SHOTLIST

Creative producer and coach Chris Whitten joins Marshal Chupa to share a refreshing approach to outreach, networking, and relationship building that feels authentic instead of salesy. After years working inside agencies, production companies, and global brands, Chris explains what decision makers actually look for when hiring filmmakers and why most outreach fails before it even begins.

Want Industry Resources & Tools Straight into your Inbox? Join the 🟠 SHOTLIST Substack

Key Topics Discussed
• Why most cold outreach emails fail before anyone even looks at your portfolio
• The five principles for building genuine relationships that lead to work
• How agency producers actually discover and hire photographers and filmmakers
• Why curiosity creates stronger connections than pitching yourself
• Practical CRM systems and AI tools that simplify relationship management
• Building resilience through mindset, consistency, and personal health
• Why relationships continue to outperform algorithms in the creative industry
If you're a filmmaker, photographer, or creative entrepreneur looking to build a stronger network and create more opportunities, this episode offers practical strategies you can start using immediately.

Episode Highlights
17:26 – Building authentic relationships Chris explains why genuine curiosity and asking thoughtful questions creates stronger industry relationships than leading with your portfolio.
29:43 – The five outreach principles Breaking down his framework for outreach: See them before you sell them, Lead with perspective, Offer collaboration, Invite don't ask, and Stay present without pushing.
49:17 – Systems that keep opportunities alive How LinkedIn, scheduled content, CRMs, and AI tools help filmmakers consistently nurture relationships without feeling overwhelmed.
59:53 – Finding the right decision makers Chris explains who actually hires photographers and filmmakers inside agencies, and how to use LinkedIn strategically to build connections.
1:04:47 – Building resilience as a creative Why fitness, mindset, and daily habits directly impact confidence, consistency, and long term success in the film industry.
1:17:14 – Overcoming self doubt Chris shares practical advice for filmmakers who feel stuck, discouraged, or believe cold outreach simply doesn't work.
1:20:36 – Where to start today A practical roadmap for creatives looking to improve their outreach, systems, finances, and long term career growth.

CONNECT WITH CHRIS
📰 Newsletter | Get the goods in you inbox
🖥️ Coaching | CWP Coaching
📧 PDF | The Five Stages of Cold Outreach Guide
🔗 LinkedIn | Christopher Whitten 

CONNECT WITH MARSHAL
📸 Instagram |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠@marshalchupa⁠⁠
💻 Website |⁠⁠ www.marshalchupa.com⁠⁠
🔗 LinkedIn |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Marshal Chupa on LinkedIn⁠⁠
🟠 Substack | ⁠⁠Substack Article⁠⁠

ABOUT THE PODCAST
This podcast is all about helping emerging cinematographers, photographers, and directors navigate the challenges of making a life and a living behind the lens. From workflow to personal growth, creative vision to marketing, finances to production—every episode is packed with a wide range of topics to support visual storytellers in their pursuit of building a business and growing a career they are proud of.

🎧 LISTEN
🟢 ⁠⁠Spotify ⁠⁠
🟣 ⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠
🖥️ shotlistpodcast.com⁠⁠ 

👊 SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A REVIEW
Please help me bring you more future episodes by subscribing and leaving a review

📱GET IN TOUCH
You can also drop me a DM instagram @marshalchupa or email marshal@marshalchupa.com

Most creatives dream of building a sustainable career behind the lens, but few understand what it actually takes to turn talent into a real business. As a filmmaker, production company founder, and creator of Financially Free Filmmaker, Timothy Fare-Matthews shares how to move beyond trading time for money and start building systems that create retention, profitability, and long term freedom. Alongside host Marshal Chupa, they break down sales, positioning, financial clarity, and the mindset shifts filmmakers need to survive in a rapidly evolving industry.

🎙️ Episode Sponsor: Lorne Lapham Sales & Rentals
⚡️ 20% Off Rentals at Lorne Lapham - ⁠⁠llsr.com/shotlist⁠⁠ 

📞 Coaching Call with Tim - Click HERE
🎬 Free Workshop - 3 Ultimate Steps for Filmmaker Growth HERE
📄Download the LAPS framework + Tutorial HERE
💸Financially Free Filmmaker financiallyfreefilmmaker.com
🟠 SHOTLIST Substack | ⁠Resources & Tools Straight into your Inbox 

Key Topics Discussed
The difference between having a hobby that pays you and building a scalable filmmaking business

Tim’s 4P framework and why most filmmakers stop at production instead of thinking about planning, publishing, and promotion

How to sell without feeling salesy by focusing on serving, discovery, and retention

Why retention and referrals compound faster than chasing new clients

The financial metrics filmmakers should track to understand profitability, not just revenue

If you're a filmmaker or photographer chasing long term creative freedom, this episode offers raw insight, real strategy, and a grounded look at what it takes.

If you’re a filmmaker or photographer chasing long-term creative freedom, this episode offers raw insight, real strategy, and a grounded look at what it takes.

Episode Highlights
07:45 – Hobby that pays vs real business Tim explains the difference between staying busy as a freelancer and building a scalable business with real leverage and longevity.
12:10 – The 4P framework for filmmakers Planning, Producing, Publishing, Promoting. He breaks down why most creatives stop at production and leave revenue and retention on the table.
23:50 – Selling without feeling salesy Sales is reframed as service. Tim shares how discovery calls and asking better questions lead to higher close rates and stronger client relationships.
28:40 – The five client acquisition channels From networking to partnerships, Tim outlines the five ways filmmakers generate work and why word of mouth and retention often outperform content.
39:10 – Why networking still wins Confidence is a skill. Tim shares how learning to work a room transformed his trajectory and why in person relationships still convert the fastest.
51:15 – Structuring proposals strategically Instead of sending one number, Tim explains how offering structured options opens dialogue and improves negotiation outcomes.
01:05:10 – Gear purchases vs real ROI Tim challenges the obsession with cameras and shares how to evaluate investments based on profitability, not ego.
01:14:30 – Measuring profit, not just revenue Why most filmmakers do not truly know their margins, and how tracking profit per project changes everything.

🔗 CONNECT WITH TIMOTHY 
📸 Instagram | @timf.mathews
🖥️ Coaching | www.financiallyfreefilmmaker.com
🖥️ Website | ⁠⁠www.timothyfarematthews.com

🔗 CONNECT WITH MARSHAL
📸 Instagram |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠@marshalchupa⁠⁠
💻 Website |⁠⁠ www.marshalchupa.com⁠⁠
🔗 LinkedIn |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Marshal Chupa on LinkedIn⁠⁠
🟠 Substack | ⁠⁠Substack Article⁠⁠
🗂️The Contact Sheet - A Simple Client Tracking System for Filmmakers & Photographers - shotlist.substack.com/p/the-contact-sheet

The filmmaking world is changing fast, budgets are tighter, crews are smaller, and adaptability has never mattered more. As a commercial cinematographer and YouTuber, Keaton Nye shares how staying booked in today’s market comes down to mindset, problem-solving, and understanding the business behind the craft. Alongside host Marshal Chupa, they break down the habits, strategies, and client relationships that keep filmmakers thriving when the industry shifts beneath them.

🎙️ Episode Sponsor: Lorne Lapham Sales & Rentals
⚡️ 20% Off Rentals at Lorne Lapham - ⁠⁠llsr.com/shotlist⁠⁠ 
🗂️ Get your copy of The Contact Sheet - A Simple Client Tracking System for Filmmakers & Photographers - shotlist.substack.com/p/the-contact-sheet 

Key Topics Discussed
The difference between skill and mindset, and why problem solvers stay booked

Navigating shrinking budgets and crew sizes while maintaining production quality

Balancing projects “one for the meal, one for the reel”

Building trust, simplifying business for clients, and thinking like a business owner

How to think like both an artist and a business owner to build a sustainable long-term career

Episode Highlights
00:25 – Why Problem Solvers Stay BookedReliability, curiosity, and initiative create more opportunity than technical skill alone.
00:27 – Adapting to a Changing IndustrySmaller crews and tighter budgets are reshaping production work and what clients expect.
00:36 – Craft Meets CommerceThinking in terms of ROI helps bridge the gap between artistry and business.
00:42 – One for the Meal, One for the ReelBalancing creative fulfillment with financial sustainability without burning out.
00:46 – The Money GapUnderstanding what separates lower-paid shooters from high-value professionals.
00:54 – Make Business Easy for ClientsClear communication and simple pricing structures lead to repeat bookings and trust.
00:57 – The Power of RelationshipsHigh-value work comes from genuine relationships, not cold outreach.
01:02 – Staying Top of MindPractical ideas for building outreach systems and keeping your network engaged.

🔗 CONNECT WITH KEATON NYE
📸 Instagram | @keatonnye
▶️ Youtube | www.youtube.com/keatonnye
🖥️ Website | ⁠www.keatonnye.com

🔗 CONNECT WITH MARSHAL
📸 Instagram | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@marshalchupa⁠⁠
💻 Website  | ⁠www.marshalchupa.com⁠⁠
🔗 LinkedIn | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Marshal Chupa on LinkedIn⁠⁠
🟠 Substack | ⁠⁠Substack Article⁠⁠

🎙 ABOUT THE PODCAST
This podcast is all about helping emerging cinematographers, photographers, and directors navigate the challenges of making a life and a living behind the lens. From workflow to personal growth, creative vision to marketing, finances to production—every episode is packed with a wide range of topics to support visual storytellers in their pursuit of building a business and growing a career they are proud of.

🎧 LISTEN
🟢| ⁠⁠Spotify ⁠⁠
🟣| ⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠
🖥️| ⁠⁠shotlistpodcast.com⁠⁠ 

👊 SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A REVIEW
Please help me bring you more future episode by subscribing and leaving a review

📱GET IN TOUCH
You can also drop me a DM instagram @marshalchupa or email marshal@marshalchupa.com

Most creatives dream of filming in remote places, working with global brands, and living a life of freedom behind the lens, but few understand the risks and protections that come with it. As Associate Vice President at Front Row Insurance, David McLeish shares how filmmakers and photographers can protect their gear, their business, and their livelihood when unexpected events happen. Alongside host Marshal Chupa, they break down the realities of insurance in creative work, from liability waivers to international coverage

🎙️ Episode Sponsor: Lorne Lapham Sales & Rentals
⚡️ 20% Off Rentals at Lorne Lapham - ⁠⁠llsr.com/shotlist⁠⁠ 

🗂️ Get your copy of The Contact Sheet - A Simple Client Tracking System for Filmmakers & Photographers - shotlist.substack.com/p/the-contact-sheet 

Key Topics Discussed
Why most filmmakers misunderstand what insurance actually covers and how to avoid costly assumptions

How to handle high-risk shoots like underwater filming, climbing, or stunts, and what insurers need to know in advance

Practical steps for gear rental, deal memos, and certificates of insurance when working with production companies or directly with brands

The importance of liability waivers when shooting with athletes or in dangerous environments

What international coverage looks like and how to protect footage and equipment while traveling

Episode Highlights
4:00 – Broker vs Insurer
Why knowing the difference matters when making a claim.
12:00 – High-Risk ShootsUnderwater, vehicles, or extreme sports must be disclosed or risk voiding coverage.
19:00 – Stunts vs AdventureInsurers often treat risky outdoor shoots as stunts, which changes coverage.
26:00 – Liability WaiversSigned waivers reduce your exposure and improve insurability.
29:00 – International CoverageMost policies are Canada/US only unless you add worldwide protection.
33:00 – Reshoot CoverageScripted reshoots may be covered. Portfolio or passion projects are not.
41:00 – Gear RentalYour deal memo should make production responsible for your kit.
1:19:00 – Direct-to-ClientCovering friends’ gear requires written agreements. Without them, it is not insured.

🔗 CONNECT WITH FRONT ROW INSURANCE
🖥️ Website | ⁠⁠www.frontrowinsurance.com
📧 Email: mcleish@frontrowinsurance.com
📸 Instagram | @ frontrowinsurance

🔗 CONNECT WITH MARSHAL
📸 Instagram |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠@marshalchupa⁠⁠
🟠 Substack | ⁠⁠Substack Article⁠⁠
💻 Website |⁠⁠ www.marshalchupa.com⁠⁠
🔗 LinkedIn |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Marshal Chupa on LinkedIn⁠⁠

🎙 ABOUT THE PODCAST
This podcast is all about helping emerging cinematographers, photographers, and directors navigate the challenges of making a life and a living behind the lens. From workflow to personal growth, creative vision to marketing, finances to production—every episode is packed with a wide range of topics to support visual storytellers in their pursuit of building a business and growing a career they are proud of.

🎧 LISTEN
🟢| ⁠⁠Spotify ⁠⁠
🟣| ⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠
🖥️| ⁠⁠shotlistpodcast.com⁠⁠ 

👊 SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A REVIEW
Please help me bring you more future episodes by subscribing and leaving a review

📱GET IN TOUCH
You can also drop me a DM instagram @marshalchupa or email marshal@marshalchupa.com

Most creatives dream of filming in remote places, working with global brands, and living a life of freedom behind the lens, but few understand the discipline and long game it actually takes to get there. As a director and aerial cinematographer, Zac Moxley shares how his mindset, work ethic, and willingness to take risks helped him turn passion into a career. Alongside host Marshal Chupa, Zach breaks down the realities of momentum, burnout, spec work, and what it really means to bet on yourself

🎙️ Episode Sponsor: Lorne Lapham Sales & Rentals
⚡️ 20% Off Rentals at Lorne Lapham - ⁠llsr.com/shotlist⁠ 

Key Topics Discussed
How saying yes early on created a snowball effect and why treating every job like it matters can change everything

The real cost of chasing your dream job, including the emotional and financial pressure behind self-funded projects

The truth about spec work and how Zac uses personal projects to grow, experiment, and land bigger clients

Buying gear with intention, including how to think about expensive tools, what actually delivers value, and when to pull the trigger

Navigating the long game of a creative career and why it’s built through grind, self-belief, and patience

Episode Highlights
00:03 A Turning Point in His Teens
How a personal transformation helped Zac develop the grit and drive that sparked his creative journey
00:08 Early Career and Instagram Growth
The story behind his glide-cam days and how his Instagram started gaining traction in 2017
00:13 The Drone Chapter
Zac’s early aerial content and the moment he began shifting toward directing full campaigns
00:21 Every Opportunity Can Change Your Life
Zac’s philosophy on saying yes and how staying open has led to his biggest projects
00:27 Behind the Instagram Highlight Reel
The grind, burnout, and loneliness that people don’t see when they scroll
00:36 Spec Work as a Career Catalyst
Zac’s approach to funding personal projects and the most he’s ever spent out of pocket
00:44 Breaking Down a Spec Project
From idea to post-production, how Zac builds personal pieces with intention and impact
00:51 Undercutting Versus Opportunity
Where he draws the line between strategy and self-sabotage when pricing work
01:01 Buying the Right Gear
How to approach big purchases like the RED Raptor and which tools have earned their keep
01:09 Building Relationships That Lead to Work
Zac’s take on staying top of mind, creating value, and earning trust over time
01:15 Manifestation and Career Alignment
How Zac’s mindset and focus on alignment have helped him call in the kind of projects and lifestyle he once only imagined

🔗 CONNECT WITH ZAC MOXELY
📸 Instagram | @downtofilm
🖥️ Website | ⁠www.zacharymoxley.com⁠

🔗 CONNECT WITH MARSHAL
📸 Instagram |⁠ ⁠⁠@marshalchupa⁠
💻 Website |⁠ www.marshalchupa.com⁠
🔗 LinkedIn |⁠ ⁠⁠Marshal Chupa on LinkedIn⁠
🟠 Substack | ⁠Substack Article⁠

🎙 ABOUT THE PODCAST
This podcast is all about helping emerging cinematographers, photographers, and directors navigate the challenges of making a life and a living behind the lens. From workflow to personal growth, creative vision to marketing, finances to production—every episode is packed with a wide range of topics to support visual storytellers in their pursuit of building a business and growing a career they are proud of.

🎧 LISTEN
🟢| ⁠Spotify ⁠
🟣| ⁠Apple Podcast⁠
🖥️| ⁠shotlistpodcast.com⁠ 

👊 SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A REVIEW
Please help me bring you more future episode by subscribing and leaving a review

📱GET IN TOUCH
You can also drop me a DM instagram @marshalchupa or email marshal@marshalchupa.com