The Filming with Josh Podcast

On this episode of The Filming with Josh Podcast, Rustic River Media owner and host Joshua Milligan breaks down how professional live-streaming has grown from a service he knew almost nothing about into one of the most profitable parts of his video production business. Josh shares how he first got into live-streaming in 2017, how his setup and capabilities have evolved over the years, and why he believes professional live-streaming presents a unique opportunity for video production companies. From less competition and higher day rates to the ability to offer a specialized service without the lengthy post-production process of traditional video projects, Josh explains why live-streaming has become such an important part of his business. He also takes a deep dive into what it takes to produce a professional broadcast-quality livestream, including multi-camera productions, audio, bonded internet, graphics, presentation feeds, iMag, instant replay, wireless video, comms, redundancy, and more. Josh walks through the different levels of live-streaming his company offers and discusses the equipment and crew required as productions become larger and more complex. If you're a filmmaker, videographer, production company owner, or creative professional looking for another revenue stream to add to your business and want to learn more about the opportunities, challenges, investment, and earning potential of professional live-streaming, this podcast is for you!

On this episode of The Filming with Josh Podcast, host Joshua Milligan shares his first impressions of the newly announced Sony FX5 and explains why he believes it could be one of the most important camera releases in Sony's cinema line to date. Drawing from more than 15 years of shooting with Sony and his experience using a wide range of Sony cameras, Josh puts the FX5 into historical context and explores how Sony's cinema lineup has evolved over the past decade.  Josh breaks down the FX5's headline features, including 5K recording, Open Gate, triple base ISO, 16-bit internal X-OCN LT RAW, expanded frame rates, and Sony's new approach to modular cinema cameras. He also explains why some of those features matter more than others in real-world production, and why he believes the FX5 points toward the future of Sony's professional cinema lineup as well as the eventual successor to the FX6. If you're a filmmaker, cinematographer, content creator, or Sony shooter wondering whether the Sony FX5 is worth the upgrade, or are simply interested in where professional cinema cameras are headed, this episode is for you!

On this episode of The Filming with Josh Podcast, host Joshua Milligan discusses a growing disconnect between client expectations and the realities of modern photo and video production. Drawing from real-world experiences in corporate events, commercial production, documentaries, and even the hunting television industry, Josh explores why production teams are being asked to do more with less, often juggling photography, video, and same-day deliverables with minimal crew. He also shares why he believes this trend isn't sustainable and what it could mean for the future of the industry. If you're a filmmaker, photographer, content creator, or creative business owner trying to balance client expectations with the realities of production, this episode is for you!

On this episode of The Filming with Josh Podcast, host Joshua Milligan takes a practical look at how he's using artificial intelligence to run and grow his video production business. Rather than focusing on AI replacing filmmakers, Josh shares how it's become one of the most valuable tools in his workflow by helping him work faster, stay organized, and deliver a better experience for his clients. From project pricing and proposal writing to script development, production planning, interview transcriptions, creating rough cuts, SEO, and marketing, Josh walks through the real-world ways AI is saving time without replacing creativity. He also explains why experience, storytelling, and human decision-making remain at the center of every successful production. If you're a filmmaker, photographer, content creator, or creative business owner wondering how AI can actually improve your workflow or business, this podcast is for you!  

On this episode of The Filming with Josh Podcast, host Joshua Milligan discusses why creating great work is only part of building a successful production company. From responsive communication and fast turnaround times to behind-the-scenes photos, wireless client monitoring, and other thoughtful touches, Josh shares how focusing on the customer experience has helped his business succeed in one of the most competitive video production markets in the country. Drawing from real-world experiences running Rustic River Media, Josh explains how small details can leave a lasting impression, create stronger client relationships, generate repeat business, and encourage referrals. He also shares practical ways filmmakers, photographers, and other creative professionals can improve the experience they provide without necessarily spending thousands of dollars on new gear. Learn how investing in the customer experience can become one of the most valuable ways to grow your business, strengthen client relationships, and earn more repeat business. If you're a filmmaker, DP, photographer, or creative business owner looking to stand out beyond your camera, lenses, or editing style, this podcast is for you!

On this episode of The Filming with Josh Podcast, host Joshua Milligan discusses why he's sold nearly every lens he owns and the thought process behind moving from a large collection of primes and zooms to a much simpler lens kit. Josh breaks down the gear he's used for years, what he's replacing it with, and how recent client projects helped shape his decision.  From Sony's relatively new 28-70mm f/2 and 50-150mm f/2 zooms and how they compare to traditional primes, to the realities of balancing image quality, efficiency, and workflow on professional productions, Josh shares why he's rethinking the way he approaches video production and photography. He also discusses the specialty glass he's replaced, what made the cut, and how this new setup is helping him work faster while still delivering the look his clients expect. If you're a filmmaker, DP, photographer, or content creator trying to decide between primes and zooms, looking to simplify your kit, or wondering whether modern f/2 zoom lenses can replace a bag full of glass, this podcast is for you!

On this episode of The Filming with Josh Podcast, host Joshua Milligan returns after a year-long break to share the biggest changes happening at Rustic River Media. From overhauling his pricing strategy and rolling out new service packages, to updating his website and building SEO into his marketing, Josh breaks down how he’s evolving the business. He also dives into some of the gear he’s recently added (including new lighting, cameras, and support equipment), how he’s using his Production Truck as a differentiator, and even briefly mentions how AI is helping him work on his website. If you’re a filmmaker, DP, or small production company owner looking for ways to grow, streamline, and stay competitive, this podcast is for you!

On this episode of The Filming with Josh Podcast, host Joshua Milligan discusses a broad range of topics. The Rustic River DP kicks off the podcast by talking about what he’s been up to in his video business before then diving into projects he’s been working on recently, new retainer clients, how he’s been doing more work with contractors, and why he’s been fishing so much. Josh also briefly talks about some new Sony camera firmware updates as well as a new camera he’s recently purchased. There’s a lot to talk about in this episode, so if you are in the video industry and have been following us over the years, this podcast is for you!

On this episode of The Filming with Josh Podcast, host Joshua Milligan discusses seven new clauses he’s recently added to his video contracts. Josh has previously made episodes about his contracts (see Ep. 16 for video contacts and Ep. 64 for video rights) and has also featured his attorney on the podcast where they talked all about contracts for video(see Ep. 67). But, in this new episode the Rustic River DP talks about his most recent additions to his contracts, why he added these new terms, and how they will help him moving forward. If you are in the video industry and are wanting additional tips for beefing up your contracts, this podcast is for you!

On this episode of The Filming with Josh Podcast, host Joshua Milligan gives his take on the current state of the video industry. Josh talks about how budgets and crew sizes are changing, along client expectations. The Rustic River DP also discusses how the barrier of entry for video has effected the industry as a whole before then giving his thoughts on the surge of AI. Josh then wraps up the podcast by discussing what you can do to survive this ever evolving industry if you’re panning to stay in it for the long haul. Whether you’re new to video or are just starting out, this podcast is for you!