10 tips to start a production company

Starting a video production company can be an extremely rewarding experience, but it’s important to remember that there are a lot of other businesses out there besides a production company vying for the same customers. Texas is becoming very competitive and Dallas is a leader in the commercial production world. In order to make your company stand out from the competition, you’ll need to implement a strong branding and marketing strategy. You’ll also need to build up a solid customer base, so that you can continue to grow your business. Dallas Texas do you hear me?

Let’s take a look at these tips to starting a production company

1. Make sure your branding is on point. Texas is tough. You’re in a visual business so the people that you want to work with will judge you first by the way your website looks. Your logo, website, and overall aesthetic should all convey the same message and give potential customers a good idea of what your company is all about.

2. Get involved with social media – Getting social is a great way to do it. Relationships drive the business as we have already talked about. If someone is going to hire you for your services or as a film director, they need to see your previous productions. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Honestly, its the new newpaper. Use it. Be good at it. Don’t expect a ton of followers as BTS images of video production shoots are exactly shareable. But do use it as a way to build relationships and have some fun with industry folk. Get creative on social based films and jobs. Do worry about what anyone else says either… its social media.

3. Get involved with the local community. Directors, editors, producer services. Make sure you get involved with the local Dallas Texas media producer groups.There’s no better way to build up a customer base than by getting involved with the people that live near you. Attend local events, every city has some sort of producers association. It might not be a treasure trove of hot leads, but it will give you a good chance to network with people who could be sources of great video production advice.

Make sure you price things correctly

4. Make sure your pricing is competitive. The production services or video production company biz in Texas is legit. Lots of production companies making bad ass videos. Creative is a highly competitive industry, so you’ll need to make sure that your prices are in line with what other businesses are charging. Take a look at your competition and see what they’re offering, then make sure that you’re offering something similar at a price point that’s attractive to potential customers. Be aware, in the video production world, there are tiers of quality and price, so choose wisely. If you want to play the quality game, you need to have a great demo reel to prove it and then you better know how to run a budget.

5. Stay up to date with industry trends. The world of video production is always changing, so it’s important to stay up to date with the latest trends. Read industry publications, attend conferences, and network with other professionals to make sure that you’re always on the cutting edge. Did I say social media? Keep tabs on whats hot and whats upcoming. Its important. Video production is like trendy toilet paper. One day you’re the coolest thing around, the next day no one wants anything to do with you. Directors are artists. Jobs are based on the director reel.

6. Offer something unique. There are a lot of video production companies out there, so you’ll need to offer something unique in order to stand out from the crowd. Whether it’s a unique approach to video production, or a special focus on a certain type of aethestic, a speciality style or are of expertise. Find your thing and run with it, then be excellent at it. Literally aim to be the best in the world not just in the Dallas Fort Worth area. World-class productions by world class director will transcend Texas.

Demo reels matter

7. Have a strong demo reel. In order to attract customers, you’ll need to have a strong reel that showcases the quality of your work. Make sure to include a variety of different projects, so that potential clients can see the range of your skills. If you’re a wedding video guy and want to do something else, go make something else. Hint, if you’re making wedding videos, no one will take you seriously unless they happen to be a bride.

8. Focus on customer service. In this business, your customers are everything. Make sure that you’re providing them with the best possible service, and always go the extra mile to exceed their expectations. If you can build a reputation for being a company that’s easy to work with and provides a great end product, chances are you’ll do alright.

9 Understand how to make budgets that work. There’s no better way to screw up a project than to under bid it. Or even worse, over bid and not have the chance to shoot it. Know your numbers and always make sure you’re making a profit. If you’re not, get out. No one wants to work with someone who isn’t making money.

10 Love it. There are better ways to make money. The video production business is difficult. It’s making money bunches at a time, going from project to project. If you’re not passionate about it, get out. Get a real job. This is for people who wake up in the morning and hustle. You can go work a corporate desk, it’s steady, easy and simple. Go start a production company.
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Stop planning and do it

Starting a video production company can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s important to remember that there is a lot of competition out there. In order to set yourself apart from the rest and ensure success, you’ll need to focus on branding, marketing, and customer relations. By following these ten tips, you’ll give your business the best chance possible.
If you’re in Dallas and you want to check out a business that struggles every year to make new relationships, but does a really good job under promising and over delivering, House of Sticks is a great production company. We are great at what we do. Send us a note.