How to Start a Motion Picture Company
As with any new business, the process of starting your company can be stressful. Choosing the right staff, the right business model and financial projections are very important when you need financing and operating capital. The right movie can make millions for a company that is set up correctly.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Lawyer
- Business plan
- Financial projections
- Business license
- Staff
- Studio
- Video Equipment
- Stage hands
- Scripts
- Producers
- Editors
- Actors
Instructions
-
-
1
With your lawyer, you should establish the company as one of the following business entities: Profit Corporation, Limited-Liability Company, Limited Partnership, Limited-Liability Partnership, Limited-Liability Limited Partnership, S-Corp, or C-Corp. Each option offer different benefits and tax breaks, so research which entity is right for your company. Nevada or Delaware offer the best tax advantages when establishing a new company. You can pay the filing fees to your local Secretary of State. You will also need to file the listing of your corporate officers at the time of filing.
-
2
Determine the amount of management and staff you need. Set up the job description of each position and the chain of command they will follow. Create the individual departments and begin to hire the staff for each division. Begin your recruitment efforts with the management positions first. Hire your main division leaders, followed by staff and so on.
-
-
3
Purchase or lease a studio space and the equipment you need in order to make films. As in step 2, make sure that you hire the proper personnel to operate the equipment. Begin looking for attractive movie scripts that appeal to a wide audience and fit the genre of movies you want to produce.
-
4
Establish your studio with the guidance of the electricians and studio engineers. They will be responsible for the set up of the equipment. Engineers will run tests and patterns to ensure all equipment is working properly. Carpenters assist the electricians, as needed. As you bring on new staff, studio engineers should be in charge of training. Producers, directors and camera people are in charge of the main film equipment and those who work under them.
-
5
Create a media or promotional kit that bests represents your company and its services. Shoot a small trailer (video ad) of your services using your own equipment to show people just what your work looks like and how it benefits potential clients. Join several industry related organizations to broaden your opportunities. Begin to work on establishing new business contacts in the industry to explore possibilities that may exist. Offer your services to those who are looking to film a scene or small movie. Networking is the best way to grow your business.
-
1
