Creatives Grab Coffee

In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, Jon Corbin — Founder of Corbin Visual — returns for his third appearance on the show, making him the official CGC Champ.  Jon dives into the new era of creative entrepreneurship: How vertical dramas are transforming storytelling online, why client value beats trend-chasing, and what it takes to stay profitable during hard economic times in the video industry.

Timestamps

00:00 — Intro

02:18 — Jon returns: The Hat-Trick Episode 

07:25 — From trend-chasing to client-value

11:33 — Understanding real business challenges

18:32 — Outbound vs. inbound sales realities

27:47 — The new bar for “good enough” in marketing

33:59 — Adapting in tough economic times

41:07 — The isolation of being a creative business owner

52:16 — Enter: Vertical dramas

55:10 — Hiring the right team + not doing it all yourself

1:04:27 — Staying ahead of industry shifts

1:25:17 — What’s next for Jon & the future of CV 

1:26:40 — Sign-off

🎙️ About Our Guest

Jon Corbin

Founder & Creative Director — Corbin Visual

Toronto-based creative agency specializing in video strategy, branded content & next-gen storytelling formats.

🎧 Hosts:

Dario Nouri & Kyrill Lazarov — Lapse Productions, Toronto

https://www.lapseproductions.com

🎙️ About Creatives Grab Coffee:

Creatives Grab Coffee explores the business of video production, featuring candid conversations with studio owners and filmmakers around the world on scaling, creativity, and industry evolution.

👇 Follow & Subscribe:

Website – https://creativesgrabcoffee.com

Instagram – https://instagram.com/creativesgrabcoffee

LinkedIn – https://linkedin.com/company/lapseproductions

SPONSORS:

Canada Film Equipment: www.CanadaFilmEquipment.com

Audio Process: www.Audioprocess.ca

#CreativesGrabCoffee #videographyhacks #videography #videographer #videoproduction #businesspodcast #videoproductionpodcast #lapseproductions #videomarketing #videoproductioncompany #videoproductionservices

In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, Dario Nouri and Kyrill Lazarov speak with Amr Khani, founder and creative director of AK Films, a Dubai-based production company operating at the intersection of high-end corporate and creative work.

Amr shares how he built a successful production house in one of the world’s most competitive creative markets, what it’s like running shoots in the UAE, and how Dubai’s film landscape has shifted from cinema to corporate over the past decade. He also dives into the realities of pricing, international collaboration, and why strong systems matter as much as creative talent.

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Intro & background of AK Films

05:00 – How Dubai’s film scene evolved over the last decade

10:00 – The decline of film festivals & rise of corporate media

15:00 – Industry diversity in the UAE

17:00 – The reality of competition and pricing in Dubai

25:00 – Why most clients are international

31:00 – How AK Films structures its in-house and freelance teams

36:00 – Scaling to a 7-person production company

41:00 – Finding the right time to hire permanent staff

47:00 – Client education and self-sabotage in production

49:00 – Inbound vs outbound lead generation

52:00 – Long-term goals and returning to filmmaking

Key Takeaways:

• Dubai’s production market is booming — but competition is relentless.
• The corporate sector has overtaken cinema as the main driver of production work.
• Strong business systems and communication protect creative integrity.
• Local partnerships are essential for foreign productions due to legal structure.
• Balancing creative ambition with sustainable operations is the key to long-term success.

🎥 Guest:

Amr Khani – Founder & Creative Director, AK Films

📍 Based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

🎧 Hosts:

Dario Nouri & Kyrill Lazarov — Lapse Productions, Toronto

https://www.lapseproductions.com

🎙️ About Creatives Grab Coffee:

Creatives Grab Coffee explores the business of video production, featuring candid conversations with studio owners and filmmakers around the world on scaling, creativity, and industry evolution.

👇 Follow & Subscribe:

Website – https://creativesgrabcoffee.com

Instagram – https://instagram.com/creativesgrabcoffee

LinkedIn – https://linkedin.com/company/lapseproductions

SPONSORS:

Canada Film Equipment: www.CanadaFilmEquipment.com

Audio Process: www.Audioprocess.ca

#CreativesGrabCoffee #videographyhacks #videography #videographer #videoproduction #businesspodcast #videoproductionpodcast #lapseproductions #videomarketing #videoproductioncompany #videoproductionservices

In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, Dario Nouri sits down with N’tchidjè Doumbia, founder and creative director of Great Things Studios, a Montreal-based video production company known for its cinematic commercial and corporate work.

N’tchidjè shares his journey from music videos to full-scale agency operations, the growing pains of scaling, and how his company maintains creative quality while managing client expectations and large-scale productions. The conversation digs into leadership, team culture, and how the best studios evolve from purely creative shops into strategic, relationship-driven businesses.

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Intro & background of Great Things Studios

05:00 – The shift from creative to strategic production work

09:00 – Managing big clients and keeping creative control

14:00 – Why relationships drive long-term agency success

19:00 – How to scale a team without losing culture

25:00 – Leadership lessons and defining your company vision

33:00 – Balancing artistry with operational systems

41:00 – Reinvesting profits into talent and technology

46:00 – The creative risk of saying “no” to bad projects

50:00 – Montreal’s evolving production landscape

Key Takeaways:

• Building a scalable studio requires structure, not just creativity.
• Strong client relationships are your most valuable business asset.
• Leadership means trusting your team and protecting creative integrity.
• Knowing when to say no is crucial for brand longevity.
• The Montreal video scene is diversifying fast, offering global opportunity.

🎥 Guest:

N’tchidjè Doumbia – Founder & Creative Director, Great Things Studios

📍 Based in Montreal, Canada

🎧 Hosts:

Dario Nouri & Kyrill Lazarov — Lapse Productions, Toronto

https://www.lapseproductions.com

🎙️ About Creatives Grab Coffee:

Creatives Grab Coffee dives into the business of video production, featuring candid conversations with production company founders and filmmakers across the globe about scaling, leadership, and creative strategy.

👇 Follow & Subscribe:

Website – https://creativesgrabcoffee.com

Instagram – https://instagram.com/creativesgrabcoffee

LinkedIn – https://linkedin.com/company/lapseproductions

SPONSORS:

Canada Film Equipment: www.CanadaFilmEquipment.com

Audio Process: www.Audioprocess.ca

#CreativesGrabCoffee #videographyhacks #videography #videographer #videoproduction #businesspodcast #videoproductionpodcast #lapseproductions #videomarketing #videoproductioncompany #videoproductionservices

In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, Dario Nouri and Kyrill Lazarov sit down with Daniel Calleja, founder of Visual Production Agency in Melbourne, Australia. With more than 20 years in the game, Daniel shares how he built a resilient corporate video business through two decades of rapid industry change — from VHS to HD, DSLRs, and today’s AI-driven landscape.

They dive into how video production companies can survive in an oversaturated market, balance pricing and quality, adapt to budget-tight clients, and find long-term stability through smart specialization.

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Daniel’s origin story & early industry lessons

07:00 – From VHS to HD to DSLR revolutions

14:00 – The rise of competition & SEO’s impact on video production

19:00 – Price wars and the race to the bottom

24:00 – Freelancers vs agencies & direct-to-client trends

29:00 – Content creators vs production companies

33:00 – In-house vs outsourced marketing teams

42:00 – Forecasting, rebranding & future-proofing your agency

50:00 – Outreach, networking & finding new clients

52:00 – Niching down into corporate training videos

Key Takeaways:

• The industry is shifting from production to content creation — and how to stay relevant.
• Why you should never race to the bottom on pricing.
• How to forecast your marketing and sales pipeline year-round.
• Why training videos are a recession-proof niche for corporate producers.
• The importance of quality, longevity, and investing in your team.

🎥 Guest:

Daniel Calleja – Founder, Visual Production Agency

📍 Based in Melbourne, Australia

🎧 Hosts:

Dario Nouri & Kyrill Lazarov — Lapse Productions, Toronto

https://www.lapseproductions.com

🎙️ About Creatives Grab Coffee:

Creatives Grab Coffee explores the business of video production, featuring conversations with studio owners and filmmakers from around the world on how they scale, innovate, and sustain creative businesses in a fast-changing industry.

👇 Follow & Subscribe:

Website – https://creativesgrabcoffee.com

Instagram – https://instagram.com/creativesgrabcoffee

LinkedIn – https://linkedin.com/company/lapseproductions

SPONSORS: Canada Film Equipment: www.CanadaFilmEquipment.com Audio Process: www.Audioprocess.ca

#CreativesGrabCoffee #videographyhacks #videography #videographer #videoproduction #businesspodcast #videoproductionpodcast #lapseproductions #videomarketing #videoproductioncompany #videoproductionservices

In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, hosts Dario Nouri and Kyrill Lazarov sit down with Kris Simmons, founder and CEO of 6 STRONG MEDIA, a U.S.-based corporate video production agency headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

With more than 280 vetted camera crews across the U.S., Kris has built one of the most operationally tight networks in the industry. He shares how 6 STRONG MEDIA maintains local presence in every major market, manages pricing consistency, vets freelancers, and protects margins while scaling sustainably.

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Intro & 6 STRONG MEDIA overview

05:00 – Building a 280-crew national network

08:00 – How to vet freelancers & build trust remotely

13:00 – Freelancers vs production companies – who to partner with

16:00 – Rates, value perception & industry ego

20:00 – Budget pressures & short-term thinking in production

25:00 – Insurance & legal bottlenecks on corporate shoots

29:00 – Process improvement & client communication

38:00 – Running a true family business with defined roles

48:00 – Margins and pricing strategy for sustainable growth

Key Takeaways:

• Why success in production is about systems, not just creativity
• How to build a national crew network that feels local to clients
• The importance of pre-negotiated rates and expectations
• Why clear processes protect profit and culture simultaneously
• The difference between running a creative studio and a scalable agency

🎥 Guest:

Kris Simmons – Founder & CEO, 6 STRONG MEDIA

📍 Based in Chattanooga, Tennessee

🎧 Hosts:

Dario Nouri & Kyrill Lazarov — Lapse Productions, Toronto

https://www.lapseproductions.com

🎙️ About Creatives Grab Coffee:

Creatives Grab Coffee explores the business of video production, bringing together studio owners, producers, and directors from around the world to discuss growth, operations, and creativity in the industry.

SPONSORS:

Canada Film Equipment: www.CanadaFilmEquipment.com

Audio Process: www.Audioprocess.ca

🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2vHd8BdbkMQITFZmDJ0bo9

🍏 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/creatives-grab-coffee/id1530864140

#CreativesGrabCoffee #videographyhacks #videography #videographer #videoproduction #businesspodcast #videoproductionpodcast #lapseproductions #videomarketing #videoproductioncompany #videoproductionservices

In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, hosts Dario Nouri and Kyrill Lazarov talk with Ana Rosales, founder of AVR Media Group, about her journey building a thriving video production company in Florida. We unpack the realities of scaling a production business — managing clients, leading a team, maintaining creative quality, and overcoming industry biases — all while staying grounded in your creative vision.

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Introduction & origin story of AVR Media Group

07:40 – Scaling challenges and leadership growth

15:00 – Client communication & expectation management

27:30 – Balancing creativity and profitability

39:20 – Building trust and long-term partnerships

48:00 – Shaping the future of women-led production

Key Takeaways:

• Why clear client education prevents 90% of project friction

• How to build a sustainable production pipeline that supports creative integrity

• The role of leadership in developing culture and accountability

• Why representation and inclusivity matter in production hiring

• How to future-proof your video business through relationship equity

🎥 Guest: Ana Rosales – Founder, AVR Media Group

🎧 Hosts: Dario Nouri & Kyrill Lazarov — Lapse Productions, Toronto https://www.lapseproductions.com

🎙️ About Creatives Grab Coffee: Creatives Grab Coffee explores the business of video production — featuring agency founders, filmmakers, and producers who share tactical insights on creativity, operations, and scaling production companies worldwide.

👇 Follow & Subscribe: Website – https://creativesgrabcoffee.com Instagram – https://instagram.com/creativesgrabcoffee LinkedIn – https://linkedin.com/company/lapseproductions

SPONSORS:

Canada Film Equipment: www.CanadaFilmEquipment.com

Audio Process: www.Audioprocess.ca

🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2vHd8BdbkMQITFZmDJ0bo9

🍏 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/creatives-grab-coffee/id1530864140

🎞️ Produced by LAPSE PRODUCTIONS – https://www.lapseproductions.com

To learn more about the show, visit: https://www.creativesgrabcoffee.com/

#CreativesGrabCoffee #videographyhacks #videography #videographer #videoproduction #businesspodcast #videoproductionpodcast #lapseproductions #videomarketing #videoproductioncompany #videoproductionservices

In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, we sit down with Manuel Izquierdo, founder of Mi Media Production, a Miami-based video production company specializing in corporate and commercial work. We unpack the evolution of small production companies — from solo freelancers to fully fledged creative studios — and dive deep into how modern filmmakers are balancing business growth, creative integrity, and emerging AI tools in their workflow.

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Intro & on-set culture

08:00 – The evolution of video businesses

16:00 – Freelance to founder: building Mi Media Production

22:00 – Balancing business and creativity

39:00 – How AI is changing storyboarding & pre-production

46:00 – The Miami production market

56:00 – Future of corporate & commercial video

Key Takeaways:

• Why steady growth builds character, not ego

• How to manage creative standards while scaling operations

• Practical AI tools for storyboarding, previs, and voiceovers

• The shift toward localized production support networks

• Navigating today’s changing corporate video landscape 🎥

Guest: Manuel Izquierdo – Founder, Mi Media Production 📍 Based in Miami, Florida

SPONSORS:

Canada Film Equipment: www.CanadaFilmEquipment.com

Audio Process: www.Audioprocess.ca

🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2vHd8BdbkMQITFZmDJ0bo9

🍏 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/creatives-grab-coffee/id1530864140

🎞️ Produced by LAPSE PRODUCTIONS – https://www.lapseproductions.com

To learn more about the show, visit: https://www.creativesgrabcoffee.com/

#CreativesGrabCoffee #videographyhacks #videography #videographer #videoproduction #businesspodcast #videoproductionpodcast #lapseproductions #videomarketing #videoproductioncompany #videoproductionservices

In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, Israel Bonequi from IND Films (Montreal, Quebec) shares his journey from being a generalist offering multiple creative services to focusing on video production and scaling IND Films into a specialized studio. He discusses the challenges of pricing creative work, the importance of educating clients, and how niching into medical and industrial video has helped the company grow. Israel also dives into the process of building a new virtual production studio designed to make cutting-edge technology more accessible for smaller production companies. This episode offers valuable lessons for marketers and video professionals looking to refine their positioning, improve client relationships, and explore the future of video production.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Episode Introduction and Guest Welcome

02:19 - Guest Bio: Israel Bonequi from IND Films

03:22 - Lessons from being a generalist in creative services

07:25 - How clients perceive value in video production

10:01 - Client education tax: the hidden cost of cutting corners

14:36 - Transitioning to video specialization and pricing challenges

19:06 - Raising rates and overcoming mindset barriers

21:44 - The reality of difficult clients and nonprofits

23:04 - Asking “why” to uncover true client goals

25:38 - Turning single projects into long-term campaigns

27:57 - IND Films’ focus on medical and industrial video production

32:44 - Niching down and growing through organic opportunities

36:19 - Digital marketing: shifting from Google Ads to LinkedIn

42:21 - Building a new Montreal studio for virtual production

47:41 - The cost, process, and challenges of studio construction

52:01 - Soundproofing lessons for production spaces

55:17 - Balancing family businesses and shared spaces

57:16 - Future growth plans for IND Films

58:27 - Closing remarks and invitation to visit IND Films

SPONSORS:

Canada Film Equipment: www.CanadaFilmEquipment.com

Audio Process: www.Audioprocess.ca

🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2vHd8BdbkMQITFZmDJ0bo9

🍏 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/creatives-grab-coffee/id1530864140

🎞️ Produced by LAPSE PRODUCTIONS – https://www.lapseproductions.com

To learn more about the show, visit: https://www.creativesgrabcoffee.com/

#CreativesGrabCoffee #videographyhacks #videography #videographer #videoproduction #businesspodcast #videoproductionpodcast #lapseproductions #videomarketing #videoproductioncompany #videoproductionservices

In Episode 101 of Creatives Grab Coffee, we’re joined by Julian Tillotson, founder of INDIRAP (Chicago), to talk about why video alone isn’t enough. Julian breaks down how businesses can build a full content ecosystem, why “going viral” is not a strategy, and how educating clients on ROI is the real key to long-term success. We also dive into the debate of niching vs. staying generalist, the dangers of so-called marketing “gurus,” and what it really takes to build sustainable client relationships in the video production industry. Whether you’re a marketer, creative entrepreneur, or production company owner, this episode is packed with insights to help you scale smarter, diversify your client base, and deliver content that actually drives results.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Episode introduction and sponsor shoutouts

02:18 – Guest welcome: Julian Tillotson from INDIRAP

03:11 – The shift in content marketing: video isn’t enough

06:15 – Breaking down the content funnel (top, middle, bottom)

10:36 – Why client education matters for ROI

12:56 – The myth of going viral in today’s landscape

14:53 – How video companies can become strategic partners

17:25 – Repurposing video into multiple deliverables

19:28 – Why distribution and platform optimization are critical

21:46 – Educating clients through quarterly check-ins and content

23:52 – Building a personal brand with LinkedIn and YouTube

27:23 – LinkedIn strategy vs. Instagram engagement

32:06 – Cutting through industry noise and staying top of mind

34:16 – Time management, scaling, and building strong teams

39:09 – Avoiding burnout with systems and organization

45:34 – Expanding services into paid ads and distribution

49:55 – Measuring ROI: getting real results from video campaigns

53:24 – Choosing clients carefully: why not all money is good money

56:03 – Risks of offering paid ads without experience

59:38 – The importance of long-term brand awareness campaigns

1:01:02 – Fighting back against charlatans in the industry

1:04:17 – The niching debate: generalist vs. specialist approaches

1:09:42 – Retaining clients long-term by understanding their needs

1:13:29 – Diversifying industries to stay resilient in uncertain times

1:18:45 – Calling out fake marketing gurus and iPhone agencies

1:19:35 – Closing thoughts and wrap-up

SPONSORS:

Canada Film Equipment: www.CanadaFilmEquipment.com

Audio Process: www.Audioprocess.ca

🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2vHd8BdbkMQITFZmDJ0bo9

🍏 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/creatives-grab-coffee/id1530864140

🎞️ Produced by LAPSE PRODUCTIONS – https://www.lapseproductions.com

To learn more about the show, visit: https://www.creativesgrabcoffee.com/

#CreativesGrabCoffee #videographyhacks #videography #videographer #videoproduction #businesspodcast #videoproductionpodcast #lapseproductions #videomarketing #videoproductioncompany #videoproductionservices

WE DID IT! 100 episodes of Creatives Grab Coffee! 🎊 Join Dario Nouri and Kyrill Lazarov as they reflect on their 5-year podcast journey, from sweating it out in a hot condo during the pandemic to becoming a well-oiled machine. In this milestone episode, they dive deep into the biggest topics that shaped the video production industry over the past year.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro & Episode 100 Celebration

02:18 - The 5-Year Podcast Journey

03:48 - How We Got More Consistent

05:09 - The Time Investment Reality

06:13 - Posting Schedule Changes

06:55 - Starting a Second Business

08:45 - Partnership Agreements: The Big Topic

10:30 - Business Valuation Reality

14:53 - Partnership Agreement Details

18:13 - Life Insurance for Partners

20:10 - The Difficult Conversations

22:10 - AI in Video Production

24:14 - Dario's Hot Takes on AI

26:04 - Will AI Replace Us?

28:20 - Niching: Case-by-Case Basis

31:03 - The Documentary Midlife Crisis

34:29 - Passion Projects Reality Check

36:30 - B Corp Certification Discussion

37:22 - Business Evaluation Trends

42:23 - Awards as Team Building

44:10 - LinkedIn Strategy Deep Dive

46:56 - Our 2025 Goals 49:01 - Riverside & AI Efficiency

53:14 - Silver Leaf Weddings Story

59:07 - Why Weddings Make Sense

1:02:07 - Multiple Business Management

1:04:31 - Project Satriali's Edit Shop

1:07:15 - Organizing & Backing Up Everything

1:17:42 - Finding New Freelancers Challenge

1:19:45 - Cutting Costs & Storage Solutions

1:25:12 - Advice for Starting a Podcast

1:27:20 - Thanks & See You Next Time

SPONSORS:

Canada Film Equipment: www.CanadaFilmEquipment.com

Audio Process: www.Audioprocess.ca

🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2vHd8BdbkMQITFZmDJ0bo9

🍏 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/creatives-grab-coffee/id1530864140

🎞️ Produced by LAPSE PRODUCTIONS – https://www.lapseproductions.com

To learn more about the show, visit: https://www.creativesgrabcoffee.com/

#CreativesGrabCoffee #videographyhacks #videography #videographer #videoproduction #businesspodcast #videoproductionpodcast #lapseproductions #videomarketing #videoproductioncompany #videoproductionservices