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Walter Josten
President of Blue Rider Pictures and Co-Founder of Vumanity Media
Professional Background
Walter Josten's journey through the world of art and film is a testament to his diverse talent and unwavering passion for storytelling. A multi-talented individual, Walter was not only an exceptional athlete during his high school years—excelling as a quarterback in football, a player in baseball, a wrestler, and a track athlete—but also cultivated his artistic flair early on. After high school, he pursued a degree in fine arts at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, where he won the prestigious Best Painting award at a gallery show dedicated to Wisconsin college artists, showcasing his remarkable ability to capture emotion through his art.
Upon completion of his studies, Walter made the decision to relocate to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, a move that would significantly influence his career path. It was here that he met his life partner, Pat, and the couple married in 1979, forming a bond that would last a lifetime. In Florida, Walter began to establish himself as a professional artist, working primarily with oils and watercolors. His talent allowed him to support himself through various creative endeavors. He painted stunning murals, crafted commissioned portraits for clients, and designed eye-catching menus and logos for a plethora of local restaurants—demonstrating both his artistic flair and business acumen.
In 1982, Walter and Pat welcomed their son Patrick into the world. The following year, the family made a bold move to Southern California, a decision that would open new doors for Walter. It was in this vibrant and competitive hub of the entertainment industry that Walter discovered his true calling in the independent movie business. His artistic background, coupled with his sharp business insight, provided him with a unique perspective that proved invaluable in the film industry.
As he navigated this new landscape, Walter Josten distinguished himself as a producer in Hollywood. His hands-on approach allowed him to become involved in every aspect of filmmaking—a notable feat, as few producers possess such comprehensive experience. Walter's holistic understanding of the entire filmmaking process from script development through to the marketing and distribution stages uniquely positioned him to guide cinematic projects with confidence and creativity.
Education and Achievements
Walter's educational background in fine arts laid the essential foundation for his artistic development and future career. At the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, he honed his skills and eventually won the Best Painting award, which only solidified his reputation as a talented artist. This recognition early in his career illustrated his potential to compete and innovate in a variety of artistic mediums.
Throughout his career in film and television, Walter has amassed numerous accolades and awards that reflect his dedication and skill in storytelling. Among his noteworthy achievements are the prestigious Ciné Golden Eagle Award received for the documentary Uncommon Kindness: The Father Damien Story, which shed light on a significant humanitarian figure. Walter also earned an Emmy Award for his work on The Incredible Mrs. Ritchie, a testament to his talent in creating engaging narratives that resonate with audiences. Furthermore, he received a Telly Award for The Moss Method, a biographical film about the legendary football player Randy Moss, further showcasing his ability to bring compelling stories to the screen.
Walter served as Co-Founder at Vumanity Media Inc., an organization dedicated to creating impactful media that challenges societal norms and emphasizes human compassion through storytelling. Additionally, his leadership experience includes serving as the President at Blue Rider Pictures and Paragon Arts, where he honed his skills in maneuvering the intricate landscape of the film production world.
Legacy and Influence
Walter Josten's contributions to the arts—both in painting and film—are significant not only for their creativity but also for their ability to inspire others. He embodies the spirit of an artist and a storyteller who believes in the transformative power of creativity to connect people and evoke change. Through his diverse experiences, he has not only impacted the entertainment sector but also influenced aspiring filmmakers and artists seeking to carve their paths in a highly competitive industry.
His journey from a promising artist in Wisconsin to a powerful producer in Hollywood illustrates the importance of versatility, adaptability, and lifelong learning. Walter is an exemplary figure who demonstrates that a career can be a tapestry woven with multiple interests and talents, leading to a rich and rewarding life.
In summary, Walter Josten stands as a multi-dimensional figure in the realms of art and filmmaking, merging creativity with business insight to create compelling narratives that resonate with audiences. His legacy is one of commitment to artistry, excellence in production, and an unwavering passion for storytelling that brings communities together, sparks dialogue, and fosters understanding.
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Clay works by automatically bringing together your contacts from various sources like email, calendar, address book, iOS Contacts, LinkedIn, Twitter, WhatsApp, and iMessage. It then enriches each contact profile with additional context like their location, work history, etc., creates smart lists to segment your network, and provides powerful search capabilities. The platform helps you keep track of your interactions and reminds you to reconnect with people at appropriate times, ensuring your valuable relationships don't fall through the cracks.
Clay offers several powerful features including:
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
Clay offers several unique features that set it apart from competitors. Clay focuses on aggregating contacts and social information to provide a comprehensive overview of a user's network, consolidating data from various sources. Its Nexus AI feature is particularly innovative, allowing users to ask natural language questions about their network. Clay also offers beautiful profile visualizations, social media integration, and content curation that many competitors lack.
Yes. Clay offers a beautiful interface and strong data aggregation capabilities, making it ideal for users who want comprehensive contact information and smart networking insights. Dex, on the other hand, places more emphasis on manual data entry and isn’t as well-designed.
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