Exploring Life & Business with John Deptowicz of Squad One Entertainment

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Deptowicz.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Having grown up in Los Angeles, I’ve always been drawn to creative work, especially the process of turning ideas into something real. I first came up through music and production, which taught me discipline, collaboration, and how to carry a creative vision from concept to completion. Along the way, I became increasingly fascinated by the technical side of storytelling, and eventually found myself pulled toward the world of post-production.

I entered the post-production world at the ground level and worked my way through many different roles, gaining a deep respect for every stage of the workflow, from organization and infrastructure to creative decision-making and delivery under real-world deadlines. That experience shaped how I think about problem-solving, reliability, and building systems that actually support creativity instead of getting in the way.

The idea for Squad One Entertainment grew out of that journey. I wanted to create an independent studio that helps people who have strong ideas and a voice, but may not yet have the technical roadmap or production structure to fully execute their vision. Squad One bridges that gap by providing clear workflows, creative guidance, and dependable execution so projects can move from concept to completion with confidence.

Today, my focus is on growing Squad One thoughtfully, collaborating with artists, brands, and creators who care about quality and intention, and continuing to develop original projects alongside client work. For me, it’s about building something sustainable that reflects both craft and character and helping meaningful ideas find their way into the world.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I came into post-production from a music background, and at the time I was still in school studying audio mixing, so when I first entered the field I didn’t even know the basic terminology or post workflow culture. Simple things like what a rack focus was, what b-roll meant, or how editorial terminology worked were completely new to me. I was technically inclined, but I had to learn the language, the workflows, and the expectations almost entirely on the job.

During that period, I was splitting my time between paid post-production work and an internship, often working mornings in the post department, heading to my internship in the afternoons, and then finishing my hours back at work. It was demanding, but it accelerated my learning curve and forced me to absorb as much as possible every day. I relied heavily on asking questions, observing coworkers, and then going home at night to study and teach myself the tools, learning editing platforms like Final Cut and Avid so I could keep up and contribute at a higher level.

As my responsibilities grew, the challenge shifted toward mastering more complex technical systems, tighter deadlines, and higher creative expectations, while still staying adaptable as technology continued to evolve. Those early learning curves shaped how I approach problem-solving today and why I’m passionate about making complex workflows more approachable for others.

Looking back, the obstacles weren’t setbacks, they were the training ground that built both my technical foundation and my mindset.

We’ve been impressed with Squad One Entertainment, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Squad One Entertainment is an independent creative studio based in Los Angeles focused on post-production, content creation, and storytelling for artists, brands, and creators. At its core, Squad One exists to help people who have strong ideas and a clear voice, but may not yet have the technical know-how, production structure, or clear processes needed to fully execute their vision.

What sets Squad One apart is a balance between creative instinct and technical discipline. Having come up through every layer of post-production, I understand how projects succeed or fail at the system level, not just the creative level. That allows me to build efficient workflows, solve problems quickly, and keep projects moving smoothly even under tight timelines.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
The best way to work with me is through Squad One Entertainment on creative projects that need strong post-production support, workflow development, or end-to-end execution from concept to delivery. I collaborate with artists, brands, and creators who value clear communication, thoughtful process, and high-quality results.

For collaborators, I’m always open to conversations with editors, producers, designers, musicians, and technologists who enjoy building things with intention and professionalism. Many of the best projects grow out of shared curiosity and mutual respect for the craft.

Support can also come in the form of referrals, introductions, and creative partnerships. If someone has an idea they’re excited about but isn’t sure how to bring it to life, I’m happy to explore whether Squad One is a good fit and how we might build something together.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squadoneentertainment