McKenzie Creative

07/13/2025

Most interview prep starts in the wrong place. People brainstorm a list of generic questions — then hope for magic in the edit.

But real storytelling starts with intention.

Before I step on set, I work backwards from the story we’re trying to tell. I outline the emotional arc, the key message, and the turning points — then I design interview questions to draw out those moments organically.
That’s how you avoid surface-level answers and create interviews that feel alive, authentic, and aligned with your message.

If you want help crafting better interviews, I created a free PDF with best practices from 20+ years of directing. Comment “PDF” or DM me and I’ll send it your way.

07/09/2025

“Great interviews don’t happen by accident...”

I’ve spent over 20 years directing interviews for nonprofits, B2Bs, and creative agencies — and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:

It’s not about the gear.
It’s not about a perfect script.
It’s about making people feel safe, seen, and heard in front of the camera.

I just finished putting together a 14-page guide for producers, creatives, and marketers who want to get more from their interviews — more honesty, more connection, more real human moments.

It’s called The Conversational Interview, and I’m sharing it for free.

DM me “INTERVIEW” and I’ll send it your way.

If you’re involved in story-driven video work — this will help.

07/08/2025

🎥 Want better on-camera interviews?
Not stiff. Not robotic. Just real conversations that connect.
I just put together a free 14-page guide for agency producers, creatives, and marketers who want interviews that actually feel human.
It’s called:
👉 The Conversational Interview
Packed with the tips and techniques I’ve used over 20+ years directing interviews for nonprofits, B2Bs, and brand videos.
✅ How to prep like a pro
✅ Tricks to help people open up
✅ The #1 thing clients get wrong when choosing who to interview
✅ What to say before you hit record
📩 DM me “INTERVIEW” and I’ll send you the free guide.
Let’s make interviews better — and more real.

07/07/2025

Over 10 years ago, I filmed and directed a piece that meant a lot to me at the time. For years, I’ve wanted to go back and re-edit it — not because I was unhappy with the original, but because I knew I could make it stronger with the experience I’ve gained since then.

This month, I finally took the time to do it.

What a difference a decade makes — in storytelling, pacing, sound, even emotional impact. I’m proud of how far I’ve come as a filmmaker, and this project reminded me why I love what I do.

Have you ever revisited something from your past and seen it in a whole new light?

06/06/2025

Telling the Story of American Industry

For years, I’ve had the opportunity to film inside some of the most impressive manufacturing, construction, and farming operations in the country — capturing the people, the process, and the precision that drive these industries forward.
I’ve traveled coast to coast producing award-winning content for companies like:
- Komatsu USA
- FiberMax
- Ryerson
- SB Specialty Metals
- AmTab

Whether it’s showcasing advanced manufacturing, precision farming, or heavy construction — my goal is always the same: Make complex work visually compelling and help companies tell their story.

If your company needs video content for:
- Sales & marketing
- Recruiting
- Trade shows & events
- Brand storytelling
…I’d love to help.

Take a look at the reel below 👇

06/03/2025

Leadership is built in the reps no one sees.

I thought I knew hard work. I’ve been lifting since I was 13 — free weights, heavy weights. Pushing my limits for decades. But the other day, a simple red resistance band taught me something new. 1 minute of pulsing reps — arms locked like you’re in handcuffs — 5 sets. No big deal, right? Wrong. It lit me up.

The lesson hit me afterward:
- Growth doesn’t always come from the heavy lifts.
- It’s often the small, uncomfortable reps that test you the most.
- Leadership is the same way — the quiet disciplines, the tough conversations, the daily habits no one sees.

The uncomfortable work builds the strongest foundation — in the gym, in business, in life.

Thanks for the pain education Matt!

05/27/2025

There’s a difference between making content—and telling a story that actually matters.

I’m Jim McKenzie, and I help brands, agencies, and nonprofits turn their ideas into high-impact video content.

Not just pretty footage. But strategic, story-driven pieces that spark emotion, build connection, and drive action—whether that’s filling a room, funding a cause, or sealing a deal.

✅ Commercial spots
✅ Social reels
✅ Micro-documentaries
✅ Pitch deck videos
✅ Event recaps
✅ Testimonials with punch

If your team needs a creative partner who can jump in, figure it out fast, and deliver something that makes people care—let’s talk.

👉 www.mckenziecreative.net

(And if you’ve worked with me before, I’d love it if you dropped a comment or shared this post!)

05/26/2025

🎥 Quick Video Packages for June (Limited Spots)
If you’re an agency, small business owner, or nonprofit leader looking to tell your story — I’ve got a few discounted video packages open this June.

✅ 1 shoot
✅ 1 brand video
✅ 2 reels
✅ 7-day turnaround

DM me or visit mckenziecreative.net —
I’d love to help bring your story to life.

Jim

05/26/2025

04/04/2025

01/13/2025

As both a visual artist and a martial artist, I find it incredibly rewarding to combine my two passions. One of my students, Karla, stands out in a class where 95% of the participants are men. She consistently puts in the hard work and embraces the tough training sessions I challenge my students with. I’m especially inspired by the authenticity my students bring to their journey, and I love capturing that raw dedication and individuality in my creative work. While everyone trains for their own unique reasons, we all come together with a shared commitment: to put in the work and grow together.

08/22/2024