Creatives Grab Coffee
by Creatives Grab Coffee
Welcome to Creatives Grab Coffee, a podcast on the business of video production. Hosted by Kyrill Lazarov & Dario Nouri https://www.creativesgrabcoffee.com Produced by www.LapseProductions.com
Podcast episodes
Season 5
Using Humor, Employer Branding, and Client Acquisition (ft. Al Dente Entertainment) #89
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/
Adaptability, Sales & SEO: Growing a Video Business (ft. Pickle Pictures) #88
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/
Thriving in a Small Market (ft. Tower 3 Productions) | Creatives Grab Coffee 87
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/
Buying A Video Production Company (ft. 77 Productions) | Creatives Grab Coffee 86
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/
Building a Video Business That Lasts (ft. Dream Engine) | Creatives Grab Coffee 85
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/