“The Power of Finishing Ugly: Why Done is Better Than Perfect in Filmmaking”

There’s a myth in filmmaking that your project has to be flawless before it’s worth sharing. That myth has paralyzed countless talented creatives who sit on scripts, edits, or entire films, endlessly tweaking and doubting. But the truth is this: done is better than perfect. The power of finishing—even if it’s “ugly”—is one of the most underrated tools a filmmaker has. With “And On That Day,” I faced major challenges—budget limitations, losing locations, having to rework key scenes, and even recasting roles last minute. But I made the decision to finish it, no matter what.

And let me tell you, finishing wasn’t easy. There were moments I wanted to walk away. There were editing days where nothing felt right. But I kept going. Why? Because once a film is finished—even if it’s not everything you imagined—it becomes real. It breathes. It teaches. “And On That Day” ended up screening at festivals like Manhattan, Tennessee, and Golden Door. Not because it was a perfect film, but because I followed through. I let it live. And in doing so, I grew—not just as a filmmaker, but as a storyteller who could push through chaos and still create something meaningful.

So if you’re stuck, wondering if your film is “ready,” remember this: Ready is a lie we tell ourselves to delay the uncomfortable truth—it’s fear. Finish the film. Share it. Let it be messy. Let it be raw. But let it be. Because people won’t connect with your perfection. They’ll connect with your persistence, your passion, and your courage to finish ugly.

The Show at JHS Talent Management

 

At JHS Talent Management, we believe in more than just signing great talent—we believe in empowering artists, musicians, and creatives with real industry insights, unfiltered conversations, and a touch of humor.

That’s why we created The John Henry Soto Show! 

What’s the Show About?

Think of it as a backstage pass to the industries that fuel creativity and wellness—Film, Music, and Health. Each week, we tackle the tough questions that no one else wants to ask. The shady deals, the industry myths, the crazy trends… we break it all down with honesty and a whole lot of laughs.

Who’s on the Mic?

 John Henry Soto – That’s me! A filmmaker, musician, and digital marketing expert who loves calling out nonsense and helping creatives thrive.

 George Batista – My co-host, a musician and wellness expert who makes sure we’re all staying healthy while rocking out. (Yes, it’s possible to do both!)

Together, we dig deep into the realities of the entertainment and wellness industries, all while keeping the vibe fun, fresh, and sometimes a little outrageous.

When & Where?

 LIVE Every Sunday
 7 PM Central | 8 PM EST
 Only on RUMBLE!
 Join the conversation here!

Why You Should Tune In

 Insider Industry Talk – No fluff, no sugarcoating, just the truth.
 Hilarious & Unfiltered – We keep it real AND entertaining.
 Guest Experts & Special Features – You never know who’s stopping by!

At JHS Talent Management, we’re building more than just a roster—we’re building a community of artists who want to succeed on their terms. If you’re in Film, Music, or the Health & Wellness space (or just love hearing behind-the-scenes stories), this show is for you.  And don't forget Brian Pierce whos' running the company behind the scenes helping artists connect with us!  Interested in learning more? Email Brian at  brian@jhstalentmanagement.com  

So grab a drink, jump into the chat, and get ready for a show that’s as informative as it is unpredictable. See you Sunday! 

#JHSTalentManagement #TheJohnHenrySotoShow #FilmMusicHealth #LetsTalkTruth

The Importance of Quincy Jones

 

His Influence on My Music, Film, and Digital Marketing World

A Special Dedication: The John Henry Soto Show

Recently, I dedicated an episode of The John Henry Soto Show to Quincy Jones, exploring his unmatched legacy and how his influence has shaped my work. For those interested, you can watch that episode and delve deeper into why Quincy Jones continues to inspire so many, including myself. Visit www.johnhenrysoto.com to see the full episode.

There are certain names in the realm of art and innovation that hold unparalleled significance—one such name is Quincy Jones. His career, spanning over seven decades, has left an indelible mark on the music industry, the silver screen, and even the broader world of media and marketing. For me, Jones is more than just an icon; he’s a guiding force that has shaped my journey as a musician, filmmaker, and digital marketing professional. His legacy serves as a blueprint for pushing boundaries and creating impactful work that resonates with audiences.

The Polymath of the Arts: Who Is Quincy Jones?

Quincy Jones is best described as a modern Renaissance man. As a composer, conductor, arranger, and producer, his influence is embedded in some of the most groundbreaking music and films of the 20th and 21st centuries. From arranging for jazz legends like Count Basie and Duke Ellington to producing Michael Jackson’s legendary albums Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad, Jones’s fingerprint on music history is unparalleled. His forays into film and television brought him scores for classics like The Color Purple and Roots, showcasing his ability to adapt and innovate across genres and mediums.

Influence on My Music Journey

Growing up playing the guitar, I always sought to infuse my music with emotional depth and genre-blending creativity. Quincy’s arrangements, which effortlessly merge jazz, soul, and pop, inspired me to push beyond conventional boundaries. His use of complex harmonies and orchestral elements taught me to treat music as a rich narrative that speaks to listeners’ emotions. This lesson came in handy not just during my time in my band, Glass of Know, but in all my musical endeavors. Whether composing for short films or strumming a guitar at home, I always remember Quincy’s boldness in blending styles and his dedication to excellence.

A Filmmaker’s Inspiration

Quincy Jones was never just about music; he was about storytelling. As a filmmaker, I am drawn to the way he treated film scoring as an extension of the narrative itself. His work in The Color Purple, for instance, isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character that interacts with the audience, drawing out deeper emotions. This perspective changed the way I approached soundtracks and film projects, like my film And On That Day, presented at various prestigious festivals. When creating the emotional undertones of a scene, I think, “What would Quincy do here?” His influence pushes me to build soundscapes that are not only heard but felt.

Shaping My Digital Marketing Strategy

You might wonder how Quincy Jones, a giant of music and film, impacts digital marketing. To me, Quincy embodies the principle of adaptation and reinvention. Whether producing records for legends or moving seamlessly into film, his career is a testament to the power of evolving with the times. In the world of digital marketing with JHS Legacy Blueprint, I see that same need for creativity and adaptability. Jones's emphasis on storytelling reminds me that at its core, marketing isn’t about flashy tactics—it’s about connecting with people through a compelling story.

Moreover, his ability to elevate others, including his artists, shows me that successful marketing is also about lifting the community and providing value that reaches beyond mere product promotion. This principle aligns with my mission of helping artists fund their projects and live sustainable lives through well-crafted strategies.

Lessons Learned and Applied

The most vital lesson I’ve absorbed from Quincy Jones is that mastery isn’t the result of talent alone but an ongoing process of learning, failing, and starting again. He has never rested on his laurels, and this mindset fuels my own work ethic in music, film, and digital marketing. It’s why I keep striving, even when faced with challenges, and why I embrace new technology and methods in my content creation and client engagement.

In a world that moves at lightning speed, where trends come and go, Quincy Jones remains a symbol of timeless innovation and deep, heartfelt storytelling. He reminds me to stay bold, stay curious, and always be willing to explore the unknown.

---

Quincy Jones’s influence is far-reaching, and for me, it is deeply personal. He represents what it means to be a creator with vision, courage, and compassion—a constant source of inspiration across all my creative pursuits.