Drew Binsky Decides the Title Before He Buys the Plane Ticket. Here's Why.

Gimbal Podcast

25 Dec 2025 — 2 min read

AJ Vitiello has been Drew Binsky's Production Manager for five years, helping produce content across 197 countries. Their secret? They don't film videos—they film pre-validated ideas. Here's the method.

The Title-First Method

Most travel creators film first, then figure out what the video is about. Drew's team does the opposite. The title and thumbnail exist before anyone boards a plane.

AJ puts it bluntly: if you can't articulate the video in one sentence, you shouldn't be filming it. The title isn't marketing—it's the creative compass.

Step 1: Brainstorm aggressively. Generate 20-30 title options per video concept. Bad ideas lead to good ones. Volume matters.

Step 2: Design the thumbnail. Create the thumbnail before filming. If you can't visualize a compelling image, the concept isn't ready.

Step 3: Match and test. Pair title and thumbnail together. Test with your team. Does it make you want to click?

Step 4: Film with intention. Now you know exactly what shots you need. Every frame serves the pre-validated concept.

Step 5: Stay flexible. The title might change in editing, but you started with direction, not chaos.

How to Use This

Generate titles before you plan logistics. Write 20+ title options for your next video. If none of them excite you, the idea isn't ready.
Design thumbnails early. Open Canva or Photoshop before you open Google Flights. If you can't see the thumbnail, don't book the trip.
Use the "one sentence" test. Can you explain the video in one sentence? If not, keep refining until you can.
Let packaging drive production. Once title and thumbnail are locked, your shot list writes itself. You know exactly what you need.
Budget for the title, not the location. AJ's team allocates resources based on the video's potential, not the destination's prestige.

What else AJ Vitiello revealed

The movement principle that makes travel content feel alive (and why static shots kill retention)
How they structure videos around a "mission" that viewers root for
The exact voiceover writing process that makes Drew's narration so compelling
Why they film B-roll with specific moments already in mind

Watch the Full Episode

Connect with AJ

LinkedIn: AJ Vitiello
Instagram: @aj_vit
Drew Binsky's Channel: @drewbinsky

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