In today’s exclusive interview, Meet Viktor, the visionary Co-Owner and CEO of Always Wonder, a video agency. With a keen eye for storytelling and a passion for pushing creative boundaries, Viktor has propelled Always Wonder to the forefront of the industry. His leadership and innovative spirit have been instrumental in crafting captivating visuals that resonate with audiences worldwide.
About Viktor
My name is Viktor, and I’m a 30-year-old Ukrainian living in Southeast Asia. I often refer to myself as a “video guy.” Today, I’m the co-owner and CEO of Always Wonder, a video agency, but my passion for video dates back to when I was 16 years old. That’s when I first delved into video editing and discovered the incredible power of combining footage, sound, and color to evoke emotions in viewers.
Looking back to 2019, I remember my first big project: a commercial for NewBalance Ukraine. I was the film director on this project. Imagine a large filming crew, tight timelines, and stress levels above the ceiling. Instead of actors, we had professional football stars. It was a crazy day, but once filming was done, I realized I was ready for anything. No matter what happens next, I’ll just smile and resolve the issue.
Over the years, I dedicated myself to learning as much as possible about various aspects of video production. This included filming, directing, color grading, and sound design. My goal was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire production process. I wanted to be well-prepared for the day I would start my own video agency, ensuring I could effectively collaborate with my team on projects.
Thanks to these experiences, I can now communicate with my team in their professional language. They know I’m not just a figurehead who lacks understanding. On the contrary, I can share my vision with them and provide guidance on how to execute tasks most efficiently. This mutual respect is the foundation of our successful collaboration.
Now, my business partner Theo and I are successfully running Always Wonder video agency in Singapore and Indonesia. We started in Singapore around two and a half years ago and incorporated the company in Indonesia about a year ago. So, we’re still pretty fresh here
Why Did You Start Always Wonder ?
There was a long story with Always Wonder Video Agency. I remember the first time I decided to start a video agency was in Ukraine in 2018, I think. I started it with a good friend of mine who was also my student. Essentially, the logo, branding, and general look of AW (Always Wonder) were created during that time.
After around one year of working in the Ukrainian market, I realized that most of our clients were not ready to invest in high-quality video products or services. Their mentality was more focused on saving money rather than doing something crafted to serve a purpose and help them achieve their goals and earn even more.
So, the decision was made to close the video agency in Ukraine because the market was simply not ready. At the same time, I received a job offer in Singapore for a senior position in the creative department, related to video editing and filming, at a big international company. For me, it was an interesting opportunity to learn more about Asian business culture and the ways of collaboration both between businesses and within the company.
After two years of being employed by the Singapore company, I realized that Singapore is a very interesting market for video production. Many businesses are concentrated in Singapore, they understand the value of high-quality content, and the competition is not very strong. During this time, I was hanging out with my friend Theo, who proposed that we open a video agency in Singapore.
To be honest, in the beginning, I was not sure if we should do it; I was scared that it wouldn’t work. But one day, I woke up in the morning and asked myself, “Do you want to be an employee for the rest of your life? Doing a boring job from 9 to 5, five days a week, and having only two weeks of vacation per year? Or do you want to create something cool that will help other businesses achieve their goals?” At that moment, everything became clear to me.
That day, we incorporated Always Wonder Pte. Ltd in Singapore. One year later, we understood that Singapore was not enough for us, and we wanted to expand our video business to another market. We considered Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia.
Thailand has a really strong video production market, so competition is very high, and local businesses can do it much cheaper. I had to choose between Indonesia and Malaysia.
One day, I had a morning run with my friend in Singapore, who is also an entrepreneur. We had a conversation about doing business in Indonesia. He told me that the Indonesian market is quite interesting and, at the same time,
underestimated. There are many businesses there willing to partner and grow together, but not many companies are entering the market. After this conversation, I did some research and was very satisfied with the numbers.
And that’s how, in 2023, we incorporated Always Wonder Video Agency in Indonesia.
Tell Us More About Always Wonder !
Always Wonder is a B2B company, so we help businesses achieve their goals using video strategy. I’ll try to explain how that works.
We start with a discovery meeting with the business, which can involve the marketing director, CEO, or both. Usually, this takes the form of a motivational interview. We aim to understand their needs and goals, identify the problems they are currently facing in their business, and build trust to determine the direction we should take.
During this stage, we usually already have an idea of what kind of video strategy will work best for their situation. It might be an explainer video along with social media and marketing content (typically for tech, IT, crypto/web3), a series of testimonial videos (if the business wants to build trust with potential clients), or any other type of marketing-oriented video that aims to resolve our client’s problems and provide value.
Based on the discovery meeting, we prepare a video strategy with several concepts tailored to the client’s needs and budget. Every business is different, and there are never two identical video strategies for different clients.
Once the client is happy with the concept and direction, we start preparing for video production. We create scripts, storyboards, find talents, secure locations, obtain permits, etc. I always say that pre-production is 95% of a project’s success. During this stage, we ensure that everything is prepared for the production day and that there are no surprises. For the production stage, everyone is 100% focused and prepared. Within the limited time available, we have to film a certain amount of video, no matter what.
I believe it’s interesting to watch the production team in action. I’d call it a “balanced system,” where everyone knows their responsibility and understands each other without words. The sound team ensures that actors are mic’ed up and audio is recorded, the DOP films the needed takes, the lighting team ensures that the setup is ready for the current scene. There are also makeup, wardrobe, camera grip, producers, and many more people. And there is a director who ensures that everyone on set is aligned to achieve the best possible result.
And finally, post-production is the stage where all the magic happens. Here we edit the footage into a video, work with music, voiceover, sound effects, etc. During this stage, we do color grading to create the visual look and feel for the video. Any kind of graphics or visual effects is also part of the post-production process.
Basically, every project is an amazing, fun journey that we travel together with the client.
What Are the Challenges of Running a Business in Jakarta?
Before replying to this question I’d put a disclaimer text. Every country has it’s own specific style of running business. And definitely there will be some kind of challenges – no matter where you are planning to do your business.
Talking about Jakarta – one of the most annoying challenges is bureaucracy. Bureaucratic hurdles in Jakarta pose significant challenges for businesses due to the complex regulatory environment, requiring multiple permits and licenses, and time-consuming approval processes. Inconsistent implementation, discretionary power of officials, and expectations for informal payments add to the complexity.
Coordination issues among various government agencies and the need for ongoing compliance further complicate matters. Accessing accurate regulatory information can be difficult, often necessitating professional assistance. Despite these challenges, businesses can navigate the bureaucratic landscape through patience, persistence, and by leveraging local expertise and networks.
Second challenge in my opinion is cultural differences.
Cultural differences in Jakarta significantly impact business operations, requiring adaptation to local communication styles, respect for hierarchy, and emphasis on personal relationships. Indonesians value indirect communication, politeness, and collective decision-making. Building trust through long-term relationships, understanding the relaxed approach to punctuality, and navigating flexible negotiation practices are crucial.
Business etiquette, such as polite greetings and gift-giving, along with awareness of language barriers and local holidays, is essential. Engaging with local communities and respecting gender roles also enhance business success. Adapting to these cultural nuances through training, local partnerships, and flexibility can lead to stronger relationships and better outcomes in the Indonesian market.
Talent acquisition and retention in Jakarta present significant challenges due to a competitive job market, skill gaps, and the need for cultural fit. Businesses must offer competitive compensation, career development opportunities, and promote work-life balance to attract and retain top talent. Effective recruitment strategies
include leveraging technology, building a strong employer brand, and engaging in campus recruitment. Employee engagement can be enhanced through inclusive environments, recognition programs, and comprehensive onboarding processes. Adapting to generational differences, complying with labor laws, and investing in training and development are also crucial. By implementing these strategies, businesses can build a skilled, loyal workforce essential for long-term success.
So, Where Do You See Your Businesses in 10 Years?
If everything goes well, in 10 years I envision my video agency operating with minimal intervention from me. By then, I plan to have expanded Always Wonder Video Agency into the US and EU markets. Currently, I am actively exploring the United States market, engaging with local businesses, and gathering insights from friends who reside there about the business climate, competition, and potential opportunities.
My goal for the next decade is to work diligently to secure big enterprise clients, establish a strong international reputation, and help more companies achieve their objectives through the power of video. Video content has become an integral part of every business strategy, and its importance is only set to grow in the future. This increasing demand for high-quality video content presents a significant opportunity for expansion and innovation.
To stay ahead of the curve, we need to continually adapt to changes, embrace new tools and technologies that emerge almost daily, and maintain a forward-thinking approach. Our mission is to deliver exceptional video solutions that resonate with audiences and drive business success. This means not only keeping up with industry trends but also setting new standards in video production and strategy.
By expanding into new markets, building strong relationships with enterprise clients, and maintaining our commitment to excellence, I am confident that Always Wonder Video Agency will become a globally recognized leader in the industry. My vision is to create a legacy of innovation and creativity, helping businesses worldwide harness the power of video to achieve their goals.
Do You Have Any Business Advice or a Business Mantra You Live By?
It might sound a bit cliche, but I always refer to this quote when making decisions. “Do what you love and love what you do”
In the business world, passion is often a key driver of success. When you do what you love, your work becomes more than just a job; it transforms into a pursuit fueled by enthusiasm and creativity. This intrinsic motivation can lead to higher
productivity, innovation, and a willingness to go the extra mile. Companies founded on passion tend to have a unique vision and mission, attracting like- minded individuals and fostering a strong corporate culture.
As a leader who loves my work, I radiate enthusiasm and commitment, which can be incredibly inspiring for my team, fostering a motivating atmosphere and encouraging excellence. This positive energy promotes strong relationships, collaboration, and loyalty within the team. My passion also brings a clear vision and deep industry understanding, driving innovation and strategic decisions that align with the company’s mission and values. My empathy and understanding further enhance team dynamics, creating a supportive and thriving workplace environment.
Loving what I do significantly contributes to my overall well-being by reducing stress and increasing job satisfaction, positively impacting my mental and emotional health. However, maintaining a balance between work and personal life is crucial; while my passion drives significant time investment in work, setting boundaries ensures other life aspects such as family, hobbies, and self-care are not neglected. This balance promotes sustainable productivity, preventing burnout and fostering a healthy work environment where I feel valued and motivated.
Embracing the philosophy of “Do what you love and love what you do” has profoundly impacted my life. It guides my business choices, enhances my leadership, promotes my work-life balance, and helps me shape a positive organizational culture. By aligning my passion with my purpose, I achieve greater fulfillment, productivity, and success in both my personal and professional life.
