Unfold Podcast
Follow Jason and Hwanjoe from Tenfold Production as they give listeners a behind-the-scenes insight into the commercial production industry. From technical skills to business and branding, find out what exactly it takes to be a creative in today's filmmaking industry.Â
If I Started Filmmaking While Working Full-Time, I’d Do THIS | Unfold EP. 50
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Thinking about going full-time freelance but not sure if you’re ready? In this episode, we break down the real tradeoffs between staying part-time, jumping in full-time, or building a hybrid path that actually fits your life. No vague advice—just honest stories, cash-flow realities, and the systems you need before you quit your job.
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Most Creators NEVER Break Through Because of This | Unfold EP. 49
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đź“‚ Want to see 100+ curated references organized by difficulty? Get our FREE Director's Reference Library (the exact catalog we use to evaluate what's achievable): https://directorsreferencelibrary.carrd.co/
Most creators plateau not because of talent, but because their references are too small and too similar. In this episode, we show how to build a pro-level reference system that sharpens your taste, speeds up your decisions, and finally pushes your work past the “good, not great” barrier.
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...The BRUTAL Truth About Making It As a Filmmaker In 2025 | Unfold EP. 48
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This brutally honest Q&A tackles the real problems filmmakers face: reps that don’t feed you, money stress, specs that don’t convert, vague references, gear FOMO, weak outreach, and DMs that go nowhere. You’ll learn why stability beats the starving-artist grind, how to aim specs at the right market, turn them into case studies that win clients, and package your positioning so “real brands” actually reply.Â
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How to Develop KILLER Creative Taste as a Filmmaker | Unfold EP. 47
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Today on Unfold Podcast, we're talking about how to develop great taste as a filmmaker. Learn to break down creative goals, find your references, and build a career around what you actually love, not just chasing money. Practical advice for leveling up your filmmaking.
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How to Run Shoots Like a Pro Without the Chaos | Unfold EP. 46
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Previs changed everything. In this video we show the simple pre-production process we use to end chaotic film shoots, plan every shot, wrap early, and keep clients happy. If you’re a director/DP tired of missed frames, this workflow is for you.
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How to PROPERLY charge for video production in 2025 | Unfold EP. 45
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In this video, we cover essential business tips for freelancers looking to establish their value in the creative industry. Learn how to sell your skills effectively and navigate the mental state required to thrive in creative job ideas. Whether you're starting out or looking to refine your approach, these insights will help you elevate your game!Â
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How To Become A Director WITHOUT Film School | Unfold EP. 44
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You don’t need film school to become a director. In this episode, we break down a practical path to directing—built on specialization, real-world practice, and repeatable systems. Learn how to move from videographer to director, build a reel that attracts real brands, lead sets without touching the camera, and develop the five core skills that accelerate your career.
What you’ll learn:
How to specialize your lane so clients know exactly why to hire you
Five core skills: communication, research, reverse-engineering references, focus, collaboration
How to struct...
The One Skill Holding You Back From Scaling Your Video Business | Unfold EP. 43
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Scale isn’t a gear problem—it’s a communication problem. In this episode, we break down how poor communication silently caps your revenue: weak briefs, wearing every hat, unclear hand-offs, and misaligned client expectations. You’ll hear a candid story about an Olympics project that derailed due to trust and pre-production gaps—and the exact fixes that turned things around.
What you’ll learn:
The real reason filmmakers struggle to scale (and how to diagnose it fast)
How late or missing briefs create chaos on set—and how to prevent it<...
How to Escape the $500 Videography Death Spiral | Unfold EP. 42
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Stuck taking $500 gigs, working nights and weekends, and wondering why your rates never move? This episode breaks down the $500 death spiral: how vague scopes, weak boundaries, and panic-yes decisions trap filmmakers in burnout and the exact system to climb out. We cover the retainer trap, why portfolio mismatch keeps you underpaid, and a practical exit plan: diagnose your goals/energy/time, replace pitches with proof (spec + BTS + distribution), repackage your offer, set minimums, and specialize in a role and niche clients actually pay for. If you’re ready to stop saying yes to ev...
If You're A Solo Freelancer, You HAVE To Learn This Skill | Unfold EP. 41
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The fastest way to raise your rates and stop burning out isn’t more gear—it’s mastering client intake and scoping. In this episode, we show how diagnostic questioning turns vague inquiries into clear deliverables, timelines, usage rights, and approvals so you can price with confidence, avoid scope creep, and protect your margin. You’ll see our exact intake flow, red flags to watch for, how to frame budget vs. deliverables, and simple email scripts that turn “Can you do a video?” into a profitable project (or a polite pass). If you’re a solo film...
How To Market Your Business in 2025 | Unfold EP. 40
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Traditional networking won’t get you out of low-paying cycles. In this episode, we show why most filmmakers are trapped in an “invisible feedback loop” (you post the work you don’t want and attract more of it) and what to do instead: build proof. We break down how to pivot with spec work, then use a simple marketing trifecta—BTS, targeted content, and intentional distribution—to create demand, stay top of mind, and land the right clients. Proof beats potential, and posting with purpose beats collecting business cards.
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How I’d Rebrand my Filmmaking Business in 2025 (If I Started Today) | Unfold EP. 39
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In this episode, We lay out a practical playbook for repositioning your brand from the ground up. We cover portfolio pruning, niche positioning, website and bio upgrades, pricing signals, and a repeatable content plan that attracts higher-value briefs. If you’re stuck between generalist gigs and the work you actually want to be known for, this is your roadmap to stand out, raise rates, and build a brand that compounds. Perfect for directors, DPs, and small studios ready to relaunch with intent in 2025.
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Filmmaking Is Changing FAST (Do This Before 2026) | Unfold EP. 38
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The filmmaking landscape is shifting fast. In this episode, we break down what’s changing between now and 2026—and exactly how to position yourself so you’re not left behind. We cover why generalists are getting squeezed, how to choose a profitable niche, and the step-by-step plan to update your bio, portfolio, and offer so the right clients find you.
If you’re serious about landing better clients and bigger budgets in 2025–2026, this episode gives you the playbook to specialize, stand out, and scale.
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The SECRET To Profitable Projects | Unfold EP. 37
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Most filmmakers think a producer is “nice to have.” In reality, a great producer is the operating system of your production — protecting budgets, aligning clients, and freeing creatives to do their best work.
In this episode, we break down exactly what producers do, when to bring one in, and how a 10–15% producer fee can save you thousands by preventing scope creep, schedule slips, and costly reshoots. We map the producing stack (EP, Producer, PM, AD, PAs), share real before/after examples from our own jobs, and show...
The 4 Questions That 10X’d Our Rates | Unfold EP. 36
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Most creatives undercharge because they don’t ask the right questions.
In this episode, we break down the exact client intake process we use before taking on any job — including the 4 questions that helped us raise our rates, avoid burnout, and finally separate portfolio work from profitable work.
Whether you're a freelance filmmaker, agency owner, or content creator, this system will help you qualify clients faster, protect your time, and price with confidence.
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Why Staying Solo Is Keeping You BROKE | Unfold EP. 35
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Running your video business solo might feel like the smartest way to keep more profit… but it’s actually the fastest way to stall your growth — and stay broke.
In this episode, we share how trying to do everything ourselves on a $25K project led to burnout, delays, and lost opportunities. You’ll learn why refusing to delegate is costing you money, and how to start building the right team so you can scale without sacrificing quality.
We break down the five stages of growth for filmmakers and producti...
How We Almost Ruined Our Biggest Spec Project | Unfold EP. 34
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We poured everything into this spec project — time, money, reputation — and nearly lost it all. In this episode, we break down the critical mistakes that almost derailed our biggest production to date, and how we salvaged it just in time. Whether you're a filmmaker, content creator, or just curious about what it really takes to pull off a high-stakes spec project, this episode is packed with hard-earned lessons and behind-the-scenes insights.
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10 Things I’d Tell My Younger Self About Filmmaking | Unfold EP. 33
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In this episode of Unfold, we dive deep into the real lessons learned from building a successful video production company from the ground up. Over the past four years, we’ve scaled Tenfold Productions to work with top-tier brands, land six-figure projects, and create a career we genuinely love. But it wasn’t easy—it took years of trial, error, and strategic growth.
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The Brutal Truth About Running a Production Company | Unfold EP. 32
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In this episode of the Unfold Podcast, the founders of Tenfold share the real story behind building their video production company from scratch. From early struggles, hard lessons, and managing partnerships to learning the business side of filmmaking, we dive deep into what it truly takes to succeed in the production world today. If you’ve ever wondered whether starting a video production company is the right move for you, this conversation is your roadmap.
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10 Things We Did to Finally Land $100K Campaigns | Unfold EP. 31
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In this episode, we break down the 10 essential lessons every filmmaker needs to scale from small $2,500 projects to six-figure commercial campaigns. Drawing from years of hands-on experience, we share the strategies, mindset shifts, and business skills that helped us land $100K+ productions. From mastering spec work, building systems, and reverse engineering success, to positioning yourself as a specialist and understanding pricing and scope, this episode is packed with actionable advice to accelerate your growth as a cinematographer or production company owner. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up...
What Clients ACTUALLY Look For In Cinematographers | Unfold EP. 30
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Commercial cinematographer Zachary Guy breaks down the real reason clients hire DPs—and it’s not just the pretty pictures. From spec work to soft skills, Zach shares how he built a sustainable career by mastering the business side of cinematography, developing his reputation, and creating work that reflects the projects he wants to be hired for. If you're a creative looking to turn your passion into consistent paid work, this episode is a must-watch.
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How We Landed Our First $100K Project | Unfold EP. 29
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Stop Chasing Clients. Start Doing THIS Instead | Unfold EP. 28
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Want to become a working cinematographer but don’t have the perfect gear or clients? In this episode, Zachary Guy shares how he built a career by creating strategic spec work, focusing on story over equipment, and mastering fundamentals. Learn how to design impactful shots, develop a reel that gets noticed, and build a network that opens real opportunities.Â
Get our FREE Director's Reference Library: https://directorsreferencelibrary.carrd.co/
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How Cinematographers Actually Get Paid Thousands a Day | Unfold EP. 27
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Why do some cinematographers earn thousands per day — and how do they actually justify those rates? In this episode, we break down the real business behind filmmaking: how creatives learn to price their work, negotiate with confidence, and communicate value to clients. From getting paid for the first time to landing high-end commercial gigs, this conversation is essential for any filmmaker ready to level up and get paid what they’re worth.
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How A Pro Cinematographer Works With A Micro Budget | Unfold EP. 26
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Struggling with pre-production on a micro-budget shoot? In this Q&A episode, cinematographer Zachary Guy breaks down how to handle clients, what pre-production steps matter most, and how to build a small but effective crew. Whether you're a solo creator or building your video business, you'll learn how to present yourself professionally, align with clients, and elevate production value—no matter the budget. Ideal for filmmakers, DPs, and creative entrepreneurs looking to improve their workflow and confidence on set.
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Why Most Videographers NEVER Become Cinematographers | Unfold EP. 25
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What’s the difference between a videographer and a true cinematographer? In this episode, Zachary Guy breaks down the mindset shift, intentionality, and process that separates run-and-gun shooters from professional DPs. Learn how pre-production, lens choice, lighting, and storytelling can transform your work — even on corporate gigs. Perfect for aspiring cinematographers, freelance videographers, and filmmakers ready to level up.
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Our FREE Filmmaking Production Resources here: https://setmemory.store/collections/free
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How I Finally Started Getting Paid What I’m Worth | Unfold EP. 24
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Tired of doing great work for low pay? In this episode, we break down exactly what changed in mindset, pricing, and positioning that helped us start landing high-value commercial projects. We share real lessons from undercharging, getting ghosted, and watching others charge 10x for the same deliverables. This is about understanding how to present your value, speak to clients, and build a sustainable creative career. If you're stuck in the low-budget loop, this video will show you how to break out of it.
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What Top Directors Do That Gets Them Paid | Unfold EP. 23
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A great reel and big ideas aren’t enough to get hired as a director. In this video, we break down the real reasons why most emerging directors stay overlooked — from unclear communication to not knowing how to lead a team. You’ll learn how top directors win trust, get paid, and deliver creative that solves actual problems. Whether you're just starting or trying to level up, this is the mindset shift you need. Watch this before your next pitch.
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Why You’re Underpaid (And What Top Filmmakers Do Differently) | Unfold EP. 22
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If you’re stuck trying to level up from low-budget gigs or can’t seem to land the kind of work you actually want to do—this episode is for you. We break down the real steps filmmakers need to take to build a portfolio that attracts high-paying clients. We walk through the mindset shift from waiting to be chosen to actively reverse-engineering your dream career. You’ll learn how to use spec work strategically, how to find your creative voice, and why packaging and positioning matter more than ever in 2025. Plus, we unpack c...
Stuck in Low Budget Work? Here’s How I Got Out | Unfold EP. 21
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Stuck doing $500 gigs that drain your time, energy, and creativity?
In this episode, we break down how we finally broke out of the low-budget loop that held back my filmmaking career for years. If you're a DP, director, or creator who feels overworked and underpaid, this video walks you through the exact mindset shifts, client strategies, and work habits that helped us transition into bigger commercial projects—with better pay, more creative control, and clients we actually wanted to work with.
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What They Don’t Tell You About Directing Commercials | Unfold EP. 20
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You planned the shoot, assembled the crew, locked the location—but what really happens when you finally step on set?Â
In this episode of the Unfold Podcast, we sit down with Hwanjoe to unpack the entire shoot day of his latest spec commercial. From last-minute weather changes to unexpected pivots, we break down everything that went right (and wrong) during production.Â
Jason and Hwanjoe dive into what it actually takes to lead a set, manage a crew, direct non-actors, and stay adaptable when things go off-script.
WATCH THIS Before Starting a Production Company | Unfold EP. 19
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Thinking about turning your freelance video work into a full-blown production company? In this episode, we break down the biggest differences between working solo and building a scalable creative business. From understanding sales and branding, to finding the right clients, building a network, and knowing when to say no — this is the roadmap we wish we had when we started.
Whether you're a solo videographer looking to level up, or an aspiring commercial director trying to break into bigger projects, this episode lays out the realities (and myths) of running a successful vi...
How To Say NO To A Job Even When You REALLY Need The Money | Unfold EP. 18
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When you’re early in your creative career, every project feels like an opportunity — but taking the wrong jobs can actually slow your growth, drain your energy, and damage your reputation. In this episode, we dive deep into the hard lessons we learned by saying "yes" too often, the hidden costs of bad clients, and why niching down can fast-track your career.
We also break down whether it's smarter to stay freelance or work full-time, how to know when to pivot, and why finding mentorship can shortcut years of trial and error.
...
What It ACTUALLY Takes To Land $10K Video Projects | Unfold EP. 17
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Everyone thinks they’re ready for a $10K job… until they get one. In this episode, we break down the hard lessons we learned taking on big-budget projects before we had the systems, skills, or team to handle them. From two-month coloring spirals to completely mismanaging budgets, this is a transparent look at what actually goes wrong when you get more money than you're prepared for—and how to fix it.
We talk pre-production, color workflow, team building, client communication, and the real reason most filmmakers plateau. If you’ve ever said “I...
How to Make Spec Work That Actually Lands Clients | Unfold EP. 16
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In the first episode of our new mini-series, we follow Hwanjoe as he prepares for a spec commercial—with guidance from Jason. From developing the concept and pitching it to a brand, to assembling a crew and locking in pre-production—this episode pulls back the curtain on everything that happens before a single frame is shot.
If you’ve ever wondered how real commercial work comes together—or what it actually takes to level up as a director—this is the episode for you.
Watch as we turn a simple idea into a ful...
The #1 Mistake Filmmakers Keep Repeating | Unfold EP. 15
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Every filmmaker has that one project they wish they could take back. In this episode, we break down the single mistake that’s ruined more shoots than we can count: skipping pre-production.Â
We’re unpacking the exact moment we realized we had to change how we work — and the 9-step system that saved our projects (and our sanity).Â
Whether you're a solo shooter or scaling up to commercial work, this episode is packed with practical insights on how to never show up unprepared again.
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Everything We Learned In 6 Years As A Production Company | Unfold EP. 14
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No fluff. No ego. Just 52 minutes of raw, practical advice every creative needs to hear.
In this episode, we break down the hard truths that no one talks about—why your projects keep falling apart, how to actually level up as a creative, and the systems you need to build if you're serious about filmmaking as a career. We dive into team dynamics, the art of debriefing, avoiding burnout, dealing with client revisions, and learning how to grow without losing your mind.
Whether you're just starting or already deep in the tr...
If I Had To Restart My Career With $0, I'd Do THIS | Unfold EP. 13
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If I had to start over from scratch—no connections, no clients, no gear—this is exactly how I’d rebuild my creative career.
In this episode, we unpack the painful journey of undercharging, battling imposter syndrome, and struggling to position yourself as a professional filmmaker. From the confidence gap to quoting with clarity, we walk through the mindset shifts, tactical systems, and hard lessons that took us from $500 gigs to high-budget commercial work.
Whether you're just starting or looking to realign your path, this conversation is about getting clear...
The Real Reason Filmmakers Get Stuck (And Don’t Even Know It) | Unfold EP. 12
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Imposter syndrome is one of the biggest hidden roadblocks for creatives—and most of us don’t even realize when it’s happening.Â
In this episode, we unpack how imposter syndrome actually shows up in your work, what it feels like in real time, and how it can quietly derail your growth as a filmmaker. We talk about how comparison, perfectionism, and pressure to succeed can spiral into creative burnout—and more importantly, how to break that cycle.Â
If you’ve ever doubted your abilities, questioned your progress, or...
If You’re Talented But Still Broke, Watch This | Unfold EP. 11
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In this episode, we dive deep into the mindset shifts and strategies every filmmaker needs to level up—especially when it comes to raising your rates and building a sustainable creative career. We break down why imposter syndrome is so hard to shake, how positioning can unlock better opportunities, and the underrated power of spec work when you're trying to grow.Â
Whether you’re stuck pitching low-budget jobs or unsure how to charge more, this episode will help you see yourself—and your work—differently.Â
If you're serious about moving fro...
