In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, hosts Dario Nouri and Kyrill Lazarov sit down with Kris Simmons, founder and CEO of Six Strong Media, a U.S.-based corporate video production agency headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

With more than 280 vetted camera crews across the U.S., Kris has built one of the most operationally tight networks in the industry. He shares how Six Strong Media maintains local presence in every major market, manages pricing consistency, vets freelancers, and protects margins while scaling sustainably.

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Intro & Six Strong Media overview

05:00 – Building a 280-crew national network

08:00 – How to vet freelancers & build trust remotely

13:00 – Freelancers vs production companies – who to partner with

16:00 – Rates, value perception & industry ego

20:00 – Budget pressures & short-term thinking in production

25:00 – Insurance & legal bottlenecks on corporate shoots

29:00 – Process improvement & client communication

38:00 – Running a true family business with defined roles

48:00 – Margins and pricing strategy for sustainable growth

Key Takeaways:

• Why success in production is about systems, not just creativity
• How to build a national crew network that feels local to clients
• The importance of pre-negotiated rates and expectations
• Why clear processes protect profit and culture simultaneously
• The difference between running a creative studio and a scalable agency

🎥 Guest:

Kris Simmons – Founder & CEO, Six Strong Media

📍 Based in Chattanooga, Tennessee

🎧 Hosts:

Dario Nouri & Kyrill Lazarov — Lapse Productions, Toronto

https://www.lapseproductions.com

🎙️ About Creatives Grab Coffee:

Creatives Grab Coffee explores the business of video production, bringing together studio owners, producers, and directors from around the world to discuss growth, operations, and creativity in the industry.

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

#CreativesGrabCoffee #videographyhacks #videography #videographer #videoproduction #businesspodcast #videoproductionpodcast #lapseproductions #videomarketing #videoproductioncompany #videoproductionservices

In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, hosts Dario Nouri and Kyrill Lazarov talk with Ana Rosales, founder of AVR Media Group, about her journey building a thriving video production company in Florida. We unpack the realities of scaling a production business — managing clients, leading a team, maintaining creative quality, and overcoming industry biases — all while staying grounded in your creative vision.

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Introduction & origin story of AVR Media Group

07:40 – Scaling challenges and leadership growth

15:00 – Client communication & expectation management

27:30 – Balancing creativity and profitability

39:20 – Building trust and long-term partnerships

48:00 – Shaping the future of women-led production

Key Takeaways:

• Why clear client education prevents 90% of project friction

• How to build a sustainable production pipeline that supports creative integrity

• The role of leadership in developing culture and accountability

• Why representation and inclusivity matter in production hiring

• How to future-proof your video business through relationship equity

🎥 Guest: Ana Rosales – Founder, AVR Media Group

🎧 Hosts: Dario Nouri & Kyrill Lazarov — Lapse Productions, Toronto https://www.lapseproductions.com

🎙️ About Creatives Grab Coffee: Creatives Grab Coffee explores the business of video production — featuring agency founders, filmmakers, and producers who share tactical insights on creativity, operations, and scaling production companies worldwide.

👇 Follow & Subscribe: Website – https://creativesgrabcoffee.com Instagram – https://instagram.com/creativesgrabcoffee LinkedIn – https://linkedin.com/company/lapseproductions

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/

#CreativesGrabCoffee #videographyhacks #videography #videographer #videoproduction #businesspodcast #videoproductionpodcast #lapseproductions #videomarketing #videoproductioncompany #videoproductionservices

In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, we sit down with Manuel Izquierdo, founder of Mi Media Production, a Miami-based video production company specializing in corporate and commercial work. We unpack the evolution of small production companies — from solo freelancers to fully fledged creative studios — and dive deep into how modern filmmakers are balancing business growth, creative integrity, and emerging AI tools in their workflow.

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Intro & on-set culture

08:00 – The evolution of video businesses

16:00 – Freelance to founder: building Mi Media Production

22:00 – Balancing business and creativity

39:00 – How AI is changing storyboarding & pre-production

46:00 – The Miami production market

56:00 – Future of corporate & commercial video

Key Takeaways:

• Why steady growth builds character, not ego

• How to manage creative standards while scaling operations

• Practical AI tools for storyboarding, previs, and voiceovers

• The shift toward localized production support networks

• Navigating today’s changing corporate video landscape 🎥

Guest: Manuel Izquierdo – Founder, Mi Media Production 📍 Based in Miami, Florida

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/

#CreativesGrabCoffee #videographyhacks #videography #videographer #videoproduction #businesspodcast #videoproductionpodcast #lapseproductions #videomarketing #videoproductioncompany #videoproductionservices

In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, Israel Bonequi from IND Films (Montreal, Quebec) shares his journey from being a generalist offering multiple creative services to focusing on video production and scaling IND Films into a specialized studio. He discusses the challenges of pricing creative work, the importance of educating clients, and how niching into medical and industrial video has helped the company grow. Israel also dives into the process of building a new virtual production studio designed to make cutting-edge technology more accessible for smaller production companies. This episode offers valuable lessons for marketers and video professionals looking to refine their positioning, improve client relationships, and explore the future of video production.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Episode Introduction and Guest Welcome

02:19 - Guest Bio: Israel Bonequi from IND Films

03:22 - Lessons from being a generalist in creative services

07:25 - How clients perceive value in video production

10:01 - Client education tax: the hidden cost of cutting corners

14:36 - Transitioning to video specialization and pricing challenges

19:06 - Raising rates and overcoming mindset barriers

21:44 - The reality of difficult clients and nonprofits

23:04 - Asking “why” to uncover true client goals

25:38 - Turning single projects into long-term campaigns

27:57 - IND Films’ focus on medical and industrial video production

32:44 - Niching down and growing through organic opportunities

36:19 - Digital marketing: shifting from Google Ads to LinkedIn

42:21 - Building a new Montreal studio for virtual production

47:41 - The cost, process, and challenges of studio construction

52:01 - Soundproofing lessons for production spaces

55:17 - Balancing family businesses and shared spaces

57:16 - Future growth plans for IND Films

58:27 - Closing remarks and invitation to visit IND Films

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/

#CreativesGrabCoffee #videographyhacks #videography #videographer #videoproduction #businesspodcast #videoproductionpodcast #lapseproductions #videomarketing #videoproductioncompany #videoproductionservices

In Episode 101 of Creatives Grab Coffee, we’re joined by Julian Tillotson, founder of INDIRAP (Chicago), to talk about why video alone isn’t enough. Julian breaks down how businesses can build a full content ecosystem, why “going viral” is not a strategy, and how educating clients on ROI is the real key to long-term success. We also dive into the debate of niching vs. staying generalist, the dangers of so-called marketing “gurus,” and what it really takes to build sustainable client relationships in the video production industry. Whether you’re a marketer, creative entrepreneur, or production company owner, this episode is packed with insights to help you scale smarter, diversify your client base, and deliver content that actually drives results.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Episode introduction and sponsor shoutouts

02:18 – Guest welcome: Julian Tillotson from INDIRAP

03:11 – The shift in content marketing: video isn’t enough

06:15 – Breaking down the content funnel (top, middle, bottom)

10:36 – Why client education matters for ROI

12:56 – The myth of going viral in today’s landscape

14:53 – How video companies can become strategic partners

17:25 – Repurposing video into multiple deliverables

19:28 – Why distribution and platform optimization are critical

21:46 – Educating clients through quarterly check-ins and content

23:52 – Building a personal brand with LinkedIn and YouTube

27:23 – LinkedIn strategy vs. Instagram engagement

32:06 – Cutting through industry noise and staying top of mind

34:16 – Time management, scaling, and building strong teams

39:09 – Avoiding burnout with systems and organization

45:34 – Expanding services into paid ads and distribution

49:55 – Measuring ROI: getting real results from video campaigns

53:24 – Choosing clients carefully: why not all money is good money

56:03 – Risks of offering paid ads without experience

59:38 – The importance of long-term brand awareness campaigns

1:01:02 – Fighting back against charlatans in the industry

1:04:17 – The niching debate: generalist vs. specialist approaches

1:09:42 – Retaining clients long-term by understanding their needs

1:13:29 – Diversifying industries to stay resilient in uncertain times

1:18:45 – Calling out fake marketing gurus and iPhone agencies

1:19:35 – Closing thoughts and 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/

#CreativesGrabCoffee #videographyhacks #videography #videographer #videoproduction #businesspodcast #videoproductionpodcast #lapseproductions #videomarketing #videoproductioncompany #videoproductionservices

WE DID IT! 100 episodes of Creatives Grab Coffee! 🎊 Join Dario Nouri and Kyrill Lazarov as they reflect on their 5-year podcast journey, from sweating it out in a hot condo during the pandemic to becoming a well-oiled machine. In this milestone episode, they dive deep into the biggest topics that shaped the video production industry over the past year.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro & Episode 100 Celebration

02:18 - The 5-Year Podcast Journey

03:48 - How We Got More Consistent

05:09 - The Time Investment Reality

06:13 - Posting Schedule Changes

06:55 - Starting a Second Business

08:45 - Partnership Agreements: The Big Topic

10:30 - Business Valuation Reality

14:53 - Partnership Agreement Details

18:13 - Life Insurance for Partners

20:10 - The Difficult Conversations

22:10 - AI in Video Production

24:14 - Dario's Hot Takes on AI

26:04 - Will AI Replace Us?

28:20 - Niching: Case-by-Case Basis

31:03 - The Documentary Midlife Crisis

34:29 - Passion Projects Reality Check

36:30 - B Corp Certification Discussion

37:22 - Business Evaluation Trends

42:23 - Awards as Team Building

44:10 - LinkedIn Strategy Deep Dive

46:56 - Our 2025 Goals 49:01 - Riverside & AI Efficiency

53:14 - Silver Leaf Weddings Story

59:07 - Why Weddings Make Sense

1:02:07 - Multiple Business Management

1:04:31 - Project Satriali's Edit Shop

1:07:15 - Organizing & Backing Up Everything

1:17:42 - Finding New Freelancers Challenge

1:19:45 - Cutting Costs & Storage Solutions

1:25:12 - Advice for Starting a Podcast

1:27:20 - Thanks & See You Next Time

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/

#CreativesGrabCoffee #videographyhacks #videography #videographer #videoproduction #businesspodcast #videoproductionpodcast #lapseproductions #videomarketing #videoproductioncompany #videoproductionservices

In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, Ben Amos from Innovate Media and Engage Video Marketing shares his journey from high school media teacher to agency owner, coach, and published author. Ben dives deep into the importance of video strategy, explaining how producers can elevate client outcomes by focusing beyond just production. He breaks down his signature seven-part video strategy framework, discusses how to incorporate strategic thinking into sales conversations, and explains how his retainer model works with select clients. Whether you’re running a corporate video agency or freelancing, this episode is packed with insights to help you grow your business through smarter, more strategic content.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Episode Introduction and Guest Welcome

03:05 – Ben’s transition from teaching to video production

06:45 – Launching Engage Video Marketing and the podcast

08:30 – The pivotal moment that sparked a strategy-first mindset

14:00 – Ben’s 7 elements of effective video strategy

21:10 – Strategy vs. production vs. management: the Venn diagram

27:45 – Why Innovate Media avoids paid ad management

34:16 – How to approach B2B vs B2C clients strategically

42:51 – What makes a video retainer model actually work

59:52 – Coaching and mentorship for video producers

1:06:07 – Ben’s future goals and closing 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/

#CreativesGrabCoffee #videographyhacks #videography #videographer #videoproduction #businesspodcast #videoproductionpodcast #lapseproductions #videomarketing #videoproductioncompany #videoproductionservices

On episode 98 of Creatives Grab Coffee, we chat with Toby Trueman, Managing Director of HeeHaw, a Scotland-based video production studio known for its blend of live action, animation, and motion design.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Intro and Guest Welcome: Toby Trueman from HeeHaw

03:01 – Toby’s Path to Managing Director and HeeHaw’s Evolution

05:03 – Rebuilding HeeHaw: From 5 People to 47 During COVID

07:42 – Mistakes from Rapid Growth: No KPIs, Forecasting, or Structure

11:03 – Scaling Challenges: Broken Systems and Need for Strategy

15:55 – HeeHaw’s USP: Hybrid Live Action and Animation

17:26 – Growing Pains: Management, Hiring, and Team Structure

23:54 – Shifting from Generalists to In-House Specialists

25:03 – Finding Their Niche: Playful Brands and Creative Focus

29:25 – Future Growth Pillars: Hybrid, VFX, Experiential Content

33:36 – Adapting to Economic Shifts and Boutique Studio Rise

35:38 – No Retainers? Surviving in a Project-Based Model

37:24 – Outbound Sales with a Lead Gen Partner

43:06 – Inflation, Budget Cuts, and Losing NGO Work

46:01 – Competing on Value: Scale, Quality, and Trust

47:53 – Pricing Strategy and Balancing Internal Teams

52:38 – U.S. Expansion, IP Projects, and Future Vision

56:27 – Why It’s Called “HeeHaw”

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/

#CreativesGrabCoffee #videographyhacks #videography #videographer #videoproduction #businesspodcast #videoproductionpodcast #lapseproductions #videomarketing #videoproductioncompany #videoproductionservices #videoproductionbusiness #internationalvideo #videoagency #lapseproductions #GoogleAds #videostrategy #businesspodcast