
This podcast is all about helping emerging cinematographers, photographers, and directors navigate the challenges of building a life and a career behind the lens.
From workflow to personal growth, creative vision to marketing, finances to production—every episode is packed with a wide range of topics to support visual storytellers in their pursuit of building a business and growing a career they are proud of.
MARSHAL CHUPA
Host
Marshal Chupa is a Canadian commercial cinematographer and photographer, specializing in short-form branded and advertising content. With more than a decade of experience behind the lens, he understands the complexities of building a career in the creative industry. As the host of the SHOTLIST Podcast, Marshal connects aspiring creatives with insights from industry professionals, sharing valuable lessons and stories. Recognized as a thought leader and connector, he is expanding his influence through conversations that inspire and elevate the next generation of creative professionals building a career doing what they love.
17. Byron Kopman | DP
In this episode DP Byron Kopman discusses the importance of building relationships, the benefits and drawbacks of having an agent, and the best equipment that makes a return on your investment while. Byron opens up to Marshal about the process of obtaining his US Visa, recounting the frustrating experience and the steps he took to obtaining and renew it. He emphasizes the value of shorthand in the industry and his appreciation for crew members who share his strong work ethic. If you’re looking to build your portfolio, invest in gear, and grow your network as a freelance creative, Byron has a lot of nuggets of wisdom for you — let’s dive in.
16. Evan Bourcier | Filmmaker
In this episode, Marshal speaks with Filmmaker, Evan Bourcier on topics such as how he found his way into making a living with a camera, learning from other people in the industry by watching them work, the importance of being emotionally intelligent to thrive in this industry, knowing how to connect to your work, and learning to manage the fluctuating income that comes with being a freelance creative. If you’re an aspiring filmmaker, listen in and learn from his journey — let’s dive in.
15. Christian Tisdale | Photographer / Director
In this episode, Marshal speaks with Photographer and Director, Christian Tisdale about his journey to making it in the industry as a commercial photographer. Being in an increasingly saturated market, Christian shares his experience on how he is able to set himself apart. He also talks about the importance of having personal projects, the differences between photographers at different price points, and a 3-step system to create and keep momentum with his work and clients. You’ll find so much inspiration from Christian’s story, and I’m so excited to share our conversation with you. Let’s dive in!
14. RJ Sauer | Director / Writer
As a director, RJ's ability to hold the end vision in mind while navigating all the challenges of the filmmaking process is a true testament to his talent. In this episode, Marshal speaks with director and writer, RJ Sauer about the creative process and the responsibility of creating a film. RJ talks about the key aspects of his workflow, his journey in building relationships and finding work, as well as navigating the ups and downs of the freelance creative world. Most importantly, he shares about his story and how it shapes not only his work life but also his personal life. I’m excited to share this conversation with you, so let's dive in!
13. Chris Orwig | Photographer / Author / Educator / Intuitive Healer
In this episode, Marshal speaks with photographer, author, educator, and intuitive healer, Chris Orwig. Chris talks about the creative process behind his book, The Creative Fight, which offers guidance on creating meaningful work that aligns with your values and lifestyle. He also shares about the importance of intention in building a successful career, advice on developing an impactful portfolio and building strong relationships, and what success means and how it should shape our career paths. If you want to go deep, then this episode's for you. Let's dive in!
12. Garth Collins | Executive Producer and Partner
In this episode, Marshal speaks with executive producer and partner at Dear Friend, Garth Collins as they delve into the dynamic world of executive producing. Garth provides valuable insights into the significance of communication and relationship-building in the creative industry, emphasizing how these elements can serve as seeds that grow into long-term value and opportunities. He also provides an inside look into his role in balancing business with creativity, in dealing with the highs and lows of a creative career, and reveals his team's main processes and systems that drive their work forward. If you're a creative looking to jump into this crazy but exciting career path, don't miss out on this conversation — let’s dive in.
11. JACOB CRAWFORD | PRODUCER / EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
In this episode, Marshal speaks with Jacob Crawford, a seasoned producer and executive producer with over a decade of experience in the film industry. Jacob talks about how a fateful drone crash sparked his interest in filmmaking, his three-step system for building meaningful relationships, and how he built and leads his team of eight internal employees while working on 50 - 100 person set productions. Whether you're just starting out in the industry or looking to take your career to the next level, Jacob's insights and experiences are sure to inspire and inform — let’s dive in.
10. mark milburn | director / producer
In this episode, Marshal speaks with director and producer Mark Milburn exploring his unique journey into commercial directing and producing. Formerly an athlete and business owner, Mark shares how he began building relationships and finding ways to add value to his clients' lives. We also discuss the delicate balance of being a director and producer simultaneously and explore what an OTT platform is, and how it could change the game for creators. Mark's passion for helping others succeed shines through in this conversation, making it a must-listen for both newcomers and veterans in the creative industry. Be sure to tune in until the end and gain insights for your freelance journey — let’s dive in.
9. Jan Schuster | DP / Cinematographer
In this episode, Marshal speaks with cinematographer and DP Jan Schuster about how he created other avenues of income with his camera truck, how he began building relationships and a solid foundation for his career, the mindset it takes to make it through the tough times when work inevitably slows down, and how his experience buying his first RED camera went and whether it was a good career choice when he was starting out on his journey. Let's dive in!
8. Shaunoh Wilson
In this episode, Marshal speaks with creative film director Shaunoh Wilson about his process of creating work and keeping things personal, how he goes about coming up with ideas and the added challenge of collaborating with a team to get his vision across. He speaks to how to deal with rejection, and staying positive in this wild freelance career, as well as his core values and lifestyle that come along with the journey. You’re going to love this episode — let’s dive in.
7. Corwin Hiebert
In this episode, Marshal speaks with creative consulting and business expert, Corwin Hiebert about how to get started with your creative career. Corwin speaks to some important tips on what it takes to launch your career as a creative, how to actually start making money from your craft, and how to generate demand for your services. He shares tips guaranteed to set you up for success, including some bad business practices to avoid in the beginning. You’re going to love this episode — let’s dive in.
6. Callum Snape
In this episode, Marshal Chupa talks with commercial, tourism and outdoor photographer Callum Snape about how to make a life and a living behind the lens. Callum is a renowned Instagram photographer with over 800k followers and in this deep-dive conversation he walks you through how to build a compelling and focused portfolio, how to get noticed by destination and tourism boards, how to develop relationships with your dream clients and ultimately how to build a winning proposal. You’re going to love this episode—let’s jump in!
5. David duChemin
In this episode, Marshal Chupa talks with photographer and best-selling author David DuChemin about how to earn a living from your craft and creativity. This is a spirited and insightful conversation about the importance of honing your creative vision, when to quit your day job and go all-in, and how to price your talent and your work. David is a renowned public speaker and a deeply passionate educator, you’re going to love this episode—now let’s jump in!
4. Andrea Winger
In this episode, Marshal Chupa talks with commercial director Andrea Winger about how she’s made a life and a living in the production world. During this energetic discussion Andrea shares her journey story, outlines her creative process to getting a new project off the ground, details her approach to building-out her directors’ treatments, and giving some insider tips on the unconventional skills that have made her career so successful. You’re going to love this episode—now let’s jump in!
3. Noah Fallis
In this episode, Marshal Chupa chats with photographer and DP Noah Fallis about how he got started and how he’s crafted for himself a freelance career he’s really proud of. The discussion tackles how he’s found success in working with ad agencies, how to turn smaller opportunities into bigger career-changing breaks, and how to push past the struggles in order to do your best work. Noah’s unique journey offers emerging photographers and cinematographers an inside track on how making a life and living from your passion can be done through persistence, setting high standards, making smart decisions and by pushing your creativity while commanding the very best from your crew. You’re going to love this episode—now let’s jump in!
2. Darcy Wittenburg
In this episode, Marshal Chupa chats with director and producer Darcy Wittenburg about his creative and vocational journey behind the lens. As a mountain bike filmmaker, Darcy has had to be a serial collaborator and a dedicated team leader, pushing himself and his crew to share and deliver on new ideas and work together under pressure—they jump right into the good stuff so you’re going to wanna pay attention. The discussion also covers topics like finding and working with sponsors and funding partners for bigger projects. This conversation packed with insights and practical tips for anyone looking to make a life and a living from this amazing craft, now let’s jump in!
1. Aaron Nathanson
In this inaugural episode of SHOTLIST Marshal Chupa talks with cinematographer and director Aaron Nathanson. The conversation covers Aaron's freelance journey, how he began to build his portfolio while overseas (with very few resources), and how he made a name for himself in a new town where he knew no one. Aaron also gives some really great tips about how to create meaningful work and even when to buy your next camera.