Port Side was founded after filming an event video for a hundred dollars at a local hotel convention center in Bellingham, Washington. That job gave us more than a paycheck—it gave us momentum. From that point on, We charged forward, determined to keep creating, to keep telling stories, and to keep tapping into what it means to be human.
In those early years, I took on everything but realized that to create our best work, we had to focus on what we truly cared about: the outdoors. The stories that resonated most were the ones filled with movement, energy, and a deep connection to nature.
At the same time, I began to notice a gap in our knowledge. We were making videos for companies handing them off, and hoping they would be used well—but I had no idea how they fit into the broader marketing ecosystem. How were they being deployed? Were they actually helping the businesses succeed? In a rapidly evolving digital world, I knew that we had to understand marketing.
That curiosity led me to start the Backcountry Marketing PodcasFive years later and nearly 200 episodes, we’ve interviewed marketing leaders from across the outdoor industry, learning how brands think, how they use video, and what challenges they face. Those conversations built relationships, turned into clients, and shaped the way we approach video production today.
Today, Port Side Productions is more than just a production company—we are a production company that guides our clients through our process of producing effective videos. Because video alone isn’t enough. Emotion alone isn’t enough. To be effective, videos must be backed by strategy and the ability to chart a path forward to success.
To date, we’ve made feature documentaries, video podcasts, product videos, and commercials. The thing that unifies us is our unwavering goal to help brands make effective videos driven by emotion.
Cole Heilborn
Producer and Director
Deep Industry Knowledge - Years of conversations with top outdoor marketers has informed our approach.
Lean, Expert Team - Minimal overhead (seriously, our HQ is 150 square foot studio). Strategists, researchers, filmmakers, and editors from across the country contribute to the work we produce.
Creative Expertise - Our podcast guests share invaluable insights on crafting impactful creative. These conversations fuel articles, social content, and our YouTube channel—while also keeping us at the forefront of industry trends to better serve our clients.
Built for the Outdoors - Comfortable working with athletes, ambassadors, in tough conditions, at altitude, in the rain, and all hours of the day—whether from a backpack or a grip van.
Selective Partnerships - We work with only ten outdoor brands per year, ensuring hands-on, senior-level focus from the whole team.
At Port Side, every project starts with a strong foundation. Creative without a foundation is just a gamble.
Listen & Understand - We uncover potential failure points before they happen, ensuring your project has the strongest foundation.
Strategy & Insights - We reduce guesswork by backing creativity with research and data, ensuring your content connects.
Creative Development - We craft emotionally charged concepts that balance impact and effectiveness, turning strategy into compelling storytelling.
Production & Execution – With a solid creative framework in place, we bring the vision to life with seamless production and post.
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