Coaching and Creative Development
Award-winning filmmaker, author and entrepreneur John L. Matthews has launched a new coaching and creative development enterprise aimed at helping individuals transform their careers, grow their businesses, switch sectors and unlock their creative potential.
With over three decades of experience in setting up and running small businesses — alongside a career in film, television and publishing — John brings a uniquely practical, commercially focused approach to coaching. His new venture offers one-to-one sessions and courses for those looking to change direction professionally, expand existing businesses, improve their use of media, or develop creative projects, including books and films. A key part of his approach is not just how to make change, but how to budget for it effectively.
John is the founder of Bigger Picture Studios, established in 2003 — a production company whose work has reached audiences in over 60 countries and more than 70 million viewers worldwide. His career path is anything but conventional: beginning as a butcher, moving into radio and later television, and ultimately building a successful international production business from the loft of a terraced house.
He has written and produced multiple books, including bestsellers Grand Prix: The Killer Years and Butcher Boy, and has produced more than ten films. His work has earned significant industry recognition, including a BAFTA longlisting and a Grierson nomination, alongside multiple awards at international festivals.
‘I used to be a butcher and I ended up running a business, creating work sold all over the world, employing dozens of people in multiple languages. If I can make change like that, anyone can. The trick is to get going.’
“I’m not interested in theory or patronising people,” says Matthews. “I care about helping people get results. I know what it takes to make significant change as I have done it several times, and I can save people a lot of wasted time and money. Whether that’s creating something meaningful, building a business, or making money from their ideas.”
John has pitched successfully to major broadcasters and organisations including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Discovery, and has lectured in creativity, writing and filmmaking at several universities. He has also coached individuals privately for many years. His coaching draws on hands-on experience, combining creative insight with commercial awareness.
Client feedback highlights his direct, focused approach and his ability to build confidence while turning ideas into structured, achievable plans.
One recent client said: “John believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. He helped me turn my idea into something clear and practical, and kept me moving forward rather than overthinking. Three months later, what I have created is already thriving.”
Another added: “I learned more in one morning than I had on a six-week course. Focused, practical — John gets results.”
John’s coaching also places a strong emphasis on clarity, safety and sustainable growth — helping clients not only develop ideas, but build projects that are structured, viable and meaningful.
The new enterprise builds on the success of his long-running “First 10 Pages” creative initiative and private courses, now expanded into a broader coaching offering for business owners, professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives looking to make significant change now.
For further information:
john@big-pic.co.uk