Michael Kryton Interview Published on: 29, Jan 2018
If you could compare your childhood to any movie or TV show, what would it be and why? Who would play you in a movie about your life?
I remember seeing the Beatles "Hard Day's Night" as a child with my older sister. I was fascinated by the chaos and humour. In a movie about me, I would have suggested a younger Dustin Hoffman. He could play me now.
As a kid, I would change my career plans every month or so. Was it the same for you or have you always known what you wanted to do?I have always been creatively focused. Originally, I wanted to be an actor. I fell into communications and writing when I landed a job as a copywriter at a radio station.
Having been a writer, producer, director, musician-composer, a creative communications consultant, and now a writer, what is the most fun you've ever had at any one of these jobs?Working with William Shatner was, at once, demanding and fun. We were very similar in our creative process.
When you think back on your life, what do you think is the most unbelievable thing you've done? Or, what have you accomplished so far that you never thought you would when you were, say, 10 years old?Two things. Working with Shatner and writing a book that was published out of New York.
Why did you decide to write "A Brilliant Idea Every 60 Seconds"?Over the years, many people have said to me that they did not feel they were creative. I was compelled to show them a process to help them unleash their creativity, because I believe everyone IS creative. They just put filters and obstacles in the way.
What is the hardest lesson you've ever learnt?It is always a challenge to stick to your dreams when others don't share in your belief.
Did you interview anyone for your book "A Brilliant Idea Every 60 Seconds"? If so, could you tell us about some of the interesting people you met? If not, how else did you conduct your research for this book?My book is based on my experience. But it is the cumulative result of working with many creative people over many years.
Why do you think people write self-help books? What are some self-help books that you really enjoyed?I think that people who are passionate about their work and philosophy about what they do are compelled to write about it and share their knowledge. I have enjoyed Tony Robbins, Stephen Covey, Earl Nightingale, Zig Ziglar, Deepak Chopra, Reis and Trout ... among many others.
What is the best reader review you've received for your book? Do you think you've been able to accomplish all the goals you set for yourself with this book?Each review is distinct. I appreciate each one.
How were you first offered your job as a writer-producer at OK Radio Group in Northern Alberta in 1979? In what ways did this job help lift off your career?It was a happenstance. I knew the station manager and she knew me through my projects in the community on the local cable TV channel and theatre. She said to me, "I know a lot about you and I know nothing about you. I have a job you might be interested in"
Tell us about your most memorable day working at Krazy Krazy’s in 1988.The television commercials we rodeuced were something out of Saturday Night Live. They were crazy and whacky. We pushed humour and slapstick to the limits.
What do your four children and partner think of your book (if they've read it)? What is one thing you hope for your kids, as a parent?I'd like to think they are proud and inspired of my realization of a dream. They are all keenly aware of creativity. My hope is that they take the lessons and philosophies in the book and maximize their own creative natures.
What are some of your plans for the future? Do you plan to write more (perhaps some fiction as well) or will you try your hand at something new?I continue to explore. I started an online art gallery, PIXONIMAGES.com. I always engage with others about their dreams and quests. I am a creative explorer. The more I know, the more I embrace the vastness of my own ignorance.
