We had the good fortune of connecting with Cody Marsden and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cody, what is the most important factor behind your success?
A key to our success at Manifest Filmworks is our commitment to building trust and open communication with our clients. We take the time to really understand what motivates their organizations and their project specific goals. We love collaborating to develop creative concepts, and bring it to life through visuals and dynamic storytelling. When we dive deep to understand their marketing goals and the things that drive them to pursue their passions, we’re able to be fully connected with their mission and use our expertise to create something amazing together.

Another important factor in our success has been developing the way we approach work-life balance as our business has grown. Initially, the blend of work and personal life was almost seamless, often requiring long hours to establish our brand and deliver on high expectations. However, we soon recognized the need for a better balance to sustain our team’s creativity and energy. We’ve become more strategic about project timelines, budgets, and managing client expectations.

We’ve since introduced more flexible working arrangements, allowing for remote work and encouraging time off when needed. This includes flexible work hours that allow for gym or exercise time, group hikes, group yoga classes, and my business partner Cory and I both love growing our own food and sharing it with our community. This mindset also extends to the mental and emotional health of our team. Since fitness is just one part of overall wellness, we also emphasize our team to take mental health days as needed to continue delivering at a high level. We believe that by supporting our team to be healthier and happier, we’re not only boosting their wellness but also enhancing their productivity and creativity—a win-win for both our employees and our projects.

What should our readers know about your business?
At Manifest Filmworks, we’re deeply committed to storytelling that not only captivates audiences but also makes a meaningful impact. We’re a Colorado video production company helping brands and organizations with strategic video marketing. Our approach starts with understanding our clients’ goals, vision, and audience. We work closely with clients to develop a creative concept and bring it to life through visuals and dynamic storytelling catered to their specific needs.

This mission came to life in our upcoming documentary project, “The American Runner,” where we followed Jordan Moon’s 71-day endurance run from San Francisco to New York City. It not only showcases Jordan’s incredible physical and mental endurance; it supported a cause very close to both his heart and ours—raising awareness and funds for brain disease research and mental health.

Throughout Jordan’s transcontinental run, we were more than just his production team; we were his full-time crew. Handling everything from filming to logistics, we captured every step of his journey we could, allowing him to focus solely on the challenge ahead of him. This comprehensive support is a testament to our philosophy of building strong, trust-based relationships with our clients, characterized by open communication and teamwork.

The path to completing this project has had its challenges, from securing funding to navigating the vast logistics of a cross-country documentary, and each hurdle taught us important lessons about persistence and grit.

We’re particularly proud of how we collaborated to create a strong brand for “The American Runner,” secured sponsorships, and managed a broad media strategy. This holistic approach helped spread his story and message globally, while Jordan concentrated on his monumental task.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them camping or on a road trip. This state has so many beautiful places. I could imagine stops at State Forest State Park, Steamboat Springs, Grand Lake, and Rocky Mountain National Park. The hiking on the Grand Lake side of RMNP is gorgeous any time of year, and there are some relaxing camping spots. Steamboat is great for the hot springs, the river, How Ya Doin Pizza, Yampa Valley Brewing Company, Storm Peaks Brewing Company, and there’s a cool music venue called Schmiggity’s.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shoutout Chris Bates aka Mighty Fine Art who we’ve had the pleasure of documenting multiple mural projects for in Fort Collins, Windsor, and beyond. He’s an amazing artist and has been a great supporter and collaborator over the years.

Website: https://manifestfilmworks.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manifestfilmworks/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/codymarsden/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CodyMarsden_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ManifestFilmworks/

Youtube: https://bit.ly/ManifestFilmworks-YouTube

Other: Personal Website: https://codymarsden.com

Image Credits
All Photos provided by Manifest Filmworks

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