The filmmaking world is changing fast, budgets are tighter, crews are smaller, and adaptability has never mattered more. As a commercial cinematographer and YouTuber, Keaton Nye shares how staying booked in today’s market comes down to mindset, problem-solving, and understanding the business behind the craft. Alongside host Marshal Chupa, they break down the habits, strategies, and client relationships that keep filmmakers thriving when the industry shifts beneath them.

🎙️ Episode Sponsor: Lorne Lapham Sales & Rentals

⚡️ 20% Off Rentals at Lorne Lapham - ⁠⁠llsr.com/shotlist⁠⁠ 

🗂️ Get your copy of The Contact Sheet - A Simple Client Tracking System for Filmmakers & Photographers - shotlist.substack.com/p/the-contact-sheet 

Key Topics Discussed

• The difference between skill and mindset, and why problem solvers stay booked

• Navigating shrinking budgets and crew sizes while maintaining production quality

• Balancing projects “one for the meal, one for the reel”

• Building trust, simplifying business for clients, and thinking like a business owner

• How to think like both an artist and a business owner to build a sustainable long-term career

Episode Highlights

00:25 – Why Problem Solvers Stay BookedReliability, curiosity, and initiative create more opportunity than technical skill alone.

00:27 – Adapting to a Changing IndustrySmaller crews and tighter budgets are reshaping production work and what clients expect.

00:36 – Craft Meets CommerceThinking in terms of ROI helps bridge the gap between artistry and business.

00:42 – One for the Meal, One for the ReelBalancing creative fulfillment with financial sustainability without burning out.

00:46 – The Money GapUnderstanding what separates lower-paid shooters from high-value professionals.

00:54 – Make Business Easy for ClientsClear communication and simple pricing structures lead to repeat bookings and trust.

00:57 – The Power of RelationshipsHigh-value work comes from genuine relationships, not cold outreach.

01:02 – Staying Top of MindPractical ideas for building outreach systems and keeping your network engaged.

🔗 CONNECT WITH KEATON NYE

📸 Instagram | @keatonnye

▶️ Youtube | www.youtube.com/keatonnye

🖥️ Website | ⁠www.keatonnye.com

🔗 CONNECT WITH MARSHAL

📸 Instagram | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@marshalchupa⁠⁠

💻 Website  | ⁠www.marshalchupa.com⁠⁠

🔗 LinkedIn | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Marshal Chupa on LinkedIn⁠⁠

🟠 Substack | ⁠⁠Substack Article⁠⁠

🎙 ABOUT THE PODCAST

This podcast is all about helping emerging cinematographers, photographers, and directors navigate the challenges of making a life and a living behind the lens. From workflow to personal growth, creative vision to marketing, finances to production—every episode is packed with a wide range of topics to support visual storytellers in their pursuit of building a business and growing a career they are proud of.

🎧 LISTEN

🟢| ⁠⁠Spotify ⁠⁠

🟣| ⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠

🖥️| ⁠⁠shotlistpodcast.com⁠⁠ 

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📱GET IN TOUCH

You can also drop me a DM instagram @marshalchupa or email marshal@marshalchupa.com