Shifting Focus with John Bunn

👋 Join My Circle Community: https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/ 
Most filmmakers think they need better gear, better clients, or more experience to charge more.
But the real reason your films don't feel premium has nothing to do with any of that.
In this episode, I sit down with TK from Red Lotus Films to talk about what actually creates feeling in a wedding film and why that's the thing clients are really paying for. We get into how he transitioned from corporate videography into weddings, how leaning into culture and music changed the way his films connect, and why intentional choices matter more than just "getting the shots."
We also talk about the role of custom music, building a brand that stands out without chasing trends, and how relationships have played a huge part in his growth.
On top of that, TK shares how he's using his business to give back through charity work in Sri Lanka, and why success for him goes beyond just bookings and revenue.
If your work feels solid but not distinct, this episode will help you understand what might be missing.
In this episode:
• Why most wedding films don't feel premium
• The role of music in shaping emotion and story
• Transitioning from corporate work into weddings
• Building a brand around culture and intentionality
• Growing your business through relationships and trust
• Giving back through filmmaking and mentorship
Connect with TK / Red Lotus Films:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redlotusfilms/ 
Ayven Foundation (Charity): https://www.redlotusfilms.ca/ayvenfoundation/ 
 
🎧 Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://bit.ly/4owsWiM 
 
📱 Instagram:
John Bunn - http://bit.ly/2AYTiE2 
John Bunn Films: https://bit.ly/43S3866 
 
Get in Touch:
✅ Brand deals, promotions, podcast info, etc., email [email protected] 
 
Sponsors and Affiliates:
⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bridengroom.video/johnbunn/  - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100
⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn 
⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF  - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10
⭐️ Vidflow - Deliver your films and photos with the best - Try it free here https://signups.vidflow.co/ref/johnbunn 
⭐️ Musicbed - The Best Place to License Music: https://bit.ly/45HQjhC  - 14 day free trial
⭐️ Inly - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/41Akxkf  - 10% off with promo code JOHN
⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E 
⭐️ Lemlii -  CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/45rhAnl  Promo Code - JohnBunn25 (25% off any plan for 12 months)
⭐️ Multiply Media - https://bit.ly/46OdZCe  - 15% off with promo code JOHNBUNN
⭐️ PlotLine Pro - AI Powered, Story First Filmmaking Tool - 3 Free days - https://www.plotline.pro/?via=john 
⭐️ Spingle - AI culling and editing - https://bit.ly/4m80XnZ  - 2 week free trial
⭐️ Honeybook - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/4lmrKvf  - 30% off
⭐️ Gamut - Color Presets and LUTs: https://gamut.io/product/luxe/?gamut=johnbunn 
⭐️ Flodesk - Emails Made Easy: https://bit.ly/4md3ltE  - 50% off
 
The Shifting Focus Podcast, all rights reserved. All links are affiliate links and result in a commission for John Bunn Films if used. I appreciate the support. Help me by supporting my sponsors.
#weddingvideography #weddingphotography #shiftingfocuspodcast

👋 Join My Circle Community: https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/
Most filmmakers do not plateau because of talent. They plateau because they never make the jump.
In this episode of Shifting Focus, I sit down with Kevin Cochran of 718 Creative to break down how he went from filming $500 weddings to building a premium wedding videography brand in the Texas market.
Kevin shares what actually moved the needle: intentional networking, refining his brand, charging with confidence, and taking calculated risks when it would have been easier to play it safe. We talk about breaking out of the middle market, building a portfolio you are proud of, and why trust is the currency that drives everything in this industry.
If you want to charge more without feeling fake, and grow a premium brand without losing your creativity, this conversation will show you what that path can look like.
Connect with Kevin Cochran and 718 Creative:
Website: https://718creative.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/718creative
The Texas Wedding Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-texas-wedding-podcast/id1551234567
🎧 Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://bit.ly/4owsWiM
📱 Instagram:
John Bunn - http://bit.ly/2AYTiE2
John Bunn Films: https://bit.ly/43S3866
Get in Touch:
✅ Brand deals, promotions, podcast info, etc., email [email protected]
Sponsors and Affiliates:
⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bridengroom.video/johnbunn/ - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100
⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn
⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10
⭐️ Vidflow - Deliver your films and photos with the best - Try it free here https://signups.vidflow.co/ref/johnbunn
⭐️ Musicbed - The Best Place to License Music: https://bit.ly/45HQjhC - 14 day free trial
⭐️ Inly - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/41Akxkf - 10% off with promo code JOHN
⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E
⭐️ Lemlii -  CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/45rhAnl Promo Code - JohnBunn25 (25% off any plan for 12 months)
⭐️ Multiply Media - https://bit.ly/46OdZCe - 15% off with promo code JOHNBUNN
⭐️ PlotLine Pro - AI Powered, Story First Filmmaking Tool - 3 Free days - https://www.plotline.pro/?via=john
⭐️ Spingle - AI culling and editing - https://bit.ly/4m80XnZ - 2 week free trial
⭐️ Honeybook - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/4lmrKvf - 30% off
⭐️ Gamut - Color Presets and LUTs: https://gamut.io/product/luxe/?gamut=johnbunn
⭐️ Flodesk - Emails Made Easy: https://bit.ly/4md3ltE - 50% off
 
The Shifting Focus Podcast, all rights reserved. All links are affiliate links and result in a commission for John Bunn Films if used. I appreciate the support. Help me by supporting my sponsors.
#weddingvideography #weddingphotography #shiftingfocuspodcast
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Kevin Cochran and 718 Creative
03:28 The Journey of a Wedding Videographer
12:09 Navigating the Wedding Industry During the Pandemic
19:19 Breaking Through the Middle Market
29:47 Finding Purpose and Connection in Business
32:29 Building a Proud Portfolio
35:15 Taking Calculated Risks
39:19 The Importance of Trust in Relationships
43:33 Networking and Maintaining Relationships
47:22 Advice for Taking Risks
52:18 Practical Tips for Videographers

👋 Join My Circle Community: https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/
If you think luxury is about venues and budgets, you are missing it. Luxury is about experience. And if you do not understand how to create one, you will stay stuck in the middle.
In this episode of Shifting Focus, I sit down with Emily Burton to unpack what actually separates high-end planners from everyone else.
Emily started as a floral designer and built her way into becoming a sought-after luxury wedding planner on St. Simons Island. Her growth was not accidental. It was intentional. It required refining her brand, elevating presentation, deepening client relationships, and understanding how experience drives value at the highest levels.
We talk about what it takes to transition into the luxury market, how to design an elevated client journey, why networking is more about trust than transactions, and how personal connection becomes your greatest competitive advantage.
If you want to move upmarket without becoming someone you are not, this episode will give you a clearer target.
Connect with Emily Burton:
Website: https://emilyburtondesigns.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyburtondesigns/
🎧 Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://bit.ly/4owsWiM
📱 Instagram:
John Bunn - http://bit.ly/2AYTiE2
John Bunn Films: https://bit.ly/43S3866
Get in Touch:
✅ Brand deals, promotions, podcast info, etc., email [email protected]
Sponsors and Affiliates:
⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bridengroom.video/johnbunn/ - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100
⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn
⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10
⭐️ Vidflow - Deliver your films and photos with the best - Try it free here https://signups.vidflow.co/ref/johnbunn
⭐️ Musicbed - The Best Place to License Music: https://bit.ly/45HQjhC - 14 day free trial
⭐️ Inly - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/41Akxkf - 10% off with promo code JOHN
⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E
⭐️ Lemlii -  CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/45rhAnl Promo Code - JohnBunn25 (25% off any plan for 12 months)
⭐️ Multiply Media - https://bit.ly/46OdZCe - 15% off with promo code JOHNBUNN
⭐️ PlotLine Pro - AI Powered, Story First Filmmaking Tool - 3 Free days - https://www.plotline.pro/?via=john
⭐️ Spingle - AI culling and editing - https://bit.ly/4m80XnZ - 2 week free trial
⭐️ Honeybook - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/4lmrKvf - 30% off
⭐️ Gamut - Color Presets and LUTs: https://gamut.io/product/luxe/?gamut=johnbunn
⭐️ Flodesk - Emails Made Easy: https://bit.ly/4md3ltE - 50% off
The Shifting Focus Podcast, all rights reserved. All links are affiliate links and result in a commission for John Bunn Films if used. I appreciate the support. Help me by supporting my sponsors.
#weddingvideography #weddingphotography #shiftingfocuspodcast
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Emily Burton
03:10 Emily's Journey from Floral Design to Planning
06:39 Current Business Landscape and Clientele
11:40 Transitioning into Luxury Weddings
16:42 Designing a High-End Client Experience
22:02 Understanding the Language of Luxury
29:05 Presentation, Positioning, and Networking
37:11 Green Flags in Vendor Collaboration
45:47 Building Genuine Relationships in the Luxury Market
52:33 Personal Touch and Long-Term Reputation
53:08 Why Experience Is the Real Product

What does professionalism actually look like at a wedding?
Not on Instagram.
Not in theory.
But in the room.
In this episode of Shifting Focus, I sit down with etiquette expert Alison Cheperdak to talk about modern wedding etiquette, social awareness, and the subtle behaviors that shape your reputation in the event industry.
If you are a wedding photographer, filmmaker, planner, florist, or creative vendor, this conversation will sharpen how you show up with clients and fellow vendors.
We cover:
• The essential rules of wedding etiquette every vendor should know
• Common wedding day faux pas that hurt your credibility
• How to interact professionally with planners and clients
• Navigating compliments and awkward conversations with confidence
• Cultural considerations in dress and traditions
• Why kindness is a competitive advantage in business
 
Your work might get you in the room.
But how you behave determines whether you are invited back.
 
Connect with Alison:
Website: https://www.elevateetiquette.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevateetiquette/ 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elevateetiquette 
 
Support Alison's new book:
Was It Something I Said? https://elevateetiquette.com/book 
 
Recommended Resource Mentioned:
Super Communicators by Charles Duhigg
 
👋 Join My Circle Community: https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/ 
🎧 Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://bit.ly/4owsWiM 
 
📱 Instagram:
John Bunn - http://bit.ly/2AYTiE2 
John Bunn Films: https://bit.ly/43S3866 
 
Get in Touch:
✅ Brand deals, promotions, podcast info, etc., email [email protected] 
 
Sponsors and Affiliates:
⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bridengroom.video/johnbunn/  - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100
⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn 
⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF  - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10
⭐️ Vidflow - Deliver your films and photos with the best - Try it free here https://signups.vidflow.co/ref/johnbunn 
⭐️ Musicbed - The Best Place to License Music: https://bit.ly/45HQjhC  - 14 day free trial
⭐️ Inly - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/41Akxkf  - 10% off with promo code JOHN
⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E 
⭐️ Lemlii -  CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/45rhAnl  Promo Code - JohnBunn25 (25% off any plan for 12 months)
⭐️ Multiply Media - https://bit.ly/46OdZCe  - 15% off with promo code JOHNBUNN
⭐️ PlotLine Pro - AI Powered, Story First Filmmaking Tool - 3 Free days - https://www.plotline.pro/?via=john 
⭐️ Spingle - AI culling and editing - https://bit.ly/4m80XnZ  - 2 week free trial
⭐️ Honeybook - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/4lmrKvf  - 30% off
⭐️ Gamut - Color Presets and LUTs: https://gamut.io/product/luxe/?gamut=johnbunn 
⭐️ Flodesk - Emails Made Easy: https://bit.ly/4md3ltE  - 50% off
 
The Shifting Focus Podcast, all rights reserved. All links are affiliate links and result in a commission for John Bunn Films if used. I appreciate the support. Help me by supporting my sponsors.
#weddingvideography #weddingphotography #shiftingfocuspodcast
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Modern Etiquette
03:56 The Journey to Etiquette Expertise
06:26 The Impact of Social Media on Etiquette
09:37 Understanding Wedding Etiquette
12:40 Common Wedding Faux Pas
15:34 Researching Wedding Etiquette
18:38 Vendor Etiquette on Wedding Day
21:37 Building Relationships with Wedding Planners
24:35 Navigating Compliments and Conversations
27:29 Maintaining Professionalism in Challenging Situations
30:30 The Importance of Kindness in Etiquette
33:23 Conclusion and Book Launch

👋 Join My Circle Community: https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/ 
Most wedding creatives never actually get unstuck. They just work harder inside the same ceiling.
In this episode of Shifting Focus, I sit down with Ryan Koral, one of the early pioneers of wedding filmmaking, to unpack the real reason some creatives grow, pivot, and build freedom while others stay trapped in the same cycle for years.
Ryan started filming weddings in 2005, helped shape the education space for filmmakers, and eventually transitioned into corporate storytelling. But this episode is not about leaving weddings. It is about identity, brand, and building a business that supports your life instead of consuming it.
We talk about letting go of control, the truth about branding, why most networking fails, and how storytelling is still the most powerful asset you have in business. Ryan also shares the mindset shift that allowed him to grow, delegate, and evolve without losing who he is.
If you feel stuck between where you are and where you want to go, this episode will show you what actually needs to change.
Ryan's Links
Studio Sherpas https://www.studiosherpas.com/ 
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/growyourvideobusiness  https://www.instagram.com/growyourvideobusiness 
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ryankoral/ 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Ryan's early filmmaking journey
01:53 From weddings to corporate without losing identity
03:43 Why education and community shaped his career
06:36 Ryan's current business model and priorities
10:41 Storytelling as the foundation of brand and connection
15:05 Growth requires delegation and letting go
21:10 Control vs trust in creative business
26:30 Balancing life, art, and business
32:39 Early struggles and learning from mentors
34:01 Networking that actually builds relationships
38:09 Branding and perceived value in the market
53:18 Crafting a brand story that feels true
57:14 Continuous growth and authenticity
🎧 Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://bit.ly/4owsWiM 
📱 Instagram:
John Bunn - http://bit.ly/2AYTiE2 
John Bunn Films: https://bit.ly/43S3866 
Get in Touch:
✅ Brand deals, promotions, podcast info, etc., email [email protected] 
Sponsors and Affiliates:
⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bridengroom.video/johnbunn/  - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100
⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn 
⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF  - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10
⭐️ Vidflow - Deliver your films and photos with the best - Try it free here https://signups.vidflow.co/ref/johnbunn 
⭐️ Musicbed - The Best Place to License Music: https://bit.ly/45HQjhC  - 14 day free trial
⭐️ Inly - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/41Akxkf  - 10% off with promo code JOHN
⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E 
⭐️ Lemlii -  CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/45rhAnl  Promo Code - JohnBunn25 (25% off any plan for 12 months)
⭐️ Multiply Media - https://bit.ly/46OdZCe  - 15% off with promo code JOHNBUNN
⭐️ PlotLine Pro - AI Powered, Story First Filmmaking Tool - 3 Free days - https://www.plotline.pro/?via=john 
⭐️ Spingle - AI culling and editing - https://bit.ly/4m80XnZ  - 2 week free trial
⭐️ Honeybook - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/4lmrKvf  - 30% off
⭐️ Gamut - Color Presets and LUTs: https://gamut.io/product/luxe/?gamut=johnbunn 
⭐️ Flodesk - Emails Made Easy: https://bit.ly/4md3ltE  - 50% off
The Shifting Focus Podcast, all rights reserved. All links are affiliate links and result in a commission for John Bunn Films if used. I appreciate the support. Help me by supporting my sponsors.
 
#weddingvideography #weddingphotography #shiftingfocuspodcast