#WFH Diaries: Greg Privett of Makeout

As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc across the globe, we’re checking in with creative people to see how they’re faring. Here’s an update from Greg Privett, co-founder and creative director of Makeout, a production company and creative agency out of Brooklyn.

Give us a one-sentence bio of yourself.

Always wondering how we can make a game out of it. 

Where are you living right now, and who’s with you?

In my little ol’ Brooklyn apartment, with my girlfriend.

What’s your work situation like at the moment?

Since we’re fortunate enough to have a car, I went by our studio and raided the place. I’m currently sitting at half of a conference table, shoved into our bedroom. 

Project-wise, over half our revenue comes from creating and producing IRL experiences. So that’s … not ideal. But we’ve got a killer team of producers, and I truly believe producers are the most resourceful, clever, determined problem solvers on earth, so we’re gonna be juuust fine. 

Describe your socializing strategy.

I make a point to talk to all my island neighbors in Animal Crossing every day. As for actual human friends, I’ve got a few weekly group Zooms—one for poker night, one as a movie club, etc.

How are you dealing with childcare, if applicable?

Hallelujah, not applicable.

What are you reading?

Pop culture best-of articles. If we were already living in the golden age of content before this all happened, how could you possibly give this moment a special enough designation? “Holy Days of Binge-Watching”?

What are you watching?

I just finished all the Marvel movies in order—and in the process, discovered the cinematic equivalent of “too big to fail.” Also watching the age-old reality show Survivor, don’t @ me.

What are you listening to?

This American Life, Heavyweight, Reply All—basically any emotionally intelligent podcast responding to this moment in their own unique way.

How are you staying fit?

Three times a day, I sneak out of the apartment for a 1.5-mile walk. It’s a set loop, I touch literally nothing besides my own door knobs, and I get to take in my neighborhood like I’ve never seen it. I see maybe 10 people each time—usually it’d be hundreds—and there are birds chirping in Brooklyn, people. Loud ones!

Have you taken up a hobby?

We convinced a friend to mail us her husband’s Nintendo Switch. Immediately obsessed. Oh, is this about like woodworking or sewing or something? Pass. 

Any tips for getting necessities?

I mean, what can you really do? Be careful for yourself, be considerate for others, don’t touch your fucking face and wash your gosh damn hands. (And Lysol what you bring home, without making yourself crazy.)

An awkward moment since all this started.

Let’s be honest: Group video calls are keeping us sane, and it’s always exciting to forge new methods and traditions for connecting … but that shit is awkward. It’s too much eye contact and too many accidental pauses and stumbles than would ever happen in person. Remember our industry’s whole “Conference calls are the worst” thing? This is that, plus video. Come on.

Best work email you got since all this started.

“We have received your application for [insert relief package here].”

An aha! moment since all this started.

Life doesn’t get less busy just because I’m home all the time. On days 1-3, I was posting open calls for video chats on my Instagram. Now I feel like I don’t even have enough time to watch Season 3 of Ozark, even though I never leave the living room.

What’s your theory on how this is going to play out?

I can’t wait for the eruption of ecstatic, communal celebrations on the other side of this. In the streets, with neighbors, with strangers, at bars, organized by cities, organized by artists, everywhere, sustained for days and weeks. Think about how a city shines when its silly sportsball team wins a championship—then remember what we’ve been dealing with.

See the full #WFH Diaries series here.