In this episode of the Hard Copy Media Podcast, Colton sits down with Arizona-based camera operator Jay Brodeur to unpack what it really looks like to build a career behind the camera—and when it’s time to pivot.

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

In this solo episode of the Hard Copy Media Podcast, Colton breaks down why creative problem solving is the most valuable skill a modern creative professional can develop—and why it matters more than gear, budgets, or perfect conditions.

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

In this solo episode of the Hard Copy Media Podcast, Colton breaks down one of the most underutilized—but powerful—content strategies available today: content atomization.

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

In this episode of the Hard Copy Media Podcast, Colton sits down with returning guest J.T. Healy to break down what it really takes to shoot high-level corporate and fitness events—whether you’re a solo shooter or running a full production team.

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

In this solo episode of the Hard Copy Media Podcast, Colton breaks down three foundational pillars that shape long-term success for creatives and business owners: coaching, mentorship, and community.

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

Welcome to the pilot episode of the Hard Copy Media Podcast.

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