Business Startup

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Hi All,

I'm in the process of starting up my production company. My business plan is completed for a final review by a consultant, however he recommended I list the equipment needed as an expense before startup. In my plan I requested $15,000 for all the necessary equipment required. My marketing strategy already has customer's interested, however business is not scheduled to startup until July.

I currently use a Canon 5D with a steady cam rig for my personal filming. I am at the stage where I would like to do this full-time and focus 100% in running my own business. I want to avoid renting equipment unless it's absolutely necessary.

So my question is.... Do I continue with filming with SLRs or switch to camcorders for professional video look. Also, which brand and model do you guys recommend?

In the near future once business is established I will begin to direct short films, but for now I'm focusing on music videos, commercials/ads for musicians and businesses.

I look forward to reading everyone's feedback.

Best Regards,
 
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It sounds like you haven't thought much about the business side of things (or at least didn't write anything about it) so how would we be able to give you any feedback?

From the limited information you've provided, do you really think going from a DSLR to a camcorder would make you look any more professional?

Good luck!
 
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Update

My apologies everyone, here is the list of equipment I already have, but I will have a budget of $15,000 to purchase more.

Canon 5D Markii (own)
Zoom H4N (own)
Tascam DR-40 (own)
Rode NTG-1 Condenser shotgun (own)
Audio (XLR) Cables (own)
Manfrotto Triod (own)
SLR Camera Rig (own)
PC using Premiere Pro (own)

I was just asking if I should continue using DSLR cameras (eg. canon 5D markiii or move towards camcorders (eg.canon xf100). Perhaps having both would be another solution.

I have a list of items to be purchased such as Camera light, Three-Point Lighting Kit, Boom Pole & accessories, Wireless Microphone, Light Reflector, lenses, filters, Steady Cam, Tripod Dolly, Jib Crane, etc.

Let me know what you guys think in terms of quality of DSLR vs Camcorder using the equipment noted above.

Thanks,
 
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You have plenty of gear, get out there and start shooting stuff!

I shoot stuff for people all the time on DSLR. I know other guys that use a traditional camcorder.

99% of the time the client won't care as long as you make it look good and deliver in a professional, timely matter. You can do that with the gear you have so I'd say stick with that. Once the income is coming in then you can look at upgrading. Good thing about waiting is that you'll know what you're missing and really need on shoots.

The one thing you're really missing is lighting. Get yourself a decent 3 - 4 fixture kit from a brand name you can trust (Lowell, Arri, Mile, DeSisti, etc) and start shooting! Spend the money on advertising and getting your name out. Rent any weird equipment you end up needing.
 
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PaulGriffith said:
You have plenty of gear, get out there and start shooting stuff!

I shoot stuff for people all the time on DSLR. I know other guys that use a traditional camcorder.

99% of the time the client won't care as long as you make it look good and deliver in a professional, timely matter. You can do that with the gear you have so I'd say stick with that. Once the income is coming in then you can look at upgrading. Good thing about waiting is that you'll know what you're missing and really need on shoots.

The one thing you're really missing is lighting. Get yourself a decent 3 - 4 fixture kit from a brand name you can trust (Lowell, Arri, Mile, DeSisti, etc) and start shooting! Spend the money on advertising and getting your name out. Rent any weird equipment you end up needing.
Click to expand...

I really appreciate your insight. I will look into the fixture lighting kits as you recommended. I already have a social media consultant that will help me out with the marketing. A chartered accountant that looked over my finances and made the necessary adjustments.

I am confident I can start-up for July. I just need to reach out to an insurance broker for information on insuring my equipment and overall business.

Anyone else please feel free to leave your feedback, I welcome suggestions that will help me out. Even from the Audio guru, Alcove Audio :) Much respect.

Thanks in advance.
 
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If you are going to be a "real" production company the DR-40 and NTG-1 will be grossly insufficient. Rather than buying a whole bunch of audio gear you should retain an audio professional who has the proper gear. You build it into your price.

A top-flight production sound mixer will be very well equipped. A selection of shotguns and hypers, at least four (4) really nice wireless trans/rec sets, a variety of lavs, a multi-channel recorder, a mixer and a ton of accessories. The production sound team is also responsible for on-set comms like walkie-talkies, bullhorns, etc. not to mention headphones for the director, DP and an audio feed to the "video village."

This guy has about $20k slung around his neck:

l.jpg


This cart is at least to $50k:

l.jpg



You also need to consider you audio post needs - a DAW with at least a few nice plug-ins, a treated room, speakers, etc., etc., etc.
 
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Thank You

Wow. That`s a lot of money on audio.

I never thought of hiring an audio person to handle my big projects to prevent me from spending unnecessary money on audio equipment. That is something I will look into.

As mentioned in my initial post, the revenue I make from shooting music videos, weddings, auditions, company events, etc. I eventually be put towards my short film without having to get funding from investors.

My production company will have 1 staffed employee, while the others will be subcontractors on a per project basis mixed with film school students to be PAs, grips, etc. I`ll ensure to hire individuals with sufficient experience such as DPs since I`m still trying to expertise my cinematography skills. At least I can admit to it :) Definitely having a resume and social media consultant has attracted me to businesses and individuals already wanting my services.

I paid a chartered accountant and insurance broker $500 in total to ensure all my grounds are covered for when I submit my business plan. A business consultant will perform a final check.

I appreciate everyone`s comments and would appreciate some more advise as I start-up my production company.

Thanks and regards,
 
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Back when I was filming on VHS, my audio was always p!ssed.

Lighting is part common sense, part what you can do with what you have, but audio...

For our feature, we'll be hiring experienced pro's with own gear (or hiring on their recommendation). At the end of the day, a professional on board is often the difference between a talented amateur project and an actual professional project.

That may seem obvious but believe me, too many go D.I.Y. all areas and it kills them.
 
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