Today we’d like to introduce you to Max Hoven.
Hi Max, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m Max Hoven, a St. Louis-based film producer, graphic novelist, and managing director of Hoven Crow Entertainment. Like many millennials, I have an eclectic professional background that’s allowed me to travel and grow throughout multiple industries in many cities over the past decade. As a leader in hospitality, I’ve traveled worldwide, working with many renowned hospitals, hotels, resorts, and sports venues, including BJC Healthcare, Lake Hotel (the oldest hotel in Yellowstone National Park), Big Sky Resort, Drury Hotels, and Busch Stadium. As an entrepreneur, I’ve become a best-selling author, international film producer, and consultant for filmmakers, writers, artists, and international backpackers. My work includes the critically-acclaimed and best-selling graphic novel IT EATS WHAT FEEDS IT, the ongoing cyberpunk comic series LIQUID KILL, and the Hindi thriller film HALFPACE.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Producing films and graphic novels is a mostly speculative long game, with countless obstacles and few long-term success stories. The entertainment industry is notoriously a cut-throat business, and those who dedicate their lives to it usually live in New York or Los Angeles. In the Midwest, those in this field rarely make a modest living with creative fiction alone. They must either hustle daily to make ends meet or do it as a hobby. I’m one of the few who’ve fallen in between. Although writing started as a hobby, I’ve refined the process to ensure at least some profit from each project.
However, the process is a grind. Every book you write or film you produce is its intellectual property with indefinite potential and is essentially its own business. They’re often a multi-year process that includes financing, hiring and managing teams, licensing, marketing, legalities, etc. And often, a project can end without even being finished due to the many problems that arise when trying to start a business.
I’ve had films delayed due to floods, projects losing financing due to last-minute casting changes, and even legal issues requiring us to abandon a project mid-way through. There’s a lot of uncertainty and risk. However, the reward is worth it. Pulling a story from your head and then putting it on a shelf or screen is a strong experience. It’s even stronger when you can grow a fanbase that becomes emotionally attached to the stories you create.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in writing dark-genre graphic novels and producing low-budget feature films. I’ve worked with some of the most influential artists worldwide, including Kim Jung Gi, Shintaro Kago, Toni Infante, Gabriel Iumazark, and Rafael Albuquerque.
My debut graphic novel, IT EATS WHAT FEEDS IT, was Scout Comics & Entertainment’s best-selling limited comic series of 2020 and their best-selling graphic novel in 2021. The first print run quickly sold out, resulting in a 2nd and 3rd printing.
My debut feature film as a producer was HALFPACE starring Ruturaj Wankhede, the winner of India’s prestigious Filmfare award. It is now streaming worldwide on multiple platforms, including Amazon Prime, Tubi, and Diverse Cinema, and it also airs on television in various countries worldwide.
My current comic series LIQUID KILL launched in comic shops this year (2023), selling over twenty thousand copies of Issue 1 in its first week as a best-seller in the independent space. Its early success allowed our publisher (Massive Publishing) to request the series become ongoing. I’ve recently started an “edutainment” YouTube channel (Lord Max) highlighting the business side of independent comic book creation, film production, and digital marketing.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My best advice is to use social media and email to contact people you want to work with, even if you feel they’re “out of your league” or even a celebrity. As long as you’re respectful and professional, there’s no harm in offering to partner, seek advice, or collaborate with others.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hovencrow.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lordmaxhoven/
- Facebook: facebook.com/lordmaxhoven
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-hoven-405935b/
- Twitter: twitter.com/lordmaxhoven
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYpLSEtWpspbpMOFkVZP8FA
