SHOTLIST

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 [email protected]

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: [email protected]
📸 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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

What does it actually look like to build a thriving photography and directing career, not just on paper, but in practice? Hubert Kang has steadily built a respected presence in the industry, known for his soulful personal work, big-hearted leadership style, and high-level commercial campaigns.

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

⚒️ Tool & Resources to Grow your Career: HERE

Key Topics Discussed
• Why Hubert believes side hustles don’t cut it in a creative career, and what it really takes to go full time
• The essential role of kindness, curiosity, and personal values in business growth
• What personal projects reveal to clients that commercial work never can • Why directing became a natural extension of his photography path
• The real reason to start a production company
• When and why reps will come knocking, and what they actually look for

Episode Highlights
00:06 Starting from Scratch After Business School Why Hubert left a “safe” career path to start photographing houses for $100 a shoot
00:15 The 360 Motel Job That Changed Everything How traveling solo across the U.S. turned into a photography education
00:20 Getting in the Room with the Greats What Hubert learned assisting world-renowned photographers at Santa Fe Workshops
00:31 Why He Was a Terrible Assistant And how getting fired helped him discover his true path in documentary photography
00:37 Building Community One Relationship at a Time How showing up with appreciation and treating crew like friends became Hubert’s secret weapon
00:45 Personal Work That Means Something From Ugandan baseball to global human-animal connections, Hubert shares his why
00:54 Directing as a Natural Progression How curiosity, collaboration, and team leadership drew him behind the monitor
01:00 The Vision Behind Kindred and Scout Why Hubert and his producer Amy started a company rooted in values, not profit
01:08 Do You Need a Rep?
01:14 Staying Resilient Through the Highs and Lows The rituals, mindset, and gratitude that keep Hubert grounded in a roller-coaster career

🔗 CONNECT WITH HUBERT KANG
📸 Instagram | @hubertkang
🖥️ Website | www.hubertkang.com
💼 Production Co. | Kindred and Scout

🔗 CONNECT WITH MARSHAL
🟠 Substack | ⁠Substack Article⁠
📸 Instagram | @marshalchupa
💻 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 REVIEWPlease help me bring you more future episode by subscribing and leaving a review
📱GET IN TOUCHYou can also drop me a DM instagram @marshalchupa or email [email protected]

Most creatives struggle to find the balance between doing work they love and building a business that lasts. In this episode, Darren shares the story of how a devastating snowboarding injury launched his career behind the lens and how he went on to build Magnifier, a creative studio producing high-level content for top outdoor brands. Alongside host Marshal Chupa, Darren breaks down his go-to systems for guiding clients, crafting retainers, and generating leads. He also shares the mindset shifts that helped him move from passion projects into a thriving commercial career.

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

Key Topics Discussed
• How Darren transitioned from passion projects to paid commercial work by aligning with client needs
• The "Ikigai" framework as a tool for sustainable business — balancing what you love with what pays
• Why leading clients through a discovery session is essential to avoid scope creep and unclear expectations
• The content pyramid method — and how capturing additional “shoulder assets” creates more value with less effort
• Darren’s system for generating leads through authentic LinkedIn content, not cold pitches
• How to offer retainers as a solution to the feast-or-famine cycle and bring stability to your freelance career
• Why defining your ideal client profile helps you focus outreach and build trust faster
• How to scale a creative business by hiring based on workload and clearly defined roles
• The importance of giving team members ownership to avoid bottlenecks and burnout

Episode Highlights
00:01 From Injury to InspirationHow breaking his back snowboarding led Darren to pick up a video camera and find a new purpose
00:05 Building Voleurz from Dorm Room to Cult BrandThe DIY roots of a creative crew that mixed action sports, art, and humor before YouTube even existed
00:10 Lessons from Action Sports FilmmakingWhat fast-paced sports shoots taught Darren about storytelling, energy, and creative style
00:17 From Passion Projects to Paid WorkThe scary but pivotal leap Darren made when friends told him to skip sales and go all in on film
00:25 The “Ikigai” Framework for FulfillmentHow aligning passion, skill, market need, and money became Darren’s compass for business decisions
00:31 Retainers and Reverse EngineeringThe method Darren uses to guide clients from messy ideas to clear deliverables and long-term value
00:38 The Content PyramidWhy clients often overlook the highest-performing content, and how to make every shoot more efficient
00:44 Shooting BTS, Making ConnectionsThe strategy that helped Darren grow trust, book bigger projects, and mentor newcomers
00:50 LinkedIn and Lead Gen Without SellingDarren’s low-pressure approach to getting clients by being curious, helpful, and visible
01:00 Growing a Team Without Losing YourselfThe mindset, systems, and reality checks needed to scale a studio while staying creatively fulfilled

🔗 CONNECT WITH DARREN
📸 Instagram | @darren_rayner
🖥️ Website | www.magnafiremedia.com
💼 LinkedIn | Darren Rayner

🔗 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 REVIEWPlease help me bring you more future episode by subscribing and leaving a review
📱GET IN TOUCHYou can also drop me a DM instagram @marshalchupa or email [email protected]