Meet Nolan Peña | Broadcast Director & Cinematographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nolan Peña and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nolan, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
After spending four years in the stage production industry, my first step was to draft a business plan, outline strategies, and identify my target audience. I recognized the importance of building a portfolio, so I offered free work for a few months to gain experience, establish trust, and grow my network. This approach allowed me to build meaningful relationships and generate word-of-mouth referrals. Additionally, I dedicated time to understanding the market—analyzing trends, identifying high-demand services, and projecting growth areas. Through this process, I discovered my niche and defined the unique video services I could offer.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am the founder and owner of Sunnyhill Productions, a video production and broadcast company. This marks my first year running the business, and while it has been a learning experience with many challenges, it has also been incredibly rewarding. Before starting Sunnyhill Productions, I spent four years in the stage production industry—one year with the local union and three years as a broadcast director at a mega church.

Though I had always dreamed of working in the film industry, my passion for that path began to fade as I grew comfortable in my previous roles. I realized I needed to take action, leave the stage production world, and pursue my true aspirations. Starting my own business felt like racing against time, as I knew how precious it was.

The first few months were anything but easy. As an introvert, one of my biggest challenges has been building confidence in marketing and communicating with clients. At times, I felt discouraged, especially when I struggled to present myself effectively. However, as I navigated my first year as an entrepreneur, I grew significantly in these areas. I’ve learned how to communicate better, build relationships, network, and make decisive calls before sealing deals with clients.

While I am still learning and facing challenges, I’m no longer intimidated by them. Instead, I’m excited about the opportunities ahead. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my work is capturing people’s stories and seeing how those stories impact others. At Sunnyhill Productions, my mission is not just to create compelling content but to ensure that my clients’ messages and brands resonate and reach audiences around the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely take my friend to the Black Walnut Cafe—it’s worth both the price and the trip. Another great spot is The Post Houston, located near downtown. It’s a must-visit tourist attraction that I believe everyone should experience. One of my personal favorites is Bellaire, Houston’s Chinatown, known for its incredible Asian cuisine. The area offers a wide variety of delicious food options, representing different Asian cultures, along with unique events to explore.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shoutout the book “Independent Ed” by Edward Burns. This book encouraged me to not be afraid of facing obstacles in this challenging world & to keep moving forward.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nolannpena/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-pe%C3%B1a-2bab541aa/

Image Credits
Humberto Sanchez, Cinthia Bravo