Videography University

Grant Burks runs Optiko Productions out of Columbus, Ohio and wrote the book Film to Freedom about transitioning from a day job to full-time videography. His podcast, Videography University, distills that same journey into focused, practical episodes aimed at videographers who want to book higher-paying clients. The show is still young — just eight episodes so far — but each one tackles a specific business question with the kind of detail that usually costs money. One episode breaks down whether you should ask clients about their budget upfront (spoiler: it depends, and Burks walks through exactly when and how). Another covers the five software tools he considers essential for running a video business, including QuickBooks, Calendly, and HoneyBook. His episode on going full-time is particularly valuable, laying out the financial benchmarks and safety nets he put in place before making the leap. Burks also has an interesting take on free work — he is not against it, but only under three strict conditions: you control the terms, you get a testimonial, and you retain marketing rights. The interviews feature other videographers who have built six-figure businesses, and the conversations focus on sales strategies rather than gear specs. The show's limited catalog means you can catch up in a single afternoon, which is actually a plus for busy professionals. Each episode runs 20 to 40 minutes. If you are specifically focused on the business side of videography and want actionable advice from someone who recently went through the full-time transition himself, this is worth your time.