- The critical role, the Nerdworld business giant, began broadcasting their performance in March 2015.
- On March 12, the crew celebrated their 10th anniversary.
- Four of the eight CR associates shared what they think has helped the team stay together.
Critical role started as a birthday gift for Liam O’Brien, who wanted to find a group of friends to play “Dungeons & Dragons”.
More than a decade further, the team of eight runs a widespread Nerdworld business. CR has investments in everything, from its main broadcast platform to play publication and animation production.
During a Business Insider conversation, the crew credited four tips that have kept them not to fall over the years.
1. ‘Share your opinion in advance’
Travis Willingham, CR Director General, said speaking to each other is his main tip to stay in business with someone’s best friends.
Travis Willingham has been CEO of the critical role for a decade. Robyn von Swank/ critical role
“It is so important not only to communicate how things are moving inside a very complex business, but also to share your opinion in advance,” Willingham said.
He said one of CR’s “biggest advantages” is to have eight associates.
“We have so many different perspectives. We come from extremely different spheres of life. We have different interests,” Willingham said.
“There must also be a ton of ash to admit that some people have forces in some areas, there are weaknesses in others, which the team works to support,” Willingham said.
2. Someone who is ‘the heart of the group’
Sam Riegel, a multiple winning director of the Emmy-Award who Helms Cr Animation Push, said the crew is “stronger than ever”.
Riegel says he really likes to spend time with his friends. Robyn von Swank/critical role
The group’s “secret weapon” is Matthew Mercer, the company’s creative chief, who Riegel said it functions as the “heartbeat heart”.
“He continues to remember us over and over to spend time together as friends,” Riegel said.
Mercer also often tells the group they have to have fun with what they are doing together as they broadcast their “Dungeons & Dragons” live game. If the audience likes it, it’s a bonus.
“He continues to remind us of this-and is a wonderful control and keeps us grounded,” Riegel said.
3. Keep your ego under control
O’Brien, who poisons the CR literary production machine, said that the eight associates are decision makers “Many workers” and “level”.
“We manage, for the most part, to keep our ego under control,” O’Brien said.
O’Brien says CR crew remembers that they have a common purpose they are trying. Robyn von Swank/critical role
O’Brien said that when there are differences of thought, the team remembers that they have a common purpose.
“These disagreements – when they come out – they are indecisive compared to the dream we are building together,” O’Brien said.
“We are dangerously close to Emmy, though,” he joked, referring to the Record of Riegel’s Victory at The Annual Awards Show. “I think we may probably get one more, but then beyond that, things can start getting Dicey.”
4. Enjoy each other’s company – even during the crisis time
Marisha Ray, CR creative director, said it is not uncommon for collaborators to work 80 weeks. But they have a “solid foundation” now – and help, from a wider team they have employed over the years.
Ray, CR creative director, said the crew has a bigger team, so the founders can take time for themselves. Robyn von Swank/critical role
“Many have been building building blocks so we can take some time to enjoy each other’s company,” Ray said.
She added that the little things matter – how to have time to “enjoy each other’s company” – and ensuring that they stay out of work.
Riegel said what makes him go is that one thing has not changed over 10 years: the crew really likes to spend time with each other.
“I just want to stay around my friends and get pearls with them and be to try these events with them and tell stories together,” Riegel said. “That’s it. Everything else is everything extra.”