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Issue 3435:41JAN 2026Interview

Cilantro

How to land big budget video clients without “connections”

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I didn't know what a $100,000 video looked like.
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The episode

From $500 music videos to six-figure productions, I sat down with up-and-coming photographer Cilantro to break down what it really takes to level up in the creative industry. This is a raw, unfiltered conversation between two filmmakers at different stages of their careers...diving deep into mentorship, ego, gear obsession, and why your personal work might just be your most valuable investment.

We talk about navigating plateaus, building an undeniable portfolio, communicating your vision (even with limited budgets), and what it actually takes to build a core team you can trust. Cilantro also opens up about burnout, finding his voice, and the harsh realities of getting noticed in an oversaturated industry.

If you’re a creative trying to break through, this episode is your blueprint.

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