Shows
Crossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionHacking Advertising with Jon SneiderProduction companies are increasingly finding growth by building direct relationships with brands and proving the value they can deliver. That’s the heart of Jon Sneider’s book Hacking Advertising, and it’s the focus of this episode. Jon draws on his experience running Wild Gravity and working with brands like Amazon, LEGO, Microsoft, and Coca-Cola to share the hacks he’s used to bypass the old agency model and build stronger, more profitable client partnerships. We’ll dig into where these practices came from, how they work in real life, and how production companies can put them to use to win...
2026-03-0147 min
Respect The ProcessHow To Book Direct to Brand Gigs: Biz Dev Unleashed with James Keblas.Want to actually book more jobs for yourproduction company? James Keblas is one of the smartest minds in commercial production sales systems — and in this episode, he breaks down what really works when it comes to landing clients, building relationships, and staying consistently booked. And please, you must check out James' stellar podcast called "Crossing The Axis". We call is a Simulpod© and we talk: • Smart outreach • Sustainable growth • How producers can sell without feeling salesy Plus, his Book Solid Video Series on YouTube series is a free, step-by-step roadmap for anyone serious ab...
2026-01-131h 19
Crossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionWin the Work and Do the Work with Jordan BradyWhat if the commercial production industry’s two biggest challenges could finally share the same mic?In this simulpod crossover, James Keblas and Jordan Brady (from the hit podcast "Respect the Process") team up for a connected two-part conversation built around the framework of winning the work and doing the work.On the “win the work” side, Jordan Brady asks James about his "Booked Solid" bizdev system and his approach to using a production company's best work to run targeted marketing campaigns to turn leads into repeat clients.On the “do the work” side, Jame...
2026-01-121h 14
Crossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionBest Practices for Cold Outreach with Ross MacRaeCold outreach is tough, but necessary. Whether you’re in commercial film production or working inside an agency, building relationships with new clients is key to staying in business. To break down what actually works, Ross MacRae, founder of Agency Source and a veteran in lead generation, joins the show for a back-and-forth exchange of cold outreach best practices.Together, we trade insights on what’s working, what’s not, and what to flat-out avoid. From LinkedIn and email to other methods tailored for creative teams and production companies, this episode offers a sharp, tactical breakdown of real-w...
2025-08-3041 min
Crossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionLanding Agency Clients with Dani DufresneIf you’re a production company trying to land agency work, this episode is your tactical playbook. Dani Dufresne, founder of The Aux Co, a fractional production operations team helping modern agencies execute bold ideas without the bloat of in-house production. With deep experience on both the agency and production sides, Dani shares what’s really happening behind the curtain. She explains how agencies are buying, what they’re actually looking for, and what production partners get wrong and right when pitching.We talk about what it means to go fractional, how to build embedded trust with agenci...
2025-08-0341 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film Production[Client Side Conversation] The Indie Production Advantage with Jillian GibbsAs holding companies expand their grip on marketing budgets, independent production companies risk getting pushed to the margins. But in today’s fragmented media landscape, there’s a growing advantage for smaller, more nimble partners. Independents are often better equipped to work across platforms, adapt quickly, and offer the kind of specialized attention big networks only promise. In this episode, Jillian Gibbs (author of The Marketer’s Guide to Creative Production and founder of APR) joins the conversation to break down the current power dynamics in marketing production. Together, we map the evolving landscape, unpack how brands are really making...
2025-06-2537 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionGoing Beyond the Brief with Jason BellueMost people underestimate the importance of the first intake call and going beyond the client’s creative brief. In this episode, I sit down with Jason Bellue from Flying House Media to talk about what it really means to go beyond the brief—and why onboarding starts well before a contract is signed. We dig into how asking better questions eliminates guesswork, reveals real client goals, and helps you build treatments that actually hit the mark. When you lead the intake process with strategy and clarity, you’re not just gathering info—you’re previewing what it’s like to work with...
2025-05-2252 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionFreelance vs. Roster Directors with Luke LashleyThe commercial production landscape is changing, and directors have more options than ever. While the traditional model of exclusive production company rosters still works for some, the rise of freelance directing is creating new opportunities. But how do you decide which path is right for you?I sat down with Luke Lashley, founder of Departure, a production company that’s actively moved away from the roster-model, preferring to work with freelance directors. Luke shares insights on the advantages and challenges of both models, the growing trend toward independence, and what directors should consider when weighing their options....
2025-04-1240 min
Crossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionChange is Hard with Craig BrooksChange is hard—but it’s essential to longevity. In this episode of Crossing the Axis, I sit down with Craig Brooks, co-founder of Kontent Partners, a film and photography production services company, to discuss how embracing change has fueled nearly 20 years of success in production.We explore the risks they’ve taken—launching new ventures and adopting a new system for growing business and improving operations even though the current system is working. If you’ve struggled with narrowing your market, adopting new tools, or maintaining culture while growing, this conversation is for you.
2025-03-1342 min
Crossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionThink Like an Agency with Alex CohnThis episode is for production company owners who want to elevate their value when working directly with brand clients, stepping into roles traditionally held by ad agencies. As more brands bring strategy and creative in-house, production companies have an opportunity to partner more closely, helping these teams meet their goals through strategic insights and expertise. In this agency crash course, Alex Cohn, who leads production at Zambezi and digital content at their subsidiary FIN Studios, shares how production companies can move beyond execution to become true strategic partners. From verifying audience data and understanding the marketing funnel to considering...
2025-02-0846 min
Crossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionSell Like an Expert with Blair EnnsIn this special episode, I sit down with Blair Enns—founder of Win Without Pitching, author of the industry-shifting book of the same name, and co-host of the hugely popular 2Bobs podcast. Blair’s newest book, The Four Conversations, breaks down the critical discussions every business should master for success: the Probative Conversation (positioning and marketing), the Qualifying Conversation (maintaining the expert position), the Value Conversation (pricing a client’s desired future state), and the Closing Conversation (helping the client select and commit).We go deep into each of these four conversations—what they are, why they matter...
2025-01-0937 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film Production[Client Side Conversation] How To Win Business With Kevin KnutsonGet ready for an insider’s perspective on winning the client-side game in this conversation with Kevin Knutson, a seasoned industry leader in creative marketing, content strategy, production, and brand development. With a career shaped by roles at outdoor brands like REI, Filson, and Eddie Bauer, Kevin now serves as the Creative Director at Mod Pizza. In this episode, he offers insights on what truly resonates with clients when production companies pitch their services—from the essential elements of a reel to approaches that add genuine value.Kevin shares his thoughts on the ideal client-partner relationship, including when...
2024-12-1450 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionBuilt to Sell with Amy BalliettJoin this information-packed crash-course discussion with Amy Balliett on getting your production company acquired. Amy is the founder of Killer Visual Strategies (formerly Killer Infographics), who built and successfully sold her company to Material, a global strategic consulting firm. In this episode, Amy shares detailed insights into what production company owners need to know about building for an exit strategy. Whether you’re planning to sell or merge, she breaks down essential steps like getting your finances in order and creating a growth plan that makes your business attractive to buyers.
2024-11-1055 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionElevating Account Management with Rob MeyersHear Rob Meyers from Versus, a NYC-based creative production studio that has built a stellar reputation for its culture-defining work and client-centric solutions since 2013. Rob shares actionable insights on effective account management, breaking down how Versus cultivates long-term relationships with major clients. He offers strategies for building trust, retaining clients, and successfully pitching ideas. The conversation dives into lessons from both successes and failures, with insightful tips that can elevate your client relationships and grow accounts. A must-listen for anyone looking to take their client management to the next level.
2024-10-0333 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionProduction at Scale with Alex PorteraIn this episode of Crossing the Axis, we’re joined by Alex Portera from Rally on Media, a powerhouse in the production world, to uncover the secrets of running productions at scale. With over 100 projects completed each year, Alex knows a thing or two about keeping the gears turning smoothly. He’ll share his approach to managing this high volume of work, from planning and logistics to execution and client satisfaction. If you’re a production company owner looking to scale your operations, you won’t want to miss the insights Alex has to offer.
2024-09-0930 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionMastering Sales Trips with Jeff OswaltJoin us for a chat with Jeff Oswalt, owner of 14Four, a digital marketing agency known for creating unforgettable campaigns. Jeff shares how in-person client visits and face-to-face interactions have driven his agency’s success for nearly two decades. Discover practical advice on preparing for sales trips, building genuine relationships, and avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you’re an experienced agency owner or just starting out, this episode offers actionable tips to boost your client acquisition strategy.
2024-08-0938 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionStrategies for Landing Professional Sports Clients with Anthony SantaListen to hear Anthony Santa, Director of Sports & Entertainment at Diamond View, a production company based in Tampa, Florida, share their path to successful experiences in the world of sports marketing. Anthony discusses effective ways to market production services to sports clients and offers practical advice that production companies can immediately implement. Listeners will gain an understanding of how to position your company’s strengths, find meaningful value to clients, and identify emerging opportunities in the sports market.
2024-07-0238 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionExpanding Abroad with Ryan Christopher McGuire of Cutters Studios TokyoDiscover what it takes to expand internationally with Ryan Christopher McGuire of Cutters Studios, a commercial film production company based in Tokyo. From finding clients to scouting talent and managing resources, Ryan sheds light on the challenges and victories of setting up shop abroad, offering a treasure trove of insights for those looking to take their production efforts worldwide. Whether you’re just starting your company or an industry veteran, this discussion is packed with valuable lessons on navigating the client-driven film industry across borders.
2024-06-0727 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionA Case-Study in Proactive Sales with Aaron StraightDive into the innovative—and risky—world of proactive sales with Aaron Straight, Founder of the film studio Soulcraft Allstars. Moving beyond traditional sales methods that rely on clients voicing their needs first, Aaron has built a remarkable track record by uncovering untapped opportunities before they are even visible to the client. Using the recent success of his "Western Flyer" project (narrated by Nick Offerman) as a case study, Aaron shares how he anticipates hidden needs, crafts visionary pitches, and manages the inherent risks of misinterpretation. This episode offers a deep dive into transcending conventional sales models, mastering the art...
2024-05-1039 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionShould You Hire a Sales Rep?Is it time for your production company to partner with a sales rep? The right sales representative can provide industry insights, valuable relationships, and a network of contacts to secure lucrative opportunities. But making this decision hinges on factors like your company's goals, size, and resources. Join us as we explore this critical topic with Doug Stephen, a leading Midwest rep and seasoned professional with over two decades in commercial film production. Together, we dive into the world of sales representatives and their pivotal role in shaping the success of production companies.
2024-04-0737 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionImprove Your Agency's CRM Sales Strategy with Copper CEO Steve HolmIn a client-driven business, developing and maintaining relationships is essential for growth. Join my conversation with Steve Holm, CEO of Copper, to learn why a Client Relationship Management (CRM) system is critical for your sales strategy, and how it can revolutionize client relationships, streamline processes, and boost profitability. Steve is a career product designer on a mission to develop the ultimate CRM system tailored for agency owners. Hear insider tips for building strong sales pipelines, guiding clients through stages, and seamlessly integrating a CRM into your workflow. Warning, by listening to this episode, you may begin to enjoy doing...
2024-03-0640 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionShaping the Future: Lessons From a DEI Internship JourneyExplore the transformative power of diversity in the advertising industry with Tony Fulgham, owner of the commercial film studio All is Well, as he unveils a behind the scenes story of launching a year-long BIPOC internship program. Discover the motivations behind this initiative, the challenges and hurdles to overcome, and the unexpected rewards it offered. From inception to execution, learn how All is Well navigated finding and hiring talent, developed a meaningful curriculum, and built community partnerships to overcome the blindspots of privilege. This episode goes beyond success stories, offering a practical guide and reflections for those ready to...
2024-02-1357 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film Production[Client Side Conversation] Biz Dev Real Talk with Anne Milan AloPrepare to be enlightened in this must-listen episode featuring the insightful Anne Milan Alo, a luminary in the world of marketing and business development. Anne, with her extensive experience, delves deep into the art of attracting clients. She opens up about the dos and don'ts for agencies seeking to catch her eye, offering an invaluable perspective from the client's side. Discover Anne's preferred communication strategies, from crafting compelling emails to engaging LinkedIn messages, and learn why paid advertising might not be the golden ticket to acquiring clients like her. With years of expertise in marketing across agencies and brands...
2024-01-0342 min
Crossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionShould Your Production Company Go Union Signatory?Ever wondered about the perks and challenges of becoming a union signatory? Dive into our latest episode where Melissa Purcell, a Business Agent for IATSE 488, sheds light on the myriad advantages, from tapping into a reservoir of top-tier talent to landing projects that demand union involvement. But with great benefits come responsibilities. Discover the intricacies of union regulations, the commitment to fair pay, and the reasons why going signatory could be the best move for your business.
2023-10-2740 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film Production[Client Side Conversation] Paul Killebrew on Hiring Boutique Production CompaniesPaul Killebrew boasts experience as both a seller and buyer within the production industry. His tenure in sales cultivated his fondness for smaller boutique production firms over larger ones. Now, with nearly a decade on the buying side, Paul has honed distinct views on what captures his attention and fosters enduring partnerships. Tune in to glean insights and best practices for collaborating with clients who genuinely root for your success.
2023-10-0647 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionHow Science Fiction Shaped a Business Niche in Customer StoriesIn the business of commercial film production, making brand case-studies are often seen as just a step above an infomercial. But that’s when they are done poorly. When executed well, they can transcend advertising and become content that not only provides information but also entertains and delights. That’s the value proposition SHEP Films offers their clients. Listen to hear Brice Budke talk about how the team at SHEP Films utilizes their sci-fi world building muscles to treat case studies as an art form unto themselves, and why that’s good for their client’s business and their own.
2023-09-0840 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film Production[Client Side Conversation] How to Offer Your Services to Brand Clients with Nicholas IncorvaiaGet to know Nicholas Incorvaia and hear his take on what motivates him to hire production companies, and what doesn’t. Nicholas is a leader in producing corporate marketing content for almost two decades with brands like T-Mobile and Amazon, where he currently serves as Head of Creative Operations. Nicholas is a laser-focused client-type whose commitment to reaching marketing goals is only matched by his empathetic kindness and thirst for creativity. Learn about what keeps Nicholas inspired and get his take on how production companies can thrive working directly with brands.
2023-08-1644 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionWhy Company Culture Matters with Sam Kelly, Jr.Whether you realize it or not, your production company has a culture. It is shaped by the owners, the employees, partners and your clients. But, should it be more than just the sum of the parts? Should it be curated and developed to such a degree that it is a specialty or has a particular affinity - potentially turning away some folks but drawing in others? In this episode, we talk to Sam Kelly from the production company and creative studio “Invisible Collective” about their approach to culture, how they build it, and why?
2023-07-2653 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film Production[Client Side Conversation] Do Your Narrative Projects Attract Client Work?This must-listen episode welcomes Nate Barr to help you navigate the very difficult path of using your own original narrative content to attract client work. Nate knows what he’s talking about too, with over 20 years of experience in all aspects of content making from producing narrative films, to operating his own creative agency, to leading the client side of many marketing initiatives for brands. The insights and tips Nate generously shares are critical for any production company owner balancing the desire to make work for clients and for themselves.
2023-07-061h 07
Crossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film Production[Client Side Conversation] Selling Direct to Brands with Thig GishuruMeet Thig Gishuru, a creative director with over 10 years of experience in both the agency-side and client-side of advertising; primarily creating, producing, and marketing content in fashion. In this episode, Thig candidly shares his story, needs, and tips about what he wishes he heard more often when being solicited for projects.
2023-06-1937 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film Production[Client Side Conversation] Selling to Ad Agencies, with UndnyableMeet Justin Hooper and Steve Williams, partners at Undnyable, an advertising agency with a reputation of turning heads with their funny, creative and sometimes outrageous client campaigns. In this episode we hear about their creative approach to client work, their criteria for choosing production partners, and how production companies should sell to agencies.
2023-06-051h 04Crossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionPassing the MicMax introduces James Keblas as the future host of Crossing the Axis. Get to know James and how he plans to lead the show moving forward. Max shares his thoughts and observations on the video production business after three years building the Pipeline tech-tool for video production companies and running his own video production company for over 15 years.
2023-05-0139 min
Crossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionEvolving from Production Company to Agency with Alan NayThis week we interview Alan Nay of the Seattle powerhouse World Famous. World Famous works as a full-service agency with Nike, Wendy's, T-Mobile, Microsoft - you name it. But! World Famous started out as a production company - just like you. Today, we talk to World Famous founder Alan Nay about the choice to go from production company to agency. What's worked, what's been tougher than expected, and how in the heck you deal with your current agency clients when you've decided to become an agency!If you've ever thought you might like to take your production c...
2022-03-2944 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionThe Creative Work You do Between Gigs Defines You and Your CompanyI sit down and talk to Chris Donaldson and Julien Scherliss of Moment.film (www.moment.film) about what it takes to regularly put out great, personal creative work outside of the daily grind of our production lives. Moment.film, during their first 2 years in business has put out a ton of commercial work for Seattle agencies and beyond but at the same time they've also produced a 10 minute and 20 minute pair of short films and a 10 minute documentary. AND they've paid for it all with profits from their commercial work. We touch on - ...
2022-02-2455 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionFrom "Selling Out" to Selling Big - The Path of the Passionate ProfessionalChannel Your Passion into Client SuccessMax talks to Caleb Young, creative director at world-class video production company, Hand Crank Films of the Pacific Northwest. Learn how Caleb went from someone who thought doing corporate video was “selling out” to someone who learned to love the process of turning his passion for film into beautiful videos for his clients that are anything but typical “corporate”. Caleb creates over a million dollars of revenue a year for the agency that owns Hand Crank AND stays true to his soul and vision - listen in to find out how.Also...
2022-02-1640 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionMax & Jake Bore You To Death About BudgetingYou seriously need to take budgeting seriously. Basically, budgeting is the activity that makes or breaks your operation. How you handle it makes all the difference whether you're just getting started, or you've been at it for a long time. Take a moment to listen to Max & Jake's tips for making this process fast, efficient and productive. You won't regret it.In this podcast we breakdown how great budgeting will: Get you more work Get you BIGGER budgets Get you in the door with agencies Get you off the hamster wheel of m...
2022-02-0943 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionGet All the Answers with Ryan Koral of Studio SherpasToday Jake and I got to sit down with Ryan Koral, the head of Studio Sherpas. Studio Sherpas is advertised as "Everything You Need to Grow Your Video Business" and they are not kidding. Ryan has dedicated a sizeable chunk of his career to helping video production folk become more successful and happy in running their companies. Ryan hosts a podcast which has over 420,000 downloads! In addition to just kicking back and telling us how he got started, and what Studio Sherpas is all about, Ryan shares a number of quick grab gems o...
2021-12-1750 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionThe Case for Keeping the Team In-House with StoryFarmJohn Sherman is the CEO of StoryFarm out of Baltimore, Maryland. John and his team have been (very) successful creating a host of different types of videos for clients like Dell, McDonalds, ExxonMobile - you name it. The unique thing about StoryFarm? In this age of decentralized, on-demand video work, they've decided to stick to the old ways of doing things and keep all of their employees salaried, and in-house. In this episode, we talk with John about why this seemingly old-fashioned approach to business management actually yields some surprising advantages in market, and how it has...
2021-12-1037 min
Crossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionThe Case for Keeping the Gang In-House with StoryFarmJohn Sherman is the CEO of StoryFarm of Baltimore, Maryland. John and his team have been (very) successful creating a host of different types of videos for clients like Dell, McDonalds,
2021-12-1038 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionDeath to the Corporate Video with Guy BauerImagine bringing in revenue of $3.5M one year only to find that you’re actually $1M in debt? That’s where Guy Bauer found himself at the end of 2018. His production company (Umault) was more successful than ever, however, due to poor financial management, and lack of direction, Guy was only months from bankruptcy. Listen in as Guy shares candidly with us how he successfully relaunched his company, slimmed staff from 32 to 4, moved the focus from “the gear” to the creative, became highly profitable, and most of all, started enjoying his job again. Guy and his team h...
2021-12-0246 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionCole Heilborn: The HustlerIn this episode we meet Cole Heilborn of the pacific northwest production company, Portside Productions. We at Crossing the Axis call Cole "the hustler" because there's nothing Cole's afraid of to move his craft forward. Here are some things Cole is doing that are quite out of the box in order to get the kind of work he wants. Hosting his own podcast interviewing marketing people who are the type that would ultimately hire him. Genius. Creating (and getting funding for) a documentary based on his love of mountain biking. Note - this puts him in...
2021-11-2434 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionThe Business of Wedding Films with Emma WilsonEmma Wilson of Wengen, Switzerland makes the most beautiful wedding films you've ever seen. Forget about the cheese that can sometimes sneak into this industry. Emma creates from-the-gut, perfectly crafted mini-features to celebrate her client's special day. Her films are a testament to the idea that it's never the subject matter, or the corner of the industry, but always what you bring to the table as a craftperson that matters. But that's not enough for this 20 year veteran of the BBC's TV newsrooms. Emma, in addition to creating said beautiful wedding films, has started Evolve Videography Training sp...
2021-11-1240 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionImportant Takeaways from the First Ten EpisodesToday, as a celebration of finishing 10 podcasts, we’re going to do a recap podcast where we go back and cover incredible tips we’ve learned from our guests.Hiring Your First Sales Person for Video Production Don’t call them a salesperson A sales person must be an integral part of your team They love video A “pro” salesperson will rarely work as a video sales personThe Seasons of Sales Know your client’s calendar Hit them with ideas when they need them Clients and agencies LOVE ideas Know their fiscal calendarManaging C...
2021-11-0633 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionHow to Make a Profit in Video ProductionMax and Jake break down the importance of making a profit, what you can do with the profit, and how to insure that you make the profit you need. What profit is? Why profit is crucial to growth? The "No Profit" Trap People Fall Into How Much Profit Do You Need? How To Calculate Your Profit Into Your Job Budgets? "Bottom up" example from Jake How to apply profit metrics to each and every job Profit and sales people incentives Keeping tabs on profit throughout the year
2021-10-2824 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionGrowing Your Production Company with SEOMax and Jake speak with Blake Barnett of Blare Media about how they have successfully scaled their operation through very unusual and clever tactics like having multiple satellite offices (they have 10!!) and mastering the art of SEO. Blake goes on to talk about Blare's strategy to hit $5M in revenues with his new venture Shoots.Video, an online listing service for production companies and production staff. It is a true cornucopia of interesting and unusual tips for growth. If you're feeling stuck in your current revenue and client base, and looking for new, exciting ways...
2021-10-1926 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionThe Difference Between Good and Great Production CompaniesHear what industry veteran Shane Dillon sees as the difference maker between the good and the great production companies.Shane and his company LightPress (www.lightpress.tv) do post for so many of the big agencies and production companies in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. We thought it would be interesting to talk to Shane about what he sees as the difference maker between the good and the great production companies that come through his shop. Listen in as Shane talks about how it comes down to 4 basic ingredients: Communication Hierarchy Organization Openness to...
2021-10-1236 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionDoing Well by Doing Good with SoulcraftMax talks with Aaron Straight of Soulcraft Allstars, a production company that has proven you can be the change you believe in.Aaron and his team have done work with Amazon, Addidas, Gates Foundation, Seattle Foundation, Seattle Pacific University and more. With Soulcraft Allstars, Aaron has turned a a passion for making the world a better place into a great, globe-trotting gig for he and his team. Listen as Aaron and Max discuss: How Aaron turned his passion for social justice into paying creative work Aaron's goal of producing "values based storytelling" Aaron talking s...
2021-10-0536 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionCreating a TRULY Creative-First Video Production CompanyMax interviews creative director, writer, director, production company-owner Tony Fulgham of All is Well (www.alliswellstudios.com) about how to create a truly creative-first production company. Tony shares a huge amount of great advice here for anyone looking to make their production company creative-first, like: The importance of writing The importance of getting paid for creative Tony talks about getting work and the state of industry Setting the tone with clients about how you work Only way to stay creative is to do things that “are not for sale” How to work with the client and share...
2021-09-2740 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionCreating Systems to Grow Your Video Production CompanyMax & Jake discuss how you can (and should) create systems to help grow your video production company. We also include some examples of systems that you can copy for your own company. What is a system? Why do we need systems? What’s an example of a basic system that has made a big difference? Where did you learn about systems? Importance of starting small and getting buy-in from your team on your systems Why you need to have someone to manage the systems How systems can work for single person companies, too
2021-09-2127 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionMaking Sales Easy by Going After Low-Hanging FruitMax talks to uber Producer Jennifer O'Brien about going after "low hanging fruit" to increase sales and even out your sales cycles.Jennifer has over 10 years experience as Project Manager, Producer and Sales Manager for creative production companies. Clients included Microsoft, Amazon, AWS, Expedia, Starbucks and more.Jennifer helped her last company grow from $1M to $2M in sales. Content from the podcast includes: How to show your work to your clients, what to show, and when to show it. Taking advantage of your "niche" What Customer Relationship Manager (CRM) software should y...
2021-09-1423 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionManaging Client Relationships for the WinWhat do you think of when you think “Client Experience”?What is the revenue value of creating a positive client experience? The improvement in project quality with the client?Sit back and enjoy my interview with Director of Video Production Alex Manning and company owner Steve Jolly of Elements Studio (https://www.elements-studio.net) as we talk about how you can use amazing client experiences to drive your success to new heights.Here are some takeaways… Divide and conquer the relationship when you can. Have one person for creative, and one person for the...
2021-09-0742 minCrossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionThe Seasons of SalesIn "Seasons of Sales" Max and Jake pontificate on some tricks and tips to help you get off of the "feast or famine" roller coaster of work and achieve a more sustainable workload. Here are some of the things we touch on: Reach out to your best customers based on which seasons they are most likely to produce videos Build a calendar to help remind you when is the best time to reach out to your customers. Understand that hitting your customers at the right time is often as, or more important that hitting your customers...
2021-08-3017 min
Crossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionPodcast TrailerTrailer covering the topics that our video production podcast will be covering.This podcast brought to you from the good people at Pipeline Video Production Platform (https://www.videopipeline.io). Pipeline is your all-in-one solution to managing the chaos of video production projects from budgets, to schedules, to deliverables and everything in between.
2021-08-1901 min
Crossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film ProductionHiring Your First Sales Person for Video ProductionMax & Jake discuss what you should be looking for in hiring your first sales person for your video production company. First lesson - don't call them a "salesperson".This podcast brought to you from the good people at Pipeline Video Production Platform (https://www.videopipeline.io). Pipeline is your all-in-one solution to managing the chaos of video production projects from budgets, to schedules, to deliverables and everything in between.
2021-08-1731 min
A Deeper ListenHighwomen, Bon Iver and music venues at riskNatalie Hemby of the supergroup, Highwomen says their new album pushes for more female representation and narratives in country music. Sean Carey and Jenn Wasner of Bon Iver talk about the band’s change in sound. Plus, a panel discussion about how many music venues in Seattle are at risk of closure. (Panelists include Dana Sims of El Corazon/Funhouse, Dane Wilson of Re-Bar and James Keblas, former Director of Seattle’s Office of Film and Music.)Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/sound/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2019-09-1058 min