Founder and Headof the podcast studio and online broadcasts zolotov.studio, shares his experience and talks about what inspires him in this field, what qualities are necessary for success, and what plans he has for the future. Find out how to find a balance between creativity, business management, and personal life, and turn work into an exciting journey!
Denis, what brought you into the world of podcasts and online broadcasts? Tell us what inspires you, how did you come to this?
My path into the world of podcasts and online broadcasts began with working as a photographer and cameraman. I shot small events, didinterior photography. But I was always drawn to large-scale concert filming. In 2015, I had an unforgettable experience doingvideo filming of a concert by 'Mashina Vremeni' with a team of like-minded people. Nine cameras, a crane – it was a real breakthrough! From that moment on, I focused on large projects.
A year after 'Mashina Vremeni', when the level of projects had grown, I started forming a team. So, the company Askon approached me with an order fororganizing an online broadcast of a conference. It was my first experience in this field, and I decided to do everything at the highest level so that the first pancake wouldn't be a lump. I brought in experienced guys for this project, selected the equipment. At that time, few used vMix; mostly all broadcasts were done on hardware switchers. We had a hardware switcher on site, a server for broadcasting, a server for recording. Now our control rooms look five times smaller, but back then it was a bit more complicated than now. And we successfully carried out this project.We still cooperate with Askon to this day, almost ten years! I consider this the best indicator of the quality of our work.
Thus, my clients led me into the world of podcasts and online broadcasts. I realized that I incredibly enjoy working live, especially at concerts. Feeling like a conduit between the artists and the audience, controlling what people see on the screen. Every button press – a new angle, a close-up of the artist, an emphasis on a guitar solo – and I see the reaction of the hall. It's a very powerful exchange of energy.
I have always felt somewhere between the technical and creative fields. I like solving engineering problems, understanding technology, but at the same time, the creative component and emotions are important. Online broadcasts perfectly combine these two sides, allowing me to realize myself in what I am truly interested in.
My path into the world of podcasts and online broadcasts began with working as a photographer and cameraman. I shot small events, didinterior photography. But I was always drawn to large-scale concert filming. In 2015, I had an unforgettable experience doingvideo filming of a concert by 'Mashina Vremeni' with a team of like-minded people. Nine cameras, a crane – it was a real breakthrough! From that moment on, I focused on large projects.
A year after 'Mashina Vremeni', when the level of projects had grown, I started forming a team. So, the company Askon approached me with an order fororganizing an online broadcast of a conference. It was my first experience in this field, and I decided to do everything at the highest level so that the first pancake wouldn't be a lump. I brought in experienced guys for this project, selected the equipment. At that time, few used vMix; mostly all broadcasts were done on hardware switchers. We had a hardware switcher on site, a server for broadcasting, a server for recording. Now our control rooms look five times smaller, but back then it was a bit more complicated than now. And we successfully carried out this project.We still cooperate with Askon to this day, almost ten years! I consider this the best indicator of the quality of our work.
Thus, my clients led me into the world of podcasts and online broadcasts. I realized that I incredibly enjoy working live, especially at concerts. Feeling like a conduit between the artists and the audience, controlling what people see on the screen. Every button press – a new angle, a close-up of the artist, an emphasis on a guitar solo – and I see the reaction of the hall. It's a very powerful exchange of energy.
I have always felt somewhere between the technical and creative fields. I like solving engineering problems, understanding technology, but at the same time, the creative component and emotions are important. Online broadcasts perfectly combine these two sides, allowing me to realize myself in what I am truly interested in.
What three words best describe your work style?
Success in my business is built on several key principles. First, it's a sense of proportion. For example, when wringing a towel, you can spend 50% of your strength and get 80% of the result, or give 99% and get an additional 10%. Why? If you have several towels, it's more effective to wring each one to 80% without excessive strain than to achieve maximum by working at the limit of your capabilities. I apply this approach in everything: in work, relationships with employees and clients. We always strive to exceed clients' expectations, but within reasonable limits. Even if some extra work is not paid for, but takes little time, shows our expertise, and significantly affects the quality, we do it. But constant work at the limit of our capabilities for the sake of maximum possible quality is not our approach.A consistently good level of work is always preferable to alternating between excellent and mediocre. Our business is a well-oiled mechanism with certain standards, prescribed business processes, and areas of responsibility for each employee.
The second important quality is the ability to dialogue and compromise. The ability to find a middle ground in negotiations is the key to success. It's important to feel when to give in and when to insist on your own, without infringing on the interests of the other party.Honesty, integrity, and respect are the foundation of any business relationship.
Third, the ability to use the right moment.I believe in the incredible power of chance. Sometimes the right situation arises on its own, and it's important to be able to take advantage of it in time. I carefully consider decisions, but act quickly and decisively when I feel the right moment has come.
Finally, I prefer a dynamic, at times rock 'n' roll management style based on the principles of flexible planning. In relationships with clients and employees, I value freedom and creativity, but at the same time maintain control over processes.My business is like a sports car: fast, stylish, serviced on time, ready for sharp turns, turbo acceleration, and emergency braking. There are always several ways to get from point A to point B, and it's important to be prepared for route changes. And to avoid losing the way, it is necessary to implement regulations and prescribe business processes for any possible situation.
Success in my business is built on several key principles. First, it's a sense of proportion. For example, when wringing a towel, you can spend 50% of your strength and get 80% of the result, or give 99% and get an additional 10%. Why? If you have several towels, it's more effective to wring each one to 80% without excessive strain than to achieve maximum by working at the limit of your capabilities. I apply this approach in everything: in work, relationships with employees and clients. We always strive to exceed clients' expectations, but within reasonable limits. Even if some extra work is not paid for, but takes little time, shows our expertise, and significantly affects the quality, we do it. But constant work at the limit of our capabilities for the sake of maximum possible quality is not our approach.A consistently good level of work is always preferable to alternating between excellent and mediocre. Our business is a well-oiled mechanism with certain standards, prescribed business processes, and areas of responsibility for each employee.
The second important quality is the ability to dialogue and compromise. The ability to find a middle ground in negotiations is the key to success. It's important to feel when to give in and when to insist on your own, without infringing on the interests of the other party.Honesty, integrity, and respect are the foundation of any business relationship.
Third, the ability to use the right moment.I believe in the incredible power of chance. Sometimes the right situation arises on its own, and it's important to be able to take advantage of it in time. I carefully consider decisions, but act quickly and decisively when I feel the right moment has come.
Finally, I prefer a dynamic, at times rock 'n' roll management style based on the principles of flexible planning. In relationships with clients and employees, I value freedom and creativity, but at the same time maintain control over processes.My business is like a sports car: fast, stylish, serviced on time, ready for sharp turns, turbo acceleration, and emergency braking. There are always several ways to get from point A to point B, and it's important to be prepared for route changes. And to avoid losing the way, it is necessary to implement regulations and prescribe business processes for any possible situation.
What is your favorite event that you organized or filmed? Tell us about this project, what captivated you about it.
Our company has extensive experience inorganizing online broadcasts of a wide variety of events. Among the standout projects are broadcasts of concerts by Anton Belyaev (Therr Maitz) — an amazing artist whose music I personally really like. At almost every concert of his, I work behind the control panel myself, getting great pleasure. We also organized a large-scale broadcast of the 'Night Snipers' concert on Palace Square. A big event as part of a legal forum. And again, that feeling of being involved in what's happening on stage, the feeling that you are working together with the artist, inspired me greatly.
One of the first major projects was a broadcast of a Bi-2 concert with three screens and independent signals to each. A task completely new to us at the time. I remember the satisfaction from a successfully completed project after a 16-hour shift, and pride in the result.
We also conducted several broadcasts in the style of 'Vecherniy Urgant'.One for the company OCS together with the agency White Label, another in the format of an online corporate event for Nokian Tyres at the plant in Leningrad region, with the company Bubin Events. These projects were technically complex, with a long period of pre-production. The result was worth the effort – challenging but exciting work and another successful project in the portfolio.
We also engage inorganizing broadcasts of medical events – we broadcast conferences, organize teleconferences between the operating room and the conference hall. Telemedicine is a very effective way of learning when 150 people in the conference hall can see an experienced surgeon performing an operation. We understand the importance of such projects for training doctors and developing medicine.The opportunity to help improve the qualifications of medical workers who are responsible for our lives is a huge responsibility and great value.
In the end, there are no impossible tasks for us. We are ready to take on any projects, regardless of their complexity and specifics.
Our company has extensive experience inorganizing online broadcasts of a wide variety of events. Among the standout projects are broadcasts of concerts by Anton Belyaev (Therr Maitz) — an amazing artist whose music I personally really like. At almost every concert of his, I work behind the control panel myself, getting great pleasure. We also organized a large-scale broadcast of the 'Night Snipers' concert on Palace Square. A big event as part of a legal forum. And again, that feeling of being involved in what's happening on stage, the feeling that you are working together with the artist, inspired me greatly.
One of the first major projects was a broadcast of a Bi-2 concert with three screens and independent signals to each. A task completely new to us at the time. I remember the satisfaction from a successfully completed project after a 16-hour shift, and pride in the result.
We also conducted several broadcasts in the style of 'Vecherniy Urgant'.One for the company OCS together with the agency White Label, another in the format of an online corporate event for Nokian Tyres at the plant in Leningrad region, with the company Bubin Events. These projects were technically complex, with a long period of pre-production. The result was worth the effort – challenging but exciting work and another successful project in the portfolio.
We also engage inorganizing broadcasts of medical events – we broadcast conferences, organize teleconferences between the operating room and the conference hall. Telemedicine is a very effective way of learning when 150 people in the conference hall can see an experienced surgeon performing an operation. We understand the importance of such projects for training doctors and developing medicine.The opportunity to help improve the qualifications of medical workers who are responsible for our lives is a huge responsibility and great value.
In the end, there are no impossible tasks for us. We are ready to take on any projects, regardless of their complexity and specifics.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
I am an aesthete. Every year my craving for beauty and creativity grows stronger. I love doing home staging, I am into vintage furniture. For example, I restored an old chair found almost at a dump, spending a week on it, but the result exceeded all expectations. My home is full of vintage items from the USSR, the Baltics, and Finland – each with its own story. I like the philosophy of taking care of things, the opportunity to give them a second life. Eco-friendly and interesting! Imagine a cabinet that is 70 years old, has been in several apartments and now delights you.
Music is another passion of mine. As a child, I played guitar and piano, now I enjoy singing karaoke and even created a home karaoke system. It energizes and inspires. To avoid burnout, it's important to combine business and creativity in your life.
My passion for aesthetics is unthinkable without a turntable. I have a large collection of records – from classics to Billie Eilish. Listening to at least one record is a mandatory ritual every day.
I also play sports and believe that everything in a person should be cool: how they look, how they dress. They should realize themselves in work, business, be a professional in some field, look good, smell good, live in a beautiful apartment, and most importantly, have order in their head and a formed system of values.
This is what I pay more attention to now than before, because previously most of my time was taken up by business. And it all happened at the right time, because in the early stages of development, you need to pay a lot of attention to business. It's like your child: when it's just born, it takes up all your free time, you do everything for it. Then comes training, development, upbringing - all this is a passed stage for me in terms of business. Now I have formed a strong team and streamlined business processes. And if you imagine business as a child, then it's already a grown-up son capable of making independent decisions. He is about 20 years old, already studying at a university, maybe even graduated, and you communicate with him completely on equal terms. And you just periodically communicate with this child. He suggests something to you, you give him advice, but at the same time, it's as if this is already a separate life. You have your own life, the business has its own, but you are still connected and support each other. I remembered a funny name for the studio that our project manager suggested: 'Zolotov and Sons'.
I am an aesthete. Every year my craving for beauty and creativity grows stronger. I love doing home staging, I am into vintage furniture. For example, I restored an old chair found almost at a dump, spending a week on it, but the result exceeded all expectations. My home is full of vintage items from the USSR, the Baltics, and Finland – each with its own story. I like the philosophy of taking care of things, the opportunity to give them a second life. Eco-friendly and interesting! Imagine a cabinet that is 70 years old, has been in several apartments and now delights you.
Music is another passion of mine. As a child, I played guitar and piano, now I enjoy singing karaoke and even created a home karaoke system. It energizes and inspires. To avoid burnout, it's important to combine business and creativity in your life.
My passion for aesthetics is unthinkable without a turntable. I have a large collection of records – from classics to Billie Eilish. Listening to at least one record is a mandatory ritual every day.
I also play sports and believe that everything in a person should be cool: how they look, how they dress. They should realize themselves in work, business, be a professional in some field, look good, smell good, live in a beautiful apartment, and most importantly, have order in their head and a formed system of values.
This is what I pay more attention to now than before, because previously most of my time was taken up by business. And it all happened at the right time, because in the early stages of development, you need to pay a lot of attention to business. It's like your child: when it's just born, it takes up all your free time, you do everything for it. Then comes training, development, upbringing - all this is a passed stage for me in terms of business. Now I have formed a strong team and streamlined business processes. And if you imagine business as a child, then it's already a grown-up son capable of making independent decisions. He is about 20 years old, already studying at a university, maybe even graduated, and you communicate with him completely on equal terms. And you just periodically communicate with this child. He suggests something to you, you give him advice, but at the same time, it's as if this is already a separate life. You have your own life, the business has its own, but you are still connected and support each other. I remembered a funny name for the studio that our project manager suggested: 'Zolotov and Sons'.
Tell us about your main responsibilities as the head of the studio. What are your tasks, how do you organize the work process?
I lead the team, set tasks, engage in strategic planning. I form the composition of the team and its division into departments, together with the manager I optimize processes. I determine KPIs for employees. I also write regulations: clear instructions for each employee on what to do at each stage of the work process, how to act in non-standard situations.
I handle marketing, determine how we should be represented on social networks, which advertising platforms we use. I optimize and promote the website. I resolve all financial issues: purchasing equipment, paying salaries and fees, determining the cost of our services.
In force majeure situations, I make decisions. I help employees in difficult moments, if necessary, I take on any position on a project.
What do you like most about podcasts and online broadcasts? Motivation, favorite aspects of the work.
I have always felt at the intersection of technology and creativity. I like to study new devices, and even develop my own. I have a good understanding of electronics and signal theory. But along with this, I like to work with light and create a beautiful picture, tell a story through the video sequence, shoot and edit live performances of artists.
The field of online broadcasts allows me to realize myself both technically and creatively.Live concert broadcasts are my passion, I often work behind the director's console myself. Whenshooting podcasts I appreciate the live, informal format, without a strict script and memorized texts. Our studio acts as a link between podcast participants and their audience, and this is incredibly inspiring.
What qualities do you consider important for a studio head?
I consider it important to understand what you are doing. Gathering the guys, buying equipment, and starting to shoot is not enough; you need to be in the know. It is important to behave decently towards clients and employees. Develop yourself and develop your team. React calmly to difficult situations and take measures so that they do not repeat. Do not forget to pamper yourself and rest, so as not to fall into a vicious circle of work-money-investment-even more work-even more money, and so on. It is important to believe in your ideas, dream, conduct experiments, not be afraid to make mistakes. And learn to delegate, even if you know you can do it better yourself.
What advice would you give to those who dream of building a career in podcasts and online broadcasts?
I recommend getting involved in interesting projects, even for modest fees. This is an excellent opportunity to learn and gain invaluable experience. The basics can be mastered with minimal equipment – a webcam and a laptop. Make connections in the industry – this will help in the future. If you are a beginning organizer, for large and complex projects, attract experienced professionals, even if it is expensive. Guaranteeing a quality result for the client and gaining experience for you – these are worth the costs. Start assembling your own basic equipment kit; renting involves risks and inconveniences.
I lead the team, set tasks, engage in strategic planning. I form the composition of the team and its division into departments, together with the manager I optimize processes. I determine KPIs for employees. I also write regulations: clear instructions for each employee on what to do at each stage of the work process, how to act in non-standard situations.
I handle marketing, determine how we should be represented on social networks, which advertising platforms we use. I optimize and promote the website. I resolve all financial issues: purchasing equipment, paying salaries and fees, determining the cost of our services.
In force majeure situations, I make decisions. I help employees in difficult moments, if necessary, I take on any position on a project.
What do you like most about podcasts and online broadcasts? Motivation, favorite aspects of the work.
I have always felt at the intersection of technology and creativity. I like to study new devices, and even develop my own. I have a good understanding of electronics and signal theory. But along with this, I like to work with light and create a beautiful picture, tell a story through the video sequence, shoot and edit live performances of artists.
The field of online broadcasts allows me to realize myself both technically and creatively.Live concert broadcasts are my passion, I often work behind the director's console myself. Whenshooting podcasts I appreciate the live, informal format, without a strict script and memorized texts. Our studio acts as a link between podcast participants and their audience, and this is incredibly inspiring.
What qualities do you consider important for a studio head?
I consider it important to understand what you are doing. Gathering the guys, buying equipment, and starting to shoot is not enough; you need to be in the know. It is important to behave decently towards clients and employees. Develop yourself and develop your team. React calmly to difficult situations and take measures so that they do not repeat. Do not forget to pamper yourself and rest, so as not to fall into a vicious circle of work-money-investment-even more work-even more money, and so on. It is important to believe in your ideas, dream, conduct experiments, not be afraid to make mistakes. And learn to delegate, even if you know you can do it better yourself.
What advice would you give to those who dream of building a career in podcasts and online broadcasts?
I recommend getting involved in interesting projects, even for modest fees. This is an excellent opportunity to learn and gain invaluable experience. The basics can be mastered with minimal equipment – a webcam and a laptop. Make connections in the industry – this will help in the future. If you are a beginning organizer, for large and complex projects, attract experienced professionals, even if it is expensive. Guaranteeing a quality result for the client and gaining experience for you – these are worth the costs. Start assembling your own basic equipment kit; renting involves risks and inconveniences.
What are your plans for the future regarding the studio?
We are expanding the capabilities of our studio, building a new film hall. The interiors are being developed by a designer; we want to create a vibe-filled filming space with many interior details and several configuration options. There will also be a more spacious waiting area for clients, and a large equipment storage.
Plans include opening a Moscow branch of the studio in the next 1-2 years. Moscow is a key market for us, and a significant client base has already been formed here.
My personal goal is to achieve full autonomy of the business so that it requires minimal personal involvement. I want to deal only with strategic issues and development, introduce new ideas. At the same time, have the opportunity to work at any time and from anywhere in the world.
We are expanding the capabilities of our studio, building a new film hall. The interiors are being developed by a designer; we want to create a vibe-filled filming space with many interior details and several configuration options. There will also be a more spacious waiting area for clients, and a large equipment storage.
Plans include opening a Moscow branch of the studio in the next 1-2 years. Moscow is a key market for us, and a significant client base has already been formed here.
My personal goal is to achieve full autonomy of the business so that it requires minimal personal involvement. I want to deal only with strategic issues and development, introduce new ideas. At the same time, have the opportunity to work at any time and from anywhere in the world.
What important lesson have you learned from your career?
You need to invest in quality equipment and the work of experienced contractors. Check new employees on several projects before accepting them into the main team. Develop backup plans and be prepared for unforeseen situations. And no matter what happens, if nobody died, then everything is not so bad.
What achievement do you consider the most significant in your work?
I consider the most important thing that I managed to gather around me a team of strong and motivated professionals, and managed to create a friendly and informal atmosphere in the team.
I am very glad that the guys sometimes come to the office on their days off just to chat with each other. I am proud that some employees have been working with me for more than 3 years, and that by showing integrity, friendliness, and demandingness towards the team, I see that the entire team possesses the same qualities.
