Creatives Grab Coffee

In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, Ben Amos from Innovate Media and Engage Video Marketing shares his journey from high school media teacher to agency owner, coach, and published author. Ben dives deep into the importance of video strategy, explaining how producers can elevate client outcomes by focusing beyond just production. He breaks down his signature seven-part video strategy framework, discusses how to incorporate strategic thinking into sales conversations, and explains how his retainer model works with select clients. Whether you’re running a corporate video agency or freelancing, this episode is packed with insights to help you grow your business through smarter, more strategic content.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Episode Introduction and Guest Welcome

03:05 – Ben’s transition from teaching to video production

06:45 – Launching Engage Video Marketing and the podcast

08:30 – The pivotal moment that sparked a strategy-first mindset

14:00 – Ben’s 7 elements of effective video strategy

21:10 – Strategy vs. production vs. management: the Venn diagram

27:45 – Why Innovate Media avoids paid ad management

34:16 – How to approach B2B vs B2C clients strategically

42:51 – What makes a video retainer model actually work

59:52 – Coaching and mentorship for video producers

1:06:07 – Ben’s future goals and closing thoughts

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

On episode 98 of Creatives Grab Coffee, we chat with Toby Trueman, Managing Director of HeeHaw, a Scotland-based video production studio known for its blend of live action, animation, and motion design.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Intro and Guest Welcome: Toby Trueman from HeeHaw

03:01 – Toby’s Path to Managing Director and HeeHaw’s Evolution

05:03 – Rebuilding HeeHaw: From 5 People to 47 During COVID

07:42 – Mistakes from Rapid Growth: No KPIs, Forecasting, or Structure

11:03 – Scaling Challenges: Broken Systems and Need for Strategy

15:55 – HeeHaw’s USP: Hybrid Live Action and Animation

17:26 – Growing Pains: Management, Hiring, and Team Structure

23:54 – Shifting from Generalists to In-House Specialists

25:03 – Finding Their Niche: Playful Brands and Creative Focus

29:25 – Future Growth Pillars: Hybrid, VFX, Experiential Content

33:36 – Adapting to Economic Shifts and Boutique Studio Rise

35:38 – No Retainers? Surviving in a Project-Based Model

37:24 – Outbound Sales with a Lead Gen Partner

43:06 – Inflation, Budget Cuts, and Losing NGO Work

46:01 – Competing on Value: Scale, Quality, and Trust

47:53 – Pricing Strategy and Balancing Internal Teams

52:38 – U.S. Expansion, IP Projects, and Future Vision

56:27 – Why It’s Called “HeeHaw”

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 #videoproductionbusiness #internationalvideo #videoagency #lapseproductions #GoogleAds #videostrategy #businesspodcast

On episode 97 of Creatives Grab Coffee, we sit down with Rodrigo from Republic24, based in Monterrey and Mexico City, for an inside look at building a sustainable video production company in Latin America. Rodrigo shares his journey from film school to founding Republic24 over a decade ago and discusses how he grew the company without loans, relying on organic growth, smart hiring, and an unwavering belief in Google Ads as a lead-generation tool.

We explore his strategic expansion into industrial video content, how his team has tapped into cross-border collaborations with U.S. clients, and why niching down into B2B content has been a cornerstone of their success. Rodrigo also opens up about building a strong internal company culture, his cautious approach to scaling, and plans for a third location in Guadalajara.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Episode Introduction and Sponsors

02:18 – Guest Welcome: Rodrigo from Republic24

02:53 – Rodrigo’s journey from film school to starting Republic24

03:30 – Why expanding from Monterrey to Mexico City was essential

05:03 – Early lessons: making videos vs. selling video services

06:36 – From solopreneur to building a growing team

08:30 – How Google Ads fueled Republic24’s early growth

11:26 – Why Rodrigo still manages his Google Ads personally

14:41 – Targeting U.S. clients for shoots in Mexico

16:44 – Positioning as an English-speaking production partner in Mexico

17:17 – Niching into industrial and manufacturing videos

18:56 – Why industrial video is overlooked—and profitable

20:29 – Google vs. Meta vs. LinkedIn: what works for B2B

24:49 – LinkedIn’s underuse in Mexico

28:15 – Why Rodrigo never took out loans to build Republic24

30:03 – Budgeting growth through calculated hiring

32:32 – Hiring contract roles with long-term potential

35:15 – First key hires: editor and sales/admin assistant

36:49 – Building a positive workplace culture

37:59 – Activities that create a happy, loyal team

40:25 – Team loyalty through the pandemic

43:02 – Corporate video demand during and after lockdown

44:47 – Sales strategy: all inbound, no cold calls

45:39 – Risks of relying solely on Google Ads

47:19 – Nurturing past clients through personalized messages

50:34 – Future plans: expansion into Guadalajara and U.S. client growth

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 #videoproductionbusiness #internationalvideo #videoagency #lapseproductions #GoogleAds #videostrategy #businesspodcast #mexico #mexicovideo #videoproductionmexico

On episode 96 of Creatives Grab Coffee, Zach Shapiro from One Hundred Seconds (Portland, Oregon) shares his journey from a 20-year career in restaurants to launching a purpose-driven video production company. Zach explains how his passion for local food systems inspired his first documentary and how he built a business around telling authentic stories for small businesses. He discusses the value of niching down into short-form documentary content, working with non-actors, and the impact of becoming a certified B Corp. This episode offers valuable insights for video professionals and marketers looking to align creativity with purpose and grow sustainably in a competitive industry.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – Episode Introduction and Sponsors

02:18 – Guest Welcome: Zach Shapiro from One Hundred Seconds

02:39 – Zach’s journey from restaurants to video production

03:33 – Inspiration behind his first documentary project in Italy

04:59 – How his passion for local food led to filmmaking

07:40 – Lessons from self-funding and editing his first film

08:42 – Launching One Hundred Seconds and early business model

10:38 – Building a portfolio through low-budget projects

12:41 – How accessible gear shaped early career growth

13:37 – Learning lighting through client demands

14:59 – Finding a niche: helping real people shine on camera

17:51 – Challenges of low-budget commercial productions

20:28 – Why Lapse Productions avoids time-lapse projects

22:58 – Partnering with other companies for large projects

24:43 – Zach’s passion for authentic human stories

25:47 – Working with B Corps and niche industries in Portland

30:32 – The process and challenges of becoming a B Corp

34:29 – Sourcing equipment locally vs. buying online

35:24 – Business benefits of B Corp certification

37:12 – Restaurant industry skills that translate to production

40:33 – Client management parallels between restaurants and production

41:23 – Editing as a parallel to cooking and creative process

42:04 – From small team to solo: Zach’s company evolution

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/

In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, Anthony Madani from Up Media (Vancouver, Canada) discusses his journey from animation into video production, and shares strategic insights on how focusing on healthcare and technology niches has accelerated his business growth. Anthony dives deep into the process of becoming a certified B Corporation, highlighting how aligning with purpose-driven initiatives and social impact projects attracts ideal clients. He also explores effective client communication, using detailed proposals and case studies to win trust, along with the value of reciprocity-driven networking. Additionally, Anthony reflects on the role of AI in video production, emphasizing its potential as a powerful tool rather than a threat. This episode provides actionable advice and valuable perspectives for filmmakers and marketers aiming to sustainably grow their video production businesses.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Episode Introduction and Guest Welcome

02:38 - Guest Bio: Anthony Madani from Up Media

02:46 - Anthony’s journey from animation to video production

04:38 - Early experiences and the shift from passion projects to corporate work

07:01 - The importance of exploring diverse industries when starting out

07:57 - Niching into healthcare and technology sectors

08:46 - Positioning as an industry expert without limiting new opportunities

10:20 - Using targeted case studies to attract ideal clients

14:39 - Organic process of identifying and growing a niche

15:48 - Advantages of becoming a Certified B Corporation (B Corp)

17:39 - The in-depth process and benefits of obtaining B Corp certification

23:45 - How being a B Corp impacts lead generation and client relationships

26:24 - Strategic approach to selecting ideal client leads

27:56 - Creating effective case studies to showcase results and expertise

31:36 - Importance of thoughtful, detailed proposals over rushed quotes

41:42 - Benefits and strategies for creating behind-the-scenes content

44:41 - Effective networking tips and building genuine reciprocity

54:24 - Leveraging AI to enhance video production quality and efficiency

01:07:16 - Future vision for Up Media and operational improvements

01:09:40 - Strategies for managing client delays and keeping projects on track

01:20:46 - Importance of clear proposals and transparent client communication

01:27:31 - Origin story behind the name “Up Media”

01:28:55 - Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

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/

In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, Mark Currie from Chocolate Films (London, England) shares his journey of building a uniquely impactful video production business through strategic growth and meaningful community engagement. Mark discusses how Chocolate Films scaled organically over two decades, balancing commercial projects with creative social initiatives like filmmaking workshops and their ambitious “1000 Londoners” project. He offers insights on overcoming growth hurdles, managing a team of over twenty full-time employees across multiple locations, and developing effective internal systems that enhance productivity. Discover how Mark’s commitment to community-driven storytelling and fostering a positive team culture has become integral to Chocolate Films’ sustained success and influence.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Episode Introduction and Guest Welcome

02:28 - Guest Bio: Mark Currie from Chocolate Films

02:38 - Background on Chocolate Films and its beginnings in London, England

03:35 - Expanding the business to Glasgow and strategic location benefits

05:54 - Insights on gradually opening and growing a second office

10:45 - Advantages of a second location and genuine local presence

14:50 - Company history and early stages of Chocolate Films

16:29 - Growth through various studio spaces and overcoming early challenges

19:14 - Adapting strategically to major industry shifts and new technologies

25:03 - Building a large in-house team and navigating growth stages

30:57 - “1000 Londoners”: A creative community storytelling initiative

36:55 - Running impactful filmmaking workshops for schools and community groups

39:09 - Systems and processes for managing a large team and diverse projects

41:19 - Workshop outreach and community engagement strategies

43:53 - Lessons learned from scaling to 20+ employees

48:36 - Developing effective communication and management systems

57:48 - Preventing bureaucracy and maintaining agility as the team grows

01:01:03 - Importance of fostering an open, communicative company culture

01:05:35 - Using passion projects to drive team creativity and client interest

01:11:56 - Effective sales strategies and relationship-building for growth

01:16:47 - The value of personal connections and client communication

01:16:47 - Origin of the name “Chocolate Films”

01:18:45 - Final thoughts and conclusion

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/

In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, Steve Smith from Savvy Productions (Salt Lake City, Utah) shares his inspiring journey of building a successful and innovative video production company. Steve reveals the creative risks he took, from crafting elaborate props and unique sets to constructing his own dedicated production facility. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong client relationships, leveraging awards for client retention, and adapting to industry shifts with a positive, forward-thinking mindset. Discover valuable insights on navigating business growth, overcoming creative and financial hurdles, and why continuous experimentation is vital for staying ahead in the evolving video production landscape.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Episode Introduction and Guest Welcome

02:28 - Guest Bio: Steve Smith from Savvy Productions

03:04 - Steve’s early career and industry transition experiences

06:30 - Finding a unique niche in prop and set building

08:00 - Challenges and successes with creating specialized props

12:57 - Understanding Salt Lake City’s video production market

15:21 - Balancing client projects and collaborating with ad agencies

16:27 - How Savvy Productions budgets and quotes for creative props and sets

18:51 - Navigating budget uncertainty in custom creative projects

21:51 - Leaving a job of 13 years to start his own business

25:31 - Overcoming fears and discomfort in entrepreneurship

28:35 - Transitioning smoothly from employee to business owner

34:34 - Why business owners need to remain hands-on

36:37 - Maintaining positive team culture and motivation

40:01 - Building a custom studio space from scratch

45:20 - Navigating the financial aspects of building a production studio

47:49 - Lead generation strategies: SEO, referrals, and repeat clients

51:02 - Exploring the value of Google Ads for video production

56:07 - Effectiveness of social media vs. SEO for video production companies

58:43 - The importance of industry awards for client retention

01:02:32 - How awards can differentiate your production business

01:08:23 - Steve’s future vision and adapting to AI in production

01:18:45 - Closing Thoughts and Conclusion

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/

In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, Grant Jamison from Lift Video Production (Melbourne, Australia) shares practical insights on how niching down into the transport and logistics industry accelerated his business growth. Grant discusses his journey from navigating early pandemic challenges to building strategic relationships that secured long-term clients. He highlights effective LinkedIn outreach strategies, the importance of consistent marketing, and the power of creating specialized content that resonates deeply with target audiences. This conversation offers valuable lessons for filmmakers and marketers looking to leverage niche expertise, enhance their client communications, and sustainably scale their creative business.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Episode Introduction and Guest Welcome

02:27 - Guest Bio: Grant Jamison from Lift Video Production

04:07 - Overcoming business challenges during the pandemic

05:10 - Landing the first major client and growing through referrals

07:46 - Managing client relationships and gradually increasing pricing

10:34 - Navigating price adjustments with long-term clients

13:05 - Implementing project management fees and pricing structures

16:16 - Niching down in the transport and logistics industry

19:34 - Becoming an industry expert by understanding client pain points

20:41 - Navigating conflicts with competitor clients within a niche

25:30 - How niching simplifies targeted marketing

33:38 - Importance of tracking business metrics and client data

37:33 - Effective LinkedIn strategies for cold outreach

41:04 - Building genuine connections through networking

46:31 - Growing a small but specialized production team

47:00 - Using LinkedIn consistently to drive business leads

56:52 - Creating monthly recaps and leveraging behind-the-scenes content

59:59 - Newsletter strategy for staying top-of-mind with clients

01:02:28 - Developing retainer-like video packages for stable revenue

01:06:49 - Closing advice on experimenting and finding your niche

01:08:03 - Final thoughts and conclusion

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/

In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, Chris Kitchen from KGB Productions (Jackson Hole, Wyoming) shares valuable insights on building a successful video production business by mastering your niche. Chris dives into his journey from creating action sports films to running a commercial production company, emphasizing the importance of passion projects, leveraging personal networks, and staying creatively challenged. He offers practical advice on navigating client relationships, managing budgets, and expanding into new markets through targeted outreach and strategic spec work. This episode is packed with actionable strategies and relatable experiences for marketers and filmmakers striving to grow their creative businesses.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Episode Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:30 - Guest Bio: Chris Kitchen from KGB Productions

00:43 - Getting started in action sports filmmaking

02:09 - Transitioning from ski films to commercial video production

05:06 - Leveraging relationships and targeted outreach to build clientele

07:21 - Strategies for business development and marketing outreach

10:02 - Expanding your niche without losing your creative passion

13:28 - Balancing direct clients versus ad agency relationships

16:30 - Updating the website to attract new business and opportunities

21:32 - Tips for growing and expanding within your niche

23:52 - Importance of passion projects for portfolio development

27:26 - Team structure and managing freelance crews

31:21 - Navigating a partnership split amicably

34:39 - Managing client relationships during a business transition

38:18 - Ethical freelancing and respecting production company relationships

41:36 - Balancing client demands with business growth

45:01 - Transparency in budgeting and client communications

51:15 - The hidden costs of pitching and creating project proposals

55:49 - Long-term vision for KGB Productions and future goals

56:53 - Reflecting on passion, motivation, and longevity in filmmaking

01:02:28 - Closing remarks and key advice for aspiring filmmakers

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/

In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, Arni Thor Jonsson from Republik (Iceland) dives into the intricacies of video production, documentary filmmaking, and running a creative business in Iceland. Arni shares his unique journey from growing up immersed in his father’s pioneering production company to founding Republik with his brother, highlighting the lessons learned from working with international crews and navigating unpredictable conditions. Discover valuable insights on balancing commercial work with long-format documentaries, managing creative partnerships, and overcoming production challenges like unpredictable weather and tight budgets. This conversation is packed with practical advice and inspiration for marketers and filmmakers aiming to thrive in competitive, specialized markets.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Episode Introduction and Guest Welcome

02:19 - Guest Bio: Arni Thor Jonsson from Republik

04:26 - Growing up in a family-run production business

08:09 - Starting Republik and transitioning to independent projects

10:07 - Navigating from commercials to documentaries and long-format content

12:11 - Insights from buying out a business partner

16:01 - Understanding the video production scene in Iceland

19:37 - Standing out creatively in a competitive market

22:23 - Navigating challenges of filming in unpredictable weather conditions

27:13 - Overview of Iceland’s corporate video industry

31:09 - How freelance filmmakers are shaping Iceland’s video market

34:16 - Experience working with Kanye West on a music video shoot

36:46 - Republik’s future ambitions in long-format filmmaking

38:41 - Returning to school to enhance documentary filmmaking skills

43:58 - The importance of impartial storytelling in documentaries

47:15 - Creating and selling original TV series to networks

49:01 - Managing and collaborating with Republik’s roster of directors

57:46 - Origin of the name “Republik”

59:00 - Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

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/