Spotlight on Sage Flores: From YouTube Kid to Video Marketing Maverick

In this edition of the Creator Spotlight, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Sage Flores, the driving force behind Sunburst Films. Sage has turned his childhood passion for video creation into a thriving business, becoming a go-to partner for video marketing and production. His journey is one of dedication, creativity, and an unyielding passion for his craft.

The Early Days: From YouTube Beginnings to Professional Videography

Sage’s journey into video started at a young age. “I picked up a camera when I was around 11 or 12 years old and just started making YouTube videos for fun,” he recalls. Like many kids of his generation, he was inspired by the early days of YouTube, vlogging with friends and participating in popular challenges like the cinnamon challenge. What began as a hobby quickly turned into something more when his father’s music clients needed video work. At just 14, Sage landed his first paid gig—a $300 music video. “That’s when I realized I could make money doing something I loved,” he says.

Building Sunburst Films: A Strategic Approach to Video Marketing

Fast forward to today, and Sunburst Films has grown into a full-service video production company with a strategic focus on video marketing. Sage’s evolution from a solo creator to a business owner has been marked by continuous learning and adaptation. “I’ve been doing this for a while now, and I’ve definitely improved my services. I’ve got a bit of a team now, with two other partners who help out on the backend, whether it be strategy, posting management, or production,” Sage explains.

One of the key misconceptions he often encounters is the belief that effective video marketing requires a massive budget or a huge following. “The truth is, video marketing is incredibly versatile and can be tailored to fit any budget and any audience,” he says. For Sage, it’s not about flashy visuals or big productions; it’s about telling a great story and connecting with the audience on a deep level. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the target audience and delivering value, regardless of the budget.

Navigating the Challenges of Cannabis Branding

Working with cannabis brands comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to social media restrictions. Sage has been working with cannabis brands for about three years and has developed creative strategies to navigate these hurdles. “You can’t always focus on the product itself,” he advises. Instead, he suggests emphasizing the lifestyle, community, and brand message. By focusing on elements like social equity, wellness, and sustainability, Sage helps his clients build authentic communities without running afoul of platform guidelines.

Beyond Video Production: A Full-Service Approach

Sunburst Films is more than just a video production company; it’s a full-service partner that provides strategic distribution, social media management, and more. “A lot of people think that once the video is made, the job is done, but in reality, that’s just the beginning,” Sage says. One of the services that clients often underestimate is the creation of an organic social media funnel. This involves everything from chat marketing software to CRM management and tailored email marketing plans, all designed to build long-lasting relationships with the audience.

Staying Inspired: The Key to Consistent Creativity

Despite the demands of running a business, Sage remains deeply inspired by his work. “I’m a very hardworking person, and thankfully I do something that I love,” he says. However, like anyone, he occasionally needs a break to recharge. Whether it’s hitting the gym, spending time with his son, or jumping in the pool, these moments help him reset and return to work with renewed energy.

One of Sage’s strategies for staying creatively inspired is what he calls “strategic scrolling.” By curating his social media feeds to show content that aligns with his creative goals, he continually finds new ideas and inspiration. “Tailoring your algorithm can be a powerful tool to keep the ideas flowing,” he explains.

Supporting Sage and Sunburst Films

As Sage continues to grow Sunburst Films, he’s also refocusing on his own content creation. “I want to get back into creating content for myself,” he shares. To support Sage, you can follow him on Instagram at Sage.Flores and Sunburst Films, where he’ll be documenting his business journey and sharing valuable tips for other aspiring videographers.

Sage’s story is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and strategic thinking. As he continues to push the boundaries of video marketing, there’s no doubt that we’ll be seeing a lot more from Sunburst Films in the future.