SSP STAFF WRITER: ENTERTAINMENT ZONE: April 2, 2021
Fantasy Football is a great way for somebody who doesn’t know much about the game to still enjoy one of the nation’s pastimes with friends. It’s also a great way to meet really cool and interesting people. And it’s where we met our friend Dougie Cash. Today, we got the chance to talk with this producer star on the rise about how he’s forging his own path and about the importance of providing a safe space for people to express how they feel. We learned some things. Hope you will too!
SSP: Dougie, tell our followers about yourself.
I’m a pretty simple man; I am passionate about movies, television, reading, golf, cigars, family, friends, ice cream and God —
SSP: Was there a particular event or time that you recognized that producing was not just a hobby, but that it would be your life and your living?
I think it was after the release of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. Seeing the impact of a film I produced have so much success so quickly was an indescribable feeling. I instantly knew this is what I wanted to do for a living. When the art you are a part of creating can entertain millions, there’s very few greater feelings.
SSP: Was it harder to get started or to keep going? What was the particular thing that you had to conquer to do either?
It’s usually harder to get started. Mainly due to the fact you are inexperienced and do not know where to start – that’s when I dive right in. I came into the film industry out of MTV working on unscripted shows such as Teen Mom, 16 & Pregnant, Silent Library, etc. Those shows and how they are produced and filmed are completely different formats from feature films and scripted television. I had to re-learn everything from understanding character developments, character arcs, building a character, story beats, what elements must be in every great story, difference in structure from half hour/hour TV shows, etc. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, so I was mentally prepared for the journey. Mental toughness is the greatest asset you’ll need to succeed and win in this business.
SSP: What concerns did you have about your abilities when you signed on as one of the producers of the wildly popular Cobra Kai?
To be honest, very few concerns. Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg and Josh Held, who are the creators and writers of Cobra Kai, handled all of the heavy lifting and aspects of production. They came in knowing more about the Karate Kid universe than some of the original stars of the franchise. It’s easy when you have a great team – all I had to do was play my part.
SSP: Why did you feel reviving the Karate Kid genre was important?
With the evolution of social media becoming a mainstream staple in society, the emergence of cyber bullying and many kids not knowing how to handle bullies, it was cool to see the recipients of bullying become empowered.
SSP: Tell us about producing Cobra Kai along with Will Smith. How has that impacted you? What lessons have you learned?
Will Smith is a cultural icon and brilliant person. Growing up he was someone I idolized outside of my parents. So, to have my name attached to anything he is a part of is special. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned was to – fail early, fail often, fail forward.
SSP: What has been the most rewarding part of working on the show?
The relationships you build with everyone involved is always special. Seeing everyone’s career thrive and excel, but most important, seeing the fans enjoy the show, knowing the hard work each person puts into the making of Cobra Kai is rewarding.
SSP: What was the most important lesson you had to learn that has had a positive effect on your career? How did that lesson happen?
Consistency is key. Persistence is invaluable. Dedication will get you over the hump.
SSP: Those that make content, know how much they are really collaborations. What makes a fruitful collaboration? What do you do to enhance the collaborative process?
Making sure each person involved has their creative thoughts, ideas and suggestions heard. Sometimes, people overlook folks because they may not be the biggest name on the call sheet, but it is important for me and the company I work for to always hear everyone’s input. If your overall group is feeling part of the “team” or heard, it makes for one hell of a creative atmosphere.
SSP: Who have been some of your favorite people (directors, actors, co-producers) to work with so far? And why?
Every person I have had the pleasure of working with thus far in my career are favorites of mine. Each of these people play a major role in the journey of my career so I will never pinpoint a singular person. I love them all!
SSP: What are personal attributes that make for a good Producer, and what do you do to foster them?
Being able to juggle the multiple personalities of each person involved with a project. Talent, crew, studio execs, department heads, etc. Making sure that each person’s concern(s) are addressed swiftly and fairly. The two essential traits needed in my opinion are: being a great listener and executioner – get things done!
SSP: When do you know a script is ready to shoot, and what is your process of getting it there?
Every good script needs to address these four questions: What does the character want? Why does the character want it? Who is in the character’s way of achieving what they want? What’s going to happen if the character doesn’t get what they want? Once you can answer those questions, you are off to a great start.
SSP: How did you bring To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before to life?
Caleeb Pinkett optioned the book series from author Jenny Han’s publisher. At the time we had a first-look deal with Sony Pictures. Sony decided to not make the film and put the project into turnaround. Matt Kaplan who ran Awesomeness Entertainment at the time took the project out of turnaround and financed the production. We partnered up and made magic for the YA audience. Saw great talents like Noah Centineo and Lana Condor turn into overnight superstars. Such an awesome overall cast, director in Susan Johnson and can’t forget about Robyn Marshall who worked tirelessly while pregnant.
SSP: Is the film business fair? Why or why not? How do you make the apparatus work for you?
Life isn’t fair. A fair is where you go to judge pigs and witness pie eating contests. Learn that as quick as you can.
SSP: How do you think others see you as a professional? How do you want others to see you as a professional? Explain.
The most important thing for me in this business is for my peers to see me as someone who is knowledgeable, dependable and gets things done. Other than that, I don’t think about how people view me.
SSP : In your experience, what is the most important thing a budding Producer should know?
How to tell a proper story. Understand the important elements needed in every story. How to build characters and their arcs.
SSP: Who do you look up to as a producer and fellow Producer?
Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith, James Lassiter, Caleeb Pinkett, Tyler Perry, Mark Burnett, Greg Berlanti, Shonda Rhimes, Jerry Bruckheimer, the list goes on and on.
SSP: If there is one or more things you think would make the TV/film industry better, what would it be?
Having proper representation in the projects that are being made. To have more women and people of color in positions of power as decision makers and to pay producers more money!
SSP: We heard you were a part of a project called We Might Need Counseling? Tell us about it.
After the murders of George Floyd and Breanna Taylor there were a lot of conversations about race in America happening and some of the most diverse groups of protests taking place worldwide. Controversial things were taking place from our President at the time and many family and friends were falling out of favor due to disagreements. I felt the need to create a platform/safe space for people to come and talk about their beliefs – normalizing disagreeing. So far it’s been awesome.
SSP: Are you on social media and do you use it in your work? Why or why not?
I am on social media and I mainly use it to release episodes of my podcast, We Might Need Counseling. If it weren’t for me working in the entertainment business, I probably would not be on social media.
SSP: What’s next for you on the horizon?
Hopefully more #1 movies and television shows. I have not yet had the pleasure of making a film do a theatrical run — I look forward to experiencing that in the near future.
SSP: What would be a good theme song of your life?
“Lose Yourself” by Eminem.
SSP: If you had a magic wand, what wish would you grant yourself and why?
My answer is going to be so stereotypical. But I’d wish to be the richest person in the world. I’d use that money to change the lives of every person who struggles but trying hard to make it every day. I believe my calling in life is people, and what better way to use my calling than to help change lives.
SSP: Now, that’s what it’s all about! Thank you Dougie for hanging with us today! We wish you continued success on your journey. And we can’t wait to see what you do next!
To keep up with Dougie, check out his Facebook WE MIGHT NEED COUNSELING page or follow him on Instagram @dougiecash
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Until next time, live your passion and chase your dreams!
SSP
