Here’s an overview of Mark’s conversation on the podcast.

The Origin Story: A Studio Built on Social Impact

Chocolate Films began in 2001 with a mission to do more than just make great content. As Mark explains early in the episode, the company was built on the idea that filmmaking should be accessible, inclusive, and impactful.

“From day one, we wanted to do both commercial and community projects. It was about creating content that connects, but also helping others tell their stories.”

This dual-purpose approach still defines our work today. While we’ve produced branded films, documentaries, and animations for major clients across sectors, we’ve also delivered thousands of filmmaking workshops and mentored aspiring creators in underserved communities.

Growth With Intention: From London to Glasgow

A key topic in the episode is the strategic and gradual way Chocolate Films expanded. Rather than chasing rapid growth, the team focused on sustainable scaling, growing from a small crew to over 20 full-time employees—and opening a second office in Glasgow.

The Glasgow location, Mark shares, wasn’t just a business decision—it was a cultural one.

“It wasn’t about ticking a box on expansion. We took time to understand the city and hire locally. That made all the difference.”

With this local-first mindset, Chocolate Films ensured that both their London and Glasgow teams share the same values, systems, and culture. This approach allows us to serve clients more effectively across the UK, while staying connected to the communities we work in.

The “1000 Londoners” Project: Passion with a Purpose

One of the standout parts of the conversation is the deep dive into our flagship community project: 1000 Londoners. Launched in 2014, this ambitious series of mini-documentaries tells the stories of Londoners from every walk of life—young, old, rich, poor, born in London or newly arrived.

So far, we’ve interviewed over 500 people, with plans to reach 1000 in the coming years.

Mark describes the project as a “creative laboratory” for the team—a way to hone their skills, try out new techniques, and stay inspired.

“It keeps our creativity fresh. But more than that, it connects us with real stories—reminding us why we do what we do.”

Projects like 1000 Londoners don’t just serve a social good; they also improve our commercial work. They help us understand people, build empathy, and bring authentic storytelling to every client project.

Workshops and Outreach: Building the Next Generation

Another recurring theme in the podcast is Chocolate Films’ commitment to education. Over the years, we’ve delivered filmmaking workshops to thousands of young people, community groups, and schools across the UK.

These aren’t just one-off sessions—they’re in-depth, hands-on experiences designed to empower participants with real filmmaking skills. From scripting and shooting to editing and screening, participants walk away with both a finished film and a deeper sense of confidence and creative expression.

“We believe everyone has a story worth telling,” Mark says. “Our workshops are about giving people the tools and the voice to do just that.”

Team Culture: The Heart of Chocolate Films

Managing a growing in-house team across multiple locations is no easy feat. But for Mark and the leadership team, fostering a strong internal culture is as important as the projects they deliver.

One major decision was to build a full-time in-house team rather than rely heavily on freelancers. This approach has helped create consistency in quality, smoother workflows, and a tight-knit company culture rooted in collaboration and shared purpose.

“Having a team that knows each other well, understands our processes, and cares about our mission—it’s a game changer,” Mark explains on the podcast.

He also talks about building systems and communication tools that evolve as the team grows. From weekly team check-ins to clear internal workflows, everything is designed to maintain agility and avoid the kind of bureaucratic bloat that can slow down creative companies.

Adapting to Industry Shifts

In an industry that changes quickly, Chocolate Films takes a cautious, strategic approach to adopting new technology. Whether it’s emerging camera formats or AI-powered editing tools, the team waits to see genuine client demand before making large investments.

“We’re not early adopters for the sake of it,” Mark shares. “We’re focused on making decisions that serve our clients and our values.”

This mindset helps the company stay grounded, avoiding unnecessary risks while remaining open to innovation that supports their goals.

Sales, Relationships, and the Power of Authenticity

Mark also shares some valuable advice for fellow creatives looking to grow their businesses. For him, sales isn’t about being pushy—it’s about building authentic relationships. Many of Chocolate Films’ clients have worked with the team for years, drawn not just by the quality of the work, but by the values behind it.

“People want to work with companies that stand for something. If your values are clear, clients will gravitate toward that.”

This authenticity-first approach has helped Chocolate Films thrive in a competitive market, earning a reputation not just as a skilled production house—but as a partner clients can trust.

A Name That Sticks: The Story Behind “Chocolate Films”

Before wrapping up, Mark shares the origin of the company name—a fun anecdote for longtime followers and newcomers alike.

“We wanted something warm, something that made people smile. ‘Chocolate Films’ just felt right.”

It’s a name that reflects our brand ethos—creative, accessible, and full of heart.

Final Thoughts: Purpose as a Business Strategy

For those who tuned in to Creatives Grab Coffee episode #94, the biggest takeaway is this: purpose isn’t a side project—it’s a strategy.

From our humble beginnings in London to our growth across the UK, everything at Chocolate Films is driven by a belief in storytelling as a force for good. Whether we’re producing branded content for global clients or running a workshop in a local school, our mission remains the same—to make impactful films with purpose.

Special thanks to Lapse Productions, and podcast hosts Dario Petraccone and Kyrill Lazarov, for creating space for honest and thoughtful conversations about what it means to grow as a creative business today. Their show is a must-listen for video professionals, agency founders, and content creators looking to scale with authenticity.

Catch the full conversation with Mark Currie on Creatives Grab Coffee via Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Want to learn more about how Chocolate Films brings purpose to video production? Get in touch with our team or explore our latest client work and community projects.