Your Story Studios Podcast

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Ever wondered what it takes to be a one-man production powerhouse? In this episode of Your Story Studios Podcast, we sit down with Lewis Hancock, a videographer, director, and all-around creative force, to uncover his incredible journey through the world of filmmaking. From early days rewinding VHS tapes to working with top UK broadcasters like the BBC & ITV, Lewis shares his insights on directing, cinematography, and building a career in the media industry.

🔹 Key Topics Covered:

✅ How Lewis went from tech-savvy student to full-time video creator 🎥

✅ Studying film abroad & learning from industry pros ✨

✅ Breaking into TV & freelancing with video production companies 🎬

✅ The reality of working in the creative industry (pros & struggles) 💡

✅ Why storytelling matters more than the latest camera gear 📷

Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, a freelance videographer, or just passionate about content creation, this episode is packed with real-world advice to help you navigate the industry.

📱 Follow Lewis on socials:

https://www.instagram.com/lewishancockfilms/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewishancockfilms/

🎧 Listen now & level up your video production skills!

In this episode of the Your Story Studios Podcast, we dive deep into the world of video production with Director of Photography Emel Berdilek! Whether you're tackling corporate videos, creative passion projects, or large-scale productions, Emel shares valuable insights on turning a concept into a polished final product.

📌 Key Takeaways:

✔️ Crafting concepts based on client needs & audience targeting (00:29)

✔️ The impact of location, lighting, and set design (01:27)

✔️ Using powerful tools like ShotDeck for shot inspiration (04:36)

✔️ Best practices for gimbal use (08:07)

✔️ Why having dedicated cameras for interviews & B-roll is a game changer (09:51)

✔️ Audio techniques: Shotgun mics vs. Lavalier mics (11:27)

✔️ Editing workflows & how post-production enhances shooting skills (13:07)

✔️ A behind-the-scenes look at an epic fashion film project (15:39)

🎥 Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned video pro, this episode is packed with practical tips to elevate your filmmaking game!

📷 Follow Emel Berdilek:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/emel.berdilek/

Are you into music photography and videography? In this episode of the Your Story Studios Podcast, we chat with Andrew about his camera gear, why he switched from Canon to Sony, and how he uses the Sony A7 III and FX30 for capturing high-energy gigs and music video shoots. 📸

Key Topics Covered:

🔹 Why Andrew switched from Canon to Sony (00:27)

🔹 His go-to lenses (Sigma Art, Samyang, 7Artisans) (00:55)

🔹 Sony A7 III vs. FX30 – full-frame vs. crop sensor (06:46)

🔹 How Super 35 mode helps with cropping & framing (05:52)

🔹 Using prime lenses vs. zooms for concert photography (04:04)

🔹 The flip-out screen on the FX30 & why it’s a game-changer (07:48)

🔹 Lighting setup for video shoots – Aputure & Godox lights (14:20)

💬 Let us know in the comments – Are you team Sony or Canon? What’s your go-to setup for photography or videography?

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more content on gear, photography, and videography!

📷 Follow Andrew Bromley:https://instagram.com/andybromm/

🚀 How to Lead a Successful Video Production Team 🎬

Running a video production company comes with its challenges—hiring, scaling, and creating a thriving team culture. In this episode of the Your Story Studios Podcast, we chat with Matt Smolen, a seasoned video production leader, about how he built a passionate and successful team.

🔹 Key Topics Covered:

✅ Creating a supportive and value-driven work environment (01:30)

✅ The journey from solo videographer to leading a team (02:31)

✅ The importance of transparency and trust in leadership (05:23)

✅ How to retain top talent and build long-term loyalty (09:09)

✅ Work-life balance strategies for creative professionals (21:57)

Matt shares his experiences, from hiring the right people to fostering an environment where employees feel valued. Whether you're just starting or looking to grow your production company, this episode is packed with actionable insights!

💡 What’s your biggest challenge in building a video production team? Let us know in the comments!

👍 Like & Share if you found this useful!

📌 Follow Matt Smolen:

https://www.instagram.com/mattsmolen/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattsmolen/https://www.youtube.com/@mattsmolen4

#VideoProduction #TeamLeadership #ContentCreation #Filmmaking #Entrepreneurship

🎙️ Breaking into Cinematography with Emel Berdilek | Your Story Studios Podcast

Ever dreamed of becoming a Director of Photography (DOP) or working in video production? In this episode, we chat with Emel Berdilek, DOP at The Jasper Picture Company, about her journey from a university student with a passion for cameras to a full-time cinematographer working on impactful projects.

🔥 What You’ll Learn:
✔️ How Emel got started in cinematography
✔️ The struggles of freelancing & breaking into the industry
✔️ Landing her first full-time DOP job
✔️ Essential camera gear & shooting techniques
✔️ The power of storytelling in video production
✔️ Advice for aspiring filmmakers & content creators

🎬 From filming for The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation to working with high-end cinema cameras, Emel shares the highs, the challenges, and what it really takes to succeed in the industry.

📌 Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, cinematographer, or creative storyteller, this episode is packed with insights to help you take your career to the next level!

💡 New episodes every week! Don’t forget to follow, rate & share the podcast to support the show.

🔗 Follow us on Instagram @YourStoryStudios

#Filmmaking #Cinematography #DirectorOfPhotography #FilmmakerLife #VideoProduction #CameraGear #CreativeStorytelling #SonyFX6 #Podcast

In this episode of the Your Story Studios Podcast, Nathan interviews Andrew Bromley about with photo and video career shooting bands.

If you're interested in capturing live music, this episode is for you!

Follow Andrew on socials:

https://instagram.com/andybromm/

https://www.facebook.com/AndrewBromleyPhotography

Follow Your Story Studios on socials:

https://www.instagram.com/yourstorystudios

https://www.facebook.com/ysstudios

In this episode of the Your Story Studios Podcast, Nathan interviews Matt Smolen from Balloon Tree Productions about how his video production journey.From shooting videos with his family's handycam, to studying at university, to landing his first video production job and then starting his own video production company.If you're a video producer looking to pick up some tips to progress your career, this podcast is for you!Follow Matt on socials:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattsmolen/https://www.instagram.com/mattsmolen/https://www.youtube.com/@mattsmolen4Follow Balloon Tree Productions on socials:https://www.linkedin.com/company/balloon-tree-productions/https://www.instagram.com/balloontreeproductions/Follow Your Story Studios on socials:https://www.instagram.com/yourstorystudioshttps://www.facebook.com/ysstudios

In this episode of the Your Story Studios Podcast, Nathan interviews Steve Callaghan from Big Steve Creative about how he transitioned from being a video producer to an editor/animator.

If you're a content creator that's thinking about adding animation to your tool kit, check out this episode!

Follow Steve on socials:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/bigstevecreative/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bigstevecreative/

In this episode of the Your Story Studios Podcast, Nathan talks to Joel Strickland about owning the DJI Inspire 3.We hear about how he started with drones, getting his drone license, plus why he purchased the DJI Inspire 3.If you're a content creator and interested in drone operating, this episode will inspire you!

Get in touch with Joel:

Website: https://www.joelstrickland.com.au

IG: https://www.instagram.com/joelstrickphoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoelStrickPhoto/

In this episode of the Your Story Studios Podcast, Nathan interviews Daniel Wieckmann about his camera gear.We talk about the different cameras he has used in his career, shooting with the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro, plus other camera systems that have caught his eye. There's also some good tips about data management.If you're interested in camera gear, this episode will interest you!Get in touch with Daniel:

Website: https://www.danielwieckmann.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/danielwieckmann/