About Ryan Spanger

I’m the founder of Dream Engine, a video production company I started in Melbourne, Australia in 2002.

Over the past two decades, I’ve built a video production company that has produced work for organisations including BMW, IBM, AIA Insurance, government departments, universities, and industry associations across Australia.

Along the way, I discovered something. Most video production business owners don’t struggle because they aren’t talented enough. They struggle because nobody teaches them how to run a business.

The industry is full of skilled filmmakers, editors, cinematographers, and storytellers. Yet many of them find themselves working long hours, relying on referrals, worrying about where the next job will come from, and carrying the weight of the business entirely on their own shoulders.

I’ve experienced many of those challenges myself. In the early days of my business, I had periods where work was inconsistent. I’ve made hiring mistakes. I’ve undercharged. I’ve taken on difficult clients. I’ve learned lessons the hard way.

Over time, I developed systems and approaches that helped me build a more profitable, stable, and enjoyable business. Today, alongside running Dream Engine, I help other video production business owners do the same.

Business Coaching for Video Production Companies

My coaching is designed specifically for owners of video production companies. My advice comes from direct experience running a production company over a long period of time. I continue to operate Dream Engine today and apply the same principles within my own business.

Areas I commonly help clients with include:

  • Attracting more corporate, government, and enterprise clients

  • Creating effective sales and marketing systems

  • Improving pricing and profitability

  • Hiring, leading, and delegating to a team

  • Generating a more reliable flow of enquiries

  • Developing systems that reduce owner dependency

  • Making the transition from operator to business owner

My coaching is offered on a month-to-month basis, and pricing is published openly on this website.

The20 Mastermind

I also run The20, a mastermind group for video production business owners. The idea comes from the 80/20 Rule.

In every industry, a relatively small percentage of business owners achieve a disproportionate share of the results. They are often willing to make decisions, have conversations, and take actions that others avoid.

The20 is designed for owners around the world who want to build stronger businesses while learning alongside a community of other ambitious video production company owners.

The Business of Video Production Podcast

I host The Business of Video Production podcast. The show is dedicated to helping video production business owners improve the commercial side of their business.

Topics include sales, marketing, pricing, client acquisition, leadership, delegation, profitability, productivity, and personal development. The podcast combines practical business lessons with reflections from my own experience running a production company.

My Approach

After more than twenty years in business, I’ve found that most growth comes from consistently applying a small number of fundamental principles.

Knowing who you serve. Creating offers people want. Learning how to sell. Delivering excellent work. Building systems. Developing the courage to have difficult conversations and make important decisions.

Much of my coaching focuses on helping business owners simplify rather than complicate. The goal is not to build the biggest company possible. The goal is to build a business that is profitable, sustainable, and rewarding to run.

What Clients Say

“Since starting coaching with Ryan, I’ve had the biggest month in my whole life. I did $150k in revenue, so I’m super happy.”

Joyce Ong, Founder, New Heights Media

“It’s scary investing in yourself, for sure. But I’ve seen a one-and-a-half to double increase in my monthly revenue… which is huge.”

Nic Mongillo, Video Business Owner

Get Started

If you’re a video production business owner looking to attract better clients, improve profitability, and build a stronger business, I’d be happy to help.

You can learn more about my coaching programs, explore The20 Mastermind, or listen to the podcast to see whether my approach resonates with you.