Grow Your Video Business

Mark Bone and Michael Del Monte, Founders of Art of Documentary, share their journey from running track to becoming successful filmmakers and educators. They dive deep into how filmmakers can create more value, communicate better with clients, and balance passion projects with strategic business decisions in today's changing industry. Key Takeaways Focus on what a video will DO for a client, not just how it will LOOK - clients care about results and problems solved, not your gear Create multiple assets from a single project to meet different client needs - the two-minute anthem video AND the 30-second hard-selling cutdown The right kind of "free work" early in your career can be strategic marketing that leads to huge opportunities later Finding mentors and community is essential for growth and sustainability in this industry About Michael Del Monte Michael Del Monte is a Canadian documentary filmmaker known for telling stories of overlooked individuals. With degrees in Philosophy and Theology, he’s directed four award-winning feature documentaries, with work featured on Netflix, Amazon Prime, ESPN, CBC, and more. About Mark Bone Mark Bone is an award-winning Toronto-based director who discovered documentary filmmaking while working in Egypt during the Darfur war. He’s directed acclaimed films like 58 HOURS and ASD Band: The Movie, and his work has screened at HotDocs and been featured by CNN Films and Vimeo. He’s also directed global campaigns for brands like Nike, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. In This Episode [00:00:00] Welcome to the show! [00:04:39] Meet Michael Del Monte and Mark Bone [00:08:35] Documentary Foundations Course [00:17:23] Big Clients Vs Small Retainers [00:21:52] Define Your Goals [00:33:50] Showing Value by Showing Up [00:40:55] Bringing Multiple Assets [00:48:33] "Free Work” [00:55:40] Connect with Art Of Documentary [01:00:43] Outro Quotes "A beautiful cinematic emotional video does nothing for us if we don't know what to do with it." - Client quote shared by Michael Del Monte "I compare AI to fast food... there'll be a use case for it clearly in that world, but we still need fine dining chefs. We still need chefs who can make gourmet meals, who have hundred-year-old recipes and it tastes very differently." - Michael Del Monte "AI can't replace your personality. There's three things you can do as an entrepreneur. You can be good, you can be reliable, and you can be fun. And I just don't think AI is fun." - Mark Bone "Every year, or I would say even every six months, you need to be making time for a project that can help you take multiple leaps forward in your career." - Michael Del Monte Guest Links Find The Art of Documentary online Follow The Art of Documentary on Instagram Follow Michael Del Monte on Instagram Follow Mark Andrew Bone on Instagram | YouTube Links Find out more about 10xFILMMAKER   Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes

Johnny Mendez shares the raw story of how his successful video production company hit rock bottom financially in December 2017, and the seven-year journey of rebuilding with better systems, mindset, and business foundations. He reveals how this painful experience transformed not just his company but his entire approach to life, work, and personal growth. Key Takeaways The shift from being "filmmakers who had a business" to "business owners who provide filmmaking services" is crucial for long-term sustainability Managing your finances properly isn't optional - even successful companies with great clients can collapse without proper cash flow management Personal growth and development are just as important as business skills - "you don't achieve your goals, you grow into them" Joining communities of like-minded professionals provides both support during difficult times and accelerates your learning and growth About Johnny Mendez Johnny is the co-owner of Hen House Media, an award-winning video production company serving clients for the last 22 years. Before launching his business, Johnny worked in film production and broadcast television. He's had the honor to film nationally and internationally working alongside truly remarkable clients.  He has experienced his share of lows in both his personal life and business endeavors. These challenges led him to embrace personal growth and continued learning, which has profoundly impacted his life, helping him navigate through tough times, especially as the industry changes. Now, Johnny is rewriting his story and code, and wants to share that story in hopes of helping others.  Above all, Johnny enjoys long walks on the beach with his family, and is planning a tell-all book on his love of sandwiches.  In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the Show! [04:54] Meet Johnny Mendez [05:44] Hen House Media[14:15] Financial Wake-Up Call [26:21] Managing Your Assets [29:06] Financial Tips [36:28] Investing In Yourself [43:52] The Great Reframe Podcast [45:49] Connect with Johnny [48:07] Outro Quotes "We used to be filmmakers who had a business, and now I think we're business owners who provide filmmaking services." - Johnny Mendez "There's a great quote. There's a guy Jim Rome who has a quote that says you don't achieve your goals, you grow into them. And that like is something that I want to just like half printed on my wall because it's so true." - Johnny Mendez "The money that comes in is not the money that you have. You have to put it through all of its filters to see what's at the bottom that you actually are. And then you can control that number by controlling everything that happens in the middle." - Johnny Mendez "For me, what's really important is family, right? My family is like the center of my universe and everything I'm doing now is in service of them. I want to spend more time with them. I want to be present." - Johnny Mendez Guest Links Find Johnny Mendez online Check out The Great Reframe on YouTube | Instagram Check out The Great Reframe podcast Follow Henhouse Media on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter Links Find out more about 10xFILMMAKER   Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes

Carter Hogan shares his journey from filmmaker to software founder and reveals why most video professionals don't actually have a lead generation problem - they have a lead nurturing problem. He breaks down practical ways to automate the "low-value activities" in your business so you can focus on the creative work that matters most. Key Takeaways Your leads need 7-8 touchpoints before they'll trust you enough to hire you - if you're not consistently staying in touch, you're leaving money on the table A simple monthly newsletter highlighting recent projects and how they solved client problems is the easiest way to nurture leads effectively Automating payment processes and follow-ups not only saves time but prevents thousands in unpaid invoices from slipping through the cracks Presenting a professional front through automated reminders and follow-ups makes clients feel like you have a full team, even if you're a solo operator About Carter Hogan Carter Hocan is the Co-founder and Owner of Vidlead, a video production company. With 10 years of experience as a videographer and producer, Carter gained recognition through his YouTube channel DevinSuperTramp.  He also spent five years with Fulltime Filmmaker Online Film School. Carter's expertise in creative storytelling and video production drives Vidlead’s mission to deliver innovative content solutions for businesses and creators alike. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the Show! [06:30] Meet Carter Hogan [11:24] VidLead [14:14] Lead Nurturing [17:59] Monthly Newsletter [22:30] Automated Messaging for Socials [30:54] VidLead Financial and Time Benefits [32:21] Invoicing [47:56] Outro Quotes "People ask me like, what's going to help me? And it's like, well, if you haven't signed up yet, one, you're going to save money because you're going to cancel at least three or four softwares... And then two, you're going to free up a lot of your time so that you can work on your business." - Carter Hogan "If you can automate the low value activities in your business and focus on the higher value activities, you're going to get a lot more bang for your buck. You're going to make a lot more money that way. Cause you're focusing on where your time really should be spent." - Carter Hogan "Even if I'm selling like a $50 broomstick on Amazon, I still have to hit like at least five or six touch points to have somebody trust me enough to buy my $50 broomstick. Now we're talking about thousands of dollars in video production." - Carter Hogan Guest Links Get your first Month free with VidLead Connect with Carter Hogan on LinkedIn Follow VidLead on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter Links Find out more about 10xFILMMAKER   Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes

Jason Raitz shares his journey from public speaker to communication coach and reveals how seemingly small changes in how we speak with (not at) people can dramatically impact trust, relationships, and revenue. Through powerful stories and practical advice, Jason shows how better communication isn't just nice to have - it's essential for business growth and client retention. Key Takeaways: Most leaders communicate out of fear, manipulation, or force for short-term results - but this approach eventually drives away team members and clients   Effective communication follows the 20/80 principle: be fully present (10%), ask exceptional questions (10%), and genuinely listen (80%)  Your listening skills and communication effectiveness could be costing you $80,000-$100,000 a year and 8 hours of productivity every week  When you speak "with" people rather than "at" them, you'll build trust that naturally generates referrals and increases revenue About Jason Raitz Jason Raitz is on a mission to help leaders speak with people, not at them. As President of Speak with People, he equips leaders with communication skills that build trust, foster loyalty, and drive growth.  Since 1996, Jason has spoken at over 700 events, reaching more than 200,000 people. He also hosts the Speak with People Podcast, inspiring Leaders to refine their communication and deepen relationships.  He and his wife have been married for 28 years and have 5 kids. They're huge advocates for adoption the rare disease community. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:22] Meet Jason Raitz [11:44] Being a Better Communicator [13:43] Words and Actions [23:06] Tips for Better Communication [28:04] Be A Story Collector [34:54] Why Communicate Better? [44:47] Connect with Jason [46:24] Outro Quotes "Real influence isn't demanded, it's earned one meaningful conversation at a time." - Jason Raitz "People will listen to you for a season if you communicate out of force. They will listen to you if you communicate out of fear, if you come down hard on them. But that only works for a short time." - Jason Raitz "When you speak with people, you speak from a place of health. You speak from a place of trust, joy and collaboration. Like you want to get the absolute best." - Jason Raitz "Healthy communication is oxygen for our relationships. And you just breathe life into people. The difference is astounding." - Jason Raitz Guest Links Free Communication Course Find Jason Raitz online Listen to the Speak With People podcast Follow Jason Raitz on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube Check out Ryan's resources (including his book, "Speak With People, Not At Them," releasing September 2025) Links Find out more about 10xFILMMAKER   Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes

Ryan Holck shares his journey from creative implementer to strategic partner, revealing how the right questions at the beginning of a project can completely transform both your client relationships and your bottom line. He breaks down exactly how to stop wasting time on prospects who aren't aligned with your value and start positioning yourself as more than just someone with a nice camera. Key Takeaways Asking "Who's the top person we're trying to reach and what's the next step you hope they'll take?" changes everything about how you approach video projects Bringing up budget expectations early saves everyone time - try saying "Projects like this typically run between $X and $Y" to quickly assess alignment Helping clients understand the value of what you're creating relative to their potential return makes price conversations much easier Good creative work isn't just about technical execution - it's about getting stories that connect emotionally and drive real results About Ryan Holck Ryan Holck is a speaker, author, marketer, and brand messaging strategist. As creator of the Distill Your Story framework, he guides brands to tell their story clearly so they are memorable and referable. He specializes in helping brands identify their unique story, simplify their messaging, and deliver it strategically both online and in person.  Ryan combines storytelling principles with marketing practices to help brands be memorable and referable. His work has spanned industries including: soloprenuers, family-run businesses, green energy, women’s health, food safety and state-wide nonprofits. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the Show! [05:18] Meet Ryan Holck [06:12] Focusing On Your Goal [12:03] Discussing Budget With a Client [24:18] Advantage of Creative Storytelling [26:47] Using Testimonials [29:54] Educating Your Clients [36:23] Different Types of Clients [42:02] Connect With Ryan [43:43] Outro Quotes "Great questions lead to great creative. If you could sit and think about what are two or three things that I could ask a potential client that would help me understand what they need, but would also help reveal to the client what truly is going to be the change moment in this project for them." - Ryan Holck "Do not be afraid of the creative process because you were made to be creative. And at the same moment, it is not everything you are, that your creativity is a piece of what you are and who you are, but it is not the entirety of it." - Ryan Holck "The game changer moment for me is when our discovery calls went from me just asking a lot of questions to helping a client understand what kind of client are they." - Ryan Koral Guest Links Find Ryan Holck online Grab your free website audit Follow Ryan Holck on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube Connect with Ryan Holck on LinkedIn Follow Distill Your Story on Instagram | Facebook Links Find out more about 10xFILMMAKER   Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes

Matt Church shares his revolutionary approach to building a fulfilling business centered around your unique expertise and preferences rather than chasing market opportunities. He explains why the "third choice" of running a practice (not just a job or business) creates more freedom, impact, and alignment with who you truly are. Key Takeaways You have three choices: get a job, start a business, or run a practice – and running a practice around what you know gives you more control and fulfillment Your differentiation comes from preference and selection, not trying to broadcast how special you are to everyone • Work from your essence, expertise, and experience to create something unique without the pressure of being completely different from everyone else The "vacation test" is brilliant: would you go on vacation with your clients? If not, they're probably not your ideal clients About Matt Church Matt Church is one of the world's leading strategic thinkers and speakers, known for helping people prepare for tomorrow by taking action today. As the founder of Thought Leaders™, he's dedicated to developing leaders who make a real difference. From his early days as Australian Fitness Leader of the Year to being inducted into the Professional Speaker Hall of Fame, Matt has consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible.  He's a bestselling author whose work has been published in 5 countries, and he's recognized as one of the top 21 most influential people in the speaking industry globally. When he's not helping clever people be commercially smart, you'll find him on Sydney's northern beaches restoring his 1962 trawler, Sweet Potato. In This Episode [00:00:00] Welcome to the show! [00:05:56] Meet Matt Church [00:06:39] Thought Leaders Practice Book [00:11:06] Experience and Technical Competency [00:14:43] Imposter Syndrome [00:16:59] Ways of Knowing [00:27:20] “Comparisonitis” [00:48:30] Being Yourself for Others [00:55:11] Scarcity Mindset [01:01:12] Connect with Matt [01:04:03] Outro Quotes "You do the world no service by playing it small. It's a form of false humility and it's not what you were born to do. It is a privilege to be self-expressed and it's a privilege to do so in service to others." - Matt Church "Action precedes confidence. It's much better to launch, to ship, to put yourself on the other side of a declaration and then figure it out. Because we can spend a lot of time on this side getting it right, going ta-da! And it falls flat on its face." - Matt Church "The times we've been most successful is when we've been the most focused – on the audience, the product, the offer, the goal. It's easier to market. It's easier to know where to network." - Ryan Koral Guest Links Find Matt Church online Download any of Matt Church's books (including The Thought Leaders Practice and NEXT) Thought Leaders Business School Be Less Shit On Camera (online program) momacrae.com (coming soon...) Follow Matt Church Instagram | Facebook Links Find out more about 10xFILMMAKER   Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes

In this reunion episode, Ryan catches up with his old friend Sean Stockman (Midlife Stockman), who went from editing wedding videos to building a YouTube channel with over 600,000 subscribers by simply filming property transformations with his phone. Sean shares his journey from corporate America to full-time content creator and how his passion for serving others has created real-world impact beyond the screen. Key Takeaways You don't need fancy equipment to start creating content that resonates - Sean began with just his phone, a tripod, and free editing software  Consistency and authenticity matter more than polish - viewers respond to genuine passion, not perfect production  When you focus on serving others first (in Sean's case, by cleaning up properties and helping neighbors), growth often follows naturally  Building a community around shared values (like "working hard and loving your neighbor") can create impact far beyond what you initially imagined About Sean Stockman Sean Stockman, known online as Midlife Stockman, is a passionate YouTuber who shares his life experiences, community involvement, and personal insights with his growing online community. Through his YouTube channel, along with his active presence on Instagram and Facebook, Sean has built a space where viewers can connect, share their thoughts, and engage with someone who genuinely cares about addressing the needs and concerns of others. With a unique focus on community engagement, Sean’s videos are a blend of personal stories and responses to the concerns of his viewers. Whether it’s meeting with people to address issues or simply offering a moment of reflection, his content remains down-to-earth and impactful. Although Sean once ran marathons, he hasn’t participated in one for about five years, yet his appreciation for his viewers and the support he’s received through his work continues to drive him forward. Humble and grateful for the opportunity to connect with his audience, Sean is deeply thankful for the positive impact his community has had on him. In This Episode [00:00:00] Welcome to the show! [00:03:58] Meet Sean Stockman [00:18:13] How Midlife Stockman Began [00:25:59] The Impact You Can Make [00:33:11] YouTube Channel Growth [00:39:43] Sean's Transition From Corporate [00:51:25] Battling Imposter Syndrome [01:00:38] Connect with Sean [01:02:05] Outro Quotes "I think my encouragement to anybody would be your passion will come through. There's ways you can hone your editing and make your sound better, but if you really love what you do and really believe in what you do, it's going to come through and people will see that and respond." - Sean Stockman "People are not going to respond more if your camera is crisper or if your sound is better. What I have found in my experience is people are responding to seeing a genuineness about me... I'm not trying to be someone I'm not." - Sean Stockman "Show up as you. Don't try to be a YouTuber that you follow. Be inspired by their consistency, their content, whatever. But show up as you because the world already has that person... They don't have your story, and your nuances, and your silly personality." - Ryan Koral Guest Links  Follow Sean Stockman on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube Links Find out more about 10xFILMMAKER   Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes

In this value-packed solo episode, Ryan dives into why focusing on one thing is the key to building a sustainable video business. He shares practical insights on breaking free from the feast-or-famine cycle and getting crystal clear on what you really want from your business. Key Takeaways Consistency in marketing wins - but you need to know what to be consistent with Pick 2-4 main goals instead of spreading yourself too thin across many objectives Focus on making one income stream overflow before adding new ones Get super clear on what "done" looks like for your goals  In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [01:04] Episode Intro [03:35] 10xFILMMAKER Workshop [05:06] Managing the Peaks and Valleys [06:42] Consistency in Your Marketing [09:10] Clear Business Goals [13:36] Entrepreneurial Operating System [16:51] Multiple Streams of Income [22:17] Outro Quotes "If you're not clear on what your goal is for your business, it's easy to get distracted because you're not on a path, you're not on a clear direction." - Ryan Koral "The times that we've been most successful is when we've been the most focused - on the audience, the product, the offer, the goal. It's easier to market. It's easier to know where to network. So many things become a lot easier when you're really, really focused." - Ryan Koral Links Find out more about 10xFILMMAKER   Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes

Cinematographer Vanessa Carr shares her journey from indie films to Netflix documentaries, revealing the techniques and mindset shifts that have helped her capture authentic, emotional stories. She opens up about working with high-profile clients like Prince Harry while staying true to the heart of documentary storytelling. Key Takeaways The power of silence in interviews - let those awkward moments hang and magic often follows Stop thinking about "B-roll" and start thinking about "world building" for more intentional visuals Building trust with subjects is crucial - be transparent about expectations and impact from day one Personal documentary projects can actually lead to better commercial opportunities About Vanessa Carr Vanessa Carr is a documentary cinematographer specializing in character-driven cinema vérité. Her long list of credits includes On Pointe (Disney+), Heart of Invictus (Netflix), which was one of Prince Harry's major series, and multiple HBO films. Her work has been on every major platform and screened in festivals including Sundance, SXSW, Tribeca, and TIFF. Vanessa has been a DOCNYC 40 Under 40 honoree, Points North Institute fellow, and instructor at Maine Media Workshops. She recently launched Doc House, a new learning community for documentary filmmakers – and teaches a hugely popular live course, the Documentary Cinematography Intensive. Vanessa holds a master’s degree in journalism from UC Berkeley.   In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [05:08] Meet Vanessa Carr [11:42] Why Doc Film is Meaningful [21:00] Learning From Challenging Projects [30:39] Shooting B-Roll [37:46] Interview Techniques [44:07] DocHouse [46:50] Connect with Vanessa [48:28] Outro Quotes "When I think about B-roll, I get bored... I've started thinking about it more as world building. So if you think about a novel where all of the details are kind of building the world of these characters..." - Vanessa Carr "There's almost a spiritual feeling that I have... especially when you're filming something that's really unfolding in sort of real time... there is such an intense presence that you have, because you have to be completely focused." - Vanessa Carr "I don't want to limit anybody's ability to just get started and create content online. This has completely changed my life, completely changed the trajectory of my career." - Vanessa Carr Guest Links Find Vanessa Carr online Follow DocHouse on Instagram Netflix documentary: "Daughters" Netflix series: "Heart of Invictus" Links Find out more about 10xFILMMAKER   Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes

Austin Armstrong, CEO of Syllaby, shares his journey from video marketing agency owner to AI software pioneer. In this value-packed episode, he breaks down how to leverage AI tools for content creation while maintaining authenticity, and reveals some surprising strategies for boosting engagement on social media. Key Takeaways  Different types of content serve different audiences - don't limit yourself to one format Repurposing and reposting content is not just okay - it's smart strategy The key to networking isn't pitching yourself - it's asking good questions Being entertaining and adding personality to your content drives better engagement About Austin Armstrong Austin Armstrong is a lifelong digital marketer, public speaker, 2X 7-figure entrepreneur, host of the podcast BusinessTok, and CEO of Syllaby, an AI startup that helps content creators create, schedule, and publish videos in minutes. Austin has posted over 4000 videos on TikTok, tripling his own business’s revenue and thousands more across his clients’ accounts. Austin has leveraged his success on TikTok to gain millions of followers across every social media platform. He loves sharing the strategies that have worked for him to empower you. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [06:43] Meet Austin Armstrong  [08:14] Syllaby  [25:16] Staying Top of Mind  [27:17] Content Marketing  [29:45] Repurposing Content  [36:42] Unusual Tips To Get Engagement  [40:52] Easter Eggs In Your Content  [47:09] Invest In Yourself  [49:57] AI Marketing World  [54:04] Connect With Austin  [55:09] Outro Quotes "The only person that sees every post that you put up is you, or your assistant that is posting on your behalf, that's literally the only person." - Austin Armstrong "Don't be afraid to pay for things that are going to level you up and continue to ask yourself in anything that you want to do, what's the best that could happen?" - Austin Armstrong "If you're creating content that's helpful, if you're not leveraging that and exhausting it in every way because the whole intent is to add value and to help people... get the heck out of the way and let it hit." - Ryan Koral Guest Links Find Austin Armstrong online Follow Austin Armstrong on Instagram | Facebook Syllaby.io AI Marketing World https://answersocrates.com/ OpusClip Links Find out more about 10xFILMMAKER   Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes