How to Start a Film Production Company: Part 1
The idea of starting a film production company can be exciting and intimidating all at the same time: with so many production companies in the entertainment industry, how can you make sure yours succeeds? How will you make your company stand out from the competition, where will you learn how to run a film production company, and what kind of things will you need to know to be successful? These are all important questions to ask yourself if you want your venture to do more than just fizzle out.
The most important first step you can take is to learn as much as possible about the film industry. To be an industry leader, having a professional level of expertise is critical. Nearly anyone can operate a camera, but it takes skills and know-how to run a successful production company. If you haven’t had formal training, you might not even all the necessary steps for setting your company up for success. As a film production company founder, you should know your way around the pre-production process, storyboarding, lighting, scene shooting, and a variety of editing and post-production techniques. Understanding the process from beginning to end will prepare you to lead your own company.
Once you have completed your training, there are a few more things you should do before officially getting your business off the ground:
Establish your focus
What kind of production work do you want to do? Establishing your company’s vision will give you a direction and a path to follow and allow you to determine your target market.
Choose your company name
It should be meaningful but simple, something easy to remember but also unique. Think about your creative focus, and how you can represent that in your company name.
Decide on what type of company you’ll have
As you begin to file all the paperwork necessary for establishing a business, you’ll need to know what type of company you plan to have. Research the different types, including LLC and sole proprietorship, to help you determine the best fit.
Create a business plan
A business plan describes elements such as your mission statement, financial plan, the source of funding, and more. There are many online resources to help you draft a plan that’s both functional and specific to your company.
If your dream is to own your own production company, it’s absolutely something you can make come true. Start on the right path by enrolling in the Film and Video Production Program at M&S Media Schools.
M&S Media Schools provides a well-rounded education program that will help you build the expertise you need to be a successful production company owner. Our programs will prepare you with the skills and knowledge to be a leader in the industry. If you want to get started on achieving your dreams, contact Media Schools at any of our Ohio, Colorado, Illinois or Miami locations today!
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