Office Hours with Audion. Hosted by Ben and Trae

In this episode, Ben and Trae talk through two recent productions that reveal a bigger truth about live events: quality is part of the message.From a Texas association event bringing together competing voices around water policy to a corporate town hall in DC built for a distributed workforce, they explore why great event production creates better communication, better speaker experiences, and better audience trust.They also get into the nuts and bolts: why built-in room systems often are not enough, why lighting and audio can make or break a show, and why recorded event content can become a long-tail marketing asset after the room clears.If you work in events, communications, or live production, this one is packed with real-world lessons from the field.00:00 Intro and travel recap01:54 Two standout event case studies02:59 The Texas water event05:54 The DC executive town hall10:18 Why production quality affects perception13:08 Built-in room tech vs purpose-built production16:34 Why lighting matters so much20:39 Audio can make or break everything23:53 Why live switching improves engagement25:50 Why quality is now expected27:06 Turning events into marketing assets30:43 What mission-driven organizations owe their audience31:53 Speaker confidence and trust33:20 Buc-ee’s as the perfect analogy34:49 Outro and Astros talk

The last couple of months moved fast.Audion kicked off the year with overlapping events, back-to-back productions, and then a snowstorm that shut down Boston just days before a major live event. Flights were canceled. Crews were scattered across the country. The production was scheduled on a university campus in front of a live audience.They had roughly 48 hours to pivot.In this episode of OFFICE HOURS, Ben and Trae break down how they guided the client through high-pressure decisions, what changed when the event shifted from in-person to fully virtual, and why making the call early ultimately saved the production.They also discuss:• The three options presented to the client• What real contingency planning looks like• Rebuilding the run of show for a virtual audience• Producing a broadcast that a CEO described as “Olympics-level”• Maintaining executive presence in a high-stakes environment• The kind of trust that only develops after years of working togetherThis episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at leadership under pressure — and what it takes to execute when everything around you is uncertain.00:00 – Intro: Two and a Half Months of Chaos01:15 – January Hit Like a Ton of Bricks03:20 – The Austin Ice Storm Pivot06:10 – Turning a School Campus into a Live Studio08:40 – The Boston Crisis Begins10:30 – The 3 Options We Gave the Client13:00 – Flights Canceled. National Emergency.15:00 – Going Fully Virtual17:30 – “It Felt Like Watching the Olympics.”19:00 – Executive Presence in the CEO’s Office21:00 – Trust at Scale with Long-Term Clients23:30 – Gratitude + What’s Next

What actually makes an event strategic?In this episode of OFFICE HOURS, Savannah Berrecil, founder of GoSavvy, breaks down what experiential marketing really means — and why most brands are leaving opportunity (and ROI) on the table.Savannah shares a real-world case study of a construction company that used a holiday party to roll out a rebrand, align employees, and strengthen company culture. From there, the conversation expands into vendor negotiations, hidden hotel clauses, production budgets, and why video strategy and follow-through matter more than most teams realize.They also discuss:• What experiential marketing actually is (and what it isn’t)• Where companies lose money in contracts and venue agreements• How AI is being used to strengthen strategy — not replace it• Savannah’s journey from audio engineer to founder• Going full-time in January 2020… right before COVID• Building ROI tools to help clients scale intentionally• Three practical pieces of advice for anyone hosting eventsIf you’re a founder, CMO, or marketing leader thinking about how events should drive real growth in 2026, this episode reframes them not as moments — but as systems.Connect with Savannah Berrecil & GoSavvywww.gosavvy.bizwww.instagram.com/gosavvyusawww.linkedin.com/company/go-savvy00:00 – Introduction + What Is Experiential Marketing?03:00 – The Construction Company Rebrand Event06:45 – Vendor Negotiation & Contract Pitfalls09:45 – Video, AI & Evolving Event Strategy11:45 – From Engineer to Entrepreneur16:30 – Launching GoSavvy + Surviving COVID21:30 – Budgeting, Time & Post-Event Follow-Through

Everyone is producing more content than ever — and trusting it less.In this episode, we sit down with copy strategist Lauren Jefferson, co-founder of Focus Copy, to talk about what’s actually going wrong with B2B messaging right now — and why AI didn’t break copywriting, it exposed deeper problems around trust, clarity, and strategy.We dig into:Why copywriting is no longer about persuasionHow AI raises the baseline but doesn’t improve outcomesWhere B2B companies are quietly leaking trust and revenueWhy “good enough” messaging is more expensive than it looksHow internal teams confuse activity with effectivenessWhat it really means to reduce uncertainty for buyersThis conversation is for founders, marketers, creatives, and operators who feel like they’re doing “everything right” — but still questioning whether their messaging is actually working.Guest: Lauren JeffersonCompany: Focus CopyWebsite: https://focuscopy.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenjefferson0:00 – Introducing Lauren Jefferson & today’s conversation0:32 – What Focus Copy does (and why messaging leaks revenue)1:23 – Starting a company the hard way3:12 – What copywriting actually is today4:07 – AI as the “Canva of copywriting”5:24 – Copywriting across the full customer journey6:23 – Why copywriting is about trust, not persuasion7:02 – How Lauren actually uses AI7:41 – AI as an unpaid intern8:07 – Choosing tools vs choosing strategy8:30 – How clients find and hire Focus Copy9:50 – “You don’t have a conversion problem”10:11 – Copywriting beyond words (P&L, invoices, systems)11:17 – How communication has changed in B2B12:42 – Narrowing focus and disqualifying clients13:19 – Why companies won’t hire copywriters14:14 – Inconsistent messaging kills trust14:41 – Video, AI, and the illusion of “good enough”15:44 – The danger of outsourcing thinking to AI16:45 – Messaging as business optimization17:16 – Why internal teams struggle with metrics18:12 – Tracking what actually matters18:44 – Final thoughts on trust and clarity

In this episode of Office Hours, Trae sits down with Nathan to talk about what it really takes to scale live production in 2026.Nate and Trae get into the shift toward IP-based video systems, how modern workflows reduce setup time while increasing flexibility, and why better logistics and purpose-built spaces allow for dramatically improved live event execution. Nate shares lessons from recent live conferences, the realities of deploying cutting-edge tech on site, and how smaller teams are now able to run productions that once required ten people.The conversation also covers long-term client relationships, investing in technical skills like networking, and why production work is ultimately about trust, systems, and people—not just gear.If you work in live events, AV, broadcast, or production operations, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how modern production teams are preparing for the year ahead.00:00 – Intro & catching up01:20 – Getting back into work after the holidays02:05 – Moving toward IP-based video systems03:35 – First live deployment & lessons learned05:05 – How smaller teams run bigger productions06:10 – Why the new facility changed everything08:00 – Logistics, loading, and why space matters09:55 – Managing overlapping national events11:40 – Working with new clients & live broadcasts13:35 – Why production work never gets boring14:25 – Skill-building goals for the year ahead15:45 – Learning networking for modern production17:10 – Managing gear, inventory, and systems18:45 – Personal resolutions & life outside work19:35 – Dry January, drinks, and downtime21:15 – Creative projects & future ideas22:40 – Wrap-up & final thoughts#OfficeHoursPodcast #LiveProduction #EventProduction #AVIndustry #BroadcastProduction #EventTech #VideoProduction #BehindTheScenes #ProductionLife #IPVideo #liveevents

In this episode of Office Hours with Ben and Trae, we sit down with Dianna Singh, former Director of Startup Success & Operations at Halliburton Labs, to unpack what really happens when corporate events, video production, and high-stakes stakeholders collide.Dianna shares the behind-the-scenes story of being handed a mission-critical pitch event—with zero video production experience—and navigating everything from failed webinar platforms and server crashes to building a polished, hybrid broadcast that became a flagship program.We talk about:-Why tools like Teams and Cvent aren't always ideal for small teams and startups in live event situations.-What separates a webinar from a true broadcast-How production quality impacts credibility, leadership buy-in, and startup visibility-Lessons learned from scaling a global cleantech accelerator during a pandemic-Why storytelling matters more than flashy video for early-stage startupsThis episode is a must-listen for event planners, corporate marketers, startup leaders, and anyone responsible for making high-visibility events actually work.00:00 – Introduction & Dianna’s background03:20 – From chemical engineering to startup acceleration05:40 – The Teams webinar disaster10:50 – Corporate politics, IT, and platform limitations15:00 – Cvent, virtual events, and production breakdowns19:00 – First hybrid event with a live production team23:30 – Why backups matter (and when servers fail)31:00 – Elevating events into broadcast experiences36:00 – Venue selection lessons (hotels vs unique spaces)48:00 – Does production quality affect investor decisions?52:00 – Storytelling > flashy video55:00 – Final advice for event planners & startups

This episode is a year-end recap with the Audion team—reflecting on growth, challenges, wins, and what it takes to deliver complex productions at scale. Ben and Trae talk with Steve, Brown and Nate and they recap the year and reflect on their big wins and best moments of 2025We talk about:Building efficient systems that actually support creativityWhy production culture matters just as much as gearLessons learned from high-pressure live eventsHow AI is changing the way we learn and createWhat we’re excited about heading into 2026If you’re involved in live events, broadcasting, or creative production, this conversation offers an honest look behind the scenes.Chapters00:00 – Welcome & Holiday Chaos02:20 – The End-of-Year Reflection Begins03:20 – Learning New Tech & The Role of AI05:45 – Big Challenges That Paid Off10:00 – Brown's First Year at Audion & Client Relationships14:30 – A High-Pressure Client Case Study20:45 – Trust, Repeat Clients & Seamless Execution24:00 – The Client Holiday Party & Community27:45 – Gratitude & Team Appreciation

In this episode of Office Hours, Trae sits down with Ozeal DeBastos, a veteran podcaster, brand strategist, and the founder of the Creator Factor. We dive deep into Ozeal's pivot from being a hip-hop artist and B-Boy to becoming a leader in the creator economy.We discuss the philosophy behind his first hit podcast, "No Permission Needed," and why waiting for gatekeepers is a thing of the past. Ozeal shares his insights on how AI is reshaping the creative landscape—not by replacing us, but by becoming our "digital teammates." Plus, we geek out over local Houston spots and the best coffee in Sugar Land.To connect with Ozeal, connect at [email protected] on IG: @therealozeal00:00 - Intro & Welcome01:14 - Ozeal’s Origin Story: From Hip-Hop to Podcasting05:10 - How Breakdancing & Hip-Hop Culture Fueled Creativity09:25 - The "No Permission Needed" Philosophy11:42 - Early Inspirations: Chase Jarvis, Mixergy & The Rise of Video Podcasts18:20 - Landing the Interview with Derek Sivers (CD Baby)22:00 - Evolving from Content Creation to Brand Strategy Consulting31:00 - The AI Debate: Tool vs. Digital Teammate39:27 - What is the "Creator Factor"?45:00 - Local Houston Talk: Coffee, Pho, and Hidden Gems in Sugar Land52:00 - Final Thoughts & Where to Find Ozeal

Its been a few months! Ben and Trae have been cooking out in the land of video production, but they have a new set of podcasts to release into the wild! For the first time ever, they do a hybrid podcast interview -- Claire and Ben are in the podcast studio at Audion HQ in Austin, and Trae is in his office in Houston, and they are able to pull it off. Claire lets them get into the ins and outs of working at marketing agencies, as well as teaching them about what makes Proof Advertising (https://www.proof-advertising.com/)such a special group. Key Takeaways"Once you have that core truth, you can translate it into something bold.""It's important to create something worthy of a place in the world.""Brands need to be worthy of a consumer's time and energy."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Claire Jordan and Proof03:00 The Role of Strategic Creativity09:00 Video in Brand Storytelling15:00 Maintaining Authenticity in a Digital Age21:00 Adapting to Consumer Expectations27:00 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

In this episode of OFFICE HOURS, hosts Ben and Trae dive into the chaos and triumphs of a busy week in corporate video production. Trae recounts a challenging on-location shoot in a complex environment, sharing his best practices for success—from packing the right gear to staying hydrated on a long day. The duo also discusses the unexpected power of compliments in the workplace and the crucial role of snacks on a successful film shoot. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out in video production, you'll learn some of the secrets to managing a crew, staying calm under pressure, and delivering great work every time.TakeawaysCompliments are essential for team morale.Social media strategies should focus on community engagement.Production challenges require adaptability and resourcefulness.Planning and preparation are key for successful shoots.Hydration and snacks are critical for long shoot days.Maintaining a calm demeanor helps in high-pressure situations.Understanding client needs is crucial for effective shooting.Flexibility in equipment choices can save time in post-production.Team culture significantly impacts job satisfaction.Diversity in projects keeps work exciting and engaging.Chapters00:00 Weekly Recap and Highlights03:41 Compliments and Affirmations06:34 Social Media Strategies and Insights09:29 Production Challenges in Unique Environments12:26 Networking and Community Engagement15:27 Food Adventures and Personal Reflections18:15 Best Practices for Industrial Video Shoots21:25 The Importance of Snacks and Hydration25:06 Mitigating Challenges in Austere Environments30:48 Building a Positive Work Culture

What's really going on in the world of corporate video? On this episode of Office Hours, Ben and Trae get real about the biggest trends and the biggest mistakes they’re seeing right now.Get ready for a candid conversation about:The AI Problem: Is the race to "easy content" killing quality video? Ben and Trae get into why simply tacking on AI-generated content to a busy marketing manager's job is a one-way ticket to a "race to the bottom" for your brand.The Ice Cream Fail: One of the guys shares a story from his past about a marketing event that went horribly wrong due to a bad decision on treats. The lesson? Know your audience.Vanity Metrics vs. Trust: Why chasing clicks and views is a losing game. The real value is in building a library of authentic content that fosters trust and plays the "slow game."What You Need to Succeed: A little hope and a lot of strategy. Learn why leaning on your creative team and embracing your unique story is the only way to break through the noise.So, stop what you're doing and get ready for a dose of reality (and some laughs).Chapters00:00 Introduction and Weekly Recap03:03 Houston Marketing Association and AI in Video Creation06:10 Chatbots and Mental Health Integration09:15 Robotics and Human Collaboration at Amazon12:21 Content Production and Audience Awareness15:15 The Era of Strategic Video and Emotional Resonance18:46 The Challenge of Clickbait Culture21:42 Authenticity vs. Viral Trends24:43 The State of Augmented Reality in Video Production28:21 Breaking Through Algorithm Barriers30:30 Finding Balance in Content Creation36:04 officehoursintro.mp4

Are you a solo entrepreneur who's ready to hire a team but feels overwhelmed by the process? Or maybe you already have a team, but the lack of clear processes is holding you back?In this episode of Office Hours, we sit down with productivity expert Ilanit Meckley to discuss the most difficult transition a business owner can make: from solopreneur to effective team leader. Ilanit shares her journey from healthcare operations to helping small businesses. She reveals how she helps clients, and why clear goals and communication are the foundation of a successful team. We also get a look at her favorite, simple, and effective productivity tool—the Kanban board—and discuss how it can democratize tasks and motivate your team.This is a must-listen for any creative professional, business owner, or entrepreneur who wants to get out of the weeds and build a sustainable, successful team.Chapters:(00:00) - Introduction: Welcoming Ilanit Meckley, Productivity Expert(01:21) - Ilanit's Story: From Healthcare Operations to Business Coaching(05:51) - Why Communication is Everything in Business Processes(10:00) - The Importance of Crystal Clear Goals(12:38) - The #1 Roadblock for Solopreneurs(17:49) - The Emotional Side of Business Growth(27:47) - Actionable Tip: What is a Kanban Board?(31:13) - Trello and Other Tools for Productivity(35:57) - How to Connect with Ilanit MeckleyFeatured Guests:Ilanit Meckley: Productivity & Operations ConsultantIlanit's LinkedInIlanit's website for Notable Projects, her companyConnect with Us:https://audionllc.com/Trae's LinkedinBen's Linkedin

Trae and Ben have a WIDE ranging discussion, from cooking spaghetti to the importance of teamwork in a recent successful conference. They get into internal marketing and self-care, and sharing cautionary tales about neglecting one's own business needs. Ben had an experience with a physical therapist that and highlights brand authenticity and the importance of standing out in a crowded market, and then Trae asks about creativity self care. Chapters00:00 Spaghetti and Teamwork: A Culinary Introduction04:00 Conference Success: Team Efforts and Wins09:47 Internal Marketing: The Importance of Self-Care13:38 Brand Authenticity: Standing Out in a Crowded Market16:25 Creative Outlets: Balancing Work and Personal Expression

Trae interviews Ben Seligson of Kraken Engineering and gets him to open up about the importance of community connection, the nuances of energy marketing and business development, and the role of podcasting in building relationships. Trae gets Ben to explore the differences between marketing and sales, the significance of genuine interactions in business, and how they create content that cuts through the noise. Ben wraps up the conversation talking about importantce of mentorship.Chapters05:39 Exploring the Coffee Culture in Houston10:40 Understanding Business Development and Marketing15:50 The Role of Podcasting in Business Development20:39 Curiosity and Genuine Relationships in Business26:33 The Impact of Technology on Content Sharing28:53 Surprises in Podcasting Success32:18 The Importance of Networking and Showing Up34:48 Genuineness in Business Relationships35:22 Strategies for Content Visibility

Trae and Benjamin talk about favorite podcasts and how they appreciate that creative processes of artists have been so illuminated. Then they delve into a series of five questions that Chat GPT generated for Ben, five topics they love, and they do the must un-AI discussion ever-- all topics come straight from their brains! They get into the the importance of storytelling in video production, particularly in building brand awareness and trust with customers and employees. They talk aobut the significance of internal communication and employee engagement through video content, and strategies for high-impact production on a budget. They also explore how to make mundane topics engaging and share insights on customer service and sales strategies.Chapters00:00 Podcast Listening Habits and Creative Processes03:12 Building Brand Awareness Through Video06:09 Humanizing Brands and Customer Engagement09:05 The Importance of Video Format and Distribution12:21 Building Trust with Customers and Employees15:14 Balancing Scripted and Natural Delivery in Videos18:10 Efficient Production on a Budget19:28 The Importance of Pre-Production Planning21:27 Fast Turnaround Strategies in Video Production23:48 Setting Realistic Expectations with Clients25:15 Making the Mundane Magnetic28:11 Crafting Compelling Stories from Everyday Content31:43 Customer Service Insights from Unexpected Encounters38:41 officehoursintro.mp4

Ben and Trae discuss their weekend plans, favorite drinks, and the importance for clarity while negotiating. When they're done catching up they get into event management, and Ben brings clarity into working with vendors. Then the importance of clarity comes into play with pre-production in relation to video projects and how to leverage content strategically for marketing. Then Ben takes us on a tour of the Austin studio! Chapters00:00 The Importance of Video Integration03:10 Car Buying Lessons and Family Dynamics09:14 Vendor Communication and Event Management13:11 The Value of Pre-Production in Content Creation16:56 Leveraging Content for Marketing Strategy24:15 Creating Value Through Client Relationships29:45 officehoursintro.mp4

Ben and Trae talk about car shopping (Trae's getting a new car) to live streaming events. They get into what creates consistency across multi-location events, Ben asks Trae what his toughest day of shooting was (physically), and they both assess how important repurposing content can be for a marketing and communications team on the corporate level. They finish up talking about the ever present bugaboo, AI, and how its affecting authenticity for businesses. 00:00 Car Shopping Excitement03:10 Event Highlights and Client Experiences06:00 Live Streaming Insights and Mistakes08:49 Consistency in Multi-Location Events11:51 Challenges in Industrial Video Shoots15:52 Repurposing Content for Long-Term Value19:55 The Impact of AI on Content Creation

How do you plan for the unexpected — and make your event content work harder?In this episode, Audion Founder Benjamin Jansen and Executive Producer Trae Stanley break down what it takes to deliver standout event experiences: from backup systems and AV service, to team communication and smart content capture.They also share why personality matters for brands — and how great recap content can help you drive future attendance.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Event Anticipation04:16 Lessons Learned from Recent Events08:25 The Importance of Backup Systems11:28 Delivering Exceptional AV Service14:20 Navigating Last-Minute Challenges17:24 Leveraging Technology for Events20:27 Creating Engaging Event Content23:25 The Power of Live Streaming26:27 Building a Brand Personality29:30 Capturing Event Value32:33 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

In this episode, Audion Founder Ben Jansen unpacks the real drivers behind event pricing — and why there can be big differences from one vendor to the next. He breaks down how service level, equipment quality, and overhead shape what you’ll pay. If you’re budgeting an event or choosing vendors, this is a must-listen to help you ask the right questions and make informed decisions.Chapters00:00 Navigating Event Budgets and Pricing Discrepancies04:57 Understanding Service Levels in Event Production07:16 Evaluating Equipment Quality in Event Services09:42 Decoding Overhead Costs in Event Pricing

In this episode, Audion’s Founder Ben Jansen breaks down the strategic side of streaming live events. He shares when streaming can boost engagement and transparency, and when it may actually work against your goals. Ben walks through key factors to consider — your audience, your content, and your revenue model — so you can make smart choices about when and how to stream.Chapters00:00 The Case Against Streaming Events02:31 The Importance of Streaming for Engagement05:19 Revenue Opportunities Through Streaming

Amanda and Zarina from DXP discuss their extensive experience in marketing within a large logistics company. They share insights into their marketing strategies, the importance of events, and how they measure success. The discussion highlights the challenges and rewards of working in a complex industry and emphasizes the value of company culture and collaboration in achieving marketing goals.TakeawaysAmanda has been with DXP for 18 years, showcasing loyalty and growth.Zarina brings a fine arts background to her role as creative manager.DXP is an industrial distributor serving various industries.Marketing strategies include digital, social media, and events.Google Ads has become a significant focus for lead generation.Events play a crucial role in customer engagement and education.Measuring success can be challenging, especially for events.Company culture fosters collaboration and expertise among employees.Not all marketing efforts yield immediate ROI; some benefits are long-term.Understanding the industry is vital for effective marketing. Chapters00:00 Introduction to DXP and Its Marketing Team04:45 Marketing Strategies and Tools Used by DXP11:33 The Importance of Events in Marketing19:27 Measuring Success in Marketing Campaigns26:01 Advice for Aspiring B2B Marketers

Host Trae Stanley talks to fellow Audion team member Nat Gregurek about his journey into audio engineering. They discuss the importance of sound quality in live events and the challenges faced in the industry. Nate emphasizes the need for effective communication with clients, best practices for audio production, and the technical aspects of managing sound systems. The discussion also covers common issues like feedback and the intricacies of using wireless microphones, concluding with advice for ensuring a successful audio experience at events.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges03:03 Nate's Journey into Audio Engineering05:50 The Importance of Audio in Live Events11:51 Demystifying Audio for Event Planners17:54 Working with Production Companies23:49 Client Communication and Unique Requests26:16 Client Interactions and Color Grading Challenges27:53 The Importance of Audio Clarity32:09 Understanding Feedback in Live Sound35:15 Microphone Types and Their Uses42:37 Wireless Microphone Challenges47:48 Best Practices for Live Sound Events

Hosts Ben Jansen and Trae Stanley talk to John Garza, and he shares his journey in the video production industry, discussing his experiences from high school to owning Branch Media. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling, effective communication with clients, and understanding audience goals. The discussion also covers the evolving landscape of video production, including the role of AI and the differences between working with agencies and direct clients. John provides valuable insights and tips for navigating the production process, highlighting the need for clarity and simplicity in client communications.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Office Hours and Guest John Garza02:14 John Garza's Journey in Production06:13 Transitioning to Branch Media and Current Role10:12 Working with Agencies vs. Direct Clients14:08 Tips for Effective Communication with Production Companies20:14 Understanding Goals and Parameters in Video Production24:14 Gathering Essential Elements for Video Production26:25 Navigating Freelance Video Production30:16 Understanding the Value of Professional Production35:22 The Impact of AI on Video Production43:32 The Future of AI in Creative Storytelling

Ben and Trae talk with Brown Jarmon, A/V specialist at Audion what it takes to have success in the A/V world, and how important communication is! You better have a good relationship with the dockmaster or your might as well take a sledgehammer to your toes. Then we explore the importance of client relationships, negotiation strategies, and best practices for working with in-house AV teams at hotels. We also highlight real-life experiences and lessons learned from various events, emphasizing the significance of communication and collaboration in ensuring successful outcomes.00:00 Introduction and Team Dynamics02:07 Understanding AV and Event Production07:33 Client-Audio Visual Relationships11:13 Navigating Last-Minute Requests12:45 Building Relationships in Event Planning13:20 Navigating Venue Contracts and AV Providers17:44 Effective Communication and Expectations22:28 Handling Issues During Events25:27 Final Thoughts and Best Practices

Trae and Ben interview one of Ben's oldest friends in the world, Brad Haley (https://bradhaley.com/). Brad is freelance editor that has done it all -- reality, narrative, informercials and B2B. He even won an Emmy in 2022!In this conversation, Trae, Benjamin, and Brad discuss the evolution of editing in the reality TV industry, the impact of AI on workflows, and effective communication strategies between clients and editors. They share insights from Brad's extensive career, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and music in video production. The discussion also touches on the future of editing and the ethical considerations surrounding AI in the industry.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background of the Guests02:46 Brad's Career Journey and Experience05:16 Evolution of Editing in Reality TV08:49 The Editing Process and Collaboration12:17 Effective Communication with Editors14:01 The Impact of AI on Editing Workflows20:34 Crafting Engaging Content in a Short Attention Span Era28:45 Best Practices for Storytelling and Branding in Video Production

SummaryIn this conversation, Trae, Emily, and Cory discuss their experiences in graphic design, the evolution of Audion, and the importance of branding and motion graphics in modern design. They share insights on client interactions, problem-solving, and the transition from in-house design to agency work. The discussion also highlights the significance of print design and the future directions of design innovations.TakeawaysCory and Emily have been integral to Audion since its inception.Networking played a crucial role in their early careers.The transition from graphic design to video production has been significant.Clients often struggle with too much information in their designs.Consistency in branding is key for client success.Print design remains relevant despite digital trends.Motion graphics add significant value to video production.Understanding client needs is essential for effective design solutions.The evolution of design tools has shaped their creative processes.Collaboration enhances creativity and problem-solving in design.Chapters00:00 The Evolution of Graphic Design and Technology00:17 The Journey of Cory and Emily in Design01:44 Client Interactions and Design Challenges04:54 Branding Consistency and Client Education07:44 Transitioning from In-House to Outsourced Design10:47 The Importance of Flexibility in Design13:47 The Role of Experience in Design Solutions18:31 The Evolution of In-House Design22:32 The Impact of Consistency in Branding27:20 The Importance of Effective Communication32:22 Innovations in Digital Design39:39 The Role of Print in Modern Events43:43 The Value of Thoughtful Event Design

SummaryIn this conversation, Trae, Benjamin, and Brandon discuss the intricacies of video production, focusing on data storage, file management, and best practices for content creators. They share personal anecdotes about the evolution of video production technology, the importance of redundancy in data security, and the challenges faced by single shooters. The discussion also touches on the significance of collaboration in post-production and the role of cloud storage in modern workflows.TakeawaysData security is paramount in video production.Redundancy in data storage prevents project loss.File organization is crucial for team efficiency.Single shooters should develop a reliable backup system.Cloud storage offers peace of mind but can be costly.Understanding file formats and structures is essential.Collaboration with clients enhances project outcomes.Proxies can help manage large data files effectively.Investing in quality storage solutions is vital.Learning from data horror stories can improve practices.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions02:00 Brandon's Background in Video Production06:12 File Structure and Data Storage Best Practices10:46 Managing Data for Content Creators14:32 Redundancy and Backup Strategies18:27 The Importance of Data Storage21:06 AI Tools and Transcriptions in Post-Production22:04 Data Horror Stories: Lessons Learned25:44 Data Management in Post-Production26:26 Collaboration and Client Involvement31:46 The Role of Cloud Storage36:33 Future Discussions on Data Management