late once and assured me it would never happen again. Of course, as a leader, I am accepting of sick days and emergencies, but when it comes to our clients and meeting on shoot days I’ve taught her the old saying… “if you are on time, you are late.”

2) Editing speed— though she has experience, she hasn’t had other businesses to compete against. We are honing her eye and teaching quicker ways of getting exceptional results.

3) Mindset/learning from failure— one of the main things I wish I would have learned much sooner myself is that “failure is the way.” We can’t be afraid to take action. There are people that are so afraid to fail they never take action. I want Kenzie to know that failure is acceptable, but only when we reflect and learn from it.

We all enter into “everyday stories” hoping for the best—and navigating whatever is thrown our way.

That favorite coffee cup of your spouse you broke today? Oy!

The car fire on the side of the road that derailed your trip to work? Double Oy!

The diagnosis you received the last time you went to the doctor? Whamm-y!

Conflict and tension make for STELLAR STORIES–in the movies, books, and everyday life. I knew that training Kenzie would challenge me as a mentor, and our journey together has certainly had its ups and downs.

Remember, taking your future customers on The Hero’s Journey with you in your content and marketing is key. They each need to know that you understand their desires and vision, understand their “ordinary” world, and understand their trials and tribulations before they will ever hire you.

How are you emotionally connecting with them–and Crossing The Threshold alongside them?

This is all about RELATABILITY and the power of stellar storytelling. As you begin to master this, your future clients will be reaching out to you in curiosity and asking you about your work.

When you empathize with them, and understand the baggage they carry on their own journey–they will invest in working with you as their mentor/guide.

I have opened a few spots this week to meet you for a Story Discovery Call.

Comment STORY below if you want to consider crafting a winning Hero’s Journey for your audience.