Hello, welcome to SportsGrad! 👋 

Here you’ll find interviews with (almost) every job in the sports industry.
We ask people living the dream:
“How did you get your job?” and “What does it actually involve?”
So that you can land a dream job in sports too.

Enjoy!

“It’s the people, not just the athletes, that make the sports world so inspiring to work in.” - Michael Barker

Meet Michael Barker, Co-Founder of Two Times Creative. Michael’s role is more than just producing content. He and his twin brother have created a business focused on high-performance brands.

Michael started his career in architecture and building design, before making a 180 degree pivot to the sports industry, beginning by shooting local basketball games on his iPhone. His expertise grew through determination, eventually leading him to Carlton FC (who hired him despite a lack of experience) and later founding his own company.

If you’re curious about what it takes to break into sports without a conventional background, or how to navigate freelance work and networking, Michael’s story is a must-read. He shares insights into what a content production career truly looks like, the impact of networking, and how being open about your skill gaps can sometimes be your strongest asset.

🔥 Quickfire Questions

1. What inspired you to work in sport?

   My obsession with NBA, specifically editing basketball mixtapes growing up. This led to the curiosity of getting behind the camera and filming.

2. What was your first sports-related role?

   Filming local basketball on my iPhone for the Nunawading Spectres and creating home-game hype videos.

3. After high school, did you pursue extra study?

   I studied Building Design at RMIT.

4. A question you were asked in a job interview?

   Not really applicable now, but at Carlton, I was completely transparent about my inexperience with filming, which ended up helping.

5. Book or podcast recommendations?

   Love the 505 podcast and Dyl & Friends.

6. If you could try another job in sport for a day, what would it be?

   Player Manager

🔥 Quickfire Journey

1. Early Love for Content Creation – Editing NBA mixtapes with his brother sparked Michael's initial interest in videography.

2. First Role – Filming local basketball on his iPhone led to creating game hype videos.

3. Architecture Degree – Studied Building Design at RMIT, which added unique skills to his creative approach.

4. NBL Freelance Work – Leveraged his NBA highlight channel to gain freelancing work with the NBL.

5. Carlton Football Club Role – Landed a Video Producer role despite no prior filming experience, embracing transparency.

6. Founding Two Times Creative – Co-founded a production business with his brother, focusing on high-performance brands.

💬 Quotes from Michael

"My obsession with basketball mixtapes and filming led me here—it’s amazing to create what I love every day."

"Getting into sport wasn’t about money for me. It was about following my passion, and I’ve never looked back."

"It’s the people, not just the athletes, that make the sports world so inspiring to work in."

"The journey wasn’t easy—no experience, no qualifications—but pure persistence opened the door for me."

"They took a chance on me when I had barely picked up a camera. I owe a lot to that first opportunity."

"Burnout is real in sports, but looking after yourself can keep your love for it alive."

"Networking is everything; most of my clients come through past connections. Relationships really are power."

"Leaving Carlton was tough, but pushing for growth led me to something even better."

"Working with stars like Dirk Nowitzki was something I couldn’t have dreamed of when I first picked up my camera."

"Sometimes, being transparent and willing to learn is more valuable than any skill set you have."

Career Journey: How did Michael get here?

Early Passion for Sports:

Michael’s love for sports and content creation began with making basketball mixtapes on YouTube. His drive led him to film local games on his iPhone, creating buzz-worthy videos for the Nunawading Spectres.

Transition from Architecture to Content Creation

While studying Building Design at RMIT, Michael spent his lunch breaks editing basketball videos for the NBL. This freelance work exposed him to the possibilities in sports media, reinforcing his passion and directing him away from architecture.

Foot in the door at the Carlton Blues

Michael’s transparency about his inexperience was met with openness from the hiring team at Carlton, who valued character over skill. Here, he honed his video production skills, creating engaging content that celebrated athletes' stories.

Founding Two Times Creative

Inspired by his freelancing success, Michael co-founded Two Times Creative with his twin brother. Their company has grown to serve high-performance sports and fitness brands, a testament to his dedication to the sports content industry.

Role Overview: What does a day at Two Times Creative actually involve?

Michael’s role as Co-Founder at Two Times Creative is multifaceted, balancing video production, client management, and business growth. Here’s a closer look at his key responsibilities:

Content Creation and Videography:

Michael leads creative projects for high-performance sports brands, capturing athletes and events in dynamic, story-driven video content. His focus on the “person behind the athlete” means his videos highlight the human side, making sports more relatable for the audience.

Client Relations:

Nearly all of Michael's clients come through networking or past relationships, showcasing his reliance on strong professional connections. He credits these relationships for helping him grow the business, proving that relationships are as valuable as any technical skill.

Business Management:

Running Two Times Creative involves handling everything from finances and administration to content strategy. Michael wears many hats, whether negotiating contracts, setting goals, or ensuring the company runs smoothly day-to-day.

Networking and Growth:

Michael prioritises networking to expand his business, acknowledging that his first year of projects came mostly through word of mouth and referrals. He actively engages with past connections, especially through LinkedIn, where he maintains a presence to attract potential clients and collaborators.

Michael’s role showcases a mix of creativity, strategic networking, and hands-on management, all of which have been essential in building his brand and securing long-term clients in a competitive industry.

michaelfbarker

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Questions asked by Members

1. How did you break into your first role in sport?

2. Did you ever feel lost switching from architecture to videography?

3. What is your best tip for those just starting with video production?

4. How do you manage client expectations with tight deadlines?

5. What advice would you give someone aiming for freelance work?

6. How do you balance creativity with client requirements?

7. How do you handle the constant networking needed in this field?

8. How did your experience at Carlton FC shape your career?

9. What was the biggest learning curve when starting your own business?

10. How do you keep your work fresh in such a fast-paced industry?

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