In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, Mark Currie from Chocolate Films (London, England) shares his journey of building a uniquely impactful video production business through strategic growth and meaningful community engagement. Mark discusses how Chocolate Films scaled organically over two decades, balancing commercial projects with creative social initiatives like filmmaking workshops and their ambitious “1000 Londoners” project. He offers insights on overcoming growth hurdles, managing a team of over twenty full-time employees across multiple locations, and developing effective internal systems that enhance productivity. Discover how Mark’s commitment to community-driven storytelling and fostering a positive team culture has become integral to Chocolate Films’ sustained success and influence.
Creatives Grab Coffee is produced by Lapse Productions, a video production company based out of Toronto, Canada. Reach out to them for your video production needs.
SPONSORS: Canada Film Equipment and Audio Process
Watch: Growing with Purpose (ft. Chocolate Films) #94
Listen: Growing with Purpose (ft. Chocolate Films) #94
Key Takeaways
• Community-Driven Filmmaking: Chocolate Films differentiates itself by actively engaging in meaningful community projects and workshops, such as their ongoing series “1000 Londoners.”
• Strategic Expansion: Opening a second location in Glasgow allowed Mark to effectively service clients across the UK, optimizing production efficiency and reducing travel overhead.
• Adaptable Growth: Chocolate Films scaled organically by consistently adjusting their internal processes and communication systems to maintain agility and avoid bureaucratic bottlenecks as their team expanded beyond 20 employees.
• In-House Team Model: Maintaining a full-time, in-house team rather than relying heavily on freelancers enables consistency in quality, stronger internal culture, and smoother project management.
• Navigating Industry Shifts: Mark emphasizes a cautious approach to adopting new technologies or trends, waiting for clear client demand before significant investment to avoid unnecessary risks.
• Passion Projects for Growth: Initiatives like “1000 Londoners” allow Mark’s team to experiment creatively, enhancing their skills, fostering teamwork, and generating additional client interest.
• Open Company Culture: Encouraging a culture of open communication and feedback has been crucial to proactively addressing issues, fostering employee satisfaction, and maintaining productivity during rapid team expansion.
