Creatives Grab Coffee

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Creatives Grab Coffee

Creatives Grab Coffee is a podcast on the Business of Video Production. Hosted by Dario Nouri and Kyrill Lazarov from Lapse Productions.

02/12/2026

Vetting Freelancers Remotely

From Episode 112 ft. Andrei Tone from .films

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Created by

02/06/2026

Going from Docs to Corporate Video

From Episode 111 ft. Noam Shalev from

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02/03/2026

Maintaining Contact w/ Your Clients

From Episode 110 ft. Chris Stasiuk from

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Created by

01/20/2026

Increasing Prices with Current Clients

From Episode 92 featuring Grant Jamison from Lift Video Production

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Created by

01/15/2026

Balancing Quality & Pricing

From Episode 106 ft. Daniel Calleja from

businesspodcast

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01/13/2026

Maintaining Momentum in 2026

From Episode 110 ft. Chris Stasiuk from

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01/05/2026

B2B Inbound Marketing

From Episode 108 ft. Amr Khani from AK Films

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10/28/2025

#103 Balancing Creativity, Business & AI (ft. Mi Media Production)

In this episode of , we sit down with Manuel Izquierdo, founder of , a Miami-based video production company specializing in corporate and commercial work.

We unpack the evolution of small production companies — from solo freelancers to fully fledged creative studios — and dive deep into how modern filmmakers are balancing business growth, creative integrity, and emerging AI tools in their workflow.

Topics Covered:
00:00 – Intro & on-set culture
08:00 – The evolution of video businesses
16:00 – Freelance to founder: building Mi Media Production
22:00 – Balancing business and creativity
39:00 – How AI is changing storyboarding & pre-production
46:00 – The Miami production market
56:00 – Future of corporate & commercial video

Key Takeaways:
• Why steady growth builds character, not ego
• How to manage creative standards while scaling operations
• Practical AI tools for storyboarding, previs, and voiceovers
• The shift toward localized production support networks
• Navigating today’s changing corporate video landscape

🎥 Guest:
Manuel Izquierdo – Founder, Mi Media Production
📍 Based in Miami, Florida

🎧 Hosts:
Dario Nouri & Kyrill Lazarov — Lapse Productions, Toronto

08/15/2024

EPISODE 68: Navigating the Video Production Landscape (ft. Leveler Media)

Full Episode:
https://youtu.be/ljPAOqrs6tY?si=jX-6gATjUAxdzjOs

In the latest episode of , we sit down with Patrick Blake from , a Philadelphia-based video production company known for its innovative approach and successful projects. Patrick shares his journey from freelancing in product photography to co-founding Leveler Media and navigating the evolving landscape of video production. With insights on industry shifts, the challenges of maintaining client relationships, and the nuances of running a creative business, this episode is packed with valuable lessons for both aspiring and seasoned video production professionals. Tune in to hear Patrick’s story and gain a deeper understanding of the business side of creativity.

TAKEAWAYS
🎥 The accessibility of video production has increased, leading to more one-man bands and freelancers in the industry.
🎥Clients often want to pay less for content, which can lead to challenges in delivering high-quality work within limited budgets.
🎥Building long-term relationships with clients is valuable, but it’s important to be aware of the potential for turnover and budget changes.
🎥Understanding departmental budgets within organizations can help identify clients with the resources to support larger projects.
🎥And more!

08/08/2024

EPISODE 67: Lessons in Leadership & Creativity (ft. )

Watch here:
https://youtu.be/M1oudwETdJ0?si=GQt98OyjOUqdQyHO

Craig Bass, from Motion Source in Chicago, shares his journey in the video production industry and the decision to focus on corporate, commercial, and nonprofit projects. He discusses the challenges of growing a business and the importance of finding the right balance between growth and personal ambitions.

TAKEAWAYS:
➡ Finding the right balance between growth and personal ambitions is crucial for the success of a business.
➡ Working with nonprofits can be fulfilling as it allows for a measurable impact on people’s lives.
➡ Respecting and compensating freelancers fairly is important for maintaining good working relationships.
➡ The video production industry is becoming more competitive, and there is a race to the bottom in terms of pricing.
➡ The challenges of finding motivated employees and creating a sense of ownership within the company.
➡ The decision to focus on corporate, commercial, and nonprofit projects depends on personal fulfillment and the impact on quality of life. Juggling the roles of a creative filmmaker and a business owner can be challenging, but having a supportive team can make it more manageable.
➡ It’s important for filmmakers to continue cultivating their passion and finding ways to make their projects happen, even if it means starting small or working on passion projects alongside client work.
➡ The healthcare system can be a challenge in different countries, and there is a need for better access to healthcare for everyone.
➡ Finding a balance between work and personal life is crucial for overall well-being and happiness.
➡ Money should not be a barrier to pursuing one’s passion, and filmmakers should explore creative ways to make their projects happen.

Address

Toronto, ON

Website

https://www.lapseproductions.com/creatives-grab-coffee/

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