The Den Lennie Show
Strategic insights for production company owners ready to scale past $250K. Real conversations with successful CEOs about systems, profitability, and sustainable growth. #JFDI
Episodes
In this no-fluff solo episode, Den dives deep into how AI is reshaping the video production landscapeâand why boutique creatives risk being left behind if they keep relying on talent alone.
The punchline? In todayâs market, positioning beats talent.
Youâll hear why clients are increasingly drawn to perceived certainty, scalable systems, and strategic partnersânot just slick reels or cinematic flair. If youâre stuck betw...
âAI is coming for your job â and if you think itâs not, youâre kidding yourself.
But hereâs the thing⊠while most filmmakers are sipping piña coladas on the beach, pretending the seaâs calm, Iâm telling you, thereâs a tsunami coming.
In todayâs episode, I break down exactly where AI canât replace you â and more importantly, how to start using it now to gain a massive competitive edge.
If you want to be a first mover, n...
Den addresses the elephant in the room after posting an AI-generated episode that fooled most of his audience.Â
He breaks down why AI will disrupt the video production industry but won't replace it entirely, using the analogy of synthesizers in music - powerful tools that still require expertise to master.
Key insights covered:
- Why clients having AI tools doesn't threaten skilled videographers
- How to get ahe...
Youâre working 70-hour weeks, juggling clients, edits, marketing, wondering why it still feels like you're barely keeping your head above water.
Sound familiar?
In this deep dive with our new hosts, Kai Mercer and Blake Juno, we unpack exactly why so many talented videographers get trapped in the feast-or-famine cycle, and how you can break free without turning into a pushy salesman.Â
This week's episode is a personal one. Den shares the incredible story of Bruce Logan ASC - the man behind the Death Star explosion in Star Wars â and the humbling lessons he learned from working with him.
But itâs not just about nostalgia. Den also pulls no punches about the real state of the video industry in 2025: budget cuts, slower sales cycles, and why many creative businesses are quietly collapsing without ...
After three decades behind the camera, Iâve made a big callâŠ
In this episode, Iâm announcing something Iâve never done before: Iâm releasing my entire archive of foundational training , shooting, lighting, camera operation, all for free on YouTube.
These trainings once sold for thousands. Now, theyâre yours to learn from, build on, and share.
Whether youâre just starting out or youâve been in the game a while, this is th...
Ever feel like your video business is stuck in survival mode, feast or famine, no time to breathe, and definitely no time to grow?
In this episode, Den sits down with Matt Smolen, founder of Balloon Tree Productions, to uncover the surprisingly simple system that helped him go from an overwhelmed solo freelancer to running a thriving 5-person team, operating out of a slick Melbourne studio.
Matt reveals:
- The 1-4-8 ru...
In this inspiring conversation, Den Lennie sits down with Caleb Maxwell from Hebron Films to unpack the real, behind-the-scenes journey of growing a video production business from a struggling startup to a thriving six-figure operation.Â
Caleb shares the raw truths of making just $25K a year, hitting revenue ceilings, and the pivotal role coaching played in scaling up to $500K.Â
This episode explores...
In this candid solo episode, I reflect on key lessons from dozens of conversations with videographers over the past 90 days.Â
From the difference between those who are scaling successful video businesses and those who are stuck whining, to the transformative power of reframing client problems, this video is packed with hard-won wisdom.
I break down how adopting a business mindset, asking deeper diagnostic ques...
Jay Moyes was this close to giving up on his video business dreams
He was ready to trade his camera for a wrench and go back to ..Â
But instead? He built a six-figure video business and now gets paid to travel the world, filming in incredible locations.Â
And the craziest part?Â
It all came down to one decision that completely changed everything.Â
If youâve ever felt stuck in your creative career or wondered if success is r...
đ Waiting for work to come to you? Itâs time to make the first move.
When business slows down, itâs easy to get stuck in waiting modeâbut the best opportunities often come from the connections youâve already made.
This episode dives into practical ways to generate leads and secure work during lean times. We explore the power of checking in with past clients and nurturing existing relationships to unlock new business.
Yo...
In this candid episode, Den shares a behind-the-scenes look at what's been working and what hasn't - on the podcast. After experimenting with a new format featuring multiple video mentors, the data shows it's time for a change.
Den announces a shift back to engaging solo episodes and one-on-one interviews while introducing an exciting new approach: live problem-solving sessions for video busin...
đ„ Are you fired up and ready to go for 2025, or đ€ already in need of a reset?
Burnout can creep in when youâre juggling growth and balance, but it doesnât have to be inevitable.
This episode unpacks how delegation, prioritisation, and self-reflection can keep you focused on what matters most. We explore the value of building a strong support network and how hobbies, creative outlets, and physical activity can help you...
In this episode, Den reflects on the importance of perception and clarity in running a video production business. He emphasizes the value of niching down to stand out in a crowded market, the significance of keeping strategies simple and focusing on measurable goals.Â
Den also shares insights on effective marketing strategies, including Instagram content and targeted ads, while stressing the importance of maintaining w...
New Year â New Strategy! âš đ
The start of a new year is the perfect time to take stock of whatâs workingâand what isnât.
 We explore how strategic time management and a deep dive into your habits can unlock new levels of success, both personally and professionally.
Youâll hear actionable tips on how to prioritise, stay disciplined, and make smarter decisions with your time. And how seemingly small distractionsâlike part...
In this episode, Den kicks off the New Year with a reflective and actionable episode. He emphasizes the importance of revisiting past achievements and lessons to set the tone for success in 2025. đ
Den introduces a simple yet powerful exercise to identify wins and lessons from 2024, encouraging listeners to align their goals with their most significant insights and aspirations.Â
The episode highligh...
đMerry Christmas! In this special holiday episode, Den Lennie reflects on the past year in the video industry and shares a heartfelt message about rest, resilience, and the road ahead.
He emphasizes the importance of taking time off to rest, reflect, and recharge during the holiday season. Den acknowledges the challenges faced by many in the video industry over the past year and highlights the value of less...
What does it take to thrive in a male-dominated industry? đ„
With only 4% of filmmakers being female, Alana Tompson knows the challenges firsthand. A talented DP, Alana shares her journey from working on Whale Wars to launching her all-woman production company, Said & Done Media. Often the only woman on set, those experiences fuelled her passion for creating inclusive spaces and driving change.
We explore ...
In this episode, Den shares insights from recent events, including a business growth summit and a mastermind session for videographers.
He reflects on 2024's wins and challenges, offering actionable strategies to help listeners plan for a productive and fulfilling 2025. đ
Topics include the importance of self-reflection, setting creative and business goals, leveraging marketing platforms like...
Boo!Â
Have you ever had a client on the hook and then poof! Gone...đ» Â
Today, the Mentors dive into the challenges of ghosting in business, especially in client relationships and sales. They share personal stories of being ghosted and explore strategies to combat this issue, emphasizing the importance of follow-ups and nurturing leads.
This episode also highlights the role of CRMs in managing client interactions and the...
Popular Podcasts
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Charlie is America's hardest working grassroots activist who has your inside scoop on the biggest news of the day and what's really going on behind the headlines. The founder of Turning Point USA and one of social media's most engaged personalities, Charlie is on the front lines of Americaâs culture war, mobilizing hundreds of thousands of students on over 3,500 college and high school campuses across the country, bringing you your daily dose of clarity in a sea of chaos all from his signature no-holds-barred, unapologetically conservative, freedom-loving point of view. You can also watch Charlie Kirk on Salem News Channel