We recently connected with Greg Washington and have shared our conversation below.

Greg, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.

How did you actually start:

My journey into cinematography began at the age of six, when I first encountered those iconic 90’s toy commercials featuring miniature sets and moving toys. I vividly remember thinking, “I can create something even better with my own toy collection and watch it come to life!”

That spark of inspiration led me straight to my grandmother, urging her to take me to the drugstore to buy a disposable 35mm camera. I can still picture myself lying on the floor, setting up intricate Hot Wheels tracks, capturing the moment as my cars soared over custom-built gaps. When those photos came back from the darkroom, I was hooked—completely captivated by the endless creative possibilities photography offered.

Growing up in Washington, D.C., I was deeply influenced by the vibrant music scene and artistic energy of the city. My camera became more than just a tool—it became my passport to documenting the diverse cultures and stories that surrounded me. Through my lens, I discovered not only an escape but also a powerful way to express myself and connect with the world.

– What was the process of going from idea to execution:

My journey into the world of visual storytelling began at Marshall University, where I joined the art department as a graphic design major with an initial interest in architectural design. At the time, I was drawn to the idea of making a good living, particularly after hearing that graphic designers could earn a fortune overseas. However, after a year, I quickly realized that the reality of graphic design didn’t allow for the creative freedom I craved. That’s when I decided to fully commit to visual arts, a shift that would shape my career and approach to creativity.

This transition was a pivotal moment, one where I began to develop specific creative processes that would eventually become rituals—habits that grounded and defined my work.

A key turning point came when I made the bold decision to move to New York City. It was here that I learned how to combine those creative rituals with the business acumen needed to turn ideas into income, all while organically growing my network. NYC, with its relentless energy and diversity, became the perfect backdrop for my creative growth.

For me, every creative project starts with a small ritual: I grab a matcha latte, always with extra strawberry or chocolate cold foam (it’s my little indulgence!), and take a moment to center myself. I find inspiration not only from the world around me but from my inner creative as well—watching the city pulse and people-watching always helps fuel that spark. I keep an old-school notepad and pencil with me to sketch and jot down ideas as they come.

When I approach a project, I always start by focusing on the client’s needs, but I also make sure to infuse my own unique stamp into every piece. This balance of collaboration and individuality feeds into the early stages of the creative process, which I see as an exploration of culture—drawing on what connects me to others: art, food, music, film, and memories. I channel these elements into something new through camera work and cinematic techniques, using visual storytelling to evoke emotion and nostalgia.

Once the idea begins to take shape, I move into pre-production. This includes meeting with clients, scouting locations, finalizing concepts, and determining the gear and tools we’ll need to bring the vision to life. Storyboarding and setting the mood are key parts of this phase—carefully planning how each scene will unfold.

The real magic, of course, happens on production day. I like to call this phase “Riding the Bull.” It’s a nod to the chaotic, yet exhilarating nature of a shoot—there are always challenges to navigate, but the key is to remain positive, adaptable, and professional throughout the process.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned over the years is this: It’s always better to have something and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

This principle guides everything I do, ensuring that I’m always prepared for the unexpected, and that we can deliver exceptional results—no matter what comes our way.

– Walk us through some of the main steps that allowed you to launch your business:

Working on a variety of successful production projects has taught me the invaluable lesson of the importance of a solid team. In fact, your team is one of the most critical assets—if not the most important asset—in running a production company.

With that in mind, I knew I had to elevate my approach. No longer content with just taking gigs with friends for quick cash, I set out to negotiate larger budgets and hire my friends professionally, complete with IRS documentation and the structure of a legitimate business. My long-term vision is to grow my company into a full-fledged production lot, complete with sound stages and versatile setups that cater to the ever-expanding needs of social media and digital culture.

Along the way, I found myself questioning the business side of things. “If I’m getting paid X amount as a camera operator, how much does the entire project cost to film?” “What’s the tax impact of a 1099 for the production company that hired me?” “Why are people so caught up in negotiating tabs or deciding who keeps the receipt for production meals?”

I realized I needed to understand the full scope of the production business and take control of my own destiny. No one around me was going to tell me how to run my race, so I had to learn it for myself.

My primary goal was always to give 111%—to produce top-tier content, tap into my network of industry contacts, and make my work feel like one big, exciting adventure.

When I was laid off from MLB Network due to budget cuts, I was forced to dive deep into networking. Through a friend, Jason Jhung, I had the opportunity to film ballet under the guidance of his father and world-renowned instructor Finis Jhung. It was there that I learned to capture movement in a way that would later inform my work in fashion, a passion that had always fueled my creative vision. That led to an opportunity with Louis Vuitton through Haute Living Magazine after their CEO discovered my fashion content.

2018 was a transformative year for me—a strong production season that allowed me to invest in myself. I leveled up my skills, upgraded my gear, and finally understood the meaning behind the phrases I’d heard growing up: “scared money can’t make money” and “bet on yourself.”

Then, the world shut down.

In 2020, amidst the pandemic, I launched my LLC. The downtime during COVID-19 became an opportunity to dive deep into researching the ins and outs of media companies, business structuring, business credit, and marketing strategies. I took full advantage of the time, organizing my portfolio, building a website, and planning for the future. My experience in corporate and sports production gave me an insider’s perspective on launching a company and understanding my target markets—particularly those aligned with my interests.

These days, I live by a mantra from David Goggins: “Today is the day, and right now is the time.” This simple yet powerful statement is what pushed me to go full-speed ahead in launching my business and drives my company’s continuous growth.

Greg, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

how you got into your industry / business / discipline / craft etc:

I’m Greg Washington, owner of Channel Xiii Media, LLC—a boutique production company that specializes in delivering comprehensive, high-quality services for content creation, creative projects, documentaries, events, fashion, lifestyle, music, short films, and sports. From concept to completion, we are dedicated to crafting powerful visual narratives that resonate.

For me, documenting life has always been more than just a profession; it’s been my calling. As a child, I was the one always with a video camera in hand, endlessly recording and replaying moments on a VHS tape. Over time, I realized that the true challenge wasn’t capturing the essence of others, but finding a way to express my own story within the world I was filming.

At Channel Xiii Media, I bring this personal passion for storytelling to every project, blending technical expertise with an artist’s touch to create work that not only tells a story but also connects on a deeper level.

what type of products/services/creative works you provide:

At Xiii Media, we bring together a diverse team of specialists, each contributing their expertise to ensure the seamless execution of every project. Our team is equipped to handle both the artistic and technical aspects of production, offering a comprehensive range of services to meet your needs.

We provide consulting, storyboarding, producing, directing, editing, sound design, location scouting, grip work, gaffing, production assistance, styling/consumer design, and select post-production services, including visual effects.

Our multidisciplinary approach allows us to deliver high-quality, cohesive projects that align with your creative vision and production goals.

what problems you solve for your clients and/or what you think sets you apart from others:

At Channel Xiii, we prioritize understanding our clients’ needs and working to differentiate them in their respective industries. We don’t simply follow instructions; we actively seek to elevate creativity, adding value at every stage of the process. We nurture our clients’ visions, constantly exploring innovative approaches that exceed expectations and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

While business is inherently driven by financial goals, our commitment goes beyond just delivering a service. When we take on a project, we invest fully—giving 110% to ensure the success of our clients and the realization of their vision.

We understand that productions can be significant investments with inherent risks, which is why our professionalism, expertise, and collaborative approach provide our clients with the confidence they need in uncertain circumstances.

Our process is centered around creating a unique, tailored experience for each client. We are dedicated to fostering strong partnerships and remain fully committed to their success, bringing passion, energy, and creativity to every project.

I have to give credit to my grandparents for giving me the tools to start. Credit for noticing my curiosity and catering to that flame.

What are you most proud of and what are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work/ etc.

One of the company’s greatest sources of pride is the ability to give back. I find immense passion in motivating both children and adults to pursue their dreams, and I believe this sentiment is shared by the team around me.

We are committed to fostering a culture of mentorship, where we embrace the philosophy of “each one teach one” and reject the notion of gatekeeping.

I’ve been fortunate to travel internationally for work, and my journey to Sierra Leone, where I connected with my roots, profoundly shaped my perspective. Despite facing significant challenges and lacking basic resources, the youth there displayed an incredible hunger for knowledge and a drive to learn. This experience reinforced my commitment to making a meaningful impact, and Channel Xiii Media is dedicated to empowering the next generation of creators worldwide.

Looking ahead, I see social media as an invaluable tool for global connection. It provides a platform where anyone, anywhere, can showcase their talents, share their story, and empower others to achieve their dreams.

Any advice for managing a team?

As a leader, it’s essential to understand and appreciate every level of the company structure—from the ground up. We’ve all experienced moments where demands are made by someone higher up the chain, often with less knowledge or understanding of the task at hand, and yet, they are paid more. These situations, especially in high-pressure environments, can lead to tension and frustration.

I believe one of the keys to successful leadership is surrounding yourself with people who complement your weaknesses and help build a stronger, more cohesive team. It’s not just about filling roles—it’s about creating a network of individuals whose unique strengths contribute to the collective success of the project. And equally important is taking the time to recognize and appreciate the efforts of the team. Acknowledging hard work and positive energy fosters morale and drives productivity.

Sometimes, I go beyond the standard recognition. If I overhear something personal or meaningful, I’ll make a point to acknowledge it in a small but thoughtful way. For instance, once a camera operator mentioned a special date night with their partner, so I surprised them with a bottle of organic wine to enhance their evening. These small, personal gestures—whether it’s a gift or a simple thank you—can make a world of difference. They build rapport, reinforce trust, and solidify long-term bonds.

In any production environment, maintaining a high frequency of positive interactions is key. Whether it’s through small acts of kindness or simply acknowledging a job well done, creating a positive atmosphere not only elevates the team’s work but also strengthens the relationships that help make future projects successful.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Growing up in the ’90s gave me a unique sense of perspective. One foot in the past, with an appreciation for the traditional ways of doing things, and one foot in the future, with the rise of the internet and mobile technology offering a front-row seat to the cutting edge of innovation.

These two influences, nostalgia for the old, and excitement for the new have shaped my creative process in meaningful ways. I’ve found that the balance between the wisdom of the past and the possibilities of modern technology informs the rituals I use in my work.

In today’s world, technology is ever-present, and it has undoubtedly impacted business in both positive and negative ways.

While it’s easy to look back and think, “I wish I’d known about this sooner,” I prefer to focus on the opportunities that lie ahead. Sure, I could’ve made early investments in things like Bitcoin or Apple stock, or perhaps real estate in cities that would later become production hubs. What excites me is the knowledge that what’s meant for me will always find its way, and that tomorrow will bring even more resources, opportunities, and tools to help us all build the lives we dream of.

Ultimately, I believe the goal is to create more freedom—freedom to pursue our passions, rather than just working toward someone else’s and I’m excited for the journey ahead.

Contact Info:

• Website: channelxiii.com
• Instagram: channel_xiii_media

Image Credits
Greg Washington, CHANNEL XIII MEDIA, LLC