We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nate Larson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nate below.

Hi Nate, thanks for joining us today. f you needed to find a key partner or facility – how did you find them, what was the process of striking a deal like and what would you do differently knowing what you know now?

People often ask me about my job as a commercial and documentary filmmaker, and what I like about it. Of course, there are the fun moments that you’d typically think of: Going to a film premiere, sending off the final video to a client, being able to post about some fun project or fun place that you’re in that makes all of your friends jealous of how perfect and amazing and otherworldly your life is (none of which are the case, of course.) But for me, the real win is the people I get to work with on these projects, WAY more than the projects themselves. And so for me, when I’m thinking about people to partner with, it’s all about those relationships. I’m looking to partner with people that I a) actually like, and b) actually want to hang out with, regardless of how “big” the project is, or how well it goes. And so my process of selecting partners is working with them once and asking myself: “Do I like this person? And do I want to hang with them again?” Those are HUGELY important questions for me. Sure, they need to be good at their job (or at least teachable), but for me, it all comes down to relationships. That’s the good stuff.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I own and manage a small production company called Parka Studios. No, you haven’t heard of us. But we do commercial and documentary work, sometimes on our own projects, sometimes with other agencies or production companies or brands. And we love who we get to work with! Over the years, I’ve met and worked with so many great individuals (note that I didn’t say “great filmmakers” or “great heads of companies” or “great brands”.) As I always say, I’m absolutely most proud of the people that I’ve been in the trenches with over the years on projects good and bad, big and small, well-known or never-seen. And when I look back on my career so far, I think of the people and the moments between shots and the post-shoot meals where we hang out because we want to hang out, not the projects that sold to a big streamer or the show that’s airing on TV or the job that paid us handsomely. Even the “bad jobs” are fodder for funny memories with friends that I care about, so even these “bad jobs” end up being okay in the end, as I went through them with people that I care about. We’ve had some nice career wins, but guess what? Who cares. It’s all about the people and relationships.

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

Covid and its reverberations were obviously difficult, but for some reason, 2023 almost killed us. Some big clients of mine went through their own difficulties, which rolled down the hill onto us throughout that year. And in the summer of 2023, as I was dipping into savings to make payroll, for the first time I had to decide whether to push through. And I did, which ended up working out. But that was not fun.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Obvious statement here, but past clients are the best source of new clients. I’m not sure I’ve ever gotten a new client from someone finding me online or through social media. Give me past clients’ references and introductions or give me death*! (*witty Patrick Henry quote)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.parkastudios.com
• Instagram: www.naterlarson.com; www.snackdive.com