The Business of Video Production
Welcome to the Podcast
Episode Summary
My Journey and Motivation
I started my video production company, Dream Engine, because of my passion for filmmaking. But in the early years, I didn’t fully realise its business potential. Like many entrepreneurs, I faced challenges, self-doubt, and moments where I questioned whether I should continue. Over time, I refined a system that allowed me to consistently produce high-quality work, build long-lasting client relationships, and grow my business.
The Turning Point: Mentorship and Personal Growth
About ten years ago, I started working with a business coach, and this was a game-changer for me. My coach introduced me to new ways of thinking and challenged me to let go of limiting beliefs. At first, it was uncomfortable: I had to unlearn old habits and embrace new methods. But once I did, my business began to grow in ways I hadn’t imagined.
Some of the most valuable lessons I learned during this period included:
Mastering my craft – Becoming excellent at filmmaking to stand out.
Understanding client needs – Realising that my assumptions didn’t always align with what clients valued most.
Personal development – Overcoming internal barriers that were holding me back.
Marketing and sales – Learning strategies that aligned with my values and helped me grow my business authentically.
Leadership – Developing the skills to build and lead a successful team.
Commitment to Excellence
I’ve never been interested in the “lifestyle business” approach that promotes working less and living a carefree life. Instead, I’ve focused on excellence: building a fulfilling, sustainable, and impactful business.
For me, the key to long-term success has been:
Building a business I love – Instead of trying to escape work, I’ve created a business that challenges and excites me.
Commitment to mastery – Striving for excellence in both filmmaking and business, rather than just chasing money.
Consistent improvement – Small daily efforts that compound into big results over time.
The Three Key Steps to Success
Over the years, I’ve identified three essential steps for building a successful video production business:
Commit to standing out – To succeed in a competitive industry, I’ve had to refine my work to the point where potential clients immediately recognise its value.
Be consistent in effort – Success isn’t an overnight event; it’s the result of daily actions that make success inevitable. I follow the 1% rule in my business, where small, consistent improvements lead to significant long-term gains.
Focus on what matters most – The 80/20 rule (Pareto Principle) has been critical. I focus on the 20% of activities—filmmaking, marketing, sales, client relations, and internal systems that drive 80% of my results.
Why Being in the Top 20% Matters
I firmly believe that if you’re not aiming to be in the top 20% of video production companies, you might as well not be in the business. Competing on price alone is a race to the bottom. Instead, I focus on providing top-tier quality and service to set my business apart.
Some key ways I’ve done this include:
Ongoing learning and skill acquisition – I constantly refine my filmmaking and business skills, knowing that success isn’t about luck but a commitment to growth.
Delivering a premium client experience – I ensure that every interaction, from initial inquiries to project delivery, reflects professionalism and quality.
The Path to Mastery and Extreme Ownership
One of the biggest mindset shifts I made was embracing extreme ownership: taking full responsibility for my business's successes and failures. I stopped blaming external factors and started focusing on what I could control. This approach helped me drive my business forward.
I also learned the importance of separating personal desires from business needs. Making strategic decisions that benefit the long-term health of my company has been key to sustained growth.
Authenticity in Sales
A major breakthrough for me was learning how to sell without feeling pushy or manipulative. I used to struggle with sales, but I eventually discovered that it’s not about “convincing” people. It’s about helping clients solve problems and providing real value. This shift made sales feel natural and authentic.
Believing in a Bigger Future
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that your future can be bigger than your past. Maintaining this mindset fuels the long-term commitment needed to build a thriving business.
Final Thoughts
In this episode, I’ve shared the core principles that have shaped my video production business. My journey has taught me that success comes from commitment, consistency, skill-building, and focusing on the right priorities.
I encourage you to take ownership of your business, embrace mastery, and commit to continuous improvement. If you’re ready to build a video production company that thrives, I invite you to join me on this journey.
To learn more about me and my approach, and how I help video production business owners grow, visit RyanSpanger.com/coaching.