Working with small businesses doesn’t always come with the biggest budgets, the flashiest offices, or a logo you instantly recognise. But honestly? It’s often far more rewarding than working with huge multinationals — in ways you don’t really appreciate until you’ve done both. On paper, the big brands look like the dream. Big names, big reach, big case studies. In reality, building an online media presence for a multinational can feel a bit like shouting creative ideas into a very polite, very slow-moving void. You actually get to talk to the decision-maker One of the biggest joys of working with small businesses is that you’re usually dealing directly with the owner or founder. The person you’re speaking to is the person who cares the most. They’re emotionally invested, deeply knowledgeable, and genuinely excited about what they’re building. There’s no six-layer approval process. No waiting three weeks for feedback that’s been watered down by committee. When you suggest something, you

One of the biggest myths in the creative world is that great media is made alone. In reality, some of the most effective, polished, and memorable content comes from people working together — each bringing their own skills, ideas, and perspectives to the table. Collaboration isn’t a weakness; it’s a creative shortcut to better results. When you work with others, you get access to strengths you don’t have yourself. A sound specialist hears things you might miss. A designer sees composition differently. A producer keeps everything running smoothly. Bringing the right people together means the final piece benefits from sharper thinking, higher quality, and fewer blind spots. There’s also something energising about bouncing ideas around. A casual conversation on set can spark a creative solution you’d never arrive at on your own. Problems get solved faster, ideas get refined, and the work naturally improves because it’s been stress-tested by more than one brain. Most importantly, collaborat

Creating video content in 9:16 mode – that tall, vertical format we all know from Instagram Reels, TikTok and Stories – has completely changed the way we shoot and think about video. For anyone who’s spent years framing beautiful widescreen shots, turning the camera on its side can feel… a bit wrong at first. But like it or not, vertical video is where a huge chunk of attention now lives. One of the biggest challenges is composition. You’ve suddenly got far less room to play with, which means you have to be much more intentional about what goes in the frame. Wide establishing shots don’t always translate well, and anything happening off to the sides is instantly lost. You’re forced to think closer, simpler, and more human – faces, hands, movement, and emotion suddenly matter even more than they did before. There’s also the practical side. Shooting in 9:16 often means planning ahead: leaving extra headroom, keeping subjects centred, and sometimes even filming specifically for vertical r

In the media industry, talent and ambition matter — but being a genuinely nice, friendly person goes a lot further than people sometimes realise. Sets, shoots, and events can be fast-paced, stressful environments, and the people who stand out in the long run are often the ones who bring calm, respect, and good manners with them. You absolutely need to be driven and confident to succeed, but that doesn’t mean being difficult or pushing others aside. Saying please and thank you, listening to different viewpoints, and treating everyone equally — from runners to clients — creates a better working atmosphere for everyone. When people feel respected, collaboration becomes easier and the work improves as a result. Reputations travel fast in the media world. People remember how you made them feel just as much as the quality of your work. Being professional, kind, and approachable doesn’t weaken your position — it strengthens it. You can be successful, assertive, and ambitious while still being

Vox pops might sound a bit old-school, but they’re still one of the most effective ways to bring real client feedback into a promotional film. There’s something refreshing about hearing people speak in their own words, on camera, without scripts or polish getting in the way. It feels honest — and audiences can sense that straight away. When clients talk naturally about their experience, it builds trust far more quickly than a written testimonial ever could. Facial expressions, tone of voice, little pauses and smiles all add layers that text just can’t capture. A short, well-placed vox pop can instantly humanise a brand and make a business feel approachable and credible. They’re also incredibly versatile. Vox pops can be quick and informal, or calm and considered, depending on the tone of the film. Used thoughtfully, they break up visuals, add rhythm, and give viewers a genuine connection to the people behind the feedback. In a world full of over-produced marketing, real voices still cu

When it comes to paid projects, choosing the right camera isn’t about chasing the latest hype or the biggest sensor — it’s about reliability, flexibility, and how well the camera fits the way you actually work. After spending a lot of time weighing things up, I chose the Panasonic GH7 over the Sony FX3 for my paid work, and for me, it was a very practical decision. On real-world shoots, the GH7 feels like a true workhorse. It’s packed with video-first features that make a genuine difference when clients are paying and expectations are high. Things like robust internal codecs, excellent stabilisation, reliable autofocus, and a body that’s comfortable to use for long days all add up. It lets me work quickly, confidently, and without fuss — which is exactly what you need on professional jobs. I’m also a big fan of Panasonic’s colour science. For paid projects, consistency is key, and the GH7 delivers natural, pleasing colours that don’t require endless tweaking in post. That saves time, k