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Follow Jason and Hwanjoe from Tenfold Production as they give listeners a behind-the-scenes insight into the commercial production industry. From technical skills to business and branding, find out what exactly it takes to be a creative in today's filmmaking industry.
44 Episodes
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Send us a text You don’t need film school to become a director. In this episode, we break down a practical path to directing—built on specialization, real-world practice, and repeatable systems. Learn how to move from videographer to director, build a reel that attracts real brands, lead sets without touching the camera, and develop the five core skills that accelerate your career. What you’ll learn: How to specialize your lane so clients know exactly why to hire you Five core skills: commun...
Send us a text Scale isn’t a gear problem—it’s a communication problem. In this episode, we break down how poor communication silently caps your revenue: weak briefs, wearing every hat, unclear hand-offs, and misaligned client expectations. You’ll hear a candid story about an Olympics project that derailed due to trust and pre-production gaps—and the exact fixes that turned things around. What you’ll learn: The real reason filmmakers struggle to scale (and how to diagnose it fast) How late o...
Send us a text Stuck taking $500 gigs, working nights and weekends, and wondering why your rates never move? This episode breaks down the $500 death spiral: how vague scopes, weak boundaries, and panic-yes decisions trap filmmakers in burnout and the exact system to climb out. We cover the retainer trap, why portfolio mismatch keeps you underpaid, and a practical exit plan: diagnose your goals/energy/time, replace pitches with proof (spec + BTS + distribution), repackage your offer, set minim...
Send us a text The fastest way to raise your rates and stop burning out isn’t more gear—it’s mastering client intake and scoping. In this episode, we show how diagnostic questioning turns vague inquiries into clear deliverables, timelines, usage rights, and approvals so you can price with confidence, avoid scope creep, and protect your margin. You’ll see our exact intake flow, red flags to watch for, how to frame budget vs. deliverables, and simple email scripts that turn “Can you do a video?...
Send us a text Traditional networking won’t get you out of low-paying cycles. In this episode, we show why most filmmakers are trapped in an “invisible feedback loop” (you post the work you don’t want and attract more of it) and what to do instead: build proof. We break down how to pivot with spec work, then use a simple marketing trifecta—BTS, targeted content, and intentional distribution—to create demand, stay top of mind, and land the right clients. Proof beats potential, and posting with...
Send us a text In this episode, We lay out a practical playbook for repositioning your brand from the ground up. We cover portfolio pruning, niche positioning, website and bio upgrades, pricing signals, and a repeatable content plan that attracts higher-value briefs. If you’re stuck between generalist gigs and the work you actually want to be known for, this is your roadmap to stand out, raise rates, and build a brand that compounds. Perfect for directors, DPs, and small studios ready to rela...
Send us a text The filmmaking landscape is shifting fast. In this episode, we break down what’s changing between now and 2026—and exactly how to position yourself so you’re not left behind. We cover why generalists are getting squeezed, how to choose a profitable niche, and the step-by-step plan to update your bio, portfolio, and offer so the right clients find you. If you’re serious about landing better clients and bigger budgets in 2025–2026, this episode gives you the playbook to specializ...
Send us a text Most filmmakers think a producer is “nice to have.” In reality, a great producer is the operating system of your production — protecting budgets, aligning clients, and freeing creatives to do their best work. In this episode, we break down exactly what producers do, when to bring one in, and how a 10–15% producer fee can save you thousands by preventing scope creep, schedule slips, and costly reshoots. We map the producing stack (EP, Producer, PM, AD, PAs), share real before/af...
Send us a text Most creatives undercharge because they don’t ask the right questions. In this episode, we break down the exact client intake process we use before taking on any job — including the 4 questions that helped us raise our rates, avoid burnout, and finally separate portfolio work from profitable work. Whether you're a freelance filmmaker, agency owner, or content creator, this system will help you qualify clients faster, protect your time, and price with confidence. Get the Pre-...
Send us a text Running your video business solo might feel like the smartest way to keep more profit… but it’s actually the fastest way to stall your growth — and stay broke. In this episode, we share how trying to do everything ourselves on a $25K project led to burnout, delays, and lost opportunities. You’ll learn why refusing to delegate is costing you money, and how to start building the right team so you can scale without sacrificing quality. We break down the five stages of growth for f...
Send us a text We poured everything into this spec project — time, money, reputation — and nearly lost it all. In this episode, we break down the critical mistakes that almost derailed our biggest production to date, and how we salvaged it just in time. Whether you're a filmmaker, content creator, or just curious about what it really takes to pull off a high-stakes spec project, this episode is packed with hard-earned lessons and behind-the-scenes insights. Get the Pre-Production Playbook ...
Send us a text In this episode of Unfold, we dive deep into the real lessons learned from building a successful video production company from the ground up. Over the past four years, we’ve scaled Tenfold Productions to work with top-tier brands, land six-figure projects, and create a career we genuinely love. But it wasn’t easy—it took years of trial, error, and strategic growth. Get the Pre-Production Playbook that stops chaotic shoots forever → http://thepreproductionplaybook.com/ Our F...
Send us a text In this episode of the Unfold Podcast, the founders of Tenfold share the real story behind building their video production company from scratch. From early struggles, hard lessons, and managing partnerships to learning the business side of filmmaking, we dive deep into what it truly takes to succeed in the production world today. If you’ve ever wondered whether starting a video production company is the right move for you, this conversation is your roadmap. Get the Pre-Produ...
Send us a text In this episode, we break down the 10 essential lessons every filmmaker needs to scale from small $2,500 projects to six-figure commercial campaigns. Drawing from years of hands-on experience, we share the strategies, mindset shifts, and business skills that helped us land $100K+ productions. From mastering spec work, building systems, and reverse engineering success, to positioning yourself as a specialist and understanding pricing and scope, this episode is packed with action...
Send us a text Commercial cinematographer Zachary Guy breaks down the real reason clients hire DPs—and it’s not just the pretty pictures. From spec work to soft skills, Zach shares how he built a sustainable career by mastering the business side of cinematography, developing his reputation, and creating work that reflects the projects he wants to be hired for. If you're a creative looking to turn your passion into consistent paid work, this episode is a must-watch. Get the Pre-Production P...
Send us a text Get the Pre-Production Playbook that stops chaotic shoots forever → http://thepreproductionplaybook.com/ Our FREE Filmmaking Production Resources here: https://setmemory.store/collections/free Follow Us! Tenfold Production YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPlS5lNyqTiAsfJC6jrvtnw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tenfoldproduction/ Tenfold Filmmaker YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvGUKb57q6Nvx37QHvQd5Qg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/te...
Send us a text Want to become a working cinematographer but don’t have the perfect gear or clients? In this episode, Zachary Guy shares how he built a career by creating strategic spec work, focusing on story over equipment, and mastering fundamentals. Learn how to design impactful shots, develop a reel that gets noticed, and build a network that opens real opportunities. Get the Pre-Production Playbook that stops chaotic shoots forever → http://thepreproductionplaybook.com/ Our FRE...
Send us a text Why do some cinematographers earn thousands per day — and how do they actually justify those rates? In this episode, we break down the real business behind filmmaking: how creatives learn to price their work, negotiate with confidence, and communicate value to clients. From getting paid for the first time to landing high-end commercial gigs, this conversation is essential for any filmmaker ready to level up and get paid what they’re worth. Get the Pre-Production Playbook tha...
Send us a text Struggling with pre-production on a micro-budget shoot? In this Q&A episode, cinematographer Zachary Guy breaks down how to handle clients, what pre-production steps matter most, and how to build a small but effective crew. Whether you're a solo creator or building your video business, you'll learn how to present yourself professionally, align with clients, and elevate production value—no matter the budget. Ideal for filmmakers, DPs, and creative entrepreneurs looking to im...
Send us a text What’s the difference between a videographer and a true cinematographer? In this episode, Zachary Guy breaks down the mindset shift, intentionality, and process that separates run-and-gun shooters from professional DPs. Learn how pre-production, lens choice, lighting, and storytelling can transform your work — even on corporate gigs. Perfect for aspiring cinematographers, freelance videographers, and filmmakers ready to level up. Get the Pre-Production Playbook that stops ch...
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