Creatives Grab Coffee

Join us as we sit down with Peter Schels, founder of Al Dente Entertainment, one of Germany's leading video production companies known for injecting humor into corporate videos. In this episode, Peter shares his inspiring journey—from working with major TV networks to starting his own production company, and how embracing humor became his unique niche in the corporate video world.

We explore Peter's approach to building genuine client relationships, his strategies for navigating a competitive market, and the surprising importance of awards in boosting both team morale and client trust. Peter also dives deep into the growing trend of employer branding in Germany and shares valuable insights on pitching bold, creative concepts to traditionally conservative corporate clients.

Timestamps

00:00 - Episode Introduction and Sponsor Messages

02:19 - Guest Bio: Peter Schells from Al Dente Entertainment

03:30 - Peter’s journey from TV acquisition executive to founding Al Dente Entertainment

04:22 - The story behind naming Al Dente Entertainment

05:57 - Transitioning from TV production to entrepreneurship

07:52 - Challenges of managing business and sales

09:42 - Strategies for acquiring new corporate clients

14:15 - Modern methods for maintaining client relationships

17:46 - Creating viral corporate videos

19:57 - Overcoming hardships in video production business

21:24 - Growing from solo entrepreneur to a 20-person team

23:34 - Building and sustaining a strong creative team

27:19 - Humor as a unique niche in corporate video production

29:53 - Pitching humorous content to corporate clients

32:46 - Creating humor that resonates globally

34:26 - Employer branding trends in Germany

37:09 - Navigating competitive markets in corporate video

40:24 - Pricing strategies and client negotiation

43:41 - Benefits of entering video production awards

49:02 - Exploring corporate video awards like Cannes

49:58 - Reflecting on company legacy and vision

52:45 - Episode closing remarks

53:45 - Outro and podcast information

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 (#88), we sit down with Mike De Robbio from Pickle Pictures (South Melbourne, Australia) to dive into the realities of growing a video production business. Mike shares how adaptability played a key role in scaling his company, the importance of genuine sales outreach, and why SEO is both a powerful tool and a long-term investment. We also discuss managing cash flow, building strong client relationships through clear communication, and the challenges of running a lean, scalable operation. If you’re looking for practical insights on navigating the business side of video production, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways!

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction and episode welcome

02:19 - Meet Mike De Robbio from Pickle Pictures

02:35 - How Mike got into video production

03:50 - The unexpected start of Pickle Pictures

05:20 - Transitioning from producer to business owner

07:55 - Learning every role in video production

09:10 - Why having a well-rounded skill set matters

11:27 - The importance of communication in video production

14:10 - Handling last-minute changes and tight deadlines

15:48 - How Mike’s background in hospitality shaped his work ethic

17:16 - Problem-solving on set: Staying calm under pressure

19:55 - Avoiding production disasters and staying prepared

23:01 - The solo operator model: Running a lean production business

26:17 - Balancing efficiency with quality in small crews

28:22 - Working with marketing agencies as video partners

31:08 - Sales as a creative: Learning how to sell video services

32:16 - The reality of client retention and business cycles

35:37 - Effective outreach strategies: Cold emails vs. networking

39:11 - Being conversational, not salesy, in outreach

44:14 - SEO vs. direct sales: What’s changed over the years

46:10 - The risks of relying too much on SEO

48:55 - Diversifying lead generation: SEO, ads, social, and outreach

53:40 - Why you should never rely on one big client

55:33 - Learning from early business mistakes

57:07 - Running a lean, scalable video business

59:58 - The challenge of balancing editing and business growth

1:04:22 - Managing cash flow: Why upfront payments matter

1:06:33 - The emotional rollercoaster of running a business

1:10:05 - Setting clear expectations with clients

1:13:07 - The importance of intro calls and filtering leads

1:17:46 - Adapting to different client personalities and work styles

1:26:28 - The origin of the Pickle Pictures name

1:30:35 - Final thoughts and where to find Pickle Pictures

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, Alden Wood from Tower 3 Productions from Jackson, Wyoming shares valuable insights into running a successful video production business in a small market. Alden discusses her journey from corporate TV production to establishing one of Wyoming’s leading commercial and wedding video companies. Discover how she overcame early challenges around confidence and pricing, her strategies for staying competitive, and why building a strong freelance network is key for scaling efficiently. Perfect for marketers and video professionals aiming to succeed in smaller markets.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Episode Introduction and Guest Welcome

02:28 - Guest Bio: Alden Wood from Tower Three Productions

05:30 - Building a Production Company in a Small Market

11:10 - Early Challenges: Overcoming Confidence and Pricing Obstacles

14:09 - Developing Essential Sales Skills in Video Production

19:02 - How Video Calls Have Transformed Client Meetings

26:39 - Competition and Pricing in Small Markets

33:08 - The Truth About Camera Gear and Client Perceptions

39:29 - Experiences as a Woman-Owned Production Company

47:02 - Balancing Weddings and Corporate Video Services

52:20 - Challenges of Marketing Weddings vs Corporate Services

55:19 - Lessons Learned: Confidence and Valuing Your Services

01:02:55 - Expanding Regionally and Leveraging SEO

01:05:24 - The Story Behind “Tower Three Productions”

01:07:27 - 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 Creative Grab Coffee, Ant Darvill shares his journey of acquiring 77 Productions during the pandemic, the challenges of transitioning ownership, and the importance of valuing a video production company. He discusses strategies for preparing a business for sale, the significance of client relationships, and the lessons learned from his experience as a business owner. In this conversation, Kyrill, Ant, and Dario discuss the intricacies of managing client relationships in the video production industry. They explore the importance of setting clear boundaries, structuring deals effectively, and maintaining open communication to ensure project success. The discussion also delves into the challenges of working with clients who have unclear goals and the emerging trend of multi-sensory marketing, highlighting the need for brands to create cohesive experiences across various touchpoints.

Timestamps

00:00 - Episode Introduction and Guest Welcome

02:19 - Guest Bio: Ant Darvill from 77 Productions

02:39 - From Consulting to Buying a Production Company

07:15 - How Ant Bought 77 Productions from an Ad Agency

12:19 - Navigating the Client Transition after Acquisition

17:34 - Valuing a Video Production Company: Key Insights

29:45 - Major Changes Made Post-Acquisition

32:48 - Important Lessons Learned as a Business Owner

37:19 - Managing Client Expectations and Setting Boundaries

50:54 - Aligning Client Goals with Effective Communication

53:57 - The Future of Multi-Sensory and Sonic Branding

1:02:28 - Closing Remarks and Episode 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/

In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, we sit down with Ryan Spanger, founder of Dream Engine in Melbourne, Australia, to discuss the long game of running a successful video production business. With over 20 years in the industry, Ryan shares insights on scaling a production company, refining marketing strategies, and the importance of building long-term client relationships. We dive into the power of personal branding, leveraging content like LinkedIn and podcasts, and how to navigate networking authentically. If you’re looking to develop a sustainable video business, this episode is packed with practical strategies and inspiration.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Introduction and sponsor shoutouts

02:19 – Welcoming Ryan Spanger from Dream Engine

02:40 – Ryan’s background and the start of Dream Engine

03:16 – Expanding into podcasting and coaching

04:56 – Common mistakes video businesses make

07:01 – The importance of building a structured marketing system

08:47 – The role of self-reflection in business growth

11:02 – Standardizing video services while adapting to different clients

13:47 – Becoming a trusted advisor to clients

16:24 – The challenge of finding proactive leads vs. relying on referrals

17:32 – Targeting negative intent leads: Finding clients who aren’t actively looking for video

19:26 – The power of working with clients who already want video

21:58 – Networking strategies: How to plant seeds for future leads

23:44 – Finding the right communities to network in

26:30 – The “1000 True Fans” concept for building a loyal client base

29:31 – Playing the long game in business and networking

31:27 – The best content strategies for LinkedIn marketing

35:39 – Why quality posts matter more than frequency

36:39 – Experimenting with video content on LinkedIn

38:06 – The process behind Ryan’s podcast and topic selection

40:41 – The structure of Ryan’s solo podcast episodes

43:22 – The creative benefits of routine and rituals

46:39 – Biggest challenges for Lapse Productions: Sales and lead generation

49:14 – Marketing strategies and building an online presence

52:28 – Overcoming the discomfort of self-promotion

55:34 – How confidence and consistency impact branding

58:34 – Avoiding the trap of comparison in the video industry

01:01:44 – The importance of avoiding regret in business

01:02:20 – Closing questions: How Dream Engine got its name and Ryan’s dream project

01:05:13 – Where to find Ryan and Dream Engine online

01:05:46 – Outro and final sponsor mentions

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, Dan Morbin, Mark Lunt, and Mike Lienard from Rise Media (South London) share how their passion for parkour sparked a dynamic video production venture. They discuss overcoming early challenges, investing in cutting-edge gear and efficient post-production workflows, and fostering a supportive team culture rooted in trust and collaboration. Packed with actionable insights for marketers and video professionals, this conversation sheds light on the importance of balancing client expectations with creative freedom—all while delivering standout results that help brands rise above the competition.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Episode Intro and Sponsor Messages

02:19 - Welcome: Dan Morbin, Mark Lunt, and Mike Lienard from Rise Media

06:10 - Early Days: Freelancing, Gear Choices, and First Big Contracts

15:20 - Parkour Origins: How Action Sports Fueled Their Filmmaking Passion

25:50 - Investing in the Right Equipment: Cameras, Lenses, and Production Tools

32:10 - Server Solutions and Backup Strategies for Seamless Post-Production

42:40 - Building the Team: Hiring Editors, Producers, and Nurturing Growth

56:40 - Balancing Client Expectations with Creative Freedom

01:05:58 - Wrap-Up and Future Aspirations at Rise Media

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, Tyler Hendricks from Dark to Light Productions (Idaho) shares how his company carved out a unique niche in nonprofit fundraising videos, delivering high-impact storytelling that drives donations. Tyler discusses the power of results-driven video production, revealing how strategic emotional storytelling at fundraising events can yield significant returns for organizations. He also dives into the challenges of pitching to commercial brands, the importance of understanding a client’s audience, and how niching down has simplified his sales process.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Episode Introduction and Welcome

02:19 - Guest Introduction: Tyler Hendricks from Dark to Light Productions

02:37 - How Dark to Light Productions Found Its Niche in Nonprofit Fundraising Videos

05:06 - The Power of Storytelling in Fundraising Events

07:09 - How Emotional Videos Drive Donations at Nonprofit Events

10:16 - The Impact of Niching Down on the Sales Process

13:20 - Why Results-Driven Video Production Matters

15:38 - Client Retention and the Value of Long-Term Relationships

20:35 - Challenges of Expanding Into Commercial Video Production

23:59 - Pitching to Outdoor Brands and Commercial Clients

27:22 - The Importance of Market Research Before Pitching

32:28 - Why Many Video Projects Fail Without a Clear Marketing Strategy

36:34 - The Changing Landscape of Video Production and Agency Work

40:16 - Small Teams vs. Large Crews: Efficiency in Video Production

44:56 - Union vs. Non-Union Productions: Industry Insights

47:04 - Favorite Types of Video Projects to Work On

50:17 - Researching Clients Before a Pitch: Best Practices

58:50 - Closing Remarks and Where to Find Dark to Light Productions

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, Margaux Towne, founder of Digital Moxie Studio, shares her journey from acting to filmmaking, building a woman-owned production company, and thriving in a male-dominated industry. We discuss storytelling, scaling a business, landing clients, and the impact of AI on editing.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – Intro & guest introduction (Margaux Towne, Digital Moxie Studio)

01:00 – Margaux’s background: From acting to video production

05:15 – Starting Digital Moxie Studio & building a business

09:30 – Challenges of running a woman-owned video production company

14:20 – Storytelling in video production: Why it matters

19:10 – Sales & networking tips for landing clients

25:05 – Freelancers vs. full-time employees: Scaling a production business

30:40 – How to effectively manage & communicate with editors

37:20 – Industry evolution: The lower barrier to entry in filmmaking

42:10 – The role of AI in editing & production workflows

47:30 – Overcoming on-camera anxiety: Tips for clients & filmmakers

53:00 – Final thoughts & where to find Margaux

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, Dario and Kyrill sit down with Greg Cairns, an outdoor adventure filmmaker based in Colorado and Montana. Greg shares his journey from river guiding to creating compelling adventure films, offering unique insights into blending extreme outdoor skills with filmmaking. Learn how Greg turned a passion for the outdoors into a thriving career, the challenges of filming in extreme conditions, and the art of finding and pitching compelling stories. Whether you’re curious about adventure filmmaking or looking for practical tips on breaking into video production, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Intro: Welcome to Creatives Grab Coffee

2:19 - Guest Introduction: Meet Greg Cairns

3:45 - Greg’s Journey: From BMX videos to filmmaking

6:08 - Balancing river guiding with early film projects

7:34 - How outdoor skills translate to filmmaking

11:24 - Challenges of filming in extreme environments

18:00 - Wildlife encounters and managing risk

20:00 - Budgeting and managing productions in harsh conditions

24:15 - Managing a business while being off-grid

37:07 - Greg’s goals for the future in adventure filmmaking

41:20 - How to pitch and fund unique film projects

44:24 - Finding great stories: Greg’s creative process

50:30 - Final takeaways: Why curiosity drives great storytelling

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, we sit down with Samuel Hand, founder of Phalanx Film Co., to explore his entrepreneurial journey in video production. Samuel shares how he transitioned from freelancing to running a full-time business, the challenges of breaking into a new market, and the strategies he uses to secure recurring revenue. We dive into managing client relationships, handling revisions, and the power of niching down for brand clarity. Plus, Samuel discusses the inspiration behind his company’s unique name and how history influences his approach to storytelling.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introduction to Creatives Grab Coffee

2:19 - Guest Introduction: Meet Samuel Hand of Phalanx Film Co.

3:28 - The Challenge of Collecting Payments from Large Companies

4:50 - Transitioning from Side Hustle to Full-Time Business

7:28 - The Video Production Market in Idaho vs. North Carolina

9:40 - Subscription-Based Video Production for Small Businesses

13:36 - Handling Client Revisions and Setting Boundaries

20:00 - The Role of Contracts in Protecting Your Business

30:31 - Why Samuel Chose Entrepreneurship Over Crew Work

33:53 - Moving to a New Market and Building Local Connections

43:41 - Niching Down: Corporate vs. Wedding Video Production

49:44 - Goals for 2025: Scaling Through Recurring Revenue

57:30 - The Story Behind the Name Phalanx Film Co.

1:00:00 - Closing Thoughts and Takeaways

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/