

Grow Your Video Business with Ryan Koral
Ryan Koral
🎬 The podcast for ambitious filmmakers who want to build a thriving business—without burning out.
Hosted by Ryan Koral, a 20+ year video production vet and coach, this weekly show is your behind-the-scenes pass to what actually works in the world of commercial video.
Every episode is packed with real talk, tactical strategies, and candid conversations to help you:
+ Book better clients (at better rates)
+ Build systems that don’t rely 100% on you
+ Charge what you're worth—with confidence
+ Create videos that make an impact and grow your bottom line
If you're ready to stop winging it and start running your business like a pro—you’re in the right place.
🎙️ New episodes drop every week.
đź”— Learn more at https://studiosherpas.com
Hosted by Ryan Koral, a 20+ year video production vet and coach, this weekly show is your behind-the-scenes pass to what actually works in the world of commercial video.
Every episode is packed with real talk, tactical strategies, and candid conversations to help you:
+ Book better clients (at better rates)
+ Build systems that don’t rely 100% on you
+ Charge what you're worth—with confidence
+ Create videos that make an impact and grow your bottom line
If you're ready to stop winging it and start running your business like a pro—you’re in the right place.
🎙️ New episodes drop every week.
đź”— Learn more at https://studiosherpas.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 25, 2024 • 47min
378. Growing a Wedding Film Empire with Jason McCutchen
This episode features Jason McCutchen, a seasoned wedding filmmaker, YouTuber, and podcaster. Jason shares insights on scaling a wedding film business, emphasizing the importance of efficient project management, creating a learning pathway for team members, and the significance of maintaining high standards across numerous projects. He discusses the transition from commercial to wedding filmmaking, strategies for training new talent, and the critical role of communication and structured tasks in team development. Key Takeaways Learn how to efficiently manage multiple projects while maintaining high-quality standards. Discover strategies for training and developing a diverse team of filmmakers at various skill levels. Understand the importance of clear communication and structured tasks in ensuring team success and business scalability. About Jason McCutchen Jason McCutchen is a wedding filmmaker, YouTuber at Wedding Film School, and podcaster who has grown multiple brands to over 200 weddings a year grossing over 7 figures. Jason's passion for systems and team building have created a sustainable model of excellence and sustainability for his studio and he is passionate about helping artists get out of their own way and make more money while still making work they are proud of. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:23] Meet Jason McCutchen [09:41] Secrets for scaling [12:48] Be willing to adjust [13:33] Project management [19:29] Practical improvement [28:33] Master training to scale well [42:00] Demystify your creativity [44:12] Connect with guest [45:29} Outro Quotes "Creating wins for your team is the number one job of a boss." "We run our wedding film business like a marketing company, with hard deadlines and accountability." "Every aesthetic is reproducible if you understand it as a pattern of your sensibilities." "Don’t limit yourself with preconceived notions. Be creative not just with your camera but with your business." Guest Links Find Jason McCutchen online Follow New England Wedding Films on Instagram Follow Huxley Film on Instagram Follow The Wedding Film School Show on Instagram | YouTube Listen to The Wedding Film School Show podcast 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

Mar 18, 2024 • 25min
377. AI Revolution in Video Production: Navigating the Future
In this thought-provoking solo episode, Ryan Koral delves into the transformative effects of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the video production world. From personal anecdotes to industry-wide implications, Ryan explores how AI technologies like ChatGPT and Sora are reshaping content creation, from writing emails to generating photorealistic images and videos. He contemplates the future role of video professionals in an AI-dominated landscape, emphasizing the importance of strategy, storytelling, and human touch in maintaining relevance and adding value for clients. Key Takeaways Insights into how AI is revolutionizing the content creation process, offering both opportunities and challenges for video professionals. The critical importance of evolving from being just a "tripod" to a strategist and storyteller in the age of AI. Strategies for leveraging AI to enhance efficiency and creativity, while focusing on unique human skills that AI cannot replicate. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [01:09] AI and filmmaking [02:37] Larger implications of AI [07:43] Don’t become obsolete [11:28] Leveraging AI for your business [16:35] Planning for the future [21:06] Outro Quotes "ChatGPT has become more than just a tool; it's like a companion for brainstorming and refining ideas." "Tyler Perry's reaction to Sora highlights the urgent need for video professionals to reassess their value proposition." "Being a strategist and guide for our clients is becoming increasingly crucial as AI takes on more production tasks." "The potential of AI in video production forces us to rethink how we add value beyond technical skills." Links Sora from OpenAI Midjourney "Tyler Perry Puts $800M Studio Expansion on Hold," Hollywood Reporter Get your hands on this Video Blueprint sample to see exactly what a client's paying us $2500 for. 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

Mar 11, 2024 • 32min
376. Discipline Meets Strategy: Behind the Scenes Coaching Call with Frank Farrell
Episode 376 Overview In this insightful episode of "Grow Your Video Business," Ryan Koral dives deep into the importance of having discipline in both personal and professional life, drawing parallels from his own experiences in high school football to the video production business. He emphasizes the significance of having a vision, a plan, and how these elements fuel discipline, leading to success. The episode also explores the impact of strategic growth through effective client attraction strategies, sharing firsthand experiences of securing projects by establishing genuine connections and showcasing expertise. Key Takeaways Discover the foundational role of discipline in achieving success and how to cultivate it in your business. Learn how having a clear vision and plan can streamline your path to growth and prosperity in video production. Gain insights into attracting clients by leveraging genuine connections, showcasing expertise, and providing unparalleled value. About Frank Farrell Frank Farrell stumbled into the world of video production as a child when he discovered old film equipment in his attic. Ignoring his father's warnings, he delved into filmmaking, showcasing his creativity early on by producing short 8mm films. Recognized for his ingenuity in grade school, he quickly mastered the latest technology, leading him to establish Custom Video Productions in 1978 during his junior year of high school. His journey continued through college, where he secured a summer internship and later became the go-to video expert for major corporations like Bell Laboratories, AT&T, and Lucent Technologies, showcasing his enduring passion and dedication to sharing his creative vision. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [03:33] Developing discipline [11:10] Attracting clients [13:31] Successful client communication [19:43] Ensuring profitability [26:18] Learning from others [31:36] Outro Quotes “My journey from high school football to running a successful video production business taught me the invaluable role of discipline." "Without a vision or a plan, it's nearly impossible to maintain discipline and achieve success." "Our most unique client engagements and how we attracted them through genuine connections and showcasing our expertise." "The significance of strategic planning in video business growth and client satisfaction." Guest Links Find Frank Farrell online Follow Frank Farrell on Facebook | YouTube Connect with Frank Farrell on LinkedIn 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

Mar 4, 2024 • 42min
375. Breaking Boundaries through Directing, Dreaming, and Doing with Roxana Baldovin
This episode features an insightful conversation with Roxana Baldovin, a multi-talented writer, director, and actress known for her vibrant and creative work in the music video industry, including the acclaimed video for Doja Cat's "Tia Tamara." Roxana shares her journey, from the challenges of navigating the industry and breaking out of being pigeonholed, to her personal projects and vision for the future. She offers valuable advice for aspiring directors and creators, emphasizing the importance of confidence, persistence, and seizing opportunities. Key Takeaways Navigating Industry Challenges: Listeners will learn strategies for avoiding pigeonholing and making strategic career moves. Creative Process Insights: Gain insights into Roxana's approach to directing and storytelling, including the importance of editing and post-production. Pursuing Your Passion: Be inspired to chase your dreams with confidence, leveraging every opportunity to advance your career. About Roxana Baldovin Roxana, señora directora, is a spiritual visionary director who has garnered close to one billion views from her videos featuring stars such as Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, Saweetie, Doja Cat, and G-Eazy—to name a few. Her psychedelic-inspired artistic taste can be seen in her video “Tia Tamera,” which Pitchfork named in the top 20 videos of 2019. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [03:13] Meet Roxana Baldovin [06:52] Balancing passion and profit [10:05] Giving yourself room to grow [13:06] The Music Video Myth [21:25] Juggling multiple projects [26:16] What is your dream? [28:57] Focus on what you want to do [30:54] The power of your network [39:19] Connect with Roxana [40:29] Outro Quotes "The main bulk of directing actually comes down to writing... that's where the magic happens." "Finding a good editor can transform your time and creative process." "Even at the biggest scale, we're all trying to claw our way out of being pigeonholed." "I used to be super proud of it... My personal style and taste has changed." "It's very bright and very saturated... that kind of dictated the type of work I did afterwards." Guest Links Find Roxana Baldovin online Follow Roxana Baldovin on Instagram | TikTok Hollywood Fringe Links FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" 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

Feb 26, 2024 • 48min
374. Elevate Your Pricing Model: with Bri Seeley
In this enlightening episode, Ryan is joined by entrepreneur coach Bri Seeley to discuss the critical shift from time-based to value-based work for videographers and business owners. They explore the importance of recognizing the true value of one's work, moving beyond hourly rates, and the impact of this approach on business growth and personal freedom. This episode is a must-listen for those seeking to transform their business mindset and practices. Key Takeaways Learn how to transition from time-based billing to value-based pricing to maximize your business potential. Understand the importance of recognizing and charging for the true value of your work. Discover strategies for enhancing business growth and personal freedom by shifting your pricing model. About Bri Seeley TEDx Speaker and award winning entrepreneur Bri Seeley is The Entrepreneur Coach. She works with ambitious entrepreneurs to evolve the business they have into the freedom-based business they dream of. You know it’s time to work with Bri when you have gone as far as you can with what you know, and it’s time to bring in an expert with 17-years of experience who can take you further than you currently imagine. You may have seen her winning awards for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2023 and Business Coach of the Year in 2020 or on any number of press outlets such as Good Morning America, The TODAY Show, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Women’s Health and more. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [03:17] Meet Bri Seeley [07:13] The right mindset for running a business - healthily [19:56] Stop trading time for money [25:52] Breaking out of the cycle [29:49] Working in vs on your business [33:52] Value based pricing [38:38] Communicating your value [44:26] Connect with Bri [45:16] Choosing a different perspective [46:46] Outro Quotes "Exploring the shift from hourly rates to value-based pricing with entrepreneur coach Bri Seeley." "Bri Seeley shares insights on why your time is worth more than you think." "Understanding the real impact of your work: A new perspective on business pricing." "Learn how to calculate the true value of your services and charge accordingly." "Embrace the mindset change that can lead to greater business success and personal freedom." Guest Links Free Training for Entrepreneurs: The Reset Follow Bri Seeley on Instagram | Facebook Links Download the PDF resource guide to Unlock the Power of AI 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

Feb 19, 2024 • 47min
373. Revolutionizing Your Online Presence: Social Media Strategies with Katie Brinkley
In this episode, Ryan talks with social media expert Katie Brinkley about effective strategies for using social media to grow your video business. Katie shares insights on the importance of intentional content creation, the value of community building, and the benefits of diversifying content types to align with various platforms and audience preferences. Key Takeaways Discover how intentional content creation can significantly boost your social media presence. Learn the importance of community building and how it can reduce the need for frequent posting. Understand the value of diversifying content types to cater to different platform algorithms and audience preferences. About Katie Brinkey Katie Brinkley has been leveraging social media to grow audiences and income for over 19 years. Since the time of MySpace, she's helped her clients build a strategy to attract the right followers and generate consistent inbound leads in as little as an hour a week. From building corporate-level growth strategies for AT&T and DirecTV to implementing done-for-you social media for entrepreneurs, tech startups, and consultants, Katie has been at the forefront of the changes in how buyers engage on social media. Utilizing her platform-agnostic strategies, Katie's clients have been able to see bottom-line results at every stage of the sales process. Katie's history of radio journalism mixed with her social aptitude allows her to bring a unique insight and leverage her client stories to the forefront of their social strategy. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [03:22] Meet Katie Brinkley [04:15] The Social Shift [09:43] Knowing your audience [17:39] Getting started [25:52] Building the audience that you want [31:29] Take back your time [34:38] The 4 post strategy [43:52] Connect with Katie [45:00] Outro Quotes "Social media wasn't intended for overwhelming content creation. Being more intentional with our time and content leads to building a stronger community around our businesses and brands.” "Consistency is key. Whether you post every day or four times a week, success comes from showing up.” "This is an excellent opportunity to share your story, client testimonials, and showcase some of your best work. Tailor your messaging based on who your audience is.” "It's crucial to create content in the way that the platform and your audience prefer. Not everyone consumes only video content, so diversifying your content type is essential.” Guest Links Follow Katie Brinkley on Instagram | Facebook The Social Shift, by Katie Brinkley Links FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" 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

5 snips
Feb 12, 2024 • 41min
372. Personal Branding Secrets for Videographers with Christine Gritmon
Christine Gritmon, personal branding expert, shares tips on utilizing personal branding for videographers. Topics include staying true to oneself, creating desired markets, and starting the branding journey. Emphasis on authenticity, consistency, and attracting ideal clients through genuine self-representation.

Feb 5, 2024 • 58min
371. Leveraging Branding for Long-Term Success with David Masters
In this insightful episode, Ryan chats with David Masters about the transformative power of effective branding in video business. They delve into the importance of authenticity, building a legacy through branding, and the impact of strategic positioning. Whether you're a solo videographer or run a full-scale production company, this episode offers invaluable insights into elevating your business through thoughtful branding. Key Takeaways Discover the profound impact of authentic branding on your video business. Learn how to align your brand with your evolving business goals and values. Gain insights on the importance of strategic positioning and relationship-building in the video industry. About David Masters Davis is a fine artist, designer, and creative strategist with a passion for building brands that step up and stand out. He’s worked in the world of professional design for 16 years and has partnered with both national and international clients to build brands, product lines, and more. He is a visionary, big-picture type of creative, constantly exploring new creative outlets. He also has a passion for inspiring and mentoring the next generation and enjoys teaching Art and Design at the Collegiate level. When he’s not creating, he will most likely be found throwing a football or building Lego with their son, playing guitar and dancing with our daughters, or working outside cultivating our garden, fruit trees, and bamboo oasis. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [06:53] Meet David Masters [11:15] Why brand matters [18:57] Your personal brand [26:55] Using video in your brand [28:29] Your target audience [33:55] The value gap [43:31] Create your market [49:42] Where to start [56:10] Connect with David [57:30] Outro Quotes "Branding is not just about visuals; it’s about the promise and emotional connection of your business." "Understanding your brand can change everything – from your client interactions to your business strategy." "The journey of rebranding involves humility, open-mindedness, and a willingness to evolve." "Effective branding goes beyond the surface, impacting every aspect of your business, including client perception and service quality." "Authenticity in branding can create lasting relationships and open up new business opportunities." Guest Links Download the Remarkable Brand Audit Workbook Follow David Masters Group on Instagram Connect with David Masters on LinkedIn Connect with Masters Design on LinkedIn Links FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" Check out the Store (including the Budget Maximizer 2.0) Fill out the form to Subscribe to the Studio Sherpas Community 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 page

Jan 29, 2024 • 18min
370. Ryan Koral Unplugged: A Candid Look at 20 Years in Video Business
In this introspective solo episode, Ryan Koral shares his personal journey and the lessons learned in almost 20 years of running a video production business. He discusses the importance of reflection, setting goals, and the power of focusing on the 'gains' rather than the 'gaps' in personal and professional life. Key Takeaways Discover the importance of intentional reflection and learning from past experiences to grow your video business. Understand the power of setting clear, ambitious goals and focusing on achievements to drive business success. Learn how to balance personal and professional growth in the ever-evolving landscape of video production. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [01:23] Planning and vision for 2024 [07:12] The Gap and The Gain [10:30] The Roadmap for Optimism [11:12] Why are we doing this? [12:07] Celebrate your progress [14:36] Setting goals [16:33] Outro Quotes "Last year, I absorbed three books that really impacted me. 'The Gap and The Gain' was particularly powerful for me. I made some very proactive decisions about my health, both physical and mental, that have been really beneficial.” "I believe 10x is easier than 2x. I'm setting my goals and priorities for 2024, focusing on what I'm really wired to do and cutting out the rest.” "2024 is not waiting for me. It's important to find time away from day-to-day work to reflect and plan.” "What if you took some time for a brain dump? Think about what consumes your time, what impacts your revenue, and what brings you joy.” “At the end of the day, I reflect on the three best moments, whether personal or professional. This practice of recognizing daily achievements is really helping me.”​ Links FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" 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

Jan 22, 2024 • 44min
369. Learn How to Pivot Careers and Thrive in a New Industry with Steve Govel
Join us in an exciting episode where Steve Govel shares his remarkable journey from New Jersey to Sydney, and how he founded Rising Tide Film. Discover the challenges and triumphs of changing careers, finding a niche, and turning a passion for the ocean into a successful business. Steve's story is a testament to the power of adaptability, vision, and passion in entrepreneurship. Key Takeaways Learn how to pivot careers and thrive in a new industry. Discover the power of niche specialization in video production. Gain insights into leveraging personal passions for professional success. About Steve Govel Steve Govel owns Rising Tide Film, a content production business based in Sydney that creates story-driven films and photographs for marine businesses. Steve started his career as a wedding and portrait photographer in New Jersey and now spends his days on the water, telling stories for boat brands and cleaning his gear from saltwater daily. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:14] Meet Steve Govel [07:07] Learn while you earn [14:00] Caring about client success [19:09] Niching [21:37] Starting a podcast [37:59] Aligning with others [39:52] Connect with Steve [42:13] Outro Quotes "I always search for something I love - that led me to Rising Tide Film." - Steve Govel "The marine industry was a perfect blend of my passion and profession." - Steve "Embracing change and adapting to new environments was key to my success." - Steve "It's about finding the right people and business that align with your vision." - Steve Guest Links Find Steve Govel online Follow Rising Tide on Instagram | YouTube | TikTok Links FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" 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