himself. Connection, with patients and his audience, seems to be just as important to him – maybe more so – than the financial returns for running the channel. “To be honest, I’m more into the vanity goals,” Willen asserts. “I want subscribers and views. I’ve always wanted to be an entertainer in front of the camera. What sparked was not that I could use the channel to help build my practice, but that I could make my own content, be creative and tell stories.” The next step for the Animal Cracker could be a step into linear TV. Willen has been in talks with major factual TV outlets to shoot a pilot for a show. Willen’s past industry experience has allowed him to approach the opportunity with equanimity. “I’m pretty savvy about the workings of TV and film, and how much of a long shot everything is. But I would love for it to run for multiple seasons, because in a second or third season, I could actually make a decent paycheck out of it.” WHAT SPARKED WAS NOT THAT I COULD USE THE CHANNEL TO HELP BUILD MY PRACTICE, BUT THAT I COULD MAKE MY OWN CONTENT AND TELL STORIES
good sound conductors. Occasionally a DSLR will be thrown into the mix, but being able to respond quickly and flexibly is key – the iPhone is tough to beat for that. Willen is now offering downloads around pet care, including a video on how to massage your dog, and these are shot with DSLRs in a more watchword of Willen’s success. Not only is he committed to keeping the content rolling out, but he makes sure to stay as directly connected to his viewers as possible. For the first two years, he made sure to address or answer every single comment controlled, studio-like setting. Dedication seems to be the
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