Rising Stars: Meet Tony Cope

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Cope.

Hi Tony, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
We started the business playing hacky sack and drinking a few beers. It was when computer-based (nonlinear) editing became a thing, and we felt it would make for a great business. On Aug 2 1993, Myriad became a thing.

I can’t even begin to digest everything that’s happened over almost 30 years. Running a small business is intense, every day. However, as simplistic as this sounds, we kept our focus on what felt right and honest even when that wasn’t comfortable. That seems to me to be the key to our success.

We’ve also paid very close attention to our communities and how we can be advocates. We feel a deep sense of responsibility to our neighbors who made an environment where we could prosper. We owe back 10x. People who work here, their families and everyone surrounding us all have been crucial in our success.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
If I count them right, we’ve been through 6 economic downturns. As well, since we work mostly with Fortune 500 companies, we’ve had to learn how to swim with REALLY big hungry fish. We’ve become symbiotic. These companies change and morph constantly, so we’ve had to develop an ability to constantly connect with our clients even when projects aren’t in progress. As they adapt and grow, so do we.

Learning to manage a staff of wonderful creatives is always interesting. The best way forward is always sharing as much information along the way as you can. If you want people to share in your perspectives and goals, they have to know what you know. Also, learn to celebrate their growth, even when that growth leads them away from Myriad for other opportunities.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have found a profound love of human stories. People are just really damn fascinating and inspiring. This is how I found my “love what you do.” I mean, I’ll always love an excuse to pull the camera out and play, but when I get to focus on human experiences, I truly get lost in it all.

This is also how I have connected my personal passions with my work. Advocacy and activism through work is where I find the most satisfaction. My good days are extremely fulfilling. 

If life isn’t interesting then I’m not paying enough attention. My father is gay. My family has survived two active shooter events. I see our world & the environment utterly being destroyed. I love Carolina Tiger Rescue. I know I can’t fix any hostilities or issues on my own, but I can at least make small differences on a daily basis. Make Video Make A Difference is our company motto.

I spent two weeks in Honduras shooting a doc on sustainable farming with no electricity or running water. I’ve worked with transgender heroes fighting against HB2 and other oppressions. I’ve been involved with a grassroots gun violence prevention activist group for 7 years, and I’m volunteering as a state chapter lead. I also served on a PAC for a statewide LGBTQIA advocacy organization. I’m a dad.

Through all of this, I get to connect my love of visual storytelling with people who are so deeply inspiring. Making a Difference keeps me sane in a very insane world. I truly love what I do.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I spend a lot of time on social media. It’s a crucial channel for connecting with volunteers and activists, as well as staying on top of current events. I spend a lot of my time talking with people.

I do love podcasts, and will find random rabbit holes to go down when I have long drives or come across them while doing research. ‘How To Save A Planet’ is phenomenal.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.myriad.video
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tony.cope.52
• Twitter: @tony_myriad