By Ryan Hecht, Greater Arvada Chamber VP of Marketing and Communications
This month, we’re excited to highlight Chris Woodley, Owner and CEO of Mountain Media Production Co. Chris has been producing videos for nearly 30 years, helping organizations of all sizes tell authentic, compelling stories that connect with audiences and drive results. Based right here in Arvada, Chris is passionate about both his craft and his community.
“Arvada is my home as well as the base for my business,” says Chris. “While I work throughout the metro Denver area—and sometimes beyond—I really wouldn’t want to live anywhere else! I love the Arvada community, the values we share, and our active lifestyle.”
Why did you start your business?
Chris: “I started Mountain Media because I realized the power of video to inspire, entertain, and educate a wide audience; and saw that many people didn’t have the time or ability to do this effectively. It’s time-intensive and sometimes challenging work, but hearing from a client how one of my videos helped their non-profit raise money, or their company make a sale, or just better brand their business’s mission, is very rewarding.”
What video services do you offer?
“I produce all types of videos—from commercials and promotional videos, to fundraising and training. In this ever-evolving age of AI, I believe what sets my work apart is authenticity. I strive to really understand who my clients are and why they do what they do; then communicate that through creative storytelling that resonates with the viewer. A lot of what I’m seeing in media today is all about special effects and flash. While that can certainly be entertaining, it will never substitute for telling an authentic story, and I believe people appreciate the difference.
One area of my business I’m excited about that continues to grow is consulting with organizations to effectively produce their own videos. As Instagram and TikTok continue to grow in popularity, I help companies dial-in their video production process to maximize the quality of their content. A couple of Chamber workshops have also allowed me the opportunity to share video production best practices with my fellow members.”
What advice would you give a new business or entrepreneur in Arvada?
“As I—like many other business owners—have seen my industry change over recent years, I’ve learned to adapt and be open to trying new things. Keeping perspective is likewise important for the health of your business and your own mental wellbeing; trying to maintain a positive outlook as challenges arise.”
What notable changes have occurred in your industry recently?
“It’s been interesting to watch the momentous paradigm shifts over the past several decades. From standard to ultra-high definition resolution, and shooting on videotape with large cameras to recording things on a card the size of a fingernail, production technology continues to evolve rapidly! Just 15 years ago, if you wanted to share an aerial perspective with your audience, it meant spending thousands of dollars to hire a helicopter—something most productions couldn’t afford. Now, the ubiquity of drones means I’m able to offer my clients a very different, oftentimes breathtaking perspective!”
What are some misconceptions about your work?
“Two of the biggest misconceptions about video production are that it’s glamorous, and that it’s easy to do. While it has occasionally offered me a unique behind-the-scenes experience, interviewing a celebrity or going somewhere few others can, the majority of productions involve setting up and tearing down gear, recording numerous takes to get it right, and then editing sometimes hours of footage down to just a few minutes. To do it properly takes more time than most people realize—as well as knowledge of lighting, sound, new technologies, how to work with talent, and much more. Don’t get me wrong, I still love it, but it can be challenging, time-consuming, and even tedious at times.”
What have you learned about this business community?
“Joining the Greater Arvada Chamber is truly one of the best things I did to meet and get to know the business community of Arvada. We’re savvy, hard-working, and with an entrepreneurial spirit second to none! As I aspire to produce videos with authenticity, I’ve found that really resonates with Arvadans. From my neighbors to fellow professionals, we can spot inauthentic, superficial, phony people a mile away; and their businesses don’t tend to last.”
What is your favorite business book, podcast or news resource?
“I read the Denver Business Journal, Arvada Press (Colorado Community Media), Arvada Economic Development Association (AEDA), and—of course—the Greater Arvada Chamber’s emails and blogs.”
What have you found most valuable about your Greater Arvada Chamber membership?
“Being a member of the Greater Arvada Chamber has allowed me to stay informed about doing business in my city, meet some incredible business owners—many of whom are now friends—and improve my business through a variety of training opportunities. I’ve been a member of several other chambers over the years, and have found Arvada’s to be uniquely proactive, engaged, and a tremendous value to my business.”
Mountain Media Production Co.
The Greater Arvada Chamber Member of the Month is nominated and selected by our Business Services team. The Member of the Month recognizes active members that are deeply engaged in the Chamber’s programs and leadership; celebrating an important milestone, and/or; have a compelling story worthy of a spotlight to our community. Please submit nominations for your business or non-profit at this link.
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