Gabriel Curtis, founder and CEO of Insight Studios Productions, LLC, is a young entrepreneur,  recently recognized for launching and growing his own business. The Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship at Florida State University (FSU) celebrated Curtis as one of their “5 Under 30”, spotlighting him as a driven innovator who launched his own venture before the age of 30. 

Curtis founded Insight Studios in 2021 as an undergraduate student at FSU. The company focuses on marketing and video production that helps brands grow through strategic storytelling. 

A former digital media production student and member of FSU’s track and field team, Curtis balances both creative and operational responsibilities within the company. As executive producer, he oversees project development, assembles production teams, directs and produces visual content, and works with clients to create advertisements tailored to their audiences. The company’s work spans multiple industries, including national brands, nonprofit organizations, and local clients. 

“At first I followed the path of most videographers and thought I’d work with artists and make music videos and create films,” Curtis said. “I quickly realized that I preferred to work with companies, businesses, and organizations. I also started to realize how much I loved working with entrepreneurs.” 

Curtis shared that his father passed away a year before he started his company, which changed his perspective on life and its meaning. This inspired him to shift his career direction. 

“After his passing, I began to gravitate more and more to things I was passionate about as opposed to just going through the motions,” Curtis said. “In the back of our heads we all have the pressure of going into a career that guarantees financial stability, but at that point in my life, I was less concerned about that.” 

Insight Studios emphasizes cinematic marketing, helping organizations connect with their audiences in a meaningful way. The company first gained its footing in Tallahassee, working with many local businesses as well as departments within FSU and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Since then, the company has expanded into central Florida. Curtis said the move, while initially challenging, ultimately helped elevate the business. 

“As much as I love Tallahassee, I know being in central Florida would allow for even more rapid growth, being close to a major airport and having the ability to get to north Florida and south Florida easily,” Curtis said. 

Curtis notes that understanding what you offer as a business and being able to adapt is key as an entrepreneur. While success and results are not guaranteed, adjusting one’s approach to eventually find a solution is the mindset he instills into his team. 

When discussing his approach to entrepreneurship, he highlights three core principles: professionalism, ownership, and passion. He explained that professionalism is especially important for young business owners trying to establish credibility with clients. 

“I believe passion is a superpower when you channel it,” Curtis said. “Most people have something they love to do so much that when they get into a flow state, they forget to eat, they forget to sleep, and they’re totally immersed in what they’re doing. That’s how I felt about the video production process.” 

Through Insight Studios, Curtis continues to demonstrate how creative media and strategic thinking can work together to support business growth. From his time at FSU to now leading his thriving production company, Gabriel Curtis exemplifies the CCI spirit of turning a creative passion into meaningful, career-defining work. 

Editor’s note: Article originally written by Francisco Garcia, and published by Nicole Frossard-Reis.