Soul Over Strategy | Building a Career with Creative Depth and Longevity as a Photographer and Director - 040

How to Build a Filmmaking Business That Thrives - 044

Most creatives dream of building a sustainable career behind the lens, but few understand what it actually takes to turn talent into a real business. As a filmmaker, production company founder, and creator of Financially Free Filmmaker, Timothy Fare-Matthews shares how to move beyond trading time for money and start building systems that create retention, profitability, and long term freedom. Alongside host Marshal Chupa, they break down sales, positioning, financial clarity, and the mindset shifts filmmakers need to survive in a rapidly evolving industry. 🎙️ Episode Sponsor: Lorne Lapham Sales & Rentals ⚡️ 20% Off Rentals at Lorne Lapham - ⁠⁠llsr.com/shotlist⁠⁠ [http://llsr.com/shotlist]  📞 Coaching Call with Tim - Click HERE [https://financiallyfreefilmmaker.com/booking-page/#book-discovery] 🎬 Free Workshop - 3 Ultimate Steps for Filmmaker Growth HERE [https://financiallyfreefilmmaker.com/freeworkshop/] 📄Download the LAPS framework + Tutorial HERE [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Ok0z-k0Jz7V3HdKs5cGrYS6YuLYszbKjWXfw2HLQ6kY/edit?gid=1453086959#gid=1453086959] 💸Financially Free Filmmaker financiallyfreefilmmaker.com [http://financiallyfreefilmmaker.com] 🟠 SHOTLIST Substack | ⁠Resources & Tools Straight into your Inbox  [https://shotlist.substack.com/] Key Topics Discussed * The difference between having a hobby that pays you and building a scalable filmmaking business * Tim’s 4P framework and why most filmmakers stop at production instead of thinking about planning, publishing, and promotion * How to sell without feeling salesy by focusing on serving, discovery, and retention * Why retention and referrals compound faster than chasing new clients * The financial metrics filmmakers should track to understand profitability, not just revenue * If you're a filmmaker or photographer chasing long term creative freedom, this episode offers raw insight, real strategy, and a grounded look at what it takes. If you’re a filmmaker or photographer chasing long-term creative freedom, this episode offers raw insight, real strategy, and a grounded look at what it takes. Episode Highlights 07:45 – Hobby that pays vs real business Tim explains the difference between staying busy as a freelancer and building a scalable business with real leverage and longevity. 12:10 – The 4P framework for filmmakers Planning, Producing, Publishing, Promoting. He breaks down why most creatives stop at production and leave revenue and retention on the table. 23:50 – Selling without feeling salesy Sales is reframed as service. Tim shares how discovery calls and asking better questions lead to higher close rates and stronger client relationships. 28:40 – The five client acquisition channels From networking to partnerships, Tim outlines the five ways filmmakers generate work and why word of mouth and retention often outperform content. 39:10 – Why networking still wins Confidence is a skill. Tim shares how learning to work a room transformed his trajectory and why in person relationships still convert the fastest. 51:15 – Structuring proposals strategically Instead of sending one number, Tim explains how offering structured options opens dialogue and improves negotiation outcomes. 01:05:10 – Gear purchases vs real ROI Tim challenges the obsession with cameras and shares how to evaluate investments based on profitability, not ego. 01:14:30 – Measuring profit, not just revenue Why most filmmakers do not truly know their margins, and how tracking profit per project changes everything. 🔗 CONNECT WITH TIMOTHY  📸 Instagram | @timf.mathews [https://www.instagram.com/timf.matthews/] 🖥️ Coaching | www.financiallyfreefilmmaker.com [http://www.financiallyfreefilmmaker.com] 🖥️ Website | ⁠⁠ [http://www.zacharymoxley.com]www.timothyfarematthews.com [https://www.timothyfarematthews.com/] 🔗 CONNECT WITH MARSHAL 📸 Instagram |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/marshalchupa/]⁠⁠@marshalchupa⁠⁠ [http://www.instagram.com/marshalchupa] 💻 Website |⁠⁠ www.marshalchupa.com⁠⁠ [https://www.marshalchupa.com/] 🔗 LinkedIn |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshal-chupa-99a7921a8/]⁠⁠Marshal Chupa on LinkedIn⁠⁠ [http://www.linkedin.com/in/marshal-chupa-99a7921a8] 🟠 Substack | ⁠⁠Substack Article⁠⁠ [https://shotlist.substack.com/] 🗂️The Contact Sheet - A Simple Client Tracking System for Filmmakers & Photographers - shotlist.substack.com/p/the-contact-sheet [https://shotlist.substack.com/p/the-contact-sheet]

Staying Booked in a Changing Industry: DOP, Keaton Nye on Mindset, Relationships, and Problem Solving - 043

The filmmaking world is changing fast, budgets are tighter, crews are smaller, and adaptability has never mattered more. As a commercial cinematographer and YouTuber, Keaton Nye shares how staying booked in today’s market comes down to mindset, problem-solving, and understanding the business behind the craft. Alongside host Marshal Chupa, they break down the habits, strategies, and client relationships that keep filmmakers thriving when the industry shifts beneath them. 🎙️ Episode Sponsor: Lorne Lapham Sales & Rentals ⚡️ 20% Off Rentals at Lorne Lapham - ⁠⁠llsr.com/shotlist⁠⁠  [https://llsr.com/pages/shotlist] 🗂️ Get your copy of The Contact Sheet - A Simple Client Tracking System for Filmmakers & Photographers - shotlist.substack.com/p/the-contact-sheet  [https://shotlist.substack.com/p/the-contact-sheet] Key Topics Discussed * The difference between skill and mindset, and why problem solvers stay booked * Navigating shrinking budgets and crew sizes while maintaining production quality * Balancing projects “one for the meal, one for the reel” * Building trust, simplifying business for clients, and thinking like a business owner * How to think like both an artist and a business owner to build a sustainable long-term career Episode Highlights 00:25 – Why Problem Solvers Stay BookedReliability, curiosity, and initiative create more opportunity than technical skill alone. 00:27 – Adapting to a Changing IndustrySmaller crews and tighter budgets are reshaping production work and what clients expect. 00:36 – Craft Meets CommerceThinking in terms of ROI helps bridge the gap between artistry and business. 00:42 – One for the Meal, One for the ReelBalancing creative fulfillment with financial sustainability without burning out. 00:46 – The Money GapUnderstanding what separates lower-paid shooters from high-value professionals. 00:54 – Make Business Easy for ClientsClear communication and simple pricing structures lead to repeat bookings and trust. 00:57 – The Power of RelationshipsHigh-value work comes from genuine relationships, not cold outreach. 01:02 – Staying Top of MindPractical ideas for building outreach systems and keeping your network engaged. 🔗 CONNECT WITH KEATON NYE 📸 Instagram | @keatonnye [https://www.instagram.com/keatonnye/] ▶️ Youtube | www.youtube.com/keatonnye [http://www.youtube.com/keatonnye] 🖥️ Website | ⁠ [http://www.zacharymoxley.com]www.keatonnye.com [http://www.keatonnye.com] 🔗 CONNECT WITH MARSHAL 📸 Instagram | ⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/marshalchupa/]⁠⁠@marshalchupa⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/marshalchupa/] 💻 Website  | ⁠www.marshalchupa.com⁠⁠ [https://www.marshalchupa.com/] 🔗 LinkedIn | ⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshal-chupa-99a7921a8/]⁠⁠Marshal Chupa on LinkedIn⁠⁠ [http://www.linkedin.com/in/marshal-chupa-99a7921a8] 🟠 Substack | ⁠⁠Substack Article⁠⁠ [https://shotlist.substack.com/] 🎙 ABOUT THE PODCAST This podcast is all about helping emerging cinematographers, photographers, and directors navigate the challenges of making a life and a living behind the lens. From workflow to personal growth, creative vision to marketing, finances to production—every episode is packed with a wide range of topics to support visual storytellers in their pursuit of building a business and growing a career they are proud of. 🎧 LISTEN 🟢| ⁠⁠Spotify ⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/3m5203Y5yQ7wNXQhZBOmNV?si=f46bc0e937bf40c1&nd=1&dlsi=259c283f224545f3] 🟣| ⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/shotlist/id1645435800] 🖥️| ⁠⁠shotlistpodcast.com⁠⁠ [http://shotlistpodcast.com]  👊 SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A REVIEW Please help me bring you more future episode by subscribing and leaving a review 📱GET IN TOUCH You can also drop me a DM instagram @marshalchupa or email marshal@marshalchupa.com

Insurance for Filmmakers: What You Need to Know About Coverage, Risk, and Equipment Claims - 042

Most creatives dream of filming in remote places, working with global brands, and living a life of freedom behind the lens, but few understand the risks and protections that come with it. As Associate Vice President at Front Row Insurance, David McLeish shares how filmmakers and photographers can protect their gear, their business, and their livelihood when unexpected events happen. Alongside host Marshal Chupa, they break down the realities of insurance in creative work, from liability waivers to international coverage 🎙️ Episode Sponsor: Lorne Lapham Sales & Rentals ⚡️ 20% Off Rentals at Lorne Lapham - ⁠⁠llsr.com/shotlist⁠⁠ [http://llsr.com/shotlist]  🗂️ Get your copy of The Contact Sheet - A Simple Client Tracking System for Filmmakers & Photographers - shotlist.substack.com/p/the-contact-sheet [https://shotlist.substack.com/p/the-contact-sheet]  Key Topics Discussed * Why most filmmakers misunderstand what insurance actually covers and how to avoid costly assumptions * How to handle high-risk shoots like underwater filming, climbing, or stunts, and what insurers need to know in advance * Practical steps for gear rental, deal memos, and certificates of insurance when working with production companies or directly with brands * The importance of liability waivers when shooting with athletes or in dangerous environments * What international coverage looks like and how to protect footage and equipment while traveling Episode Highlights 4:00 – Broker vs Insurer Why knowing the difference matters when making a claim. 12:00 – High-Risk ShootsUnderwater, vehicles, or extreme sports must be disclosed or risk voiding coverage. 19:00 – Stunts vs AdventureInsurers often treat risky outdoor shoots as stunts, which changes coverage. 26:00 – Liability WaiversSigned waivers reduce your exposure and improve insurability. 29:00 – International CoverageMost policies are Canada/US only unless you add worldwide protection. 33:00 – Reshoot CoverageScripted reshoots may be covered. Portfolio or passion projects are not. 41:00 – Gear RentalYour deal memo should make production responsible for your kit. 1:19:00 – Direct-to-ClientCovering friends’ gear requires written agreements. Without them, it is not insured. 🔗 CONNECT WITH FRONT ROW INSURANCE 🖥️ Website | ⁠⁠ [http://www.zacharymoxley.com]www.frontrowinsurance.com [http://www.frontrowinsurance.com] 📧 Email: mcleish@frontrowinsurance.com 📸 Instagram | @ frontrowinsurance [https://www.instagram.com/frontrowinsurance/] 🔗 CONNECT WITH MARSHAL 📸 Instagram |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/marshalchupa/]⁠⁠@marshalchupa⁠⁠ [http://www.instagram.com/marshalchupa] 🟠 Substack | ⁠⁠Substack Article⁠⁠ [https://shotlist.substack.com/] 💻 Website |⁠⁠ www.marshalchupa.com⁠⁠ [https://www.marshalchupa.com/] 🔗 LinkedIn |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshal-chupa-99a7921a8/]⁠⁠Marshal Chupa on LinkedIn⁠⁠ [http://www.linkedin.com/in/marshal-chupa-99a7921a8] 🎙 ABOUT THE PODCAST This podcast is all about helping emerging cinematographers, photographers, and directors navigate the challenges of making a life and a living behind the lens. From workflow to personal growth, creative vision to marketing, finances to production—every episode is packed with a wide range of topics to support visual storytellers in their pursuit of building a business and growing a career they are proud of. 🎧 LISTEN 🟢| ⁠⁠Spotify ⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/3m5203Y5yQ7wNXQhZBOmNV?si=f46bc0e937bf40c1&nd=1&dlsi=259c283f224545f3] 🟣| ⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/shotlist/id1645435800] 🖥️| ⁠⁠shotlistpodcast.com⁠⁠ [http://shotlistpodcast.com]  👊 SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A REVIEW Please help me bring you more future episodes by subscribing and leaving a review 📱GET IN TOUCH You can also drop me a DM instagram @marshalchupa or email marshal@marshalchupa.com

How Director and Aerial DP, Zac Moxley Built a Dream Filmmaking Career - 041

Most creatives dream of filming in remote places, working with global brands, and living a life of freedom behind the lens, but few understand the discipline and long game it actually takes to get there. As a director and aerial cinematographer, Zac Moxley shares how his mindset, work ethic, and willingness to take risks helped him turn passion into a career. Alongside host Marshal Chupa, Zach breaks down the realities of momentum, burnout, spec work, and what it really means to bet on yourself 🎙️ Episode Sponsor: Lorne Lapham Sales & Rentals ⚡️ 20% Off Rentals at Lorne Lapham - ⁠llsr.com/shotlist⁠ [http://llsr.com/shotlist]  Key Topics Discussed * How saying yes early on created a snowball effect and why treating every job like it matters can change everything * The real cost of chasing your dream job, including the emotional and financial pressure behind self-funded projects * The truth about spec work and how Zac uses personal projects to grow, experiment, and land bigger clients * Buying gear with intention, including how to think about expensive tools, what actually delivers value, and when to pull the trigger * Navigating the long game of a creative career and why it’s built through grind, self-belief, and patience Episode Highlights 00:03 A Turning Point in His Teens How a personal transformation helped Zac develop the grit and drive that sparked his creative journey 00:08 Early Career and Instagram Growth The story behind his glide-cam days and how his Instagram started gaining traction in 2017 00:13 The Drone Chapter Zac’s early aerial content and the moment he began shifting toward directing full campaigns 00:21 Every Opportunity Can Change Your Life Zac’s philosophy on saying yes and how staying open has led to his biggest projects 00:27 Behind the Instagram Highlight Reel The grind, burnout, and loneliness that people don’t see when they scroll 00:36 Spec Work as a Career Catalyst Zac’s approach to funding personal projects and the most he’s ever spent out of pocket 00:44 Breaking Down a Spec Project From idea to post-production, how Zac builds personal pieces with intention and impact 00:51 Undercutting Versus Opportunity Where he draws the line between strategy and self-sabotage when pricing work 01:01 Buying the Right Gear How to approach big purchases like the RED Raptor and which tools have earned their keep 01:09 Building Relationships That Lead to Work Zac’s take on staying top of mind, creating value, and earning trust over time 01:15 Manifestation and Career Alignment How Zac’s mindset and focus on alignment have helped him call in the kind of projects and lifestyle he once only imagined 🔗 CONNECT WITH ZAC MOXELY 📸 Instagram | @downtofilm 🖥️ Website | ⁠www.zacharymoxley.com⁠ [http://www.zacharymoxley.com] 🔗 CONNECT WITH MARSHAL 📸 Instagram |⁠ ⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/marshalchupa/]⁠@marshalchupa⁠ [http://www.instagram.com/marshalchupa] 💻 Website |⁠ www.marshalchupa.com⁠ [https://www.marshalchupa.com/] 🔗 LinkedIn |⁠ ⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshal-chupa-99a7921a8/]⁠Marshal Chupa on LinkedIn⁠ [http://www.linkedin.com/in/marshal-chupa-99a7921a8] 🟠 Substack | ⁠Substack Article⁠ [https://shotlist.substack.com/] 🎙 ABOUT THE PODCAST This podcast is all about helping emerging cinematographers, photographers, and directors navigate the challenges of making a life and a living behind the lens. From workflow to personal growth, creative vision to marketing, finances to production—every episode is packed with a wide range of topics to support visual storytellers in their pursuit of building a business and growing a career they are proud of. 🎧 LISTEN 🟢| ⁠Spotify ⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/3m5203Y5yQ7wNXQhZBOmNV?si=f46bc0e937bf40c1&nd=1&dlsi=259c283f224545f3] 🟣| ⁠Apple Podcast⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/shotlist/id1645435800] 🖥️| ⁠shotlistpodcast.com⁠ [http://shotlistpodcast.com]  👊 SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A REVIEW Please help me bring you more future episode by subscribing and leaving a review 📱GET IN TOUCH You can also drop me a DM instagram @marshalchupa or email marshal@marshalchupa.com

Soul Over Strategy | Building a Career with Creative Depth and Longevity as a Photographer and Director - 040

What does it actually look like to build a thriving photography and directing career, not just on paper, but in practice? Hubert Kang has steadily built a respected presence in the industry, known for his soulful personal work, big-hearted leadership style, and high-level commercial campaigns. 🎙️ Episode Sponsor: Lorne Lapham Sales & Rentals ⚡️ 20% Off Rentals at Lorne Lapham - llsr.com/shotlist [http://llsr.com/shotlist]  ⚒️ Tool & Resources to Grow your Career: HERE [https://shotlist.substack.com] Key Topics Discussed • Why Hubert believes side hustles don’t cut it in a creative career, and what it really takes to go full time • The essential role of kindness, curiosity, and personal values in business growth • What personal projects reveal to clients that commercial work never can • Why directing became a natural extension of his photography path • The real reason to start a production company • When and why reps will come knocking, and what they actually look for Episode Highlights 00:06 Starting from Scratch After Business School Why Hubert left a “safe” career path to start photographing houses for $100 a shoot 00:15 The 360 Motel Job That Changed Everything How traveling solo across the U.S. turned into a photography education 00:20 Getting in the Room with the Greats What Hubert learned assisting world-renowned photographers at Santa Fe Workshops 00:31 Why He Was a Terrible Assistant And how getting fired helped him discover his true path in documentary photography 00:37 Building Community One Relationship at a Time How showing up with appreciation and treating crew like friends became Hubert’s secret weapon 00:45 Personal Work That Means Something From Ugandan baseball to global human-animal connections, Hubert shares his why 00:54 Directing as a Natural Progression How curiosity, collaboration, and team leadership drew him behind the monitor 01:00 The Vision Behind Kindred and Scout Why Hubert and his producer Amy started a company rooted in values, not profit 01:08 Do You Need a Rep? 01:14 Staying Resilient Through the Highs and Lows The rituals, mindset, and gratitude that keep Hubert grounded in a roller-coaster career 🔗 CONNECT WITH HUBERT KANG 📸 Instagram | @hubertkang [https://www.instagram.com/hubertkang] 🖥️ Website | www.hubertkang.com [https://www.hubertkang.com] 💼 Production Co. | Kindred and Scout [https://www.kindredandscout.com] 🔗 CONNECT WITH MARSHAL 🟠 Substack | ⁠Substack Article⁠ [https://shotlist.substack.com/] 📸 Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/marshalchupa/@marshalchupa [http://www.instagram.com/marshalchupa] 💻 Website | www.marshalchupa.com [https://www.marshalchupa.com/] 🔗 LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshal-chupa-99a7921a8/Marshal Chupa on LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/in/marshal-chupa-99a7921a8] 🎙 ABOUT THE PODCAST This podcast is all about helping emerging cinematographers, photographers, and directors navigate the challenges of making a life and a living behind the lens. From workflow to personal growth, creative vision to marketing, finances to production—every episode is packed with a wide range of topics to support visual storytellers in their pursuit of building a business and growing a career they are proud of. 🎧 LISTEN 🟢| Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3m5203Y5yQ7wNXQhZBOmNV?si=f46bc0e937bf40c1&nd=1&dlsi=259c283f224545f3] 🟣| Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/shotlist/id1645435800] 🖥️| shotlistpodcast.com [http://shotlistpodcast.com]  👊 SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A REVIEWPlease help me bring you more future episode by subscribing and leaving a review 📱GET IN TOUCHYou can also drop me a DM instagram @marshalchupa or email marshal@marshalchupa.com