Meet John Pottenger of Coastline Studios

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Pottenger.

John, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Coastline Studios began in 2003 primarily as a photography business, with videography offered initially as a supplementary service. In 2009, we strategically pivoted our focus exclusively to wedding and event videography, closing the photography side to specialize and elevate our expertise within this dynamic market. This dedicated shift allowed us to significantly enhance the quality of our work and establish ourselves as industry leaders.

Early on, we differentiated Coastline Studios by pioneering the use of high-end cinematic equipment such as jibs, Steadicams, and sliders—tools that were rare in wedding productions at the time. These innovations enabled us to capture stunning, film-like visuals, elevating our wedding films far beyond the traditional approach.

Additionally, we committed ourselves to authentic storytelling, taking the time to deeply understand each couple’s unique traits and stories. By thoughtfully interviewing our clients on their wedding day and carefully selecting music that matched their personal style and energy, we produced highly personalized films that truly reflected each couple’s individuality.

This combination of technical innovation and bespoke storytelling quickly distinguished us from other videographers, fueling rapid growth. At our busiest, Coastline Studios successfully managed over 60 weddings in a single season, handling as many as three events concurrently, thanks to our skilled team of employees and trusted network of subcontractors.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As with any small business, we’ve experienced both growing pains and periods of significant prosperity. In 2016, we reached a record high, capturing 64 weddings in a single season. Conversely, the COVID-19 pandemic posed substantial challenges, limiting us to just 27 weddings. One ongoing challenge has always been sourcing talented videographers who meet our rigorous quality standards. With weddings, there’s no room for mistakes—you must be fully prepared and perfectly positioned, because there’s simply no asking a couple to pause and redo their vows.

As you know, we’re big fans of Coastline Studios. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Coastline Studios is recognized as one of Michigan’s longest-running wedding videography companies and holds a respected position as a top-tier provider within the event industry, known particularly for exceptional quality standards and strong collaboration with fellow wedding vendors. Thanks to our roots in photography, we’ve developed a keen understanding of how to work seamlessly alongside photographers, fostering a cohesive, collaborative environment rather than competition.

Our brand is especially celebrated for its distinctive cinematic style and customized storytelling approach, thoughtfully crafted to reflect each couple’s unique personality, setting us apart from typical wedding videography providers. The meticulous attention to detail and polished editing we apply to every film consistently ranks among the industry’s best. Our rigorous quality assurance practices ensure every client receives a premium product.

Communication is another cornerstone of our success. We frequently receive positive feedback about our proactive, clear, and attentive communication style—from initial inquiries through final film delivery, clients appreciate the seamless experience we provide.

With over 23 years in business, we’ve witnessed countless trends come and go. Through it all, we’ve remained true to our commitment to timeless quality, consistently delivering films that age gracefully, never becoming outdated by transient styles or fleeting fads.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I grew up in California, where I was fortunate enough to experience many of the state’s beautiful parks and attractions. Some of my fondest memories include childhood visits to Disneyland and exploring the awe-inspiring giant redwoods in central and northern California. During high school, I discovered a passion for filmmaking, creatively producing videos using just a camcorder and two VCRs. At that time, computer-based editing systems weren’t yet available, making video creation especially challenging—but I loved finding innovative ways to bring my ideas to life.

Pricing:

• $2500

Contact Info:

• Website: https://coastline-studios.com/
• Instagram: https://Www.Instagram.com/coastlinestudios
• Facebook: https://Www.Facebook.com/coastlinestudios
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coastline-studios/
• Twitter: https://x.com/CoastlineFilms
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQB5D5ziVpJWV6JLkEenr8g