What happens when a mechanical engineer walks away from a “safe” career and follows a creative spark?

In this episode of The Flame, host Bob Raynor speaks with filmmaker and Director of Photography Bert Archer, who shares his journey from engineering at Lockheed Martin to running his own video production studio. Bert opens up about layoffs, career pivots, the role of improv in unlocking creativity, and how problem-solving skills can transfer across industries.

This episode is for anyone navigating career change, creative burnout, or the fear of starting over — and looking for inspiration to keep going.

Topics Covered

• Growing up on an engineering track — and walking away from it

• Disillusionment with long-term projects and intangible work

• How improv sparked a creative awakening

• Translating engineering problem-solving into filmmaking

• Learning through failure and “throwing darts”

• The importance of support, especially from loved ones

• Working in high-pressure creative environments

• Finding fulfillment through storytelling and discovery

• Redefining success over time

• What “keeping the flame lit” means today