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Networth and Chill with Your Rich BFF
How Cole Walliser Turned a $100 Dollar Gig into the Red Carpet Glambot!
00:44:43
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- [00:00]
A
First moving to LA, I think I moved with $4,000 Canadian and I drove my car down to LA from Vancouver. Car broke down like 300 miles out of LA. So like, like stranded, like just stranded. And I was like, okay, gotta figure it out. I couldn't move back home. Like, I had to get a lawyer and like that cost a ton of money just to get out here, just to be able to be here to work. And I got a three year visa and I was like, well, I'm three years in. Like, I'm not going home. So I had one job that was gonna last a couple months and then after that, like, who knows? Foreign.
- [00:34]
B
What's up, rich friends? Welcome back to another episode of Net Worth and Chill with me, your host, Vivian Tu, AKA your rich BFF and your favorite Wall street girly. I want everyone listening to think about that one picture or maybe video that you felt so confident in, you couldn't help but post it everywhere. And I mean everywhere. As someone who is literally on camera nearly every single day, there is nothing better than the feeling of the camera actually capturing your confidence and making you feel unstoppable. Well, lucky for us, today's guest knows all about that feeling. In fact, he's made it his entire brand. A director, a filmmaker, the glambot director, and one of times 100 most influential digital creators. Everyone, please welcome Cole Walliser.
- [01:20]
A
What's up?
- [01:21]
B
I am so happy that we're together. We're gonna have so much fun.
- [01:24]
A
I'm excited too. I'm excited too.
- [01:26]
B
So before we get into any Q and A, I always like to open up with a fun little icebreaker. I need to know what is the one big purchase that you have made in your lifetime that you wish you could go back and prevent yourself from making? Support for the show comes from Bumble. In dating, just like in finance, you tend to get out what you put in. The more intention and openness you bring to the table, the more likely you are to see the kinds of returns that matter. Deep, lasting connections. That's why I'm excited to talk to you about Bumble. Today's sponsor, Bumble, encourages people to show up as their most authentic self, helping them to date with clarity and confidence. So when you find a spark, you can explore it with an open mind. If you're thinking about dating, you can jump right in with Bumble.
- [02:06]
A
Ooh, that's a tricky question. I mean, the biggest purchase was a house, but I don't regret doing that after that. It's like cars, which I also don't regret. I don't know. I mean, probably endless camera gear, I think, is probably a thing where, especially for me being a filmmaker, like, I'll be like, oh, this camera's dope. I'll buy it, I'll use it for a little bit, and then it just sits on a shelf. So probably could have used without multiple cameras, lenses, and maybe even some lights.
- [02:29]
B
So can I tell you, I spent $22,000 on camera equipment, and I thought just buying the equipment, I would suddenly magically know how to use it. And then I got it, and I was like, yeah, I actually still prefer filming on my iPhone.
- [02:41]
A
Yeah, that's a. That's a common trajectory that happens to people. But I mean, I think my always thing. My thing, I always say, is like, the best camera is the one in your hand. So, like, whether that's like a $20,000, like, red camera or $1,000 iPhone, whatever's in your hands, the best one.
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B
So do you have a favorite camera?
- [02:58]
A
Oh, well, yes and no. Right. Because it depends on the purpose.
- [03:02]
B
Right.
- [03:02]
A
My favorite camera as of late is my Leica Q3, which was a big purchase. Which is. I mean, how much was that? Seven. Seven and a half thousand.
- [03:11]
B
Okay, so.
- [03:12]
A
So I wanted a Q1, which came out like 10 years ago, and they were like 5 grand. But then I was like, okay, this is a big purchase. I'm not going to do it. Then the Q2 came out and I was like, I really want this. I added and like B and H like 10 times and then just didn't check out. But then finally when the Q3 came out, I was like, okay, I'm gonna do it. Yeah. And I dropped the money. But it's like, yeah, it's a camera that I just carry around. Like, I brought it to New York with me, and I just walk around and I shoot stuff with it. So that's like my favorite, just. Cause it's like, with me a lot. But then for like, big projects, I mean, like a red camera or an Alexa, like, these kinds of things are kind of my favorite. Yeah.
- [03:42]
B
Yeah, I love that. So talk to me a little bit about how you got started with directing, filmmaking, all of that.
- [03:49]
A
Yeah, I mean, early on it was like skateboarding videos with my friends, so I used to skateboard. I used to be sponsored for skateboarding, like, back in the day.
- [03:55]
B
Okay, cool guy.
- [03:56]
A
Yeah, yeah, yeah. I grew up in Canada. And so this is like, where. Just skating with friends, shooting, editing. And I was like, oh, this is really cool. Like, I liked Creating with a video. With, with video. And so I learned how to just shoot, I learned how to edit. And it just kind of. I, I was like, this seemed interesting. I was going to school and I have a degree in psychology, but as I was going to school, I was like learning how to film stuff and doing tiny jobs like $100, like come shoot my, my dance recital or come edit this thing. I was like, okay, great. And then after I graduated, I was like, I want to try to make a career out of this. And then I decided to move that way.
- [04:28]
B
You are completely self taught. It sounds like you were just filming skate videos and then dance recitals. Like, how did you navigate an industry that is so obsessed with credentials? Like you had to have won this award and gone to this school and done this. Like, how did you convince people to take a chance on you?
- [04:45]
A
It was an interesting thing. That question is interesting because like the time I was doing it, this was kind of before social media. So like, like not everybody and their mothers were making content back then. Right. So I got jobs because I owned a camera and I like, and I couldn't like, you couldn't lie about being able to edit. Back then it was like if you said you could edit, like you had to be able to edit. I think now people are like, yeah, I figured out my phone.
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B
Yeah.
- [05:06]
A
But then back then it was like, if you say you can edit, like, you better be able to like show up and like do the thing. So I would get work just because I had the equipment. It's just a different. But it was always a thing sort of like to get that like stamp of approval in the industry, which just took like many, many years to like doing different jobs where it's like, okay, this is something that it's like a name people would know or like it's something someone might recognize and just. Yeah, over time, took a long time to sort of feel like, okay, like I've kind of like made it kind of thing. Yeah, yeah.
- [05:34]
B
Okay, so I want to do the high low because you just talked about making it. What was your I made it moment? And then tell me what was your brokest down bad in the dumps moment?
- [05:47]
A
I mean, okay, so the, I guess the down bad was probably just like first moving to la, you know what I mean? Like, I think I moved with $4,000 Canadian.
- [05:58]
B
Canadian. What is that where that's like at.
- [05:59]
A
The time it was probably like $2,500 maybe. And I drove my car down to LA from Vancouver and my car broke down like 300 miles out of LA. So like straight, like in like the area in between San Francisco and la. Just nothing like just stranded in the middle there. Yeah. So then like towed the car to LA and I. Then I didn't have a car in la and I was like, okay, got to figure it out. And just like, you know, not having. I had one job. I was editing my friend's dance dvd. I come a little bit from like the dance world and so I knew a bunch of dancers and so the one job was like editing all of his like dance battles and things. So I had one job that was going to last a couple months and then after that, like, who knows? And I remember, yeah, one month just being like, oh, I'm fully doing the eating the ramen every day thing and just like trying to figure out how to, how to make it work. So I think like, early on, like, like I've always been really mindful. Like my mom has really instilled like the, the idea of being like financially stable and responsible. So I always was trying to like making sure. I always made sure I had like a little bit of savings, like just, just in case kind of a thing. So as soon as I was making money, I was like trying to put stuff aside. So there wasn't really a moment where I was like, oh, I am totally screwed. Once I kind of started working. And then also there was a pressure of like, I couldn't move back home. Like, I had to get a lawyer and like that cost a ton of money just to get out here, just to be able to be here to work. I was like.
- [07:15]
B
Because of like visa residency.
- [07:17]
A
Yeah, yeah, right. Like to get a work visa, essentially. And I got a three year visa. And I was like, well, I'm three years in. Like I'm not going home before that. So I was definitely committed to, to, to finding some version of success. So. So yeah, so that was probably just like early on, like the first year. Just like trying to find work was obviously a struggle. And then the moment where I feel like I kind of made it was when I bought a house off making videos, which was the craziest thing. This also was like 2009. Oh my gosh. Yeah, so like just like when I moved to la, it was like just directing. I was like, okay, I want to be a director. I knew how to edit, so that was like an easier thing to get work as. But then as I started sort of directing and growing my career there. Yeah, I bought a house and I was like. I remember going to sleep in it and being like, this is crazy. Like, I wanted to. I was. I grew up in Vancouver and wanted to go to LA to like, direct. And then here I am, like, laying in my bed in this house that I bought by making videos. I was like, this seemed just impossible, like, growing up. Yeah. So it was definitely a moment for me, for sure.
- [08:17]
B
I love that. And I always feel like, you know, I kind of joke about it. I'm like, oh, yeah, like my job, I make little Internet videos and it's like, it's silly almost, but it's obviously a lot of hard work. Let's talk a little bit about, you know, kind of the thing that most people are probably most familiar with you about the glam bot.
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A
Yep.
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B
It's high speed camera setup and it makes this noise, like whoosh.
- [08:39]
A
Yeah, it sure does.
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B
That's, you know, typically used for close up food commercials.
- [08:44]
A
It is, yeah.
- [08:44]
B
But you have actually made it synonymous with red carpet glamour and the hair flip. Like, what was your aha moment when you realized that this could even be a thing?
- [08:54]
A
It was. It was pretty early. So I. I've been doing it for a while. My very first one was the Emmys in 2016.
- [09:00]
B
Okay.
- [09:00]
A
So I guess this next Emmys will be 10 years for me.
- [09:03]
B
Wow.
- [09:04]
A
But the first one, you know, again, I was just like hired as a director. So I come direct these videos and I remember shooting the Stranger Things Kids, like off season one, and they were super fun and they had these big movements and then that video, like, sort of made the rounds on the Internet. I was kind of like, oh, this might be a thing. Right. And so it developed over a couple years and we're like making it better. But then in 2019, 2020 was when I started doing the behind the scenes and the content and then that stuff really took off and I was like, oh, this might really, really be a thing. And that's. That was a thing that really changed the direct. The trajectory of my career sort of since then.
- [09:42]
B
Isn't that so funny that it wasn't the glossy videos that were filmed in front of the camera that did it for you. It was actually the behind the scenes of like, hey, okay, so I'm going to count two, three, and then we're going to push. And then like, you know, like, why do you think that interested people?
- [09:57]
A
You know, I don't. I don't really. Well, I mean, now I think it's a little evident with so far as, like, how trends have gone on social, like, people are really interested in the process, videos, like, how things are done and how things are made. But I think at the time, like, this was my very, very first, like, behind the scenes video was in 2018. And I feel like social media at that point was very much sort of like. Like, look at my glamorous lifestyle. Like, me on a yacht or, like, doing this, like, perfect life thing. And I wasn't like, oh, I think people are gonna really love this, like, behind the scenes content. Obviously, some behind the scenes, like, people. Okay. It's, like, interesting, but I wasn't sure. And so. But I do think it's, like, a couple different things. I think that it's. The candid conversation I think is really interesting because typically when you see people on the red carpet, they have these press answers like, oh, I'm doing this movie with this director, and it's very sort of rehearsed. Yeah. But when people come to me, they're like, what are we gonna do? And I'm like, I don't know. We're gonna figure out what we're gonna do. Right. So I think there's this really interesting candidness, and then you see sort of some of the celebrities kind of, like, disarmed and a little vulnerable and trying to figure out what to do. And the pressure is kind of on because people know that these clips do well. So, yeah, I think it's like, ins to these candid conversations and then obviously, like, before and after. But I. I never thought it would take off the way it did, for sure.
- [11:14]
B
Do you have a celebrity or, like, a moment from one specific event where you're like, this is the best glam bot video we've ever made.
- [11:24]
A
Oh, I do. I do. I very much do. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- [11:26]
B
Oh, my God. I thought it was gonna be hard to get you to pick a favorite.
- [11:28]
A
No. Because, I mean, well, there's many, many favorites over all the years, right? Cause I probably shoot. I shoot like, 500 or more a year.
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B
Yeah.
- [11:36]
A
Because I do five award shows, and we shoot kind of like a hundred over 100 clip time and again, like, almost 10 years. Like, there's many thousands of glambots done at this point, but I think one of the best ones ever done was Ariana Grande at the 2020 Grammys. She was wearing this big princess dress. Yeah. And she did this big toss, and the camera had, like, this perfect swoop, and it all just kind of, like, lined up magically. So that was definitely one of the moments that I was like, okay, this one's, like, really good. I Think that one's hard to be like, I kind of label that one as the best one ever done. But I mean, there's. There's been plenty of amazing ones that probably, like, when you get to the top, it's a little subjective because they're all very amazing. Right? So. Yeah.
- [12:10]
B
Oh, man. Okay. I can't believe I got you to pick a favorite.
- [12:13]
A
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- [12:15]
B
How did you even get these award shows to kind of buy in? Because I feel like Hollywood and entertainment is such an old industry. They're hiring you for that, you know, that first time to shoot and just direct and be like normal. And you're like, hey, actually I'm going to need you to let me bring in a food camera and take up all this space and take up all this time. Like, how do you convince them to let you do that?
- [12:34]
A
Yeah, this is. So it's all run through. E has a variety, variety of. And. And for many years, like they have their life from the red carpet show and they have different interview booths and so they added the, the extra sort of glambot booth, you know, in 2016, I guess. And so it was, it was more of a production side on their, on their part to like to get whatever permits. Like, I'm not privy to all that information. They run the production. I come in and I just direct all the videos. So yeah, it makes it easy for me because I'm like, I mean, I show up and do my thing, but it's like we're there Friday morning, like loading in, like prepping all weekend. But. But yeah, they run production. It's. It's technically an E thing and so. So yeah, so that makes my life easier from that regard.
- [13:15]
B
Yeah, yeah. Okay, so this is a money podcast. We gotta talk a little bit about the money.
- [13:20]
A
Of course.
- [13:21]
B
Are you getting paid for your time to be there?
- [13:23]
A
Oh, yeah, yeah.
- [13:24]
B
Oh, okay.
- [13:25]
A
Yeah, yeah.
- [13:25]
B
Could you break down kind of like how your income these days is broken out across content creation, directing, filmmaking, all of that.
- [13:33]
A
Yeah, it's really changed, like since the glambot has taken off. It's really opened up an entire new avenue stream for me because it sort of coincides with like my socials growing and then me kind of morphing into an on camera host and like personality. So like prior to, kind of like prior to the pandemic, even strictly a director. Right. So like directing commercials, music videos, short form promo stuff. But then as like the glambot grew and like content grew, I have this like additional kind of revenue stream which is like, you know, branded content deals me as talent in addition to sort of like, the directing. And actually the directing is, like, strict. Strict directing is kind of, like, dialed down. But, you know, when I do, like, a brand deal, the way I look at it is like, I'm kind of actually monetizing, like, three things. Like, I'm. I'm directing the content, but I'm also, like, a talent in it. I'm starting in. And then I'm also sort of, like, selling my audience. So I'm like. I'm like three things in one, which.
- [14:27]
B
It makes talent, brand and director.
- [14:28]
A
Yeah, exactly. And it makes it a lot more lucrative to sort of do these brand deals. So, yeah, I don't. It's hard to. I haven't really thought about percentages, right. But, like, half of my stuff now we. I do the glambot for. Well, it's not. It's not the glambot because we're not using the same robot, but I do slow mo content for, like, events. And so, you know, I did a thing for the Royal Caribbean Cruise line when they launched this new ship. So we, like, flew out our, like, gimbal system and, like, lights. And so we did sort of slow mo content for all the content creators there. So that's, like, one aspect. But then there's sometimes it's like, strict, like, brand deals where there's no slow mo stuff involved. I don't. Yeah, I don't know what percentage that is, but I mean, a high percentage is. Is social media content. Digital content, for sure. But yeah, I don't know. I mean, I hosted a TV show on Hulu like, a couple years ago, so that was, like, a big chunk too. So. Yeah, I don't know. It's. It's hard to say.
- [15:22]
B
You gotta go through the numbers, Cole.
- [15:24]
A
I do. And even, like, I have in my QuickBooks, like, I have, like, multiple, like, categories that I can, like, assign, like film production or, like, on camera talent or, like, social media. But I haven't really gone through, like, looked at what those are.
- [15:35]
B
We're doing that after this. We are doing that after this. We gotta look, we gotta know when you were kind of like, first starting out, like, how did you think about pricing and rates? And you mentioned you were charging a hundred dollars to, you know, like, Mean girl's mom, somebody's dance video. But, like, how did you know? Like, finger to the Wind, like, what to charge.
- [15:56]
A
It was really hard at first, right? Because it's like, I had no idea. Right. And so. But. But there was a few things along the way that, like, helped with some guidance. And I think, like, obviously, like, as I'm early in my career, I'm trying to, like, build my repertoire. I'm taking all the jobs that I can. And then once my week is full and someone else is like, hey, like, come do this thing. I'm like, okay, like, I'm. My plate is full. But I just started, like, throwing out numbers and being like, okay, let me ask them for, like, twice as much as I normally charge.
- [16:24]
B
Yeah.
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A
And if they say yes, then I, like, I won't sleep one night and it'll be fine. So I started doing that. I started doing that. And then. But, like, realize that people would just be like, okay, fine, like, pay. And I'm like, damn. I could have been asking for, like, way more this whole time.
- [16:34]
B
If we're not negotiating, that's a bad sign.
- [16:35]
A
Yeah, exactly. Right? So. So I, like, that was like, one of the things that, like, helped me get my rate up was, like, when my plate was full, I just started charging more and more and more because I almost, like, didn't want to overload my. My workload. And then. And then I realized, like, oh, I can just charge it. Another thing that happened, too, is that, like, as soon as I got paid, like, a base rate that was new, like, or a new. A rate that was, like, new, that was now my base rate.
- [16:57]
B
Right.
- [16:57]
A
You know, I mean, so if, like, if I'm charging, like, $500 a video and then someone else, like, pays me 750, I'm like, oh, now my book rate is 750, then someone pays me 1500. Like, I get paid 1500 every time. So, like, that was a thing that, like, I was always trying to set, like, a new sort of lower watermark. Yeah, exactly. Yeah. And then. And then probably a big sort of, like, watershed moment was when I was doing, like, content for, like, CoverGirl and working with, like, was doing stuff with Katy Perry and Pink, and there was, like, some conflict scheduling issue, and I was maybe not going to be able to do one. And they were, like, freaking out. And I realized that, you know, because in my mind, I go to do these jobs, and I'm like, okay, I should get paid X amount of dollars. I think my. I think my rate was, like, 2,500 for the day back then.
- [17:42]
B
Yeah.
- [17:42]
A
And then I. I can't remember what happened, but there was a potential maybe me maybe not going. And they were freaking out. And I kind of realized that my rate should actually be what the Value what their value is for me, not what I think I should get paid, because I realized that, like, if I'm not there, then them bringing in someone new is, like, a huge risk. And it's like, they have one day to shoot all this stuff, and they sort of trust me. And so if I should get paid, like, I need to get paid enough where. Where if there's other things going on, it's like, this is the priority, right? And because it's worth it to them, it's not so much, like, what I think I should get paid. It's like, what my. My skill set brings to them is the value. So upon realizing that, I think I ended up getting. That was like, there was a moment where I was like, okay, my rate's now five grand for the day. And that switch happened just because I realized it was more about the value they place on me, not my own value that I place on myself, if that kind of makes sense.
- [18:40]
B
They're paying you not just for it to go right, they're also paying you for it to not go wrong.
- [18:44]
A
100%. Yeah. And if someone else comes in, it's like, a huge risk that it might go wrong, and that's a thing that they can't afford. So they're gonna pay me in accordance. So it's like, I make sure that I'm always available and I always show up. So.
- [18:55]
B
Yeah, yeah, show up and show out. You got it.
- [18:57]
A
Exactly. Exactly.
- [18:59]
B
Between all of the different, like, parts of your business, I need you to pick a favorite kid. What is your personal favorite thing to do, and is it the thing that makes you the most money?
- [19:09]
A
That's a good question. My favorite thing to do, I mean, I obviously, like, I love doing the Glambots, right? Like, like, they're just so much fun. And to be sort of ground zero at, like, all the big award shows and then now develop a relationship with the talent and, like, shoot people over repeated years. Like, this is. I. I. This is, like, the dream job, in a sense. It in itself, that job does not pay me the most money, but it's everything else that comes from it, right? Because. Because I'm there doing this content, and I'm known for, like, creating these beautiful cinematic moments that gets me other jobs, and my sort of, like, reach on social gets me other jobs. But I've built it because of the Glambot, right? So I guess it kind of does. But then also, like, I don't mind. Like, I. I do enjoy doing the brand deals. I just try to be Thankful and excited for every time. Anytime someone wants me to do a video, I'll just be like, okay, like, let's find out why this is awesome. And just like, focus on that. And try not to focus on all the annoying things, because there's plenty of annoying things to do with production and clients and all that stuff. Right.
- [20:06]
B
But I feel like you're kind of like an eternal optimist.
- [20:09]
A
I try to be.
- [20:10]
B
You bring really strong positive, like, you're like, aura is like yellow orange energy.
- [20:15]
A
Yeah.
- [20:15]
B
You know what I mean?
- [20:16]
A
Yeah, yeah, yeah. I mean, I definitely try to. I definitely also have my moments that are not. Not that, but. But yeah, I try to. You know, it just makes my life sort of better to kind of keep that. Keep putting that out. Because, I mean, in some regard, I always think that like. Like having a positive attitude is free. It doesn't cost anything. Right. It doesn't cost anything to be nice to people. And I try to keep that in mind too. Like, and. And it usually helps me be in a better mood and I sort of go through life with more enjoyment, so. So that's what I try to do.
- [20:44]
B
I love that. So let's talk about the last time you and I ran into each other. Time magazine just named you one of their 100 most influential digital creators of 2025. It was their first annual inaugural list. We finally got to meet in person. I feel like I've been stalking you on Social for a very long time before that. What did it mean to you to like, get that kind of recognition?
- [21:07]
A
It was. It was so cool, like, I. To be like, on a Time 100 list. That's just another thing that I never could have imagined. Right. I couldn't imagine Time sort of honoring digital creators, though I do feel like they should. Right. The way, like, entertainment and eyeballs have shifted. But it wasn't a thing that I sort of like, had on my bingo card per se, but then. And then to be on the list was just like, be like. The idea that I might be one of the top creators in the world or in the US or wherever their scope is was super flattering and an honor and like, to be amongst other really cool creators like yourself that are doing really cool, unique stuff. It just was really a really nice honor that I'm like, I'm proud of. It's cool. Yeah.
- [21:49]
B
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- [22:56]
A
It's. It's always been about the art, per se. Like, it's always been about, like, doing something.
- [23:03]
B
What a director answer.
- [23:05]
A
Yeah, I know, right? Like, like, but. But it really has, like. Like, obviously, I want to earn a good living, and that's why I moved to the States, right? Like, people are like, oh, there's a film industry in Canada. You can stay here. And I'm like, if I'm gonna do this, I want all of the opportunity, right?
- [23:20]
B
Yeah.
- [23:21]
A
There's, like, a ceiling in Vancouver, so it's like, it's not what I envision for myself. I want everything that is possible, right? And so. Or at least have the opportunity to achieve it. And so, you know, like, yeah, obviously I try to do everything I can to keep my rates high and to earn as much as I can, but it's like, the determining factor for a job is, like, whether this is gonna. Whether I can make something cool or be a part of something cool. I don't think that I've ever done something strictly for the money, though. Probably there's some jobs that are, like, close, right? But still, there's, like, something about it that, like, I. I want to contribute or make. I just love, like, making stuff. And I started off making videos in my bedroom, and I think in. So on some level, I'm, like, still doing that, you know? And so, yeah, so I think that. But obviously, like, career positioning is also a big thing. Like, okay, this job is good because of xyz, and it positions me, like, to do Other more better things. So that's also a draw. I mean. Yeah, and money too. But I think really, like, I do feel like I just. The thing I want to do is like, create cool, fun stuff. And if I can tick that box, then it's like the rest can kind of fall in line.
- [24:30]
B
Yeah. And in that vein, like, you've shot music videos for Miley Cyrus, you've done commercial work, you do social media content. Like, how do you balance passion projects versus stuff that does help you pay your bills?
- [24:43]
A
Yeah, I mean, thankfully, I've tried to align them the best that I can, but I still do. Like, I was talking to a friend and I was saying, like, I don't really do music videos anymore, largely in part because they just don't have any money. You don't get paid very well. Like, a music video is like two weeks prep or like a week. You're like doing the treatment and like figuring out what the ideas with the artist. And then a week of like pre production, like location, cast, crew, all that kind of stuff. And then you shoot and then it's like two weeks of post production. So you're kind of working for like a month and like music videos. I'm not like one of the directors that's like gets $1 million to a music video. Get 100,000, 200,000, and then like, I'll walk with like eight grand.
- [25:23]
B
Wait, wait, wait. So you're saying you would get paid 100 to budget the budget for the budget music video you only walk with. Where the fuck does the rest of the money go?
- [25:31]
A
Crew, location, insurance, lighting, rentals, everything. Right. Like the budget for a music video, you know, you'll have like 20 people working like they're all making their day rates. Right. It just adds up. You have, you have a dance number, you have dance rehearsal for a week where you're paying the dancers, you know, I mean, so it just goes fast. And then like, I mean, a grand is like favorable for a $10,000 or $100,000 budget. You know what I mean? So. And it was like, I'm working for a month. This doesn't quite make sense. And so I sort of moved on and just sort of focusing more on commercial work because it's like, that's like a week. And like, you'll make the same, but it's like in a week kind of a. Right or less. I mean, like still one day production, but there's like a few days prep. And then you're usually not involved in like post production because ad Agency handles that. But as far as passion projects go, I kind of do like one free music video a year. Yeah, last year I did one for a friend, this guy, Jesse Gold. We got connected online. I just like came across this content, amazing musician, artist and we started following each other, chit chatting and I was like, yo, I'm down to do a video if you want one day or whatever. And he was like, okay, cool. So he flew to. He's from Canada, so he flew to L. A. We ran.
- [26:32]
B
Did you do it because he's Canadian?
- [26:34]
A
No, I did. I actually didn't know. I didn't know at first. Or maybe I don't know, maybe I didn't know at first.
- [26:39]
B
Has proven that was a lie.
- [26:41]
A
Yeah, yeah, no, but I just love. He's just got such a good vibe and like such a good art. Like his music is dope and I was just following along for a while and then. Yeah. So he flew up to LA and we ran around the city and just shot a music video. And it was like, these are fun because these are fun passion projects because it gets me back to my roots. It's literally just like me and a camera. And then I might bring like one assistant or like one friend and we just run around and shoot something. And then the year before that I shot a video out here, like a dance video from my friend Eva. And so she. We just like rented a studio, shot a music video and it was awesome. So these are still like fun things to do that are like passion projects that, that don't pay the bills, but they're just sort of like rewarding creatively. And I try to allot like one a year just to like do a cool passion project a year.
- [27:27]
B
You know, I love that that's, you know, kind of balancing the two things. Like, yeah, you can get paid for your work, but also do quote unquote pro bono stuff for people that you're into.
- [27:35]
A
Yeah, totally.
- [27:36]
B
That's awesome. And you mentioned earlier, like paying the bills. You have actually purchased a home in the past, sold it, and you actually shared with me before the camera started rolling that you are now a renter. What made you decide to go back to renting? After owning?
- [27:51]
A
Looking at the market in LA and getting pissed off every single time I look at like the housing market.
- [27:56]
B
Wait, talk to me about this.
- [27:58]
A
So the initial plan, like I bought in 2009, I sold in 2014. So I had the house for four or five years. I renovated it, I made some money on it. This was great. I like, I really enjoyed having my own place, designing it, doing some cool stuff, and then selling it and sort of making some money on it. And that was in, that was a plan. I was like, okay, I'm going to just do this again and again and again. Right. So then I sold the house and I, and I didn't want to like buy a new one and sell at the same time. That's too much. And I didn't, I'm like, don't have a family. So I was like, okay, I'll just move to like an apartment. And then in L. A. I bought in the Valley. And then I, the only place I could find a short term rental, like a three month lease was in Hollywood. So I moved to Hollywood. And then instantly I was like, I don't want to go back to the Valley. I was like, I liked being in Hollywood. So then I started looking at houses in Hollywood and I couldn't really afford anything. It was like all like a little out of my price range. So I just kept renting. And then I rented for two years and I kept looking for those two years and I just couldn't find a place that was suitable. And so then I was like, okay, if I'm gonna rent, I just should live where I want to live, which is by the beach. Like I've always wanted to live by the beach. So then I, I moved and I lived like two blocks from the beach in Santa Monica. And I was like, I'm just gonna like rent here. And always kind of like still looking. And even, even recently I've been looking a lot. And it's like, you know, you could get like a decent, a nice condo for like a million and a half and the rent is, I don't know, like 10, 11, 12,000. Or you could rent the same place for six grand.
- [29:25]
B
Right.
- [29:25]
A
So I'm kind of like, okay, it's this question of like, if I'm thinking about like building wealth over time, like, what is better? And I know the theologic or the theoretical thing is like, okay, if my budget's 12 grand, I can rent for six and then invest six every month. Yeah. Or just like buy a place for 12 grand a month. Like, like it's obviously contingent on whether you invest that extra money, but just the hassle and things like, I don't know, I don't want to. To me, building the equity in a home isn't worth it if I'm not living in a place that I really, really want.
- [29:55]
B
Yeah.
- [29:55]
A
And I also don't want to stretch myself Too thin. So it's like I'm just opting. I'm just like, I'm just gonna rent and my rent's cheap and it's fine and I'm happy where I am.
- [30:02]
B
And it gives you a little flexibility. So in case you do find the dream place, you can pounce quick.
- [30:06]
A
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Like when the time is right, like and it. And I find and I can afford a place that I feel like I'm really gonna sort of like settle into and be in for a number of years, then it's like, okay, maybe then, but for the meantime it's like still just like investing my money and, and being mindful of building wealth in other ways and just. Yeah, a home just isn't a part of that equation right now.
- [30:26]
B
I think that's so smart. And you know, you sound quite versed in financial literacy. I mean, talking about spending the $6,000 on rent and then investing the other six, where do you feel like you learned your financial knowledge from?
- [30:40]
A
Well, so when I moved to la, I, because I was involved in the dance community, I was friends with a bunch of dancers and some that had a bunch of success prior to me moving. And I noticed like some of them were like really good with money and like business and some of them were really bad.
- [30:53]
B
Right.
- [30:53]
A
And so I was like, I knew, I was like, okay, this is like a film business. And I, the success of like my financial success is going to be determined on how well I understand that business aspect of it. So I really made it an important part of my, I don't know, just like career or learning to like learn all the business stuff, like learn about the tax stuff, learn about like write us, learn about how to save money, learn about like how investments work also because like I was in my 20s, moving and I sort of had enough wherewithal to be like this is important now. So I spent the time to learn it. So yeah, I've always been really trying to maximize the business aspect of my career and to make decisions that are good for my career and my financial stability, my sort of long term success.
- [31:41]
B
Yeah. Speaking about some behavior that must be very off brand, then let's talk about your obsession with watches.
- [31:49]
A
Sure. Please.
- [31:51]
B
So, okay, obviously hotly contested watches sometimes can be an investment. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Talk to me. Why are you so obsessed with watches? Talk to me about the game. What is your most prized possession?
- [32:02]
A
Sure. So the watches started at a young age. I remember like even when I was 8, I wore like an Iron man watch all Summer and had a watch tan. And I was, like, proud. I was, like, proud of my watch tan, like 8 years old. And then when I, like, wouldn't wear a watch, I'd, like, feel like a portion of. I, like, I feel naked watch on, right? And then I remember going to, like, a Rolex store in Vancouver when I was like, a teenager, like, carrying my skateboard and being like, oh, these are really cool. And then being like, okay, get out of here.
- [32:27]
B
And they were like, hooligans, please.
- [32:29]
A
Yeah. And I remember. I remember back then, a watch was like a Rolex Submariner was like five grand. And I was like, man, imagine the day I could spend, like, five grand on a watch, you know? And so always kind of obsessed. And then as I got sort of found more success in my career, I started buying nice watches. And so I, I. People do talk about them as investments. I don't like framing them that way. I frame them as stores of value, right? So it's like if I spend, say, $10,000, $50,000 on a watch, it's like that money can come out if I need it, right? You have to make smart decisions, obviously, but it's not. I'm never like, oh, I'm gonna buy this and it's gonna go up. I'm gonna wear it, I'm gonna enjoy it. I love it. And if I ever need to, I can pull the money out in like, a text. I could sell a watch. You know what I mean? So that's kind of my approach. And then as far as the game goes. Yeah. I mean, I got my first Rolex in 2000.
- [33:21]
B
Wait, wait. Explain to my audience what the watch game is.
- [33:25]
A
Okay, so the watch game, right? Like, some watches sell for higher than retail. Kind of like any kind of coveted item, like certain, like, like special edition cars or like Birkin bags, right, that are really hard to get. People will pay more for them on the secondary market because you can't get them. But it's not all watches. It's like certain brands, like, Rolex is a big brand. AP Audemars Piguet is a big brand. Patek Philippe's are big brands. And it's not even across the line. It's like certain models in those. At those brands will sell for more. So obviously, everybody is trying to get these watches, right? And there's only like, there's really quite a limited amount. None of them really publish actual numbers, but they are really hard to get. You have to have, like, a good relationship. And like, when we say play the Game. It's like, you know, you have to build a relationship with your sales associate with the sales associate to like, buy like lower watches first to like get offered the nicer watch. It's a whole thing that honestly is quite frustrating and like, I'm becoming tired of that thing. But I have played it for a while and yeah. And in that, been able to get a couple nice watches.
- [34:30]
B
What's your favorite?
- [34:31]
A
My favorite is probably a white ceramic perpetual calendar from Audemars Piguet. This is like my, like this thing called a grail watch, which is like this watch that you like, you just like lust and dream.
- [34:41]
B
The Holy Grail.
- [34:42]
A
The Holy Grail, yeah, exactly. And I wanted this watch since it came out and, and I made a decision in 2021, I was like, okay, I'm going to like, focus on like working with AP and like, really build my relationship with them and like buy, just buy watches. And so I just started buying watches with them. And after a couple years I got offered that watch and it's my favorite.
- [35:02]
B
Did you like, cry in the store?
- [35:04]
A
It was a little emotional, right? Because. No, because. Okay, hold on, hold on, hold on. Let me explain. Here's why it was emotional, right? This is the most money I've ever spent on a single item. My mom happened to be in Vegas, so I picked up in Vegas, so I went there with my mom. My friend was also in town, Vancouver. So it's like my family, people that I love is there. And it's like the. Being offered is like a deal, but then like, being in the position to be able to pay for it is like another sign of like, success. Like, okay, this is like a marker of like a, like being able to be offered. It is like, sort of like humbling and nice, but then being able to afford is another thing. And so it's just really like a marker of like success in my career being able to buy this watch. So it was, yeah, it was a little bit of a moment.
- [35:47]
B
It wasn't just a thing. It, it meant something to you?
- [35:50]
A
Yeah, absolutely. Yeah, absolutely. I mean, the good thing is that like, this watch does sell for an insane amount over, over retail. But I have no intentions of selling it. I keep telling myself, like, oh, it sells for this much, but like, I don't sell these things. Yeah, I just spend more and more money on watches.
- [36:04]
B
Just into the pit.
- [36:05]
A
Yeah.
- [36:06]
B
Okay, let's play a fun little rapid fire question game. Just think of the first thing that comes to mind when I ask you this question.
- [36:13]
A
Right.
- [36:14]
B
Best financial decision You've ever made in your career.
- [36:16]
A
Yeah. Buying that watch. Oh, my God. In my career. I don't. Yeah. That career. I don't know. I think just, like, being in L. A and being mindful with my money, because if. Because being freelance is, like, scary. Right. And I think that a part of, like, you have to be, like, calm and focused. And if you're stressing about money all the time, it really becomes hard to do your best work and to, like, and to make the right decisions. So I think having a. Building up a little bit of, like, a financial security and, like, a little nest egg to, like, keep yourself safe helps you in your career. So I think prioritizing that when I was, like, early in my career so I could then not feel so much pressure, like, I gotta work. I gotta work out. I can make the right decisions. I do think that that was a thing that was probably good for my career financially.
- [37:00]
B
Yeah. Being able to take the right job instead of the right now job.
- [37:04]
A
Yeah, exactly. Exactly.
- [37:05]
B
What is the worst financial decision that you've made throughout your career that you have learned from?
- [37:11]
A
I don't know if I, like, block out bad decisions or I rationalize myself out of them. Like, no, it was really good. Because of this. I can't think of any major, major financial decision. What did I lose money on? I'm sure I've done some dumb stuff. I don't know. But a lot of it is, like, yeah, I don't know. I don't know. There's nothing that really comes to mind. I try to. Yeah. I'm probably just convincing myself. Or, like, forgetting. Selective forgetting on. On my bad decisions.
- [37:41]
B
All right. Okay. That's, you know, listen, ignorance is bliss.
- [37:44]
A
Yeah. Yeah. I'm living in it.
- [37:46]
B
We will be going through Cole's credit card statements after. No, I'm just kidding.
- [37:49]
A
So.
- [37:50]
B
Yeah.
- [37:51]
A
Yeah.
- [37:52]
B
What's one expense that people would be surprised that you spend money on?
- [37:58]
A
Surprise. I mean, probably. Probably watches to the. To the extent. You know what I mean? Like, also, like, as you grow, like, your interest in certain models grows. And, like, you start at, like, a Rolex is, like, 10 grand, but then you get into, like, certain. Like. Like an FP journey, which I'm wearing now is, like, 50 grand. And then there's. It goes up. Right. So it's like. I think some of these numbers even to me, are, like, ridiculous. Yeah. So I think that's probably a surprise.
- [38:24]
B
Yeah. I'm not a big watch girly. I wish I was, but honestly.
- [38:27]
A
No, it's a disease.
- [38:28]
B
I've got a phone, so I'm like, I know what time it is.
- [38:31]
A
Well, so I'll tell you this though. The difference, I think, between men and women on watches is that like, one of the only accessories a guy can wear is a watch. Right?
- [38:38]
B
Fair enough.
- [38:39]
A
Women have jewelry, handbags, other, like heels, like, other things that sort of. They can accessorize and sort of express their personality. For men, it's kind of like a watch because we don't even wear ties every day. You know what I mean? So, like, yeah, that's kind of that. That I think is why it appeals a little bit more. Plus it's like engineering and like mechanical. It's just like a guy thing a little bit, you know?
- [38:57]
B
Yeah. Okay, cool. If I completely wiped everything that you had and you had to start over Tomorrow with just $1,000, what would be your first move?
- [39:07]
A
I would just vlog from my phone every day.
- [39:09]
B
Every day?
- [39:10]
A
Yeah, I think so. I mean, like, I. Well, wait, does my. Is my earning potential in my career go away or. Or I just don't have any money.
- [39:19]
B
You have no money. And I delete.
- [39:21]
A
I need to work.
- [39:22]
B
But I also delete all of your social. You have to start from square zero.
- [39:25]
A
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. I mean, I mean, like, yeah, it would just the thing that I can control. Like, I do tell people, like, if you want to earn a living in like, content, like, just go make content, right? Like, this is the advice I give a lot and I think because it's like, the more you do it, the better you get, and then that you can like, build a career off that. So I think I'd probably follow my own advice and just start like, making my own personal content, like, if I don't have access. Also, I think about this in some sense, like, someday the Glambot red carpet thing is going to end, right? And like, I'm going to have to figure out, like, what the next move is. Like, I feel like I probably have some opportunity to out figure to do something, but, like, the large thing that I'm like, known for and the thing that sort of drives this whole world that I live in right now is based on that. So there will be a day at which I gotta, like, reassess and like, figure that out. So I've thought about it a little bit.
- [40:17]
B
Yeah, I absolutely hate that you are taking peeks at my list of questions because that was my next one. No, you're totally fine. That's great. You have created a signature style with the Glambot you have become really known for this. How do you continue innovating and what do you think you are going to do to maintain your brand to keep it so successful?
- [40:38]
A
I mean, the innovation was like, there was a lot of pressure sort of like a few years ago to like innovate the Glambot. And we were trying different things. We were adding like effects and like trying to like figure out how to make this like current and fun. But I think what has happened a little bit to my good fortune is that it just sort of has become like a red carpet staple.
- [41:00]
B
Yeah.
- [41:00]
A
So it's almost like the new version of like the over the shoulder shot on red carpet. It's like it happens every time and we all like it and it's like fine. And we don't need to like reinvent like the red carpet photos and I think a little bit we don't necessarily need to reinvent the, the Glambot. But I will say I need to continually figure out how to position myself sort of in the market as someone that is creative or can do more extra things. And that's always a thing I'm kind of navigating to showcase my skills outside of that because I think that helps really like to procure more work and to sort of drum up more opportunity. And so, yeah, that's the thing I'm constantly kind of doing just to showcase more aspects of my, even just my own personal interests where like brands like I've been getting into like car racing and like doing like this is just a thing that I love doing is like going to the racetrack and I think like showcasing that more, you know, can draw some attention to the brands that like I want to work with like Porsche and Ferrari and all these cool people like that I would love to do stuff with that I've done some stuff with actually. So yeah, like that's also a thing is just sharing other aspects of my career to position myself alongside brands that I align with. Right, yeah.
- [42:06]
B
You're not just a director, you're not just the Glambok guy. You are a talent in your own right.
- [42:11]
A
Thank you.
- [42:12]
B
Okay, so to our final question. Tell us what is really next for your career? If I had a magic, you know, Cinderella, fairy godmother, wand, if I could. Boop. Like, what are some of your dreams?
- [42:24]
A
So, I mean, the main like North Star dream of moving to LA is direct a feature. This has always been really. This has always been the goal. Yeah, yeah. So in my, in my slivers of spare time, I am writing and developing ideas and, and working towards that as a major goal. And so that's been like fun and exciting and frustrating like, because it's like as good as my career is going, it doesn't translate necessarily from a studio's perspective of like, oh, this guy can direct a feature. So you still. There is a version of like starting from scratch because it's like you're in a catch 22 where it's like, we don't think you can direct a feature until you've already directed a feature.
- [42:58]
B
Right.
- [42:58]
A
You know what I mean? But the same thing happens with Beauty. It's like people do not are not allowed to shoot Beauty, like for like covergirl and Pantene and stuff until you've already shot it. So I like finagled my way in somehow through working with like Pink and Katy Perry. Like they became covergirls. So I started shooting Beauty with them. But as soon as you sort of have that stamp of approval, then it's like, oh, you can work for any brand, it's fine. Yeah, so features are a little bit like that. It's hard to sort of like get in and convince studios to give you, you know, a million, whatever. Yeah, yeah. So that's been the challenge and. But it's been like fun developing and, and writing different things to make it happen.
- [43:30]
B
Amazing. I love that. Thank you so much for joining me here today. Let everyone listening or watching at home know where we can find you.
- [43:38]
A
All on my name, Cole walliser. Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, website, everything. Just my name. That's the place.
- [43:47]
B
Cole Walliser. Guys, thank you so much.
- [43:49]
A
Awesome. Thank you.
- [43:50]
B
Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Net Worth and Chill, part of the Vox Media podcast network. If you liked the episode, make sure to leave a rating and review and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Got a burning financial question that you want covered in a future episode? Write to us via podcastourrichbff.com follow Net Worth and Chillpod on Instagram to stay up to date on all podcast related news. And you can follow me at YourRichBFF for even more financial know how to. See you next week.
- [44:17]
A
Bye.
- [44:19]
B
Thanks to Bumble for their support of the show. With Bumble, you get a glimpse into someone's personality, interests and lifestyle right on their profile. Their prompts make it easy to see if you're compatible right away. Like when someone answers, the way to win me over is having a retirement plan for us and our future dog. You see their humor, but also their approach to money and long term thinking. Those first impressions let you skip the small talk and dive straight into building a real connection. So if you're ready to put yourself out there, what are you waiting for? Start your love story on Bumblebee.