From Reels to Documentary: Creator Breakthrough with Tom Smail – Presented by JubJub
#1 Creator Breakthrough with Tom Smail.
Creator Breakthrough is a new series presented by JubJub, dedicated to exploring the real, raw journeys behind today’s most creative minds. Whether you’re a professional content creator or just starting out, this series offers an inside look at the pivotal moments that shape a creator’s path — from unexpected transitions to major milestones and everything in between.
We go beyond the highlight reel to bring you authentic stories of growth, setbacks, and breakthroughs. Each episode features one creator, one conversation, and one opportunity to connect with the reality of building a creative career.
Tom Smail’s creative journey
In our very first episode, Tom McCarthy — CEO and co-founder of JubJub — sat down with Tom Smail, a half-French, half-Swedish filmmaker currently based in Amsterdam, where he runs his own videography company. A few years ago, Tom Smail began his career as a social media manager. But instead of chasing metrics, he realized he wanted more: to tell real stories.
After taking courses to improve his skills, Tom made a career shift to become a full-time filmmaker. Today, he’s focused on producing documentary-style content that prioritizes telling stories rather than just creating highlight videos.
Tom also recently completed a remarkable 9-month global tour, leveraging the experience to grow a dedicated following of 10k on Instagram.
His biggest insight? “Progress comes from practice, not perfection”. And more importantly, you need to enjoy the process to avoid burnout.
Tom also shares his future goals: to dive deeper into documentary filmmaking and create content that lasts longer than a trending clip. For him, it’s no longer about follower counts — it’s about building something meaningful.
Want to keep up with Tom’s journey? Follow him on Instagram: @tomssmail
Watch the full episode Creator Breakthrough with Tom Smail now on JubJub’s YouTube channel.
Be part of the next episode of Creator Breakthrough – a JubJub series
Are you a creator with a story worth sharing? We’d love to hear from you.
Whether you’re just starting or have already made your own breakthrough, reach out to us via our social media channels or send us an email (tom.mccarthy@jubjubapp.com) — we’re always looking for new voices to feature in upcoming episodes of Creator Breakthrough. And don’t forget to subscribe to the JubJub YouTube channel to catch every episode!At JubJub, we help creators collaborate, distribute content, and streamline their workflow — all in one platform. We believe your best work deserves to be seen and shared. Want to try JubJub? Join now for free!