Name: Will Meldman
Facebook: Will Meldman
Instagram: @wmeldman33
Website: www.drinkrecover.com; www.studio22podcast.com (coming soon!)
Age: 31
Title: Founder & CEO of Double Down Pictures; Co-Founder of Recover 180; Co-host Studio 22 podcast
Married/Single: Single
City you live in: Beverly Hills, CA
A typical day in my life includes… I begin my day with some French pressed coffee and then head to Equinox or my home gym. Usually, I go hiking with my Basenji named Penny at Runyon Canyon or Griffith Park Observatory in LA. I answer emails and take phone calls and Zoom meetings for work and then I review or write screenplays for my production company and work on marketing for our films. For my podcast, I record, edit, book, and research guests, as well as do other various tasks to produce the podcast depending on the production stage we are at in the episode. We release it weekly on YouTube, iHeart, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere podcasts are found. In the evening, I wind down with a TV show or a film while I cook a healthy dinner consisting of a pound of protein, rice, and veggies. If I am not traveling, I am at home relaxing. If I am going out, I usually head to Soho House West Hollywood, Craig’s Restaurant, Catch LA, or Sugarfish, sometimes followed by Hyde, Bootsy Bellows, or other fun nightlife spots in LA. If I am traveling, it’s usually to a Discovery Land Company property in Cabo, Scottsdale, Nashville, Bahamas, Montana, Hawaii, etc. for a work/golf trip for Discovery Land Company.
I was born… in San Francisco in the 90s.
My favorite thing about Arizona… My father was raised in Arizona in the Scottsdale area. My entire father’s side of the family lives there and I love visiting, whether it’s to see family, visit our office, or go out in Old Town. I love coming out to play golf at Mirabel and Estancia. The Phoenix Open is my favorite golf tournament and I always enjoy my time out there, even if it’s just a work trip.
I’m listening to… For music, I am a fan of classic rock and hip-hop. I listen to bands from Led Zeppelin and the Beatles to Soundgarden and Nirvana – basically, rock from 70s to 90s. For hip-hop, it’s Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Tribe Called Quest, Nas, Tupac, and Biggie, of course. I became semi-close with Quavo when we produced our film, The Resort together, and love what they are doing in the space. I also have a strong affinity for the Bay Area artists, such as Mac Dre, Too Short, and some other up-and-comers like LaRussell. For EDM I love listening to MORTEN and his new sound, Future Rave. I am also producing a new music documentary that I can’t talk about yet. For podcasts, I listen to Joe Rogan, Russel Brand, and some guilty pleasure film review podcasts.
My family… is tight-knit. We have always been close and I try to have dinner with my family at least once a week when I can. My older brother, Hunter, is about to have a child, and I couldn’t be happier.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be… Thomas Edison. A lot of people don’t know that he was one of the true pioneers of inventing the film camera and establishing Hollywood’s core business structure. Tupac would have to be on this list also. I think hearing his views on race relations in society today would be intriguing.
One thing I cannot live without… Creating. I create everyday and my entire life revolves around writing, reading, and media production.
When I was younger, I wanted to be… An epic rockstar, plain and simple.
I’m inspired by… Seeing my peers succeed and watching others innovate.
The one person who motivates me is… My father. Seeing how many people he works with on a daily basis and how many places he moves to and from, is extremely motivating.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be… I would try to calm everyone down. There is always plenty to be angry about, but instead of sowing conflict and division, I would hope to see the world more inclusive and collaborative in their problem-solving.
The perfect day would be… sipping a Casamigos Reposado Tequila on the rocks, on the white sands and crystal blue water of Bakers Bay Golf & Ocean Club in the Bahamas with a group of friends.
My first job was… A Production Assistant on Ocean’s 13 at Warner Brothers.
My favorite escape… El Dorado Golf and Beach Club in Cabo San Lucas.
My life… is a work in progress. I can always be better, work harder, and influence others more positively.
I’m currently working on… A music documentary that just wrapped production for Double Down Pictures, co-hosting Studio 22 Podcast with Brock O’Hurn, and advising Recover Life Brands for Recover180, and other various films.
Always… be happy and treat others with respect. Life is too short and karma is real.
Never… give up. Failure is just a temporary obstacle on your road to success. Giving up is the only true failure.
Favorite Quote… Buddha said that holding onto anger is like swallowing poison and expecting someone else to get sick.
Biggest Dream… Run a major film studio.
My Pet Peeve(s)… I don’t like to be around negative energy. That doesn’t include people who are sad or going through something, it refers to people that are intentionally negative.
