Blog

Notes from the studio

Social media, video production, brand building and studio IT, written by the team at Clouds Agency. 144 articles so far.

Security7 min read

TPN Readiness Checklist for a Small Post House

A plain checklist for small post houses preparing for a TPN assessment: scope, policies, network, access, content handling, people and the evidence to gather.

September 2, 2026

Production7 min read

Trailer Social Cutdown Specs and Deliverables

The deliverables list for a trailer social campaign: aspect ratios, lengths, captions, safe areas and per-platform checks for Reels, TikTok, Shorts and feed.

September 2, 2026

Web Design7 min read

Squarespace or Custom Website? How to Decide

Squarespace or a custom-built site for a small business? A plain decision guide: what each does well, where Squarespace limits you, and how hard it is to leave.

August 31, 2026

Social Media7 min read

Fitness Studio Content Plan and UGC Rights

A content plan for boutique fitness studios in Los Angeles: class promos, instructor and member stories, what to film in class, and how to get UGC permission.

August 27, 2026

Production7 min read

How to Cut a Sizzle Reel for a Film or Series

A practical guide to cutting a sizzle reel or pitch video for a film or series: length, structure, what footage to use, sound, and how to export it for a pitch.

August 26, 2026

Strategy8 min read

Law Firm Video Marketing: What to Film

What a law firm should film, how attorneys can look natural on camera, and the California advertising rules to check before you publish a video or testimonial.

August 20, 2026

Video Production8 min read

Real Estate Listing Video: Shot List and Types

How to choose between a walkthrough and a cinematic listing video, a room-by-room shot list, and the drone and disclosure basics for Los Angeles agents.

August 13, 2026

Video Production7 min read

Restaurant Video Content Plan for Los Angeles

A half-day shoot plan for a Los Angeles restaurant: what to film, how to split reels and stories, how to launch a menu, and what to check before posting.

August 6, 2026

Security6 min read

What Is TPN? A Plain-English Guide to the Trusted Partner Network

People call it TPN certification, but TPN issues Shields, not certifications. This guide covers what TPN is, why it exists, who gets asked about it and how to get started.

May 28, 2026

Security5 min read

TPN Shields Explained: Blue, Silver, Gold and Gold Star

TPN now has four Shields, not two. Here is what Blue, Silver, Gold and Gold Star each mean, how long they last, and how to work out which one your clients expect.

May 20, 2026

Content Strategy6 min read

Short-Form Video Trends Every Brand Needs to Follow in 2026

Short-form video continues to dominate how brands grow online. Here are the specific formats, durations, and styles that are driving real results in 2026.

May 15, 2026

Strategy6 min read

Video Production Pricing in Los Angeles: What to Expect in 2025

What does a brand video actually cost in Los Angeles? We break down day rates, crew sizes, gear packages, and what to watch out for in cheap quotes.

May 15, 2026

Social Media7 min read

How the TikTok Algorithm Works in 2026 (And How to Beat It)

TikTok's algorithm has evolved significantly. Understanding its current ranking signals is essential for any brand trying to grow organically on the platform.

May 12, 2026

Content Strategy7 min read

AI Video Tools for Brands in 2025: What Actually Works

AI video tools promise to cut production costs and speed up content output. Here is an honest breakdown of which tools deliver for brands and which ones are overhyped.

May 10, 2026

Marketing8 min read

How to Choose an Entertainment Marketing Agency in Los Angeles

What separates a great entertainment marketing agency from an expensive waste of time. A practical guide to evaluating agencies, understanding what you are paying for, and finding the right fit for your project.

May 10, 2026

Social Media8 min read

How to Build a Brand on Instagram in 2026: The Complete Guide

Instagram has changed dramatically over the past two years. This guide covers what actually drives brand growth on the platform in 2026.

May 9, 2026

Marketing10 min read

The Independent Filmmaker's Guide to Marketing Your Film

A practical playbook for indie filmmakers who want to build an audience before, during, and after a festival run without a studio marketing budget behind them.

May 8, 2026

Social Media6 min read

TikTok Shop: How Brands Are Turning Views Into Revenue in 2025

TikTok Shop is the fastest-growing social commerce platform in the US. Here is how brands are using it to drive real revenue, not just engagement.

May 8, 2026

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