Part two of the latest episode of “Take One! with Visual PR Productions” gives a behind-the-scenes look at the journey and growth of Visual PR Productions, featuring a candid conversation between the founder, Chris Dawes, and Lead Video Editor & Producer, Tom Cottam. It explores how the team evolved, the content's creative direction, and what the future holds for this ambitious venture. With a focus on authenticity, collaboration, and storytelling, the episode celebrates the people and the process that have shaped the company’s success so far.
The origins of Tom’s creative spirit began in education. One of the most memorable early projects spoken about is a video made for a school class returning after the pandemic. This video wasn’t just a round-up of the year but a way of showing the joy, energy, and progress of students – things parents rarely get to witness first-hand. This intention to capture something real and personal through video became a guiding principle for Tom’s career change. This meant that when Chris approached Tom to join Visual PR Productions that he felt naturally aligned, driven by the agreement that engaging stories come from authentic conversation rather than polished scripts.
That ethos is central to the content Visual PR Productions creates. Our focus is on representing clients in an honest, genuine way. From the very beginning, this approach resonated and brought like-minded people together. It allowed the business to grow quickly, offering meaningful work that connects emotionally with audiences, not just aesthetically.
The episode reflects on how team growth has supported company development. Early conversations with local colleges brought in skills from promising students like Charlie, who were given the chance to gain real industry experience. These placements were not about basic training, but trusting people to deliver high-quality work from the beginning. The value of mutual trust and respect is something that’s woven into the company’s DNA.
Tom, now an integral part of Visual PR, shares how his decision to leave his academic career in favour of hands-on video experience was the right choice for his growth. This opportunity allowed him to develop his craft as a producer and editor, building not only technical skills but also adapting workflows, embracing automation, and refining the creative process. As projects scaled, so did the need for new systems. Over time, the team brought in expert collaborators and tools, including Frame.io for client feedback and new AI technology for creation of clip social posts, SEO rich blog, and newsletter from the episode or content transcripts.
Significantly, the progression from a basic serviced office to a custom-designed professional studio marked a key turning point. Thoughtful set design, audio treatments, and flexibility in filming formats enabled the production of higher-quality shows and content. It gave clients a space that felt comfortable and engaging while enhancing the technical aspects of video content. Investing early in the right environment gave the team confidence to innovate and expand their creative capacities.
The conversation turns to future plans, revealing exciting visions for Visual PR Productions. A major topic is the desire to continue growing the team, bringing in new talent that complements existing skills while pushing the business into new directions. Offering clients a complete package – from hosting and filming to editing, automation, and blog or newsletter content – has helped Visual PR become a one-stop shop for businesses wanting to share authentic stories with minimal effort.
Visual PR's capacity to produce a wide variety of content with relatively low input from the client has attracted diverse projects, from live events to one-off feature videos. Notable examples include a visual piece for Ten Hides Distillery and live filming at the National Self Build and Renovation Centre. These highlight not just technical skill, but the emotional intelligence behind the content. As discussed in the podcast, the most powerful feedback is from people who decide to engage with a brand because they connect with its story, not because they feel sold to.
Ambitions for the future include possible franchising in cities across the country. The vision is to empower other presenters – talented communicators who haven’t had the break into TV – by putting them at the heart of their own local Visual PR Productions studio. Behind them, the core operation would support everything from video production to post-editing and Visual PR’s automation. It’s a model that values people, process, and purpose equally.
Visual PR Productions was built on principles of storytelling, personal connection, and technical excellence. The team has invested in its people and enhanced its capabilities through smart growth, thoughtful processes, and a readiness to try something new. Whether it’s feature videos for artisan distilleries or roaming content and panel shows at industry expos, they bring clarity and creativity to every project.
To hear more about Tom’s journey, the origins of the business, and our aspirations for the future, listen to the full episode. It's a rich, honest, and inspiring insight into what makes Visual PR Productions such a unique and forward-thinking organisation.
Interested in professional video storytelling? Get in touch with Visual PR Productions to see how we can help bring your ideas to life.