In this episode I sat down with three Cape Town industry legends in Aidan Tobias - owner of The Studio in Cape Town, Gustav Franke-Matthecka - a wedding videography specialist & Matthew Berti - a photography savant and creative jack of all trades.

We discussed their different career journeys into content creation, industry best practices and gatekeeping in the creative world.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:03:25 Guest Intros and Backgrounds

00:07:33 Movie Talk and Inspiration

00:13:15 Early Career Reflections

00:17:10 Pricing Photo vs. Video

00:18:34 Matthew's Photography Journey

00:23:23 Aiden's Early Career

00:33:18 Studio Maintenance and Challenges

00:37:47 Soundproofing and Studio Enhancements

00:39:06 Studio Pricing and Accessibility

00:41:44 Wedding Videography and Crew Size

00:45:00 Pricing Based on Client

00:55:03 Burnout and Finding Balance

00:57:29 Seasonal Work and Industry Partners

01:00:01 Gender Dynamics in the Wedding Industry

01:02:03 Gatekeeping and Sharing Knowledge

01:03:51 Workshops and Continuing Education

01:07:08 Gustav's Workshop Experiences

01:08:50 Teaching and Remembering Fundamentals

01:10:27 Multiple Revenue Streams and Inflation

01:12:09 Photo vs. Video in Weddings

01:15:45 International vs. Local Work

01:25:30 Technical Errors and "Burnout"

01:27:24 Connecting with People

01:37:19 Burnout and Self-Care

01:49:27 Future Aspirations

More of Aidan:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aidantobias/

The Studio: https://www.instagram.com/thestudiocpt/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aidantobias
More of Gustav:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gustavfrankecinematography/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gustavfrankeweddingfilms

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gustavfrankecinematography

More of Matthew:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matty.snaps/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@matty.snaps

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mattysnaps?si=ONqd7z11bxTCCm5G

More of Me:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattalexander2

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattalexander_

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattalexander2

X: https://twitter.com/mattalexander99

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattalexander_

Production Company: https://www.mattcc.com/

Tech Platform: https://www.curatedforyou.co.za/

In this episode I was joined by Adam Hansen & Alex Ortscheit, along with returning guest and co-host for this episode, Stark Lui. We had an interesting discussion about how the traditional film industry is changing under pressure from the influx of social media centered content. We also chatted about Adam & Alex’s methods of producing their work and their best tips for collaborating and working together.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Intro

00:02:25 – Film School Origins & Defining Roles

00:11:50– Social Media’s Influence & Film Industry

00:24:47 – Practical Effects vs. CGI & Technology

00:34:26 – Burnout, Hustle Culture & Balancing Work

00:40:54 – Director–DOP Dynamics & Problem-Solving

00:53:47 – Deep Dive: Filming the “Shallow Graves” Music Video

01:38:14 – Industry Paths, Showreels & Breakthroughs

02:12:00 – Gear Choices: Big vs. Small Crews

02:17:15 – Breaking Into Narrative Filmmaking

02:27:39 – Future Goals & Aspirations

More of Adam Hansen:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/planetadim/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-hansen-0083b516b/

More of Alex Ortshceit:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex_ortscheit/

Website: https://alexortscheit.myportfolio.com/work

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9175837/

More of Stark Lui:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stark_lui/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@starklui8259

More of Me:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattalexander2

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattalexander_

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattalexander2

X: https://twitter.com/mattalexander99

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattalexander_

Production Company: https://www.mattcc.com/

Tech Platform: https://www.curatedforyou.co.za/

For this episode I’m joined by two inspiring entrepreneurs and the visionaries behind the brand of Versus Socks, Hanno Lategan and Jurgens Uys.

It’s been so amazing to watch their company over the last few years. In preparation for this chat I was looking at some of their company statistics and I couldn’t quite believe how quickly everything is moving. Over 4 million pairs sold, over 3500 glowing customer reviews on their website, 1000 unique patterns, 50 + team members and a couple of their own stores, not to mention seeing Versus Socks everywhere at Sportsman's Warehouse, Total Sports and nearly every cycle shop in the country.

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro

00:01:15 - Cycling Roots & Early Brand Evolution

00:13:13 – In-House Content & Building Community

00:16:37 – Hosting Events & Helicopter Highlights

00:24:14 – Versus Run Crew

00:28:21 - Building an International Enterprise and Brand Collaborations

00:38:20 – Breaking into Major Retailers

00:42:15 – Team Culture & Hiring

00:57:45 – Quality, Tech & Innovation

01:17:07 – Advice for Entrepreneurs

01:20:05 – Wrap-Up & Thanks

More of Versus:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/versussocks/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@versussocks

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@versus_socks

Website: https://versussocks.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/versus-socks/

More of Hanno:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannolategan

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hanno.lategan

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannolategan/

Strava: https://strava.app.link/yAmoh30PQPb

More of Jurgens:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jurgensuys1/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jurgensuys7

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jurgens-uys-58b175159/

Strava: https://strava.app.link/5P2YD8XPQPb

More of Me:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattalexander2

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattalexander_

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattalexander2

X: https://twitter.com/mattalexander99

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattalexander_

Production Company: https://www.mattcc.com/

Tech Platform: https://www.curatedforyou.co.za/

James Freemantle is a jack of all trades and a master of many.

My guest for this episode is Florence Ryan, a travel and adventure filmmaker creating content that she shares on YouTube and on her Instagram account, @noflomo. Flo recently completed an epic 16 month journey across Africa from Cairo to Cape Town, titled Project Africa.

We discussed her build up to the journey, the challenges along the way and Flo’s approach to filmmaking. If you were ever making any excuses to document your travels, this will 100% eliminate any excuses.

Chapters:

00:00 – Teaser

00:53 – Guest Introduction & Project Africa

01:40 – Childhood Videos & Early YouTube Experiments

04:48 – University Vlogs & Finding Her Style

11:37 – Growing Up in Senegal & Love for Africa

13:40 – Why Cycle Across Africa?

15:50 – Gear Choices & On-the-Road Realities

20:00 – Scary Moments: Bandits, Guns & Instinct

25:25 – Filming Discreetly & Authentic Storytelling

26:50 – Language & Cultural Connections

31:45 – Egypt’s Pollution & Police Restrictions

41:50 – War in Sudan & Emotional Ties

44:45 – Clay Pots & Community Water in Sudan

46:50 – Uganda, Meme Culture & Taboo Topics

54:38 – Physical & Mental Challenges on the Road

1:00:40 – Summiting Kilimanjaro

1:06:30 – Traveling in a Group & Conflict Resolution

1:13:05 – Creative Influences & Lonely Hours of Editing

1:19:32 – Backing Up Terabytes of Footage on the Road

1:22:17 – Post-Trip Reflections & Future Adventures

1:28:20 – Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts

More of Guest:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noflomo/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@noflomo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlorenceRyan

More of Me:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattalexander2

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattalexander_

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattalexander2

X: https://twitter.com/mattalexander99

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattalexander_

Production Company: https://www.mattcc.com/

Tech Platform: https://www.curatedforyou.co.za/

James Freemantle is a jack of all trades and a master of many.

I was privileged to welcome Josh Heldsigner, Molly Blue and Shane Sonder for my 4th edition of my Creator Session discussions. We chatted through a variety of concepts around photography, starting our journeys into content creation and what fuels the creative process.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Intro and Welcoming

00:01:27 - The Bucket Shot and Fog Chase

00:06:10 - The Art of Photo Printing

00:11:11 - Starting The Creator Photo Walk Community

00:17:20 - Being Comfortable in Front of the Camera

00:29:10 - Covering Festivals & Events

00:36:30 - Gear Choices

00:41:50 - How Does a Film Camera Work

00:52:45 - Shane's Starting Camera & Photography Journey

00:57:00 - Hidden Paradise & Creators Photo Walk

01:12:28 - Creative Education

01:29:45 - Client Summer vs Winter Seasons

01:36:53 - Photography as a Business

01:40:40 - Post-Production Workflows for Photography

01:55:20 - What Inspires Your Creativity

02:02:45 - Outro

More of Josh:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshheldsinger/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joshheldsinger

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joshheldsinger4775

Creator Photo Walk: https://www.instagram.com/creatorsphotowalk/

Website: https://www.joshheldsinger.com/

More of Molly:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmollyblue/ or https://www.instagram.com/shotbymollyblue/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsmollyblue

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mollyblue2857

More of Shane:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonder_captures/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sondershane

Hidden Paradise: https://www.instagram.com/hidden_paradise_ct/

More of Me:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattalexander2

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattalexander_

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattalexander2

X: https://twitter.com/mattalexander99

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattalexander_

Production Company: https://www.mattcc.com/

Tech Platform: https://www.curatedforyou.co.za/

James Freemantle is a jack of all trades and a master of many.

This is an extract from our longer interview segment, where James specifically discussed how he prepared for his first 70.3 Iron Man and the habits he developed through this process.

More of James:

More of Me:

Production Company: https://www.mattcc.com/

Tech Platform: https://www.curatedforyou.co.za/

In this episode I sat down with Michael Faraday, Michael Kopp and Stark Lui to discuss their journeys into content creation and working in the industry as a freelancer.

Among other things, we discussed their opinions on gear, printing photos, balancing passion projects with paid work, interacting with models and how they get their clients.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Intro

00:00:41 - Transition from Corporate Life to Content Creation

00:04:24 - The Evolution of Filmmaking Gear

00:10:35 - Underwater Photography and Challenges

00:17:00 - Social Media Branding and Pseudonyms

00:21:00 - Working with Models and Fashion Photography

00:27:20 - Balancing Passion Projects with Paid Work

00:30:45 - Technical Aspects of Printing and Photography

00:41:23 - Editing Workflows and Machine Upgrades

00:50:14 - Collaborating with Influencers and Brands

01:12:24 - Traveling with Sports Teams

01:27:50 - The Competitive Nature of Content Creation

01:57:11 - Finding Work-Life Balance as a Freelancer

02:06:24 - Closing Remarks

More of Michael Faraday:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mike.faraday/

Website: https://www.mikefaraday.org/

Mike’s Rigging Company: https://rigr.co.za/

More of Michael Kopp:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelkopp_/ or https://www.instagram.com/koppmedia/ or https://www.instagram.com/portraitsbymike/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelkopp_

Website: https://www.michaelkopp.co.za/

More of Stark Lui:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stark_lui/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@starklui9543

More of Me:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattalexander2

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattalexander_

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattalexander2

X: https://twitter.com/mattalexander99

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattalexander_

Production Company: https://www.mattcc.com/

Tech Platform: https://www.curatedforyou.co.za/

James Freemantle is a jack of all trades and a master of many.

This is an extract from our longer interview segment, where James specifically discussed how he prepared for the Goggins Challenge that he completed earlier this year - running 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours straight.

More of James:

More of Me:

Production Company: https://www.mattcc.com/

Tech Platform: https://www.curatedforyou.co.za/