"Don't Suck at Video!" - A Filmmaking and Business Podcast

In this episode of the "Don't Suck at Video!" podcast, Nick discusses what camera and lights to buy when starting out in filmmaking, breaking down the what and why of picking certain equipment, and suggesting specific equipment for your first camera and lighting package. He emphasizes the importance of considering whether you actually need to buy equipment at all, as learning can be...

In this conversation, Nick LaRovere interviews Sean Campbell, a freelance independent journalist turned corporate news journalist. They discuss their favorite movies, Sean's career path, and offer advice for those starting out in the media industry. Sean shares his experience covering the revolution in Egypt and emphasizes the importance of finding your niche and becoming excellent at it. They...

"The last thing you want to be worried about on your wedding day is how your video is being recorded" Christina Flaaen, a wedding videographer and photographer, shares her insights and tips on providing video services for weddings. She emphasizes the importance of being able to anticipate and adapt to the fast-paced and ever-changing nature of weddings. Christina recommends building rela...

In this conversation, Nick LaRovere interviews Marcus Pittman, the CEO of LOOR TV, a streaming platform that incubates new filmmaking talent and allows subscribers to fund and watch exclusive stories. They discuss their favorite movies and TV shows, the importance of storytelling in reality TV, the challenges of the film industry and the Christian movie genre, and the vision behind LOOR TV. Nick s...

In this episode, Nick LaRovere answers questions from the Arizona filmmaking community. He discusses topics such as securing an agent, funding for films, becoming a skilled producer, and the future of content and independent filmmakers. He emphasizes the importance of building a body of work and a strong brand to attract agents. He also explores various funding options, including crowdfunding, per...

Nick speaks with Joseph Mbah, a 6-time feature filmmaker and business owner who runs Paradox Universe with his wife Amber. We talk about the process and learning on his 6th feature film that made it a joyful process to make the film, what filmmakers can do to get their first feature film made, and general tips for overcoming obstacles in film and business. Find Joseph on Instagram @joseph_mbah and...

Nick and Joe talk about - at least for video production businesses - there is a tendency to not want to do marketing and sales, only focus on the work itself. Being artists at heart, it's only natural. However, taking charge of marketing and sales is absolutely essential because you will be the strongest advocate and champion of your business.

Nick and Joseph talk about the effort and perseverance that it takes to make your dreams a reality. Joe shares his filmmaking journey and talks about the fact that because filmmaking is very difficult and making films is often long hours, it can cause burnout. Joe shares things he has learned from a few rough experiences.

Welcome to episode 4 of the Storyteller podcast. This is our New Year's episode. Traditionally, most people use New Year's to think about the past year and how they will carry themselves into the next year. It's a good time to think about what you did that worked and didn't work. That's exactly what I did for this episode. I condensed everything I talked about and wrote about t...

This episode, I have a discussion with writer/director Joseph Mbah. Joseph has directed 4 feature films and written 2 of the 4. We discuss his experience making his first feature film and what he recommends for those who want to do the same, including how to approach filming, funding, and distribution.  We also talk about his experience getting his recent film "Expo" on Netflix, and how that...

Today, I discuss 19 attributes I think are important for the director who wishes to be truly great, in all senses of the word. What does the ideal film director look like? What values/skills can we aspire to master? I have some (possibly) unpopular opinions when it comes to filmmaking and modelling certain behaviors. How can you be the type of person who can tell moving stories, but also be one wh...

Welcome to episode 1 of the Storyteller podcast. Today, I discuss what the 5 barebones essentials of a good story are. What are the bare-bones essentials of a good story? What makes for a good story? I was recently reading “The Working Film Director” by Charles Wilkinson, and something he said really stuck with me. This is one of the clearest explanations of good storytelling I’ve ever heard: “Her...