Introduction
In episode #103 of Creatives Grab Coffee, hosts Dario Nouri and Kyrill Lazarov of Lapse Productions sit down with Manuel Izquierdo, founder of Mi Media Productions based in Miami ([Florida]).
Together, they explore how modern video production companies evolve by balancing creativity, business strategy, and AI-driven innovation. The conversation moves from the realities of day-to-day production life to deeper topics like workflow automation, managing rentals, and building sustainable creative businesses.
Listen or Watch the Episode
🎧 Spotify: Listen on Spotify
🎥 YouTube: Watch on YouTube
Key Takeaways
Building a Video Business in a Changing Industry
Manuel shares how Mi Media Productions began as a small creative studio focused on corporate and commercial projects, gradually expanding into production support and rentals.
Like many independent companies featured on Creatives Grab Coffee, Manuel highlights the importance of slow, steady growth—the kind that builds character and longevity rather than burnout.
He also discusses how he leverages trusted freelancers and a tight-knit Miami production network to stay flexible, echoing the same approach Dario and Kyrill use at Lapse Productions.
Balancing Creativity and Business
Running a production company means wearing multiple hats. Manuel admits that as a business owner, “the budget often comes first,” while his collaborators help push the creative bar higher.
Dario and Kyrill emphasize that creative ambition and business structure must work together—a recurring theme throughout the podcast. Whether it’s defining roles, pricing projects correctly, or maintaining client relationships, sustainable growth depends on both creative integrity and operational discipline.
For more business-focused insights, check out the Video Production Business Resources section on the Lapse Productions website.
AI in Pre-Production and Storyboarding
A standout part of the episode is Manuel’s practical use of AI tools like ChatGPT and image-generation platforms for pre-visualization.
He explains how AI has improved storyboarding, concept development, and copy revisions, reducing turnaround time for clients and minimizing costs.
Dario and Kyrill relate this to their own pre-production workflow at Lapse Productions, noting how these tools streamline communication between creative and corporate teams.
The Miami Market vs. Toronto’s Scene
Manuel offers a unique look into Miami’s creative market, which mixes commercial, corporate, and entertainment clients—from agencies to Latin American music productions.
He compares it with Toronto’s broader but more fragmented ecosystem, where studios like Lapse Productions often collaborate with local and international partners for corporate video and manufacturing content.
Both markets share the same challenge: balancing artistic vision with commercial realities and staying competitive through strong branding and SEO.
SEO, Google Ads, and the “Octopus Method”
The discussion shifts to digital marketing, with all three filmmakers diving into Google My Business, SEO tactics, and the role of Google Ads in lead generation.
Manuel jokes about his “octopus method”—having multiple marketing tentacles (SEO, AdWords, referrals, networking) so one slow season doesn’t sink the business.
Dario and Kyrill agree that combining organic SEO with paid campaigns has been key to Lapse Productions’ growth.
They also touch on the importance of internal linking, reviews, and consistent updates to maintain strong search visibility.
Rentals, Gear Management, and Risk
Manuel outlines his plan to expand into equipment rentals, using proper insurance coverage and detailed prep-day workflows to minimize risk.
The conversation includes tips on rental agreements, verifying certificates of insurance, and taking photos before and after every handoff—practical advice for any production house.
For filmmakers managing their own gear, Lapse Productions offers a similar behind-the-scenes look in their Production Equipment Insights.
Recap
- Steady growth > fast growth: Build character and structure before scaling.
- Collaborate strategically: Success comes from trusted teams, not solo effort.
- Leverage AI wisely: Use it for storyboards, scripting, and voiceovers.
- Use SEO & Google Ads: Diversify marketing to keep consistent inbound leads.
- Invest in rentals smartly: Treat gear as an asset class with insurance protection.
- Enjoy the craft: Filmmaking is about creative play—remember to have fun.
About the Guest
Manuel Izquierdo is the founder of Mi Media Productions, a Miami-based video production company specializing in commercial, corporate, and creative storytelling.
Connect with Manuel on LinkedIn or visit mimediapro.com.
About the Hosts
Creatives Grab Coffee is hosted by Dario Nouri and Kyrill Lazarov, co-founders of Lapse Productions — a top video production company in Toronto helping businesses create cinematic content that drives results.
Episode Sponsors
- 🎥 Lapse Productions
- 🎧 Audio Process
- đź’ˇ Canada Film Equipment
