This isn't just another filmmaking event
it's an invitation to join filmmaking's most exclusive inner circle.
While the industry panics about AI, shrinking budgets, and being commoditized, an elite inner circle of just 120 filmmakers are building their most profitable, creative, and resilient businesses ever. The Story First Summit is where this exclusive group shares their closely-guarded playbook. This is not a conference. It's a private war room.
You're seeing clients cut budgets.
You're wondering where the next gig is coming from.
You feel the uncertainty as the industry shifts under the weight of AI and the pressure of being treated like a replaceable vendor.
These are not your personal failings. They are symptoms of a systemic breakdown.
The old model—trading your time for money and competing on technical skill alone—is no longer a viable strategy.
For many filmmakers and photographers, this shift has become a business-ending event. Continuing to operate the old way is not just a struggle; it's a choice to become a casualty of the new economy.
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Secure your transformation at our lowest available investment.
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This is not a passive event where you sit and listen.
The Story First Summit is an exclusive 3-day mastermind intensive where just 120 hand-selected filmmakers work directly with industry leaders to actively re-engineer their businesses in intimate small groups.
You will walk away with:
A Differentiated Strategy: Define your unique value in a way that AI cannot touch, making you the indispensable choice for high-value clients.
A Value-Based Pricing Model: Learn how to build and present proposals that focus on the value you create, not the hours you work, allowing you to break free from the "time for money" trap.
A System for Client Enrollment: Master the art of the strategic client conversation, transforming you from an order-taker into a partner who leads the vision and commands premium fees.
This Is Not An Expense. It Is Your Highest-Leverage Investment
We understand that budgets are tight. That's why we've designed this Summit to deliver a clear, measurable return.
The cost of a ticket is insignificant compared to the cost of operating with a broken business model for another year.
Here is your path to a powerful ROI:
A Differentiated Strategy: Define your unique value in a way that AI cannot touch, making you the indispensable choice for high-value clients.
End the feast-or-famine cycle. We will give you the framework to turn a single project into a $25k-$50k/year strategic partnership, creating the stability you need to grow.
Our business systems regularly save filmmakers 50% of their time on non-creative tasks. This translates directly into thousands of dollars in recovered billable hours and the capacity to take on more of the work you love.
Learn to shift client conversations from "how much does it cost?" to "what problem can we solve?" This single skill—moving from vendor to partner—is the fastest way to increase your project value without increasing your workload.
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A Message from Patrick
Morning Sessions
Deep dives into core frameworks and strategies.
Afternoon Workshops
Breakout groups where you will apply the morning's lessons to your own business, getting real-time feedback from peers and mentors.
Networking & Roundtables
Structured and unstructured time to connect with fellow business owners who understand your challenges and can become part of your professional network.
The rise of AI is the single greatest threat to commoditized creatives. It is also the single greatest opportunity for strategic storytellers. AI can generate content, but it cannot generate trust, understand nuance, or build a relationship with a client. It knows how, but it has no why.
At the summit, you will learn to build a business around the skills that AI can never replicate:
Master the science of connection and influence that makes your work resonate on an emotional level.
Become the trusted guide who helps clients achieve their business goals, not just the technician who operates a camera.
Leverage your unique human ingenuity to solve complex communication challenges that go far beyond a simple video production brief.
Speakers
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A dedicated option for teams
The Otis - Luxe
The premium property. Buy two nights and Muse will cover the third. Plus get breakfast and lunch all days and dinner on Tuesday.
Note: You will checkout for 3 nights but only pay for 2. The hotel will automatically bill Muse for one of your nights.
The AC - Modern and Hip
The more affordable property. Buy two nights and Muse will cover the third. Plus get breakfast and lunch all days and dinner on Tuesday.
Note: You will checkout for 3 nights but only pay for 2. The hotel will automatically bill Muse for one of your nights.
Frequently Asked
What is the Story First Summit?
The Story First Summit is an intensive, transformational experience designed for filmmakers and storytellers who are ready to elevate their craft and business. It's where the world's most successful story-driven creators gather to share frameworks, techniques, and insights that drive real results. This isn't just another filmmaking conference—it's a deep dive into the science and art of storytelling that moves people, builds businesses, and creates lasting impact. You'll walk away with practical tools, proven strategies, and a clear roadmap for taking your storytelling to the next level.
Who should attend the Summit?
The Summit is designed for serious filmmakers and storytellers who are already creating and want to scale their impact and income. Whether you're:
A filmmaker looking to land higher-paying clients and create more meaningful work
A brand storyteller wanting to craft campaigns that actually drive results
A documentary filmmaker seeking to create stories that inspire real change
An entrepreneur using video to grow your business and connect with your audience
If you're committed to putting story first and ready to invest in your growth, this Summit will accelerate your journey exponentially.
What makes this Summit different from other filmmaking events?
Most filmmaking conferences focus on technical skills and gear. The Story First Summit goes deeper—we focus on the frameworks and psychology that make stories actually work.
You'll learn the science behind why certain stories captivate audiences while others fall flat. We combine proven business strategies with the art of human-centered storytelling, giving you tools that work in the real world, not just in theory.
Plus, our community focus ensures you get direct access to speakers and meaningful connections with fellow attendees who share your commitment to story-driven work.
What can I expect to learn at the Summit?
The Summit is built around practical, implementable frameworks that you can start using immediately:
The Story First System - How to identify and craft narratives that emotionally resonate
Value-Based Pricing - Strategies for pricing your work based on impact, not hours
Client Psychology - Understanding what clients really want and how to position yourself as the solution
The Science of Storytelling - Research-backed techniques for creating emotional engagement
Business Growth - Systems for scaling your storytelling practice sustainably
