Most creatives dream of filming in remote places, working with global brands, and living a life of freedom behind the lens, but few understand the discipline and long game it actually takes to get there. As a director and aerial cinematographer, Zac Moxley shares how his mindset, work ethic, and willingness to take risks helped him turn passion into a career. Alongside host Marshal Chupa, Zach breaks down the realities of momentum, burnout, spec work, and what it really means to bet on yourself
šļø Episode Sponsor: Lorne Lapham Sales & Rentals
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Key Topics Discussed
How saying yes early on created a snowball effect and why treating every job like it matters can change everything
The real cost of chasing your dream job, including the emotional and financial pressure behind self-funded projects
The truth about spec work and how Zac uses personal projects to grow, experiment, and land bigger clients
Buying gear with intention, including how to think about expensive tools, what actually delivers value, and when to pull the trigger
Navigating the long game of a creative career and why itās built through grind, self-belief, and patience
Episode Highlights
00:03 A Turning Point in His Teens
How a personal transformation helped Zac develop the grit and drive that sparked his creative journey
00:08 Early Career and Instagram Growth
The story behind his glide-cam days and how his Instagram started gaining traction in 2017
00:13 The Drone Chapter
Zacās early aerial content and the moment he began shifting toward directing full campaigns
00:21 Every Opportunity Can Change Your Life
Zacās philosophy on saying yes and how staying open has led to his biggest projects
00:27 Behind the Instagram Highlight Reel
The grind, burnout, and loneliness that people donāt see when they scroll
00:36 Spec Work as a Career Catalyst
Zacās approach to funding personal projects and the most heās ever spent out of pocket
00:44 Breaking Down a Spec Project
From idea to post-production, how Zac builds personal pieces with intention and impact
00:51 Undercutting Versus Opportunity
Where he draws the line between strategy and self-sabotage when pricing work
01:01 Buying the Right Gear
How to approach big purchases like the RED Raptor and which tools have earned their keep
01:09 Building Relationships That Lead to Work
Zacās take on staying top of mind, creating value, and earning trust over time
01:15 Manifestation and Career Alignment
How Zacās mindset and focus on alignment have helped him call in the kind of projects and lifestyle he once only imagined
š CONNECT WITH ZAC MOXELY
šø Instagram | @downtofilm
š„ļø Website | ā www.zacharymoxley.comā
š CONNECT WITH MARSHAL
šø Instagram |ā ā ā @marshalchupaā
š» Website |ā www.marshalchupa.comā
š LinkedIn |ā ā ā Marshal Chupa on LinkedInā
š Substack | ā Substack Articleā
š ABOUT THE PODCAST
This podcast is all about helping emerging cinematographers, photographers, and directors navigate the challenges of making a life and a living behind the lens. From workflow to personal growth, creative vision to marketing, finances to productionāevery episode is packed with a wide range of topics to support visual storytellers in their pursuit of building a business and growing a career they are proud of.
š§ LISTEN
š¢| ā Spotify ā
š£| ā Apple Podcastā
š„ļø| ā shotlistpodcast.comā Ā
š SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A REVIEW
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š±GET IN TOUCH
You can also drop me a DM instagram @marshalchupa or email marshal@marshalchupa.com
