Meet Marissa Cooper | Director & Video Producer

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

Hi Marissa, how do you think about risk?
The way I think about risk is that once it is taken, the outcome always works itself out. Risk is how we grow and learn about ourselves. Recently I have embraced risk knowing that if I don’t put myself out there, the goals, aspirations, and desires I have will always just be thoughts and not reality. I will admit risk is still scary. My faith has been a big part of why I have embraced risk because I know no matter what, all things will work together for my good.

Risk has taken part in many facets of my business since I started it a year and a half ago. To me it was important to put myself out there and attend networking events. I knew that if I wanted to continue to be an entrepreneur, I have to connect with people to get my name out there and to be able to continue to support myself with this lifestyle. To start, I made a small goal that each networking event I would attend to meet and talk with one person before I left. Through the power of network and connection, one of the big opportunities this lead to is this past summer I was a camera operator for the UNDERRATED Golf Tour by Stephen Curry. So many things had to align to be presented with this opportunity and the catalyst was deciding to leave my full time job to run my own business. This is just one of many examples that I have been blessed with by taking a risk.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Cooper Productions is a Denver-based video production company that believes connections are made through our shared stores. By capturing content that inspires and engages, Cooper Productions has helped brands across various industries communicate their value, commemorate special moments, and gain the attention of new audiences. With more than 10 years of experience, the team behind Cooper Productions is passionate about creating a final product that perfectly matches a brand’s voice and identity so that their videos seamlessly integrate with a client’s marketing strategy.

Founded by me, Marissa Cooper, a filmmaker with the eye of an artist and the strategy of a skilled marketer, Cooper Productions is uniquely positioned to help businesses build award-winning video content.

My unique background in marketing allows me to create content not only from an artist’s point of view, but also through the lens of a communications professional to ensure that a brands message is being told clearly, correctly, and in a manner that viewers will enjoy. At Cooper Productions, we take a strategic approach to developing content that works by incorporating the latest trends, high-value keywords, target audience preferences, digital marketing best practices, and of course, visual aesthetics. This insight informs each decision made behind the camera and throughout the editing process to ensure that the content is memorable, aligned with the brand’s values and communicates the right message – And done so with style.

I am most proud of completing our first out-of-country shoot in England in March of this year. It was a big shoot to produce with only officially being less than one year in business.

Along this journey, lessons that I have learned is that your business is always evolving and each day presents unique challenges and opportunities. I have learned so much about myself, how to communicate with my clients, and the strength to persevere when I may be get overwhelmed or doubt that I am capable.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting the 303 the itinerary would be as follows…

A priority would be to hit up a show a Red Rocks. Pretty much anyone you ask say it’s an experience like no other. My favorite show that I have seen there is a tie between Ellie Goulding and Disclosure. I am also very active so if it’s summer, we are going to Yoga on the Rocks and doing some hiking. My favorite thing to do on a weekend morning is to go to Wash Perk, grab a coffee, and then walk and talk around Wash Park. This may be odd, but I don’t really have a favorite restaurant, but my favorite cuisine is pretty much any type of asian food. I would also make sure to take them to a bar or restaurant with good patio or rooftop vibes. My favorite areas to hang out is anywhere near downtown. I love to laugh and we would have to hit up a show at either Denver Comedy Lounge or Comedy Works. A night out on the town would also have to be in order either singing our hearts out at a karaoke bar or dancing the night away at the bars around town.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh wow. There are so many cheerleaders in my life that I want to shoutout and have been a part of my journey. My immediate family is first and foremost. They have been so supportive with the journey that I have been on.

My mentor Kyle McMorrow I met 9 years ago on my first trip to NYC. Kyle has been a huge part of my video producing journey. Kyle and I met at an informational interview at his former company. Due to my degree and initial career experience in marketing, I met with the Marketing Director to see what career options could be available to me. Randomly, I asked one question about video production and they brought in Kyle to answer my question. From there, he took me back to his desk and talked to me about all things video production. He educated me on what programs to use, gear, and he even showed me what he was working on at the time. After spending an hour with him, he gave me his contact information and said that at any time if I had questions or wanted to receive feedback on my work, I could reach out to him. Kyle has been an awesome mentor giving me tough feedback, encouragement, and support. He has been the one who has seen me grow in our craft and now sees me as someone who can mentor – which is something I never thought I could be at this stage of my journey.

This other person is my former boss/mentor/friend/cheerleader, Phil Steinhauer. Phil has known me since I was a little girl as my father has worked and known him for over 28 years. My second job out of college, Phil gave me the opportunity to actually work in video production. At his company Designscapes Colorado, I produced their safety and training video program that consists of over 60 videos in english and spanish. From there I was hired on full time as their Marketing Director and Video Producer. Phil has taught me a lot about building relationships in business and helped me develop my artistic eye. He has been there for me when I have questions about challenges I face in my business. When I left his company in 2022, he knew and believed that I am equipped for so much more than what he could offer me at the time and he has been my biggest cheerleader throughout time.

Website: https://www.cooperproductions-llc.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cooperproductions.llc/

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

Image Credits
Brenica Lynn Photography; Nathaniel Flowers