In this conversation, Andrei from Tone Films shares his journey of starting a videography business during the pandemic, the challenges he faced, and the strategies he employed to grow his company. He discusses the importance of SEO, building a reliable team of videographers, and the creative processes involved in producing high-quality content. Andrei also reflects on his aspirations for the future, including a potential transition into accounting and the importance of work-life balance.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 The Birth of Tone Films

03:08 Learning the Videography Trade

05:43 Expanding the Business

09:03 Building a Reliable Team

12:09 The Importance of SEO

14:56 Vetting Videographers

17:47 Editing and Delivery Process

21:00 Creative Projects and Pre-Production

23:48 Communication and Client Relations

27:09 Future Aspirations and Career Transition

46:43 Reflecting on Life and Happiness

49:06 Balancing Work and Personal Life

51:37 Daily Routines and Time Management

54:03 Exploring Career Paths and Future Aspirations

57:06 The Challenges of Live Production

01:00:08 Building a Business and Future Ventures

01:03:41 Outro

🎙️ About Our Guest

Andrei Tone

Founder & Creative Director — Tone Films

🎧 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 candid conversations with studio owners and filmmakers around the world on scaling, creativity, and industry evolution.

👇 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

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

In this episode, we sit down with Noam Shalev, founder of Highlight Films, to discuss a side of the production industry few get to see. Based in Israel, Noam’s team handles everything from high-end corporate shoots to gritty news coverage in active conflict zones. We dive into what it really means to be a "fixer" , how remote production technology has allowed directors in LA to direct crews in Tel Aviv , and the massive logistical pivot Noam’s company made on October 7th—shifting from seven corporate productions to managing 15 news crews overnight. Noam also opens up about the emotional toll of documenting history , the safety protocols required when filming under fire , and why, despite the chaos, he refuses to leave.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro

00:21 - From Doc Filmmaker to "The Fixer"

02:08 - Defining the Role: What does a Fixer actually do?

02:45 - How COVID changed remote production forever

07:17 - Why Noam started doing corporate work

11:09 - October 7th: Pivoting from corporate shoots to war coverage overnight

15:56 - Safety Logistics: Walkie-talkie apps and missile alerts

17:22 - Storytime: Hiding tapes in underwear in Iraq

20:55 - The emotional toll of interviewing survivors

34:55 - The impact of political instability on the tech sector

37:40 - Managing a business when staff are called to reserve duty

43:12 - Why stay? The pull of "Home" vs. moving to LA

47:51 - "Real Chaos": Why cameras are treated like weapons

50:47 - Building a reputation without advertising

56:01 - Protecting the business: Deposits and spotting bad clients

1:05:40 - Closing thoughts

🎙️ About Our Guest

Noam Shalev

Founder & Creative Director — Highlight Films

🎧 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 candid conversations with studio owners and filmmakers around the world on scaling, creativity, and industry evolution.

👇 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

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

Welcome to Season 6 of Creators Grab Coffee! To kick off 2026, we’re joined by one of our OG guests—Chris Stasiuk from Signature Video Group. Chris is celebrating 16 years in business, and in this episode, we go deep into what it actually takes to survive and thrive for nearly two decades in the creative industry.

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating Six Years of Podcasting

02:58 Reflecting on Business Growth and Goals

06:07 Maintaining Momentum in Business

09:02 The Importance of Marketing and Content Creation

11:59 Navigating Business Challenges and Scaling

15:10 The Role of Freelancers and Partnerships

17:53 The Impact of Goal Setting and Manifestation

33:32 Trusting the Process

36:56 Navigating Client Loss and Diversification

39:27 Maintaining Client Relationships

42:36 Maximizing Content Value

43:39 The Impact of Generative AI on Content Creation

49:35 AI as a Tool for Creatives

52:11 The Future of AI in Creative Industries

🎙️ About Our Guest

Chris Stasiuk

Founder & Creative Director — Signature Video 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 candid conversations with studio owners and filmmakers around the world on scaling, creativity, and industry evolution.

👇 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

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

In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, Jon Corbin — Founder of Corbin Visual — returns for his third appearance on the show, making him the official CGC Champ.  Jon dives into the new era of creative entrepreneurship: How vertical dramas are transforming storytelling online, why client value beats trend-chasing, and what it takes to stay profitable during hard economic times in the video industry.

Timestamps

00:00 — Intro

02:18 — Jon returns: The Hat-Trick Episode 

07:25 — From trend-chasing to client-value

11:33 — Understanding real business challenges

18:32 — Outbound vs. inbound sales realities

27:47 — The new bar for “good enough” in marketing

33:59 — Adapting in tough economic times

41:07 — The isolation of being a creative business owner

52:16 — Enter: Vertical dramas

55:10 — Hiring the right team + not doing it all yourself

1:04:27 — Staying ahead of industry shifts

1:25:17 — What’s next for Jon & the future of CV 

1:26:40 — Sign-off

🎙️ About Our Guest

Jon Corbin

Founder & Creative Director — Corbin Visual

Toronto-based creative agency specializing in video strategy, branded content & next-gen storytelling formats.

🎧 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 candid conversations with studio owners and filmmakers around the world on scaling, creativity, and industry evolution.

👇 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

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

In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, Dario Nouri and Kyrill Lazarov speak with Amr Khani, founder and creative director of AK Films, a Dubai-based production company operating at the intersection of high-end corporate and creative work.

Amr shares how he built a successful production house in one of the world’s most competitive creative markets, what it’s like running shoots in the UAE, and how Dubai’s film landscape has shifted from cinema to corporate over the past decade. He also dives into the realities of pricing, international collaboration, and why strong systems matter as much as creative talent.

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Intro & background of AK Films

05:00 – How Dubai’s film scene evolved over the last decade

10:00 – The decline of film festivals & rise of corporate media

15:00 – Industry diversity in the UAE

17:00 – The reality of competition and pricing in Dubai

25:00 – Why most clients are international

31:00 – How AK Films structures its in-house and freelance teams

36:00 – Scaling to a 7-person production company

41:00 – Finding the right time to hire permanent staff

47:00 – Client education and self-sabotage in production

49:00 – Inbound vs outbound lead generation

52:00 – Long-term goals and returning to filmmaking

Key Takeaways:

• Dubai’s production market is booming — but competition is relentless.
• The corporate sector has overtaken cinema as the main driver of production work.
• Strong business systems and communication protect creative integrity.
• Local partnerships are essential for foreign productions due to legal structure.
• Balancing creative ambition with sustainable operations is the key to long-term success.

🎥 Guest:

Amr Khani – Founder & Creative Director, AK Films

📍 Based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

🎧 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 candid conversations with studio owners and filmmakers around the world on scaling, creativity, and industry evolution.

👇 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

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

In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, Dario Nouri sits down with N’tchidjè Doumbia, founder and creative director of Great Things Studios, a Montreal-based video production company known for its cinematic commercial and corporate work.

N’tchidjè shares his journey from music videos to full-scale agency operations, the growing pains of scaling, and how his company maintains creative quality while managing client expectations and large-scale productions. The conversation digs into leadership, team culture, and how the best studios evolve from purely creative shops into strategic, relationship-driven businesses.

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Intro & background of Great Things Studios

05:00 – The shift from creative to strategic production work

09:00 – Managing big clients and keeping creative control

14:00 – Why relationships drive long-term agency success

19:00 – How to scale a team without losing culture

25:00 – Leadership lessons and defining your company vision

33:00 – Balancing artistry with operational systems

41:00 – Reinvesting profits into talent and technology

46:00 – The creative risk of saying “no” to bad projects

50:00 – Montreal’s evolving production landscape

Key Takeaways:

• Building a scalable studio requires structure, not just creativity.
• Strong client relationships are your most valuable business asset.
• Leadership means trusting your team and protecting creative integrity.
• Knowing when to say no is crucial for brand longevity.
• The Montreal video scene is diversifying fast, offering global opportunity.

🎥 Guest:

N’tchidjè Doumbia – Founder & Creative Director, Great Things Studios

📍 Based in Montreal, Canada

🎧 Hosts:

Dario Nouri & Kyrill Lazarov — Lapse Productions, Toronto

https://www.lapseproductions.com

🎙️ About Creatives Grab Coffee:

Creatives Grab Coffee dives into the business of video production, featuring candid conversations with production company founders and filmmakers across the globe about scaling, leadership, and creative strategy.

👇 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

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

In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, hosts Dario Nouri and Kyrill Lazarov sit down with Kris Simmons, founder and CEO of 6 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 6 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 & 6 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, 6 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