​Put me anywhere, and I’ll find the story. That’s the skill that comes with decades of filming content. But sometimes, even as a non-wrestling fan, I get pulled into a conversation that’s just great storytelling.
Recently, I had the chance to film a podcast with legendary WWE referee Mike Chioda, interviewed by my frequent collaborator and wrestling journalist Ben Veal. Set against the stunning London skyline, the conversation was electric—diving into iconic matches, the politics of the sport, and the seismic shift of wrestling onto Netflix.
From behind the lens, I could hear the chime of a great sentence, the camaraderie, and the humor that makes for unforgettable content. Visually, we pushed the setup to the limit—the Lumix cameras exposing for the highlights against floor-to-ceiling windows, while I juggled the C-cams, a two-shot, and some verité-style gimbal work with the DJI Pocket 1. Not ideal for high dynamic range, but perfect for capturing the raw energy of the moment.
A deep, raspy voice. A room filled with passion for the craft. And the magic of storytelling, whether you’re in the ring or behind the camera.
🎥 Another great one in the books.
hashtag#Wrestling hashtag#Podcast hashtag#Filmmaking hashtag#Storytelling hashtag#WWE hashtag#MikeChioda hashtag#London

Here's a snippet.

For the whole video checkout Bens Wrestling channel
https://lnkd.in/g324H4HE

🎥 The Vibrant World of Social Media Content: A Filmmaker's Playground 🌟

Alongside my work on high-profile events and major productions, I've been diving deep into the dynamic realm of social media content – and wow, what an exhilarating journey! These smaller-scale projects are anything but limiting. They're a creative playground where every brief, sometimes just a single line, becomes an opportunity for innovative storytelling.

From capturing the essence of a gallery exhibition for a leading portrait artist to filming the latest fashion lines at a country store, and even showcasing a breathtaking ring for a talented jeweller – each project is a unique canvas for creativity.

My versatility is my strength. Whether I'm wearing the hat of a video editor, cameraman, producer, copywriter, sound designer, or photographer, my core mission remains the same: creating moving pictures that truly move audiences.

These micro-productions are more than just assignments. They're opportunities to:
- Experiment with cutting-edge technology
- Push creative boundaries in editing
- Build meaningful connections through one-to-one client interactions
- Continuously learn and grow as a filmmaker

💡Whether you're looking to create impactful social media content or planning a large-scale production, let's connect and discuss how we can bring your vision to life! 

Drop me a message, and let's create something extraordinary together. 🚀

#VideoProduction #SocialMediaContent #Creativestorytelling #Filmmaking

Earlier this month, February 2024 I had the pleasure of producing content for the UK SkillCourt Team. SkillCourt is an incredible fitness training system which utilises lidar and laser technology to create interactive, cognitive and physical games for a wide range of users. Check it out (after you have read this post ; ) skillcourt.training/uk/

Tasked to film several hours of presentation in both the morning and afternoon, audience interaction, gameplay and reaction, I decided to bring in fellow filmmaker Seb Pecchia to build out my team. In fast paced, one off scenarios with multiple cameras, there's no place or time to compromise. You have to get the coverage and you absolutely must have great audio. On my own, this could and probably would have been a struggle. 

SkillCourt is used by many fitness clubs, leading sports teams and special forces units and as such the beautiful software provides tailored gamification and focus to improve both cognition, reaction time and physical health. It helps teams come together, better.

With my array of Lumix full frame and DJI specialty cameras, all shooting 10 bit video, we comprehensively covered the event showing off this incredible technology. The full frame 6k Lumix cameras providing huge flexibility and options in the edit. Working around the audience and presenters, the small DJI Pocket 3, gimbal camera got many shots. Being light and portable, it can get very high, or low shots quickly and safely. It may sound like a cliche but the Pocket 3 is a game changer for social media production.

Together then, the extra pair of hands, the DJI Pocket 3 and the fantastic SkillCourt system all provided huge value to this production.
For every event, take one for the Team.
​

I've been making videos for 23 years and in that time no other client or project has required me to be more committed than YouTube.
Obviously, being both sides of the camera is a challenge in itself, but more than just making the content, making a channel successful requires a multitude of other skills. Do I even have these skills?

I'll be the first to admit that I'm a creative first and business person second, so really looking at YouTube as a business, at those who have succeeded on the platform and figuring out why, has been a real eye opener. My friend and client Jeven Dovey has been a great source of knowledge and inspiration, his channel is only 5K short of a million. The other champion for me is Ed Lawrence, who has really helped me focus on more than just making the video - but making thumbnails and correctly implementing AdSense advertising. I'm no graphic designer, but I can put things together graphically, so I have listened in to Ed Lawrences advice and used my game.

I'm not where I want to be in YouTube, yet. Whilst my channel is monetised, I need to commit more time and ultimately make more content, regularly. Only then, will it become a bonafide revenue stream. I'm going to make this happen, so I'm cranking things up a notch and I'm proud to have just released a video that shares my experience, core skills and knowledge to help others make content too.

I'm very proud of my YouTube channel - The Filmmakers Workshop and what you see is this version of me, the me that is fit for purpose, fit for YouTube.
I'm ready to analyse my progress and listen to those who have succeeded. If I need to change things up to make the channel succeed, I will, so, cheers! here's to a fresh start

Last year started off like Gangbusters! The first half of the year was epic, then suddenly about September it all went quiet. The sprint was over, and with 6 months left of the year, I was not going to give up on 2022 being a good one, financially speaking. The journey is long and to pace myself I was lucky enough to further develop my relationship with award winning PR legend, Ben Veal. Ben was ready to embark on something new - a personal project.

Together we developed Bens idea for a podcast series Good Journeys. In the podcasts Ben interviews inspiring people and uncovers the spirit and drive that compels them to be creative, self aware and generous individuals.

At the post production helm, I have edited and worked with Ben to develop the look and feel of the series, which has amassed 19 episodes since September 2022. As well as providing Ben with as much knowledge and kit to create a better looking and sounding podcast, I have edited the hour or so podcasts and social media clips to smooth out the content whilst retaining the humanity of the discussion.

The interviewees have varied backgrounds, from fiction writers, ex Pro wrestlers to specialists in ADHD, wellbeing and life coaches. I edit and I learn. The journey is long and you need to learn every day, well, I do.

Recently, Ben has won awards for his PR work which includes the podcast, which in its own right is now up for an award. Good Journeys is about to enter its third season, once I edit episode 20 and develop further with sponsorships and more short form content.
Please do follow the links and have a watch or listen for yourselves. Contact Ben if you would like to know more or get involved.
​

Multiple revenue streams are important for freelancers and independent video producers.
You never know when a client will suddenly drop that a job is cancelled, or postponed.
It may of course not even get to that. Things may just go quiet, work dries up and despite calls around, new showreel and marketing binge on social media you can end up with  nothing. It's a worst case scenario.

Personally,  I have always been pretty lucky; as a director, camera op and editor, I can turn my hand to multiple positions, however there's always the odd time when you stop and remind yourself you should use any free time to make your own luck. Luck of course being in the form of making your own content. For several years I have worked with the BlackBox Global platform to sell my stock footage and curate footage for others. It's ok, I've sold video clips and music tracks (on Pond5), but it's not enough money, so no time to sleep, I've gone on to cultivate other revenue streams.
​
For many years I have produced content for my filmmaking YouTube channel The Filmmakers Workshop.  It has opened up some great opportunities to work with and interview some great filmmakers, including directors Drew Casson, David L G Hughes, cinematographers Philip Bloom, Trevelyan Oliver and Tom Swindell as well as Hollywood DOP Shane Hurlbut, This channel has been a great marketing tool and helped me get paid work. Today, the channel is monetised and I'm looking to open it up for sponsorship opportunities. Like lots of things it's a WIP. It is also not the only kind of channel....

Recently, I've wanted to expand my offering and utilise my own footage and stock assets to create some relaxing videos to help people find a chill vibe, study or work to, or even sleep. Using some free content from Pexels.com as well as my own B roll and music from artlist.io I have set sail on this journey and am distributing it on my alternative label Hatchlightmedia. Why @hatchlightmedia? Well, let's just say for many years my office was in the loft. When the hatchlight was on, I was up there making money.
​

The Blackmagic Pocket 4K is currently the Worlds most affordable and popular cinema camera. In a fast paced, developing cinema camera market, the Pocket 4K has had a valuable 18 month head start on any competition, however at its price point and the overall value of the bundle its shipped with,  it's unlikely the Pocket 4K  will ever be eclipsed. Yes, ever.
Bundled for $1295 with Davinvci Resolve 16 Studio, an all in one editing, compositing, sound mixing and color grading package with a $299 standalone price tag, the specification of the Pocket 4K is unrivalled for a camera under $1000. It's unlikely, that any other camera will be released at this price point with these specs along with a professional video creation app.

What is so amazing about the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K?

Being a video professional and accounting for the subject matter it makes sense to use my developed skillset to answer this question fully. However, I'll whet your whistles with my Top 10 list of professional features that are packed in to this small, yet incredibly powerful cinema camera.

1. Industry standard video quality - 10 bit ProRes codecs and Blackmagic raw in 12 bit
2. Adaptable Micro Four Thirds lens mount
3. Shoot 4K video at up to 60 frames per second
4. 13 stops of dynamic range, capturing all the detail of high contrast scenes
5. Records internally and externally to solid state drives for instant editing
6. The camera is regularly improved with firmware updates
7. The form factor is small and lightweight
8. Professional features, like guides, focus assist, false colour and punch in to focus
​9. Professional XLR audio connections and good  pre amps
10. Intuitive and easy to use menu system

Keeping the mood light, yet insightful, and with a passion born out of experience, do check out  my video review below which I produced for my channel The Filmmakers Workshop.