Episode 171: Yes-Your Business Can Make a Corporate Film with Natalie Scarsbrook of Blatella Films

"Yes - Your Business Can Make a Corporate Film" with Natalie Scarsbrook is this week's chat on The Business Awards Show. Natalie, co-founder of Blatella Films, discusses her fascinating 12-year journey in corporate filmmaking and documentary production.

She shares how she became an "accidental business owner" after graduating with a film studies degree in 2010 during the recession. Unable to find traditional employment, she and her fiancé (now husband) Ben started Blatella Films in their home borough of Thurrock in Essex, armed with just a second-hand camera and determination.

The big news? Their documentary "Our Journey to Pride" has won an incredible 27 awards at film festivals worldwide, screening everywhere from America and Canada to India, Dubai, and Serbia. The film chronicles Thurrock's first-ever Pride Festival and has become a powerful message about LGBTQ+ acceptance and community celebration.

Natalie reveals how corporate filmmaking doesn't have to be boring - Blatella Films brings cinematic techniques to business videos, working with clients from one-man bands to major organizations like C2C rail services and NHS trusts across Essex. Furthermore, she recently won a Silver Award for Best Creative Business at the Best Businesswomen Awards.

Looking ahead, Natalie's directing her next documentary "Witchcraft and Stilettos: Redefining the Essex Girl Narrative," exploring stereotypes from the 1600s witch trials to modern-day Towie culture.

Plus, get insider tips on working with your spouse, creating engaging business videos, and why film content is fundamental for modern businesses.

About Blatella

Blatella Films lives and breathes film. Combining  experience in the industry and training in both film theory and production, they work closely with clients to interpret and bring their ideas to life. Their hands on approach and multi-disciplined team of camera operators, editors, sound engineers, and concept artists, with 40 years combined experience, gives Blatella near unrivalled facilities to craft the best films for clients.

Blatella pride themselves on excellent customer service and honesty with every client and on top of their top-of-the-line 4K cinema cameras and the most up to date editing facilities, offer truly cost effective and efficient film services.

At the core of the company is a drive and passion to make engaging, high-quality films that tell compelling stories. Blatella firmly believes that corporate filmmaking can and should be interesting, well-made and be able to grab audiences.

As a company they have garnered multiple award nominations and wins since setting up in 2012. They can adapt film to any industry or business.  In that time, they have made 2045 films and have 238 unique clients (figs Jan 2025). They have worked with everyone from small one-man-band businesses to large regional stalwarts and even internationally renowned brands. As a result, Blatella produces on average, three hundred projects a year.

 

{1:30} Natalie's journey to starting Blatella Films.

{4:22} A documentary that won 27 awards!.

{7:10} Getting the film distributed at festivals.

{8:35} The impact and developing purpose of the film.

{9:52} Leaving a lasting legacy.

{11:47} The benefit of winning 27 awards in pitching for a new documentary.

{13:15} Why Natalie entered a business awards.

{15:57} Making corporate films more interesting.

{20:26} Why it's essential to have video on your website.

{22:05} The power of repurposing video.

{23:05} The typical Blatella client profile.

{25:15} Brainstorming ideas for your film with a professional film-maker.

{27:47} Tips for working with your life partner.

{32:00} What the future looks like for Blatella.

 

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

                                        https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/

Connect with Natalie:   https://blatella.co.uk/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/blatellafilms/

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

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