Skyler shares how a SoundCloud rapper music video at 18 turned into producing thousands of TV spots for 17 different automotive manufacturers, how getting let go during COVID forced him to bet fully on the business he'd quietly been building since 2016, and how he eventually packed up his life in Washington and moved to Arizona to scale Influence with business partner Steffan.

This episode goes deep on the operational realities most creative entrepreneurs avoid: how to qualify a discovery call in the first five minutes, why "the first person to speak dies" is the best sales lesson he ever got from an automotive Chief of Operations, how to deliver pricing without flinching, and why scaling on referrals alone eventually hits a wall.

We also get into the harder stuff: the burnout, the missed milestones (including his daughter's first steps), the moment his seven-year-old told him he had enough toys, and why Skyler now treats the business as a marathon instead of a sprint.

Topics covered:

• Getting fired during COVID and going all-in on Influence
• Producing thousands of commercials for Ford, Mazda, Honda, Toyota, Chevy, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, and more
• Producing a Nike commercial and Jordan product photography
• Why the referral-only growth model eventually breaks
• Building scalable SOPs and "thinking like a big company"
• The five things to look for on a discovery call
• Qualifying clients by revenue, decision-making authority, and existing content
• Letting clients sell themselves (the PB Backdrops story)
• The Microsoft logo and the perceived value of creative work
• Why "the first person to speak dies" applies to pricing
• Sustainable growth, sustainable scaling, and avoiding burnout
• Recognizing wins instead of always chasing the next milestone
• Skyler's book recommendation: Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done by Jon Acuff
• Hot take: superhero movies are cash grabs

📧 Contact: hello@hardcopymedia.com 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week

 #CreativeEntrepreneur 

#AgencyOwner 

#VideoProduction 

#HardCopyMedia 

--

00:00 Introduction & Meet Skyler Mullins of Influence
02:18 The Origin Story: Filming a SoundCloud Rapper at 18
04:15 Producing Spots for Ford, Mazda, Honda, Toyota & More
05:02 Getting Let Go During COVID & Going All-In on Influence
07:00 Meeting Steffan & The Move to Arizona
10:11 Why Referral-Only Growth Eventually Hits a Wall
13:44 Splitting Roles: Creative vs. Business in a Partnership
21:09 Scaling Sustainably: SOPs & Thinking Like a Big Company
23:25 The Discovery Call: Top 5 Things to Look For
28:00 The PB Backdrops Story: Let the Client Sell Themselves
30:19 The $50 Million Microsoft Logo & Perceived Value
32:18 The Best Sales Lesson: "The First Person to Speak Dies"
33:34 Don't Justify Your Pricing (Just Drop the Number)
41:18 What Skyler Would Tell His Pre-Influence Self
44:15 Scaling Fast Without Sustainable Systems
49:29 Burnout, Missed Moments & Working 30 Days Straight
55:23 LIGHTNING ROUND: Hot Take — Superhero Movies Are Trash
57:20 Book Rec: Finish by Jon Acuff & "Noble Obstacles"
01:01:21 Where to Connect & How to Follow Skyler

David is the founder of Moneta De Sine — a full-service creative production company specializing in video, photo, and high-end event activations — and the creator of Arizona Filmmakers, one of the Southwest's most active filmmaker communities.

In this conversation, we cover:

• 🎬 How a depressive pivot away from medicine led David to pick up his first camera
• 💼 Running 3 jobs simultaneously (UPS, door-to-door sales, and filmmaking) to build Moneta De Sine
• 🏛️ The mythology-inspired meaning behind the name "Moneta De Sine" (mother of the muses, goddess of memories)
• 🤝 How David built Arizona Filmmakers from a Facebook group idea to 260-person events
• 📋 The community-building principles that actually work: show up on your word, give before you ask, build a flywheel
• 📸 The premium studio-quality photo booth and slow-motion robot activation services David offers at events
• 🔥 Hot take: Solo videographers with big egos are missing out on the best part of filmmaking
• 🛗 The upcoming "Elevator Pitch Show" concept being built for the Moneta Network

If you're a filmmaker, creative, or entrepreneur trying to build something real — this one's for you.

🔗 Follow David:

• Instagram: @monetadesine
• Instagram (personal): @storytellerdavidn
• Arizona Filmmakers: @arizonafilmmakers

📧 Reach the show: hello@hardcopymedia.com 

👍 Like, Subscribe & Share — it helps the algorithm gods smile upon us.

Whether you’re fresh out of college, trying to break into film and media, or looking to level up into higher-budget productions, this episode lays out a simple framework for building trust, reputation, and momentum in your creative career.

Colton shares his three non-negotiable rules for success on set:

• Why being a good human matters more than technical skill
• How showing up early communicates professionalism and respect
• Why doing the best work possible—within real-world constraints—gets you rehired

The episode also covers:

• How to get your first opportunities on set
• Why Instagram DMs actually work for networking
• When it’s okay to work for free (and when it’s not)
• How honesty, humility, and effort compound over time
• Why nobody is coming to “discover” you—and what to do instead

If you want more callbacks, referrals, and meaningful relationships in the creative industry, this episode is a practical, no-BS roadmap for standing out in a crowded field.

Subscribe to the Hard Copy Media Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts for more honest conversations about creativity, storytelling, and building a sustainable creative career.

#FilmmakingLife

#CreativeCareers

#HardCopyMedia

00:00 – Welcome Back & Solo Episode Intro

01:10 – Why Creatives Struggle to Get Called Back

02:30 – Rule #1: Be a Good Human (Don’t Be a Dick)

04:45 – Why Empathy & Kindness Matter on Set

06:30 – Small Actions That Build Trust on Productions

08:10 – Rule #2: Show Up Early (Early Is On Time)

10:30 – Why Being Late Kills Opportunities

13:00 – Respecting Clients, Executives & Crews

15:40 – Rule #3: Do the Best Work You Can

18:10 – Working Within Real-World Limitations

21:30 – Why Clients Pay for Results, Not Gear

24:00 – How These 3 Rules Lead to Referrals

26:20 – Getting Your First Opportunity on Set

29:00 – Reaching Out to Creatives the Right Way

32:40 – Using Instagram DMs for Networking

35:30 – When Working for Free Makes Sense

38:20 – Why Honesty Beats Over-Selling Yourself

41:30 – Learning on Set vs Learning Online

44:20 – Why Nobody Is Coming to Discover You

47:30 – Taking Action & Asking for Opportunities

50:30 – Final Thoughts & Career Mindset

53:10 – Subscribe & Closing

Ivan shares his journey from graphic design and early DIY filmmaking in Wisconsin to working professionally in Arizona’s production scene. Together, they explore how personal taste shapes brands, why strong visual cohesion matters, and how creative careers are built through resilience, curiosity, and collaboration—not just gear or trends.

This episode covers:

• How branding and visual identity influence trust and recall
• Separating personal taste from business branding
• Ivan’s path from design to cinematography and camera operating
• Freelance burnout, resilience, and surviving industry lows
• Why creative careers require grit—not just talent
• Thoughts on AI in creative work and ethical concerns
• Why cameras have largely “peaked” and gear matters less than vision
• Personal projects vs client work
• A hot take: not everyone should be a creator
• Protecting hobbies so creativity doesn’t turn into burnout

Whether you’re a filmmaker, designer, content creator, or creative business owner, this episode offers honest insight into building a sustainable career, developing taste, and staying creative in an oversaturated world.

Subscribe to the Hard Copy Media Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts for more honest conversations about creativity, storytelling, and building a sustainable creative career.

#CreativeCareers

#Branding

#HardCopyMedia

00:00 – Welcome & Introducing Ivan Ramirez

01:10 – Ivan’s Creative Background & Role at Influence Media

03:00 – Branding, Aesthetics & Making Work Feel Intentional

05:30 – PlayStation Ads, Edge & Emotional Marketing

08:10 – Personal Taste vs Business Branding

10:45 – Hard Copy Media’s Visual Identity & Retro Futurism

13:30 – Ivan’s Path Into Design & Filmmaking

15:50 – DIY Filmmaking, Early Experiments & Learning by Doing

18:30 – Moving to Arizona & Finding Creative Community

20:30 – Camera Department, AC Work & On-Set Learning

23:10 – Production Stories & Learning on the Job

25:40 – Freelance Reality, Burnout & Resilience

28:10 – The Highs & Lows of Creative Careers

30:20 – AI in Filmmaking: Tool vs Replacement

33:40 – Ethics, Economics & the AI Hype Cycle

36:10 – Long-Term Creative Goals & Indie Film Aspirations

37:50 – Hot Take: Cameras Have Peaked

40:10 – Personal Projects vs Client Work

42:15 – Hot Take: Not Everyone Should Be a Creator

44:50 – Protecting Hobbies & Creative Joy

47:30 – Inspiration, FilmGrab & Studying Cinematography

49:30 – Final Thoughts & Where to Find Ivan

Drawing from years of hands-on experience building sets for clients, companies, and personal projects, Colton walks through everything from safety fundamentals and planning workflows to lighting, audio considerations, camera choices, and long-term adaptability.

This episode covers:

• How to plan and sketch a studio layout before buying gear
• Studio safety fundamentals (anchors, studs, safety cables)
• Choosing materials that look good on camera, not just in store aisles
• How lighting, color, and surfaces affect video quality
• Audio considerations most people overlook in studio builds
• Power routing, cable management, and floor-space safety
• Choosing cameras and lights without overspending
• Multi-use studios vs purpose-built sets
• LED walls, TV arrays, and when they’re worth the investment
• How to build evergreen sets that won’t age with brand changes

Whether you’re a filmmaker, content creator, marketing director, or business owner looking to build a studio for yourself or your team, this episode offers a grounded, practical roadmap to creating spaces that are safe, flexible, and production-ready.

Subscribe to the Hard Copy Media Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts for more honest conversations about creativity, storytelling, and building a sustainable creative career.

#studiobuild #filmmakinglife #hardcopymedia 

00:00 – Welcome & Solo Episode Intro

01:20 – Why Studio & Set Building Matters

03:10 – Growing Up Building Things by Hand

05:30 – Planning a Studio Before You Build

07:10 – Studio Safety Fundamentals

09:45 – Anchors, Studs & Safety Cables

12:30 – Buying Materials That Look Good on Camera

15:00 – Lighting Changes Color & Texture

17:20 – Sketching, Measuring & Planning Layouts

20:00 – Small Studio Hacks & Floor Space Solutions

22:45 – Multi-Use Studios vs Purpose-Built Sets

25:20 – Branded Sets vs Evergreen Design

28:40 – Audio Treatment & Echo Control

32:10 – Why Sound Matters as Much as Video

35:00 – Lighting Choices for Small Studios

38:20 – Ceiling Mounts, Clearance & Headroom

41:10 – Cable Management & Power Routing

44:00 – Camera Choices for Studio Content

47:30 – LED Walls, TV Arrays & Testing Gear

51:00 – Building Multiple Studio Spaces

54:30 – Green Screen vs Physical Sets

57:30 – Final Studio Build Checklist

01:01:00 – Lessons Learned From Past Builds

01:05:00 – Viewer Questions & Call to Action

01:07:30 – Subscribe & Closing Thoughts

Jay shares his unconventional journey into filmmaking, from shooting church videos and weddings in middle school to navigating freelance burnout, turning down low-budget clients, and ultimately going all-in as a full-time camera operator. Together, they break down the realities of working on set, what makes a great DP, and how better communication and preparation can dramatically improve productions.

This episode covers:

• How Jay got started in film at a young age
• Making the leap from a full-time job to freelancing
• Why low-budget clients often create the most stress
• Red flags and green flags when working with DPs
• Why shot lists and clear direction matter on set
• How burnout leads creatives to specialize
• On-set efficiency, teamwork, and leadership
• Why “that’s not my job” can hurt a production
• Developing taste, style, and creative instincts

Whether you’re a filmmaker, camera operator, DP, producer, or creative entrepreneur, this conversation offers honest insight into the business, culture, and collaboration that shape successful careers in film and media.

Subscribe to the Hard Copy Media Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts for more honest conversations about filmmaking, creativity, and building a sustainable career in media.

00:00 – Welcome & Introducing Jay Brodeur
01:00 – How Jay Got Started in Filmmaking
02:30 – Shooting Weddings in Middle School
04:00 – Film School, COVID & Career Detours
05:40 – Quitting a Day Job to Freelance
07:00 – The Reality of Low-Budget Clients
09:30 – Burnout & Letting Clients Go
11:00 – Pivoting to Full-Time Camera Operating
13:00 – What a Camera Operator Actually Does
15:30 – Teamwork Inside the Camera Department
18:00 – Red Flags & Green Flags in a DP
21:00 – Why Shot Lists Matter
24:00 – Learning From Mistakes on Set
27:00 – Efficiency, Prep & Time Management
29:00 – Multi-Cam Setups for Interviews
32:00 – Gear Matters (And Why)
34:00 – “That’s Not My Job” Hot Take
37:00 – Collaboration on Small vs Big Sets
39:00 – Developing Creative Taste & Style
41:30 – Where to Find Jay & Closing Thoughts

Using the classic TV show MacGyver as a framework, this episode explores how limitations fuel creativity and why clients don’t pay for cameras or lenses—they pay for results. From faking expensive crane shots to solving production challenges with whatever tools are on hand, Colton explains how learning to “MacGyver” solutions is what separates average creatives from indispensable ones.

This episode covers:

• Why creative problem solving beats gear obsession
• How limitations actually unlock better ideas
• Why clients care about outcomes, not equipment
• How to reframe “I can’t” into “How can I?”
• Using unconventional tools to achieve high-end results
• Why this mindset leads to repeat clients and referrals

If you’re a filmmaker, videographer, photographer, or creative professional who’s ever felt limited by budget, gear, or resources—this episode is your reminder that creativity under pressure is the real superpower. 

Subscribe to the Hard Copy Media Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts for more honest conversations about creativity, storytelling, and building a sustainable creative career.

Subscribe to the Hard Copy Media Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts for more honest conversations about creativity, storytelling, and building a sustainable creative career.

#CreativeProblemSolving #FilmmakingLife #HardCopyMedia

00:00 – Welcome Back to the Podcast

01:00 – Why Creative Storytelling Is Problem Solving

02:10 – The MacGyver Mindset Explained

03:40 – Why Clients Ask for Big Ideas With Small Budgets

05:10 – Delivering Big Results Without Big Gear

06:45 – Why Clients Care About Outcomes, Not Equipment

08:20 – Flipping “I Can’t” Into “How Can I?”

10:00 – Limitation Breeds Creativity

12:40 – Using the Wrong Tool the Right Way

15:30 – Creative Camera Movement & Editing Tricks

18:20 – Why Gear Matters (But Not How You Think)

21:30 – Becoming Indispensable to Clients

24:00 – Shitty Rigs & Creative Inspiration

26:40 – Modern Tools That Enable Creative Solutions

29:10 – Why This Skill Gets You Rehired

31:30 – Final Thoughts: Creativity as a Career Advantage

33:40 – Subscribe & Closing

Instead of constantly chasing new ideas, content atomization focuses on creating one strong long-form “hero” asset and strategically breaking it down into dozens of smaller pieces across platforms. From podcasts and YouTube videos to blogs, newsletters, quote cards, and social clips, this episode explains how to maximize reach, ROI, and relevance without burning out.

Colton covers:

• What content atomization actually is (and what it’s not)
• How to turn one podcast or video into blogs, emails, and social clips
• Why long-form content is still the foundation of great marketing
• How AI tools can support (not replace) real creativity
• How busy entrepreneurs can batch content efficiently
• Why meeting your audience where they consume content matters
• How content optimization improves long-term SEO and visibility

Whether you’re a business owner, marketer, creative director, or content creator, this episode offers a practical roadmap for building a sustainable, scalable content system that works across platforms—without chasing algorithms or trends.

Subscribe to the Hard Copy Media Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts for more insights on content strategy, creativity, and building a modern media business.

#ContentStrategy #VideoMarketing #HardCopyMedia

00:00 – Welcome & Solo Episode Introduction

01:00 – Why Content Optimization Matters

02:10 – What Is Content Atomization?

03:30 – Turning One Podcast Into Many Assets

05:20 – Blogs, Transcripts & Written SEO

07:00 – Social Clips, Shorts & Reels Strategy

08:40 – Batch Content for Busy Entrepreneurs

10:15 – Why Long-Form Content Still Wins

12:00 – AI Tools: Helpful, Not a Replacement

14:20 – Meeting Your Audience Where They Consume

16:30 – Measuring Content Performance Across Platforms

18:45 – Maximizing ROI From One Hero Asset

20:40 – Content Strategy vs Chasing Virality

22:15 – Creating With Intention & Clear Goals

24:10 – How Hard Copy Media Uses Atomization

26:00 – Merch, Community & Creative Projects

27:40 – Building Your Own Content Roadmap

29:40 – Final Thoughts on Content Optimization

31:00 – Subscribe, Engage & Closing

From pre-production planning and shot lists to gear choices, audio capture, and on-site leadership, this conversation dives deep into the practical realities of event coverage. Colton and J.T. compare corporate events versus fitness competitions, explain why pre-production is everything, and share hard-earned lessons on how to avoid overshooting, protect your team, and deliver better results for clients.

Topics covered include:

• How to approach event coverage as a solo shooter vs. a team
• Building effective shot lists and runs of show
• Essential gear for corporate and fitness events
• Why audio quality matters more than you think
• How to communicate with clients, AV teams, and crews
• Leadership on set and shielding your team from chaos
• Repurposing event footage for additional deliverables
• Common mistakes that ruin event videos (lighting included)

Whether you’re a filmmaker, photographer, video business owner, or a marketer planning an event, this episode is packed with real-world insight you can apply immediately.

Subscribe to the Hard Copy Media Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts for more honest conversations about creativity, production, and building a sustainable media business.

#EventProduction #VideoBusiness #HardCopyMedia

00:00 – Welcome Back & Introducing J.T. Healy

01:15 – Recording in J.T.’s Studio Space

02:10 – Why Event Coverage Matters for Creatives

03:00 – Corporate Events as a Solo Shooter

04:40 – Pre-Production: Defining Deliverables

06:30 – Building Shot Lists From the Agenda

08:20 – Establishing Shots vs Detail Shots

10:00 – Avoiding Boring Edits With Shot Variety

11:45 – Overshooting vs Shooting Intentionally

13:30 – Communication With Clients & AV Teams

15:10 – When Things Go Wrong at Live Events

16:25 – Essential Gear for Corporate Events

18:45 – Why Audio Can Make or Break an Event Video

21:15 – Repurposing Event Audio & Footage

22:50 – Corporate vs Fitness Events Explained

24:30 – Shooting Fitness Events Like Weddings

26:40 – Speed, Efficiency & On-Site Editing

28:30 – Working With Athletes, Brands & Competitions

30:20 – Managing a Team on Fitness Events

32:10 – Leadership, Respect & Clear Direction

33:30 – Shielding Your Team From the Chaos

34:45 – Gear Setup for Fitness Events

37:10 – Why ND Filters Are Non-Negotiable Outdoors

39:00 – Handheld Shooting & Camera Movement

41:10 – Repurposing Footage for Future Sales

42:30 – Hot Take: Lighting Can Ruin Corporate Events

44:20 – Hot Take: Stop Shooting So Much Food

47:00 – What Creatives Should Watch, Read & Listen To

48:45 – Where to Find J.T. Healy

49:40 – Final Thoughts & Subscribe

Drawing from real experiences building Hard Copy Media, navigating financial uncertainty, and finding the right people to grow alongside, this episode explores why talent alone isn’t enough. Colton shares hard-earned lessons about choosing the right coaches, learning from mentors who are just a few steps ahead, and investing in communities that believe in community over competition.

You’ll hear honest insights on:

• How the right coaching can help you break through plateaus
• Why mentorship doesn’t have to be formal to be powerful
• How community accelerates growth, referrals, and opportunity
• Why showing up, giving back, and being a good human still matters

Whether you’re a filmmaker, creative entrepreneur, or business owner feeling stuck or isolated, this episode is a reminder that success is rarely built alone — it’s built together. 

Subscribe to the Hard Copy Media Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts for more real conversations on creativity, leadership, and building a sustainable creative career.

#CreativeCommunity

#Mentorship

#HardCopyMedia

00:00 – Welcome to the Hard Copy Media Podcast

00:55 – Why This Episode Matters for Creatives

01:30 – The Three Pillars: Coaching, Mentorship & Community

02:10 – Why Coaching Is Critical for Business Owners

03:45 – Learning Hard Truths You Can’t See Yourself

05:20 – The Problem With “Influencer Coaches”

07:10 – How to Choose the Right Coach (Avoid the Hype)

09:00 – My Experience With Creators University

11:45 – Ignoring Coaching… Until Everything Stalled

14:30 – Betting on Coaching During a Financial Low

17:10 – How the Right Coaching Changed My Business

19:45 – What Great Coaching Actually Feels Like

22:00 – Coaching vs Ego vs Real Accountability

24:15 – Mentorship: Learning From People Further Along

27:00 – Finding Mentors Without Formal Programs

30:20 – Why Mentorship Is a Two-Way Relationship

33:10 – Why Community Is the Most Powerful Tool

35:45 – Finding Your Tribe and Showing Up

38:30 – Arizona’s Creative & Business Communities

41:40 – Community Over Competition Explained

45:30 – Why Creative Communities Create Opportunity

48:15 – Giving Back Without Expecting Anything

51:20 – Why People Need to Know, Like, and Trust You

54:30 – Being a Good Human Is a Competitive Advantage

57:00 – Luck, Opportunity, and Experience Explained

59:00 – Final Thoughts on Coaching, Mentorship & Community

01:01:20 – How to Get Involved & Take Action

01:03:10 – Subscribe & Closing Thoughts

In this solo introduction, Colton Trcic — founder of Hard Copy Media — sets the stage for what this podcast is all about and who it’s for. From filmmakers and marketers to entrepreneurs, CEOs, and creatives of all kinds, this show explores the intersection of creativity, business, and storytelling in a rapidly evolving industry.

This episode dives into:

• Why storytelling is the foundation of meaningful creative work
• How film and media can build a more connected world
• The realities creatives face today, including AI, budget constraints, and industry shifts
• How creatives think, problem-solve, and adapt in real-world business environments
• What listeners can expect from future conversations with filmmakers, marketers, and business leaders

This podcast is for anyone curious about the creative process, navigating change in the media industry, or looking for honest conversations about success, failure, and what it takes to stay relevant long-term.

Explicit language warning: this podcast is unfiltered, candid, and real.

Subscribe to the Hard Copy Media Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts to follow along as we unpack creativity, business, and storytelling with industry peers and leaders.

#CreativePodcast #Storytelling #HardCopyMedia

00:00 – Welcome to the Hard Copy Media Podcast

00:45 – Who I Am & What Hard Copy Media Does

01:30 – Why This Podcast Exists

02:30 – Who This Podcast Is For

03:45 – Creativity in a Changing Industry

05:15 – AI, Business Challenges & Industry Shifts

06:40 – Why Everyone Is a Creative

08:05 – What Future Episodes Will Cover

09:45 – How Creatives Think & Problem-Solve

11:30 – Explicit Content Disclaimer

12:20 – How to Get Involved & Suggest Topics

13:30 – Subscribe & Closing Thoughts