Crossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film Production

Everyone talks about being “top of mind.” Very few people can explain how it actually happens. Chris Whitten has seen this challenge from every angle. He’s been a freelancer looking for work, an agency producer hiring creative partners, and now an executive producer working on brand partnerships. Along the way, he’s watched thousands of photographers, directors, producers, and creative professiona...

Production companies want to work directly with brands, but that shift comes with real responsibility. Going direct-to-brand means taking on more than execution. It means stepping into strategy, diagnostics, and early thinking that agencies have traditionally owned. In this episode, James talks with Sophie Bell about how her UK-based “production agency,” Toast, is navigating that shift by using AI...

Production 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 ag...

What 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 w inning the work and doing the work . On the “win the work” side, Jordan Brady asks James about his "Booked Solid" biz...

Cold 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...

If 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 age...

As 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 episo...

Most 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 y...

The 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...

Change 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 improv...

This 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...

In 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 (ma...

Get 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 tr...

Join 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 fo...

Hear 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 pitc...

In 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 an...

Join 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...

Listen 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 unders...

Discover 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...

Dive 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 (narr...

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 seasone...

In 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...

Explore 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...

Prepare 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 prefe...

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 comm...