Sefton Fincham

Sefton Fincham is a distinguished entrepreneur and film producer based in Vancouver, Canada. Born on July 5, 1988, on the serene Bowen Island, Sefton’s journey from a modest upbringing to becoming a prominent figure in the entertainment and business worlds exemplifies his resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Graduating from high school with a deep passion for storytelling and business, he seamlessly transitioned into the film industry, where his talent for narrative development and keen business acumen quickly made him a notable name.

Sefton is the founder of several successful ventures in the film production sector, each marked by his commitment to innovation and quality. His projects often bridge the gap between creative vision and commercial viability, earning both critical acclaim and commercial success. Beyond film production, Sefton’s business interests extend to real estate and technology investments, showcasing his versatile business expertise and forward-thinking approach.

His philosophy on success is deeply intertwined with personal fulfillment and community building, focusing on creating opportunities for collaboration and growth within the creative industry. Sefton is also dedicated to giving back to the community, actively participating in various philanthropic efforts that support the arts and education.

A committed father and a mentor to many aspiring creatives, Sefton Fincham continues to inspire with his dedication to balancing professional success with personal integrity and community service. His career is a testament to the power of blending passion with perseverance to achieve lasting impact in both business and the arts.

What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?

The bulk of my morning is dedicated to high-priority tasks. This could involve anything from script readings and meetings with my production team to strategic planning sessions for upcoming projects. I find that tackling the most challenging tasks first, when my energy is highest, makes the day more productive.

I usually take a short break for lunch, during which I try to step away from work-related discussions. This helps me recharge. Post-lunch, I typically schedule calls or meetings. This is the time I engage with my team, stakeholders, or potential investors. Effective communication is key in my field, so I ensure these interactions are well-managed and purposeful.

How do you bring ideas to life?

To bring ideas to life, I focus on visualization and meticulous planning. I start by visualizing the end result and then work backwards to map out the steps needed to achieve that vision. Collaboration is key, so I involve my team early in the process to brainstorm and refine the idea, ensuring it’s both innovative and executable.

What’s one trend that excites you?

The integration of virtual reality in film excites me immensely. It’s transforming storytelling by offering immersive experiences that engage audiences in unprecedented ways. This trend not only expands the creative palette but also opens up new avenues for interactive narratives.

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

Setting daily priorities is a habit that significantly boosts my productivity. Each morning, I list my tasks based on their impact and urgency, focusing on what needs to be tackled first. This helps manage my time effectively and keeps me aligned with my long-term goals.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to worry less about fitting into predefined paths and more about carving out your own. It’s important to trust your instincts and pursue what truly motivates you, even if it seems unconventional at the time.

Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?

I believe that in the business world, empathy and emotional intelligence are more critical than ruthlessness and aggressive competition. Many see business as a cutthroat world, but I’ve found that understanding people and building strong relationships lead to longer-lasting success.

What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?

Reflect on your accomplishments and setbacks regularly. This practice not only provides perspective but also ingrains a habit of continuous learning and gratitude, which are crucial for personal and professional growth.

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

When overwhelmed, I step back and take a break, often going for a walk or meditating. This helps clear my mind and restore focus. I also revisit my goals to prioritize my tasks better, which often alleviates the feeling of being overwhelmed.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?

Building a diverse network has been instrumental. Networking outside of your immediate industry can inspire innovative ideas and open up new opportunities that you might not have considered otherwise. It’s about creating value for both parties and fostering relationships that could lead to potential collaborations.

What is one failure in your career,  how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?

Early in my career, I launched a project that didn’t resonate with the audience as I had hoped. I overcame this by soliciting feedback to understand where it missed the mark and applied these learnings to future projects. The key takeaway was the importance of market research and user feedback before full-scale execution.

What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?

An online platform that connects freelance artists with businesses for short-term creative projects. This would not only help freelancers find consistent work but also assist businesses in sourcing fresh talent on-demand.

What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

One indispensable tool in my toolkit is Milanote, which goes beyond traditional project management. It’s essentially a virtual wall for creative thinking — a place where I can organize projects visually, much like creating a mood board for each project. This method suits the nonlinear nature of creative processes, allowing me to pin ideas, track tasks, and establish workflows that evolve organically with the project’s demands. It’s perfect for maintaining a broad overview while also managing the minutiae that are critical to the creative and production phases.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?

A standout read for me has been “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield. It tackles the internal struggles that creatives face, particularly resistance, and provides profound insights on overcoming the barriers that inhibit creativity. This book has been a game-changer in how I approach mental blocks and maintain creative productivity under pressure, making it a must-read for anyone serious about pursuing a career in any creative field.

What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?

A recent gem I discovered is the series “Midnight Gospel” on Netflix. It’s an avant-garde blend of deep philosophical conversations and wildly imaginative animation. Each episode pairs an interview-style conversation with fantastical interdimensional adventures, making it a feast for both the mind and the eyes. The way it merges thought-provoking content with visual artistry is not only entertaining but also inspiring, showing the power of animation to explore complex human experiences.

Key learnings:

-Embrace visualization and collaboration to refine processes.
-Set daily priorities for daily productivity and to achieve long-term goals.
-Value empathy and emotional intelligence in business to get ahead.