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Writer's pictureben690452
Jun 266 min read

Emerging Trends in Digital Media with CanvasRebel




We recently connected with CanvasRebel and have shared our conversation below.


You can read the original article HERE


Benjamin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry.

It appears that there are constantly evolving trends in the digital media marketing landscape, but one of the most significant shifts has been the increased accessibility to content creation and the rise of AI-generated content for both individuals and businesses. With the surge in popularity of short-form videos on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, everyone now has the opportunity to create their own content. This has led to an exponential increase in the volume of content being produced, resulting in marketers and content creators vying for screen time amidst intense competition. Now, with the emergence of AI-generated content, there is a continuous stream of content being generated every hour of every day. In our business, we have observed that our clients are either feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about where to focus their attention in digital marketing or are simply lost, unsure of how to even begin.

Like any new cultural shift, this transition comes with its own set of challenges as well as opportunities. We have found that, to combat the overwhelming amount of content, authenticity still holds significant value in the digital space, perhaps even more so than before. Despite being bombarded with a never-ending stream of content, viewers are still drawn to and seek authentic connections with other people, even in online interactions.

We primarily work with local businesses struggling to distinguish themselves in the crowded digital space. Many have experimented with various strategies, from flashy advertisements to frequent posting, but without success. We often recommend shifting their focus to more authentic content. Instead of polished promotional videos, we advocate for creating a series of short, behind-the-scenes clips or showcasing customer experiences at their business. The response is consistently positive. Not only do their engagement rates skyrocket, but they also cultivate loyal online communities that translate into increased foot traffic and sales.

So, what does this mean for us as video producers and content marketers? Firstly, it means that we place greater emphasis on the message behind our clients’ content and strive to optimize the relatability and “human connection” in our videos. There is now less emphasis on overly produced content and more focus on generating content that can foster communities around our clients’ businesses.


In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, the challenge for businesses is not just about creating content but creating the right kind of content. The digital space is saturated, and standing out requires more than simply following trends; it demands a deep understanding of what resonates with audiences on a personal level. Authenticity serves as the differentiator. It’s about telling stories that are real, relatable, and resonate with people’s everyday experiences.

While AI-generated content is incredibly useful for efficiency and scale, it lacks the personal touch that human-generated content provides. It can churn out articles, videos, and social media posts at an unprecedented rate, but it often misses the nuances and emotional depth that truly connect with audiences. This is where the human element becomes indispensable. As content creators, we need to harness the efficiency of AI while infusing our content with genuine human experiences and emotions.


Furthermore, the trend towards authenticity aligns well with the growing consumer demand for transparency and trustworthiness from brands. Audiences today are more skeptical and discerning, easily identifying when a brand is being insincere or overly polished. This shift necessitates that brands reveal their true selves, including their flaws and imperfections, which can be a potent way to build trust and loyalty.

Community building is another crucial aspect to consider. Creating content that fosters a sense of community can lead to more engaged and loyal audiences. This entails producing content that not only informs or entertains but also encourages interaction and participation. Whether it’s through user-generated content campaigns, interactive live sessions, or community-focused storytelling, the objective is to create a space where audiences feel connected and valued.


Benjamin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Absolutely, I feel like I’m a rare breed among people who attend film school because I didn’t aspire to make feature films. I was drawn to filmmaking by my love for documentaries and nonfiction, which quickly evolved into marketing and commercial video production. It didn’t take me long to develop a passion for helping businesses communicate through video. I had the opportunity to travel extensively, delve into various industries, and discover what makes each of them unique and captivating. I experienced firsthand the passion people have for their work and their methods. My career was built on immersing myself in the business lives of others and ultimately becoming their cheerleader.

I’ve worked for several production companies, some nonprofits, and even dabbled in a few feature films. However, when the time came to establish my own business, I knew my heart belonged in the digital marketing space. In the summer of 2020, amidst the height of the pandemic, I made the decision to leave my role as a Senior Video Producer in California and relocate my family back to our home state of Colorado. By June, I had launched Hype & the Heart, and from there, I hit the ground running!

You might assume that starting a business during the peak of the pandemic was ill-advised, and I would have agreed with you initially. However, I discovered something unexpected. While businesses were grappling with the uncertainties brought on by the pandemic, many of them were downsizing their marketing departments yet still in need of content production. Almost immediately, I found myself busy with a roster of fully remote clients eager for content. The initial years of Hype & the Heart were an ongoing lesson in learning how to scale appropriately, embracing a fully remote business model not only with clients but also with the contractors I managed, and steering this new venture in a direction aligned with my vision. Nowadays, I get to pursue my passion and celebrate shared successes with my wonderful clients.


Can you talk to us about your experience with buying businesses?

Yes, my wife and I are actually in the midst of this now. Last year, my wife Kelsi mentioned that one of her favorite local influencer instagram accounts (nocodatenights) was going to close down their account. I jokingly said, “well should we buy it?” and yada yada yada, 2 months later we were sitting down and signing the papers for purchase what is essentially a digital marketing business centered around an “influencer” style instagram account.

We purchased the business as we were looking for an opportunity for another family business and this was an opportunity to take over something that my wife was already familiar with, and was also a really great lead generator for our video production business, as we were in constant contact both local businesses looking to spend money on marketing. It was a win win, for both of us and complimented our other business really well.

The process was very simple. Anna and Sean, the previous owners were so easy to work with and made the transition of all of the IP, business contact, accounts, and branding super easy.


Have you ever had to pivot?

My first foray into entrepreneurship was born out of sheer desperation. During my final year of college, I began interning as a Production Assistant with a production company in Denver. It was a fantastic experience, and I gained a wealth of knowledge throughout my internship. Upon graduation, I was thrilled to be offered a full-time position as an Assistant Producer. What an opportunity! Everything was going smoothly for about eight months until we had a company meeting where the owners announced plans to transition to a more flexible, contractor-based model. While we were assured that we would still be hired as contractors for the work, the security of a consistent salary vanished, and I found myself solely responsible for my income.

Initially, this was terrifying. I possessed the necessary skills, but I lacked the know-how and resources. Nevertheless, I decided to take the leap, and within six weeks, I had secured $30,000 worth of freelance projects, discovering a newfound sense of self-reliance that I didn’t know existed. I continued working for the original production company for many years as a producer, but I also recognized my value in the industry and began managing a small roster of regular clients, which allowed me to quadruple my salary. More importantly, this experience ignited a desire within me to forge my own path first as a contract worker and then as a business owner myself.

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