The Business of Video Production - podcast cover

The Business of Video Production

Ryan Spangerwww.ryanspanger.com
Strategy, marketing, sales, delivery and mindset for videographers. 'The Business of Video Production' podcast by Ryan Spanger shares his lessons from over 20 years of running a successful video production company. Through the series we'll explore topics important to a production company owner such as how to: Identify and reach the right prospects. Achieve a consistent flow of work (no more feast or famine). Charge what you’re worth – with confidence. Step back from shouldering all the responsibility for production so you can focus on building your business. https://www.ryanspanger.com
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

How to Stop Getting Taken Advantage Of

This episode is about something that happens all too often in the video production industry. It starts with a friendly email. Maybe the client says they love your work, but there’s no budget right now. Or they ask for a few creative ideas “just to get started.” Or they tell you it’s a really simple job and ask you to drop your rate. These are red flags. And if you keep saying yes to them, you’re not just giving away your time. You’re teaching people how to treat you. In this episode, I talk abou...

Jun 26, 20253 minSeason 100Ep. 8

Words of Advice for Hitchhikers

This episode is a little different. It’s the story of how I found my way into filmmaking. And how, for a long time, I wasn’t sure I ever would. It’s about false starts, forgotten scripts, strange jobs, and a three-day rainstorm in a New Zealand forest. It’s about the long, winding road to doing work that matters. And the moments that almost stopped me. If you’ve ever felt stuck, off track, or unsure of where you’re headed… this might speak to you. Thanks for listening, and for coming on the jour...

Jun 23, 202529 minSeason 3Ep. 64

To Know and Not to Do Is Not to Know

You probably already know what you need to do in your video business. But you’re not doing it. Why? In this episode, I explore one of the biggest barriers to progress in a production company: the gap between knowing and doing. Because to know, and not to do… is not to know. It’s not a knowledge problem. It’s an implementation problem. You don’t need more information. You need more action. In this episode, I reflect on the nature of resistance, and challenge you to stop sitting on tasks that matt...

Jun 19, 20253 minSeason 100Ep. 6

Personal Transformation - The Iron Man Model: Pillar 5

You’ve got the tools. The systems. The strategy. So why does it still feel like something’s missing? In this episode, we explore Pillar 5 of the Iron Man Model : Personal Transformation: the inner work that powers everything else in your video business. Because no amount of automation, delegation or AI will help if you're still stuck in old habits, limiting beliefs, or fear of discomfort. We’ll talk about: Why your business reflects who you are The identity shifts required to grow Why discomfort...

Jun 16, 202527 minSeason 2Ep. 63

Marketing Without the Magic Tricks - BVP Shortcuts 5

Ever feel like marketing has become one big magic trick? In this episode, we talk about a surprisingly effective, and often overlooked, approach to business: telling the truth. No fake scarcity. No “only two spots left.” Just clear, honest communication that actually builds trust instead of eroding it. It might not sound flashy, but it works. And it might just make your life (and business) a whole lot easier.

Jun 12, 20255 minSeason 100Ep. 5

Automation - The Iron Man Model: Pillar 4

In this episode of The Business of Video Production, I continue breaking down The Iron Man Model. This is my framework for building a lean, efficient, and future-ready video production business. Today, we’re diving into Pillar 4: Automation. If you’re ambitious and want to grow your business without burning out, automation can help you save time, reduce stress, and stay consistent. It’s not about being a tech nerd or loving gadgets. It’s about using simple tools to get better results. In this ep...

Jun 09, 202520 min

Enter the Conversation Already Going On in Their Mind - BVP Short Cuts 4

What if your next great client didn’t need to be convinced? What if they came to you already wanting to work with you? In this Shortcuts episode, I share the story of a recent video project we produced for a global tech company. But more importantly, I unpack how the job came about and what it revealed about the sales process. The client was already half sold before we even spoke. They’d seen the work, read the reviews, and sensed we were the right fit. The conversation felt more like planning t...

Jun 05, 20254 min

Smart Delegation - The Iron Man Model: Pillar 3

In this episode: Smart Delegation Philosophy : Embrace unconventional thinking to thrive in changing times. Hyper-specialised outsourcing : Smart delegation isn't about cost-cutting but leveraging world-class expertise to elevate your business. Fractional Experts : Discover the power of bringing in fractional roles like CFOs, CMOs, and systems experts to transform your business without bloating your team. Tony Stark's Transformation : How Iron Man moved beyond doing everything himself, learning ...

Jun 02, 202529 min

Get Weird - BVP Short Cuts 3

What if the smartest move in your business right now is to stop doing what makes sense? This episode picks up where the last one left off: the conversation on Innovation. But we’re taking it somewhere deeper. Stranger. More personal. It starts with a random moment from my past. A memory that came out of nowhere but suddenly made everything clearer. A reminder that the real breakthroughs often come from doing the thing no one else is doing. Trusting the idea that feels weird but somehow right. If...

May 29, 20254 minSeason 100Ep. 3

Innovation - The Iron Man Model: Pillar 2

What if the biggest threat to your video production business was also your greatest opportunity? In this episode, we explore the second pillar of the Iron Man Model: Innovation. But not the Silicon Valley version. We're talking about grounded, practical shifts in how you work. Changes that make your business more agile, efficient, and enjoyable. You’ll hear stories of what happens when people cling to the old way of doing things, and the surprising rewards that come from letting go of outdated d...

May 26, 202530 minSeason 3Ep. 60

The 10 Year Frame - BVP Shortcuts 2

Some of my most rewarding client relationships started with jobs so small, I almost said no. In this Shortcuts episode, I share the story of how those simple beginnings led to years of ongoing collaboration and trust. And I introduce a mindset that helped make it possible. I call it the 10 Year Frame. It's a way of approaching early-stage clients that can completely shift how you think about sales, service, and retention. In this episode: Why long-term relationships often begin in unexpected way...

May 22, 20256 min

AI – The Iron Man Model: Pillar 1

Most people are either hyping AI to sell you something, or warning that it’s about to end your career. But what if there’s a more grounded, useful way to think about it? In this episode, I introduce the first pillar of the Iron Man Model for video production business owners: AI. Not as a gimmick. Not as a threat. But as a powerful tool that, when used wisely, can make your business leaner, faster, and more profitable. We’ll talk about how to use AI to travel light, increase your creative output,...

May 19, 202524 minSeason 3Ep. 59

The Kid with the Gimbal (and what he can teach us) - BVP Short Cuts 1

Welcome to the very first Short Cuts episode. These quick, focused sessions will drop at the end of each week to leave you with one big idea to reflect on, question, or put into action. This week, I want to talk about a story that comes up often in the video production industry. You’ve probably heard it. You might have even told it yourself. But what if that story is holding you back more than you realise? What if the thing you see as a threat is actually something else entirely? In this short e...

May 15, 20255 minSeason 100Ep. 1

The Iron Man Model: How to Build a Lean, Profitable, and Future-Proof Video Production Business

Most superheroes were born with powers or had them thrust upon them. But Iron Man? He built his own. In this episode of The Business of Video Production Podcast, I explore why Tony Stark is the perfect metaphor for video production business owners. You don’t need to wait to be chosen or build a big team to succeed. You can create your own 'suit' by using systems, tools, AI, and innovation to amplify your power, stay lean, and create more freedom. I break down what I call the Iron Man Model, incl...

May 12, 202520 minSeason 3Ep. 58

Rerun: Unlock Your Ambition and Hunger

Before you master the tactics and strategies of building a thriving video production business, there's something deeper you need to look at: your relationship with ambition. In this episode, I explore why ambition is one of the most misunderstood and underused forces for creative business owners. Many of us were taught to tone it down, play small, or not reach too high. Over time, those messages can create an inner resistance to going after what we truly want. But here's the thing. You can't bui...

May 05, 202518 minSeason 2Ep. 56

Rerun: Sales for Non-Salesy Video Producers

While I'm taking a short 4-week break from releasing new episodes, I am bringing back some listener favourites. Today’s rerun is a powerful one: Sales for Non-Salesy Video Producers . In this episode, I share how "non-salesy" video producers, the ones who do not feel like natural salespeople, can actually become some of the most effective and trusted at selling their services. You will hear about: Why being authentic is your biggest sales advantage How to build a sales process that feels natural...

Apr 28, 202521 minSeason 1Ep. 55

Rerun: The Perfect Business Model for a Video Production Company

After 25 years in the industry, I’ve refined a video production business model that is profitable, sustainable, and aligned with how I want to live and work. In this episode, I break it down so you can consider whether parts of it might work for you too. We cover: Why I prefer working directly with businesses instead of through agencies The types of video services I offer and why I don’t niche too narrowly My sweet spot when it comes to project budgets The ideal team structure for agility and pr...

Apr 21, 202531 minSeason 2Ep. 54

Rerun: How to Write Better Proposals

When you hear the words Video Production Proposal , do you feel excited… or overwhelmed? If you’re in the corporate B2B space, writing effective proposals is a crucial part of winning work. But many video producers treat them as an afterthought or necessary evil. In this episode, I’ll show you how to turn your proposals into powerful sales tools that impress prospects and help you land high-value projects. We’ll cover: Why proposals matter (and why skipping them can cost you work) The difference...

Apr 14, 202539 minSeason 2Ep. 53

One Year of Podcasting: Lessons Learned from the Journey

It’s been one year since this podcast launched—and this episode is both a reflection and a celebration. In Episode 52, I’m sharing the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the past 12 months of creating The Business of Video Production podcast. If you're a regular listener, this will give you some behind-the-scenes insight into my process. And if you run a video production business, these lessons will likely resonate with your journey too. I’ll talk about: The courage to begin—and the magic that ha...

Apr 07, 202524 minSeason 2Ep. 52

Transform Your Video Business in 90 Days (Part 2)

In this episode of The Business of Video Production podcast, I walk you step-by-step through the 90-day transformation process that I’ll be guiding a small group of video business owners through—starting next week. Whether you join the group or take the solo route, this episode is packed with practical, actionable strategies to help you create real momentum in your business. We cover: Why non-negotiable commitment beats goal-setting A simple sales prospecting method you can start today How to ge...

Mar 31, 202526 minSeason 1Ep. 51

Transform Your Video Business in 90 Days

What if the next 90 days could completely change the trajectory of your business? In this episode, we build on last week’s conversation about the shifting landscape of the video production industry. AI, outsourcing, client expectations—it’s all evolving fast. And the truth is, just being good at your craft isn’t enough anymore. So what do you do in the face of all this change? You need more than hope. You need a plan. And in this episode, I share mine. This is about how to respond with clarity i...

Mar 24, 202517 minSeason 2Ep. 50

All Bets Are Off : The New Rules of Video Production

Things feel a bit crazy right now. It’s like we’ve entered a new era where all bets are off —but we don’t fully know the rules yet. In this episode, I’m delivering a wake-up call for video production business owners. The industry is shifting fast—AI, outsourcing, in-housing, and new business expectations are changing the game. Some videographers are still saying, “So far, so good…” —but the landing is coming. 🚨 In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ Why AI is disrupting video production—faster than y...

Mar 17, 202524 minSeason 2Ep. 49

How to Keep Clients Coming Back: The Power of a Good Retention System

One of the most important—and most overlooked—aspects of running a video production company is client retention. You’ve already put in the hard work to win a client, deliver great results, and build a strong relationship—so why let that connection fade? In this episode, we dive into the simple yet powerful systems that ensure your clients stick around for longer and keep coming back for more. You'll learn how to build a structured relationship management process, why staying in touch is the most...

Mar 10, 202521 minSeason 2Ep. 48

Part 2: The 20 Habits of Highly Effective Video Business Owners

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your video business, wondering what separates top producers from the rest, this episode is for you. In Part 2 of this series, we’re diving into 10 more powerful habits that can transform your approach to business, creativity, and success. These aren’t just theories—they’re the patterns I’ve observed in the most successful video business owners and the ones I lean on when I’m at my best. You’ll learn: 🎯 The mindset shift that helps video producers break through plate...

Mar 03, 202520 minSeason 2Ep. 47

The 20 habits of Highly Effective Video Business Owners (Part 1)

In today’s episode, we break down 10 foundational habits that separate consistently successful video producers from the rest. If you’re ready to stop relying on chance and start building a business that thrives on smart, consistent habits, let’s get into it. 🚀 Inside this episode:👉 The secret to driving your own leads—and why it’s a game changer 👉 How daily actions, even the small ones, can compound to create big wins 👉 The importance of a service mentality in today’s competitive market 👉 B...

Feb 24, 202525 minSeason 2Ep. 46

The Profit Formula for Video Production Businesses

A lot of video producers think getting more leads is the key to growing their business. But if you’re not converting those leads into clients—or maximizing the value of your projects—you might be spinning your wheels without seeing real profit growth. In this episode, we break down The Profit Formula, a powerful framework used by top business coaches like Brad Sugars and Jay Abraham. You’ll learn how small improvements in key areas can have a compounding impact on your revenue and profitability....

Feb 17, 202511 minSeason 2Ep. 45

How to Coach Yourself

Whether you realise it or not, you're always being coached—by someone else or by yourself. Coaching is the key to unlocking higher performance, overcoming blind spots, and pushing beyond your limits. But what if you don’t have a coach? How do you guide yourself to success, stay accountable, and consistently improve? In this episode of The Business of Video Production Podcast, we break down the art of self-coaching. You’ll learn: ✔ How to remove negative judgment and build a strong inner dialogue...

Feb 10, 202521 minSeason 2Ep. 44

The Truth About Video Production Pricing (And What to Do Instead)

Pricing is one of the biggest challenges for video production business owners. How do you know what to charge? Should you raise your rates? What’s the ‘going rate’ for a video? In this episode of The Business of Video Production Podcast , I break down the right way—and the wrong way—to approach pricing. Many video producers rely on social media forums or blanket advice from ‘experts’ to determine their rates, but this approach is flawed. Instead, pricing should be based on value—both tangible an...

Feb 03, 202524 minSeason 2Ep. 43

Sales for Non-Salesy Video Producers

If you're not a natural salesperson, if you dislike high-pressure sales tactics, and if the idea of "closing the deal" makes you uncomfortable, this episode is for you. In this episode of The Business of Video Production Podcast, I break down how videographers and video producers can sell authentically—without tricks, hacks, or pushy techniques. I share my journey from struggling with sales to developing a natural, effective approach that feels right. You'll learn: Why being a "non-salesy" perso...

Jan 27, 202521 minSeason 2Ep. 42

How to Build Your Video Production Brand

One of the biggest missed opportunities for video production business owners? Branding. Many production companies underestimate its power, assume it doesn’t apply to them, or lack the time and resources to do it right. But when you do invest in building a strong brand, everything changes: ✅ You connect with the right prospects effortlessly ✅ You differentiate yourself from competitors ✅ You build authority and command higher rates In this episode, I break down: 🔹 Why branding isn’t just for big...

Jan 20, 202521 minSeason 2Ep. 41
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android