Zaahi Studios Co-Founder and CEO Michael Camphor on Building an Indianapolis Studio Around Business Storytelling

A Q&A with Michael Camphor on why video has become a core business tool and how Zaahi Studios helps organizations tell their stories.

Michael Camphor co-founded Zaahi Studios with Daniel Sung in 2008. Today the Indianapolis company produces corporate and commercial video, builds websites and digital marketing for businesses, and rents out a multi-set production facility on the city's east side to photographers, filmmakers and brands. Camphor talked about how he got into the business, what clients need from video now, and why he brings students onto working sets.

You started out in basketball and real estate. How did you end up running a production studio?

Both of those taught me the same thing: people decide quickly, and the story you tell in the first few seconds matters. In real estate I saw how much a strong visual presentation moved people. Video was the most powerful version of that, so Daniel and I started Zaahi Studios to give businesses in Indianapolis that kind of storytelling without having to go out of town to get it.

What does Zaahi Studios do for a business today?

We handle the full path from idea to finished piece: planning, production, editing, and getting the video to work on a website, social channels or a campaign. Some clients come to us for a commercial or a brand film. Others need a steady flow of content. Because we also build websites and run digital marketing, we can think about where the video will live from the start, not after it's done.

Good video starts with knowing what you want someone to feel and do when it ends.

Why build out a full production facility instead of only shooting on location?

Control and access. Having our own stages, sets and equipment means we can work faster and keep quality consistent for our clients. It also lets us open the space to the wider creative community. Photographers, independent filmmakers and agencies can rent a professional studio here instead of improvising one.

You've hosted Indiana University acting students on your sets. What was that like?

Over a semester, the students auditioned, rehearsed and then performed a television pilot written by Associate Professor Ansley Valentine, working with our crew and director on real sets. They also got career advice from people working in the industry. Watching students realize what a professional set feels like is one of the most rewarding things we do, and they left with footage they could use in their reels.

What should a business think about before it invests in video?

Start with the goal, not the camera. Who are you trying to reach, what do you want them to do, and where will they see it? A thirty-second piece built for a specific audience will do more than a long video that tries to say everything. Once that's clear, the creative choices get much easier.

About

Michael Camphor

Michael Camphor is the co-founder and CEO of Zaahi Studios, an Indianapolis video production, digital marketing and studio-rental company he started with Daniel Sung in 2008. He leads the company's client work and its production facility, and has built programs that bring students onto working sets.

Role

Company founded

Based in

Co-Founder & CEO

2008

Indianapolis, IN

Sources

• IU immersion at Zaahi StudiosZaahi Studios company page
• Zaahi Studios leadershipZaahi Studios company page
• Zaahi Studios facility listingPeerspace listing written by Zaahi Studios

Background in this story is provided by Zaahi Studios. Independent coverage will be added as it is verified. Last reviewed October 19, 2026.