A tragedy on his estate changed the entire direction of his life, and most people who know his work have no idea how it started.

Kiran Mensah was working tills at Sainsbury's when someone on his estate was killed. The Evening Standard wanted to cover the story, and because Kiran was into photography, he was given the opportunity to shoot it. His photos ended up on the front page. From there, things moved fast. With barely any experience, he landed a role running a studio for Citibank in Canary Wharf. That's where his love for film really took off, leading him to write and direct his own short film, "Today's Agenda," funded entirely out of his own savings.

This episode is about what it really costs to build something from nothing, and what happens when tragedy becomes the unlikely starting point for a career.

We discuss:

* How a tragedy on his estate led to his first ever photography break

* Getting his photos on the front page of the Evening Standard

* Going from working tills to running a studio for Citibank with little experience

* Falling in love with filmmaking after a career in photography

* Studying photography and using galleries as a source of creative inspiration* Directing his short film "Today's Agenda"

* Dipping into his own savings to self-fund a film

* The reality of directing and financing your own work as an independent creator

This isn't just a filmmaking story. It's about turning pain into purpose, and building a career nobody handed you.

Connect with us:


Subscribe → https://youtube.com/@TheCreatorsThread

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thecreatorsthread

TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thecreatorsthread


LinkedIn → http://linkedin.com/company/the-creators-thread

Twitter (X) → https://x.com/creatorsthread


Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/creatorsthread


Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/2SchdDCDlsBTlfw34WqVco

Connect with Fiz:


Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/fizvancasso


TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@fizvancasso


LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiz-vancasso

Connect with Kiran Mensah:


Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/kiranscamera/

New Episode Every Sunday 12PM

Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts — The Creators Thread

Everyone sees the shots but very few understand what it actually costs to be a female photographer in one of the most fast-paced, male-dominated industries in the world.From navigating sports sidelines to working with major publications and building a career on her own terms. This episode explores the reality behind Laura Rose's journey.We discuss:* Navigating the industry as a female photographer in sports* The pressures and challenges unique to women in photography* Working in fast-paced environments with tight turnarounds* How to win clients and work with major publications* Breaking into live events and sports photography* Building a career when the industry wasn't built for you* What female photographers need to hear but rarely doThis isn't just about photography. It's about resilience, identity, and carving out your space in a world that didn't always save you a seat.Connect with us:Subscribe → https://youtube.com/@TheCreatorsThreadInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/thecreatorsthreadTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thecreatorsthreadLinkedIn → http://linkedin.com/company/the-creators-threadTwitter (X) → https://x.com/creatorsthreadFacebook → https://www.facebook.com/creatorsthreadSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/2SchdDCDlsBTlfw34WqVcoConnect with Fiz:Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/fizvancassoTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@fizvancassoLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiz-vancassoConnect with Laura Rose:Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thepinkrosephotoTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thepinkrosephotographyNew Episode Every Sunday 12PMListen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts — The Creators Thread

Everyone is talking about AI, but very few creators understand what it actually means for the future of videography, filmmaking and content creation.From becoming the in-house videographer at Baller League to experimenting with AI tools and building cinematic content workflows, this episode explores how the creative industry is changing faster than ever before.We discuss:* Becoming Baller League's in-house videographer* The reality of creating content at scale* How AI is changing videography and filmmaking* The biggest opportunities AI creates for creators* What AI still can't replicate* Learning AI while balancing client work and deadlines* Why curiosity is becoming the most valuable creative skill* The importance of adapting in a rapidly changing industry* Building stories that capture attention in the first 5 seconds* Creating visual universes and deeper storytelling experiences* The future of content creation* What creators need to do to stay relevantThis isn't just about AI.It's about adaptation, creativity, storytelling and what happens when technology changes faster than the industry can keep up.Connect with us:Subscribe → https://youtube.com/@TheCreatorsThreadInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/thecreatorsthreadTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thecreatorsthreadLinkedIn → http://linkedin.com/company/the-creators-threadTwitter (X) → https://x.com/creatorsthreadFacebook → https://www.facebook.com/creatorsthreadSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/2SchdDCDlsBTlfw34WqVcoConnect with Fiz @fizvancasso :Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/fizvancassoTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@fizvancassoLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiz-vancassoConnect with George:Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/parsonsonfilm/LinkedIn → https://uk.linkedin.com/in/parsonsonfilmNew Episode Every Sunday 12PMListen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts — The Creators Thread

Everyone sees the views but very few understand what it actually costs to build a career in music videos.

From working with GRM Daily, Link Up TV & SBTV… to directing music videos that generated over 600 million views on YouTube to eventually falling out of love with the industry completely.

This episode explores the reality behind one of the UK’s most influential music video journeys.

We discuss:

* Building a career as a music videographer

* Working with GRM Daily, Link Up TV & SBTV

* The early days of UK music visuals

* Creating videos that generated over 600M YouTube views

* The pressure behind high-output creative industries

* The pros and cons of directing music videos

* Why he eventually fell out of love with music videos

* Transitioning from short-form visuals into long-form storytelling

* Directing documentaries and deeper creative work

* The difference between content and meaningful storytelling

* What creatives misunderstand about success and fulfilment

This isn’t just about music videos. It’s about creativity, identity, longevity and what happens when success no longer feels creatively fulfilling.

Connect with us:

Subscribe → https://youtube.com/@TheCreatorsThread

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thecreatorsthread

TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thecreatorsthread

LinkedIn → http://linkedin.com/company/the-creators-thread

Twitter (X) → https://x.com/creatorsthread

Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/creatorsthread

Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/2SchdDCDlsBTlfw34WqVco

Connect with Fiz:

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/fizvancassoTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@fizvancassoLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiz-vancassoConnect with Kevin Hudson:Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/kevinhudsonfilmTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@kevinhudsonfilmLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinhudsonfilm/

New Episode Every Sunday 12PM

Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts — The Creators Thread

Everyone wants better opportunities but very few realise it comes down to your identity/brand.This episode explores what happens when you stop copying what works for everyone else and start trusting your own instinct as a creative.From shooting West Ham players with a bed sheet to being flown out by Soho House to shoot their LA launch event.This conversation breaks down the real side of building a creative career.We discuss:* Why identity matters more than talent* How alignment improves your creativity* Why trusting your instinct changes your work* The difference between work that looks good vs feels good* Why some creatives get chosen over others* The pressure behind high-level opportunities* Why speed is changing creative quality* The hidden cost of perfectionism* Why gear can hold creatives back* How asking better questions unlocks better conversations* Building a creative career that actually feels authenticThis isn’t just about photography or filmmaking. It’s about developing a creative identity so strong people remember your work before they remember your name.Connect with us:Subscribe → https://youtube.com/@TheCreatorsThreadInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/thecreatorsthreadTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thecreatorsthreadLinkedIn → http://linkedin.com/company/the-creators-threadTwitter (X) → https://x.com/creatorsthreadFacebook → https://www.facebook.com/creatorsthreadSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/2SchdDCDlsBTlfw34WqVcoConnect with Fiz:Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/fizvancassoTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@fizvancassoLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiz-vancassoConnect with Kadir:Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/kadir_goldLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kadirgold/Website → https://www.kadirgold.com/New Episode Every Sunday 12PMListen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts — The Creators Thread

Everyone wants the success but nobody talks about the connections that create it.From networking his way into Sky… to filming at the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 alongside football legends… to creating emotional films that moved entire rooms.This episode breaks down the real side of creative success.We discuss:* How networking helped him break into Sky* Why relationships matter more than most creatives realise* The reality of filming at the World Cup* Creating emotional storytelling that genuinely impacts people* The power of music and editing in filmmaking* Losing £18,000 worth of camera equipment* Why young creatives need to stop being afraid to ask questions* How high-level opportunities actually happen* The difference between filming content and telling storiesThis isn’t the glamorous version of the creative industry. This is the reality behind the opportunities people dream about.Connect with us:Subscribe → https://youtube.com/@TheCreatorsThreadInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/thecreatorsthreadTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thecreatorsthreadLinkedIn → http://linkedin.com/company/the-creators-threadTwitter (X) → https://x.com/creatorsthreadFacebook → https://www.facebook.com/creatorsthreadSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/2SchdDCDlsBTlfw34WqVcoConnect with Fiz:Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/fizvancassoTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@fizvancassoLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiz-vancassoConnect with Liam:Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/liamsullymediaLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/liam-sullivan-2633168bNew Episode Out Every Sunday 12PMListen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts — The Creators ThreadTimestamps:00:00:00 Intro00:03:06 'Thread or Dead' Industry Trends Game 00:09:04 Early Life & Creative Influence00:16:34 First Camera Experiences 00:20:01 Working with BBC & Matthew Wright 00:23:34 Quitting Uni & Going Full Time 00:24:59 How I worked for Sky00:26:48 Wedding Videography learning the power of music and making people feel00:33:15 Breaking into sports industry working with oddschecker & KSI00:42:42 Working with top level athletes00:48:00 Fifa world cup 00:52:43 Working with high profile people & being yourself in the industry 00:56:24 Drugs, Alcohol & Sobriety01:08:50 Working with David Bentley the power of music/the scret to great storytelling01:14:18 Proudest moment 01:15:44 Final Advice for Young Creatives

Everyone sees the highlights but no one talks about what it actually takes to get there.From shooting Wireless with no laptop to getting a random message that led to Burna Boy’s tour, to shooting Gunna’s Headline Tour.This episode breaks down the reality of building a career as a creative.We discuss:* How she went from her first festival shoot to touring with Burna Boy* Why working for free isn’t always a bad move* The reality of tour life (pressure, pace, no sleep)* What most people get wrong about “making it”* The pressure of being a woman in male-dominated spaces* Why being underestimated can become your biggest advantage* What it really takes to stay in the roomThis isn’t the highlight reel, this is the part no one shows you.Connect with us:Subscribe → https://youtube.com/@TheCreatorsThreadInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/thecreatorsthreadTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thecreatorsthreadLinkedIn → http://linkedin.com/company/the-creators-threadTwitter (X) → https://x.com/creatorsthreadFacebook → https://www.facebook.com/creatorsthreadSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/2SchdDCDlsBTlfw34WqVcoConnect with Fiz:Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/fizvancassoTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@fizvancassoLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiz-vancassoConnect with Shot By Nee:Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/shotbyneeTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@shotbyneeNew Episode Out Every Wednesday 3PMListen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts — The Creators ThreadTimestamps:Timestamps:00:00:00 Intro

00:02:04 'Thread or Dead' Industry Trends Game

00:06:58 How Your Environment Shapes Your Creativity

00:12:17 i didn't have my own identity

00:15:56 Early Creative Life

00:18:59 First Camera Story & Photography In Uni

00:23:42 What I learned about life

00:27:49 Falling in love with photography again

00:33:22 When I knew I wanted to do music photography

00:36:25 Learning the craft | Intro into music photography

00:42:07 Break from photopgraphy due to lockdown

00:46:39 Quit my job for photography full time

00:49:55 First Wireless Festival experience00:52:39 How I became Burna Boy's Photographer

00:58:49 The reality of tour life as a music photographer

01:05:49 Shooting Gunna Headline London Show

01:06:55 The truth about being a women creative

01:10:54 Proudest moment

01:13:00 Final Advice for Creatives

From shooting standout visuals to building a name internationally behind the camera, Faces is a creative director and in this episode we break down the reality of the industry, from being rejected for having “too many followers” to why video directors aren’t getting the credit they deserve.He explains:• Why he was turned down because of assumptions around his price• The difference between recognition in music videos vs film• Why some directors are walking away from music videos• His thoughts on chasing money vs chasing passion• The pressure, anxiety and criticism that comes with posting your work• What creatives need to understand about perception, value and the industry

Connect with us:

Subscribe → https://youtube.com/@thecreatorsthread

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thecreatorsthread

TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thecreatorsthread

LinkedIn → http://linkedin.com/company/the-creators-thread

Twitter (X) → https://x.com/creatorsthread

Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/creatorsthread

Spotify →

Apple Podcasts →

Connect with Fiz:

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/fizvancasso

TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@fizvancasso

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiz-vancasso

Connect with Faces:

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/shotbyfaces

TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@shotbyfaces

New Episode Out Every Wednesday 3pm!