6 Film Production Company Success Stories [2024]
A film production company is responsible for producing video content for social media, corporate promotions, television programs, commercials,s or other media-related fields. Ideally, the responsibilities of a video production company include scripting, location scouting, and also logistics to ensure a successful film.
Starting a film production company can be a daunting task. However, you can set up your business for success with proper guidance. Here are important steps for creating a video production company:
- Determine the company niche
- Choose a suitable company name
- Draft a solid business plan
- Hire an advocate to lead all legal matters of starting a company
- Fund your business
- Acquire video production equipment and skills
- Create a website and market your film production company
If you are starting a video production company from scratch, consider creating some proof-of-concept projects so you can market the business. Alternatively, you may buy a franchise or an existing business.
In this list, you'll find real-world film production company success stories and very profitable examples of starting a film production company that makes money.
1. Lemonlight ($18M/year)
Hope Horner came up with the idea for Lemonlight when he saw an opportunity to bring transparency to the video production industry. With the average cost for a 30-second commercial at $342,000, Lemonlight offered small and medium-sized businesses access to high-quality, affordable video content through pre-built pricing menus and transparent pricing. Since its launch in 2014, Lemonlight has grown to generate $6M in sales per year, with over 7000 videos produced for more than 3000 brands and notable clients including Amazon and TripAdvisor.
How much money it makes: $18M/year
How much did it cost to start: $500
How many people on the team: 75
Lemonlight CEO, Hope Horner, co-founded an on-demand video production company that has produced over 7,000 videos for more than 3,000 brands, generating over $6 million in sales and growing to a 45-person team, all without taking any outside capital and being recognized in Inc 5000 and Entrepreneur 360 for three years in a row.
2. Mbrella Films ($3M/year)
Joshua Dixon, the founder of Mbrella Films, got his start in the film industry after shooting a music video for his rock band. His lightbulb moment came when he noticed the abundance of digital ads in Bangkok and realized there was a need for a production house in the area. Since then, Mbrella Films has grown from a team of 5-6 people to over 40 employees and has been doubling its revenue every year.
How much money it makes: $3M/year
How much did it cost to start: $100K
How many people on the team: 47
Mbrella Films founder, Joshua Dixon, shares how he started and scaled his international production house, which has doubled its revenue annually since its inception and now employs over 40 people, while also expanding into a post-production house and adding a remote production service during the pandemic.
3. Studio 31 ($600K/year)
Pranesh Padmanabhan, the founder of Studio 31, came up with the idea for his wedding photography business after attending numerous weddings in India and witnessing the lack of respect and recognition for photographers. Recognizing the opportunity in the booming Indian wedding industry, Pranesh started his own company to provide couples with a fully managed wedding media solution and exceptional customer experience. Through clever marketing strategies, a team of talented photographers, and a commitment to professionalism, Studio 31 now captures over 350 weddings a year and has achieved an annual revenue of approximately a million dollars.
How much money it makes: $600K/year
How much did it cost to start: $0
How many people on the team: 30
This case study follows the journey of an Indian first-generation entrepreneur who built Studio 31, a profitable and award-winning wedding photography and film company capturing over 350 weddings annually, with a unique focus on customer experience and organic marketing, serving more than 90% NRI clients and generating an annual revenue of about a million dollars.
4. Arizona Filmworks ($144K/year)
Ken Brantingham came up with the idea for Arizona Filmworks while working on video projects for Sprint PCS. He saw a need for high-quality video production and digital marketing services, and decided to start his own company. By offering a range of marketing services and implementing a subscription model, Brantingham was able to generate revenues of over $12,000 per month.
How much money it makes: $144K/year
How many people on the team: 1
Ken Brantingham, founder of Arizona Filmworks, shares how he evolved his video production company into a full-service digital marketing company with a subscription service generating over $12,000 in monthly revenue by targeting small businesses, understanding their needs, and creating tailored marketing plans.
5. CFF Media ($120K/year)
CFF Media was founded by a group of friends who had experience in different areas of media. After college, they decided to come together and create a video production company. They started with part-time jobs and worked on building their portfolio by making videos for free. Eventually, they rebranded themselves as CFF Media and focused their efforts on attracting corporate and small business clients. Their dedication and passion for their craft, along with seeking professional help when needed, has contributed to their success in the industry.
How much money it makes: $120K/year
How much did it cost to start: $1.5K
How many people on the team: 1
A group of friends started a video production company called CFF Media that now generates $10k per month in revenue, where they primarily make promotional and testimonial videos for other companies in Atlanta.
6. No Idea Films, LLC ($60K/year)
After a successful stint as an actor in commercials for brands like Apple and Lexus, Latham Ford was inspired to start No Idea Films in 2016. His big break came in 2018 when he won $10,000 for his short film, Daddy’s Big Girl.
How much money it makes: $60K/year
How many people on the team: 4
Latham Ford, a former actor, shares the story of how he built a successful Film, TV & Media Production Company from scratch, winning prestigious awards and acquiring great partners along the way.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
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