Essential Elements for Starting a Production House and Necessary Equipment
Entering the bustling entertainment industry with the aim of producing audio-visual content involves a strategic blend of creative talent, practical skills, and the right equipment. For individuals with a decade or more experience in audio-visual rentals, the journey of setting up a production house can be both thrilling and challenging.
Attracting Creative Minds and Talents
The first step in kickstarting your venture is to attract skilled and creative individuals. Creative minds are the backbone of any successful production, whether it's a short film, a documentary, or a series of television episodes. Identifying and nurturing these talents early on can significantly enhance the quality of your output.
Production Management Skills
While creative talents are crucial, having solid production management skills is equally important. Overseeing the day-to-day operations, managing budgets, schedules, and coordinating with all team members is a critical role. However, finding individuals who are willing to take on these responsibilities might be a challenge. Many prefer to focus solely on their creative work, making it essential to cultivate a team with a mix of creative and managerial skills.
Promotional and Distribution Expertise
Another important aspect is having a strong promotional and distribution strategy. Today, the number of distribution outlets for movies and TV shows is overwhelming, ranging from streaming platforms to traditional movie theaters. Understanding how to effectively disseminate your content can make all the difference.
Setting Up a Production Company
Based on my experience, setting up a production company in Chicago could be a worthwhile endeavor. I have documented insights that might be helpful to you. You can reach me at woldrob@ for more detailed information.
Lessons from Tucson, AZ
My expertise on this subject is derived from my experiences in Tucson, AZ, where the once-booming film industry has experienced a decline. This decline can be largely attributed to factors such as the waning popularity of Western films and a stinging legislative environment that is not supportive of tax incentives for filmmakers.
Despite these challenges, the largest surviving production company in the area adapted by focusing on expanding their rental house business. They successfully embedded themselves into the University of Arizona’s film school, offering product demonstrations, creating internships, and providing exclusive student discounts. This move elevated their status in the local community.
They went on to create an inclusive community film coalition that included professionals, educators, students, amateurs, and local businesses and entrepreneurs. Working closely with the Tucson and Phoenix film commissions, they helped create and promote a statewide initiative to support independent film productions. This alliance was a key factor in reviving the regional film industry.
Final Thoughts
The key to succeeding in today's competitive entertainment landscape is strategic leadership and unity. If you can rally a team of rebels to fight for a share of the production galaxy, you have a fighting chance at making a significant impact in this dynamic industry. Partner with creatives, managers, and promotional experts, and arm yourself with the right equipment and strategic alliances. The future of your production house is in your hands!
For more detailed insights and support, you can reach out to me at Together, we can explore the best strategies to launch and grow a successful production house in today's multi-faceted entertainment industry.