A Sample Film and Video Production Business Plan Template
A Sample Film and Video Production Business Plan Template
A Sample Film and Video Production Business Plan Template
Plan Template
Okay, so we have considered all the requirements for starting a film and video production
company. We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample film and video production
marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for film and video
production companies. So let’s proceed to the business planning section.
If you have ever come across a movie buff, chances are that you will notice the way at which
they are able to analyze a movie for expertise or mediocrity. The truth is that these folks can tell
when a movie has been well produced. This is one of the reasons why those who are at the helms
of affair in the movie production business try their best to churn out quality stuff.
Starting a film and video production company is one of the best things that may happen to you.
This is because of the promising nature of the trade. As a matter of fact millionaires are being
made every time in the movie production world. Good news still remains that there are newbies
every now and then.
However, all the necessary steps have to be taken in making sure that one launches out on the
right footing. One of that footing is the business plan aspect. It is really vital that one takes that
business plan writing really seriously. This is because of the point that to serves as a great map in
business.
Writing a business plan might pose a bit of a challenge to a rookie, but in the long run, with one
or two pushes here and there, one is able to draw up a plan all by their self. So, if you think that
you would want to give writing a plan a try, then you may want to consider using the business
plan template below to tweak yours;
We can hardly talk about the film and video production industry without mentioning big players
in the industry such as 21st Century Fox, Time Warner, NBC Universal, The Walt Disney
Company and Viacom Inc. et al. These are companies that truly define the trends in the industry.
Basically, film and video production industry is an industry that is responsible for producing and
distributing motion pictures and videos. This industry does not include third-party providers such
as distributors and disc manufacturers, as well as products, such as television shows and made-
for-television movies, aimed specifically toward television et al.
Despite the fact that film and video production business can be expensive to run, the business is
indeed a thriving business that has loads of players making huge profits from the industry. One
thing is certain, if a film and video production company can successfully produce a major hit
movie or musical video; it won’t be too long before video recording contracts come calling from
all over the United States and beyond.
Players in the Film and Video Production industry struggled with mounting film production costs
and of course the decline in theater / cinema attendance. It is now common in recent times to find
the average movie producers increasingly investing in high – end special effects hence they
choose to shift their focus toward generating high ticket sales as against increasing the number of
dramas and comedies, which usually generate comparatively lower revenue. The industry is
exploring now maximizing new distribution channels to continue to increase revenue generation
so as to break even after spending huge sum of money to produce a movie.
Any entrepreneur who intends to start a film and video production company must be ready to
pull enough cash to be able to acquire expensive film and video production gears, for location
shooting equipment and professional movie editing software amongst many other expenses
associated with movie production. In other to cut cost especially when starting out, movie
producers often rent shooting equipment for a fraction of its cost, which has helped limit the
massive capital expenditures that would otherwise be necessary to produce major films.
For instance, in 2015 alone, for every dollar spent on labor, movie producers incur an estimated
$0.22 in capital expenditures. In the last five years, capital intensity has remained fairly constant.
The Film and Video Production industry still depend on experts(highly skilled workers and
artists) in all stages of the production process, and highly talented and hardworking employees
are required for planning, shooting, editing and distributing films.
The Film and Video Production industry is indeed witnessing a steady growth over the years-
especially in countries such as the United States, Nigeria, India and China et al. Though for some
underdeveloped countries where piracy is still on rampage, the growth is a bit redundant.
Statistics has it that the Film and Video Production industry in the United States of America, is
worth $34bn, with an estimated growth rate of 0.7 percent. There are about 6,527 registered and
licensed film and video production companies in the United States and they are responsible for
employing about 63,228 people.
One good thing about starting a film and video production business is that even if you decided to
start it in the United States of America, your market would not be restricted to business
opportunities in the U.S.; the world will be your target market. Many thanks to the internet that
has made the world a global village. All you need to do is to strategically position your film and
video production brand on the internet and you will be amazed at the rate people will be calling
you from all parts of the world.
Our film and video production studio will be located in the heart of Inglewood, Los Angeles –
California, U.S and we are positioned to work for a wide range of client ranging from individual
clients to corporate organizations, national clients to international clients and players in the
Hollywood industry et al.
Moonlight™ Film and Video Production Company will engage in all aspect of business services
synonymous to standard organization operating in the film and video production industry. Our
business goal is to work towards becoming one of the leading film and video production brand in
the whole of Los Angeles and in the nearest future compete with the leaders in the industry not
only in the United States but also in the global stage.
We are not ignorant of the fact that building a standard and world class film and video
production company from the scratch requires huge capital base- essentially for the purchase of
world – class and latest film and video production equipment; which is why we have perfect
plans for steady flow of cash from our business partners with interest in our line of business. We
can confidently say that we have a robust financial standing and we are ready to take on any
challenge that we encounter in the industry.
We will ensure that all our employees are selected from a pool of talented and highly creative
people with eyes for good movies in and around Los Angeles – California (with bias from
Hollywood) and also from any part of the United States. We will make sure that we take all the
members of our workforce through the required trainings that will position them to meet the
expectation of the company and to compete with other players in the United States and
throughout the globe.
At Moonlight™ Film and Video Production Company our client’s best interest will always come
first, and everything we do will be guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure
that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our client’s needs
precisely and completely and of course producing movies and videos that can compete with the
best in the world. We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable
approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our
clients.
Moonlight™ Film and Video Production Company is owned majorly by Macqueen Reeves and
other partners. Macqueen Reeves is a certified and licensed film producer, he graduated from
New York Film Academy and he has well over 15 years hand on experience in the film and
video production industry working for leading film and video producing companies in
Hollywood prior to starting his own film and video production company. He will build the
business alongside other experienced partners who have successfully carved a niche for
themselves in the industry.
Our Product and Services
We do not want to leave any stone unturned when it comes to producing the best products and
services. So, Moonlight™ Film and Video Production Company is going to offer a variety of
services within the scope of the film and video production industry in the United States of
America.
Our intention of starting our film and video production business in Inglewood – Los Angele is to
make profits from the film and video industry and we will do all that is permitted by the law in
the US to achieve our aim and business goals.
Our vision is to build a standard and world – class film and video production business that can
favorably compete with leaders in the industry.
Our mission is to build a world class and well equipped film and video production company that
will produce standard movies that can be generally accepted in all parts of the world; we want to
build a film and video production brand that can work for clients not only in the United States of
America and Canada, but in all parts of the world.
The success of any business is to a larger extent dependent on the business structure of the
organization and the people who occupy the available role. Moonlight™ Film and Video
Production Company will build a solid business structure that can support the growth of our film
and video production business. We will ensure that we hire competent hands to help us build the
business of our dream.
The fact that we want to become one of the leading film and video production brand in the
industry in the whole of the United States of America makes it highly necessary for our
organization to deliberately build a well – structured business from the onset.
We will work hard to ensure that we only attract people with the right mindset to help us achieve
our business goals and objectives in record time. Below is the business structure that we will
build Moonlight™ Film and Video Production Company;
Responsible for drawing up contracts and other legal documents for the company
Welcomes guests and clients by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering
or directing inquiries.
Produces information by transcribing, formatting, inputting, editing, retrieving, copying,
and transmitting text, data, and graphics; coordinating case preparation.
Provides historical reference by developing and utilizing filing and retrieval systems;
recording meeting discussions; maintaining transcripts; documenting and maintaining
evidence.
Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading
professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional
organizations.
Enhances department and organization reputation by accepting ownership for
accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job
accomplishments.
Studio Manager
Film Producer
Responsible for developing concept and producing movies from start to finish
Responsible for choosing the right locations to shoot a movie
Works with the accountant and other stakeholders in the company to draw – up a budget
for any movie project
Handle any other responsibility as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer
Recording Engineer
Responsible for handle any picture and sound related job for the company; helps achieve
certain specific sounds or feelings to portray through that matches with the movie
(especially for soundtracks).
Responsible for handling all aspect of video shooting on locations
Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the
organization
Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating
new products.
Ensures operation of film shooting and studio equipment by completing preventive
maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
Carries out staff induction for new team members
Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
Designs job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for clients
Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders to review the effectiveness of HR
Policies, Procedures and Processes
Facilitates and coordinates strategic sessions.
Works directly with clients in a non-advising capacity, such as answering questions,
scheduling appointments and making sure all training concerns are properly taken care
off
Oversees the smooth running of the daily office activities.
Once the movie is ready, then the marketing team will go out to market and promote the
album
Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
Identifies business opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts;
participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of music
projects.
Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and
communicate with clients, cinema operators and movie distributors
Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
Documents all customer contact and information
Represents the company in strategic meetings
Helps to increase sales and growth for the company
Accountant
Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the
organization
Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting
reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts
market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or
more properties.
Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
Responsible for administering payrolls
Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
Handles all financial transactions for the company
Serves as internal auditor for the company
Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In centre, SMS or phone) provides the
client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s
interest in the company’s products and services
Manages administrative duties assigned by the manager in an effective and timely
manner
Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the company’s products,
promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to
clients when they make enquiries
Moonlight™ Film and Video Production Company engaged the services of a core professional in
the area of film and video production consulting and business structuring to assist the
organization in building a standard and world – class film and video production company that
can favorably compete with other leading film and video production brands in the United States
of America.
Part of what the business consultant did was to work with the management of the company in
conducting a comprehensive SWOT analysis for Moonlight™ Film and Video Production
Company. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on
behalf of Moonlight™ Film and Video Production Company;
Strength:
Our core strength lies in the power of our team and the latest film and video production
equipment that we have. We have a team that can go all the way to give our clients value for
their money; a team that can produce world class movies that can favorable compete with movies
produced by leaders in the industry. We are well positioned in the heart of Inglewood, Los
Angeles and we know we will attract loads of clients from the first day we open our film and
video production company for business.
Weakness:
As a new film and video production company based in Los Angeles – the headquarter of film
production in the world, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market
and attract some well – established artist and bigger corporations and investors; that is perhaps
our major weakness. Another weakness is that we may not have the required cash to pump into
the promotion our business the way we would want to.
Opportunities:
The opportunities in the film and video production industry is massive especially in a place like
Los Angeles – California where we have Hollywood, and we are ready to take advantage of any
opportunity that comes our way.
Threat:
We like other brands in the industry, have our own fair share of threats. Hence, technology and
the internet which of course is a major tool for the advancement and gains achieved in the film
and video production industry can also poses a threat to the industry. The truth is that with the
advancement of technology, it is now easier for individuals to produce home videos and musical
videos without the help of professional film and video production companies.
So also, just like any other business, one of the major threats that we are likely going to face is
economic downturn. It is a fact that economic downturn affects purchasing / spending power.
Another threat that may likely confront us is the arrival of a new film and video production
company in same location where our target market exist and who may want to adopt same
business model like us.
Market Trends
Online video is one major trend in the film and video production industry. Recent statistics from
Comscore show that on an average day in 2011, over 100 million Americans viewed online
video content. This represents growth of 43 percent over the previous year.
Well over 43.5 billion videos were streamed in December 2011 alone; a 44 percent increase over
the previous year. This growth shows no signs of dwindling, as people increase the absolute
number of videos they watch, in addition to viewing longer form content on leading video sites
such as Netflix and Hulu.
Entrepreneurs that are venturing into the film and video production industry are coming in with
creativity and good business skills. The fact that it is highly competitive in the industry does not
in a way stop some film and video production companies from declaring profits year in year out.
Another known trend in the film and video production industry is that most film and video
production companies are trying as much as possible to recreate themselves on a regular basis
and also to be on top of their game.
When it comes to film and video production business, there are no exemptions to who you can
market your services products to especially finished movies. Your movies can be market to
adults, children, teenagers, corporate organization, government and everyone who can afford to
purchase a movie et al.
Over and above, our target market as a film and video production company cuts across people of
different class and people from all walks of life and corporate organizations.
In view of that, we have created strategies that will enable us reach out to various corporate
organizations and individual who we know will need our products and services. We have
conducted our market research and survey and we will ensure that our film and video production
company attracts the kind of artists and clients we would love to work with.
Below is a list of the people and organizations that we have specifically market our services to;
Households
Artists
Advertising Agencies
Corporate Organizations (Branding and Advertising Agencies et al)
Churches
Teenagers, Adults and Children
TV stations
We are mindful of the fact that there are stiffer competition in the film and video production
industry in the United States of America; hence we have been able to hire some of the best
business developer to handle our sales and marketing.
Moonlight™ Film and Video Production Company might be a new entrant into the film and
video production industry in the United States of America, but our competitive advantage lies in
the power of our team and the latest film and video production equipment that we have. We have
a team that can go all the way to give our clients value for their money; a team that can produce
world class movies that can favorable compete with movies produced by leaders in the industry.
Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the
best within our category (startups film and video production companies) in the industry meaning
that they will be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals
and achieve all our aims and objectives.
Film & Video Production Business Plan – SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY
Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the film and
video production industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to
meet their targets and the overall goal of the organization. We will also ensure that our excellent
movies and videos speaks for us in the market place; we want to build a standard and well
equipped film and video production company that will leverage on word of mouth advertisement
from satisfied clients / artists.
Our business goal is to build Moonlight™ Film and Video Production Company business to
become one of the leading choice in the whole of Los Angeles – California which is why we
have mapped out strategy that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to
become a major force to reckon with not only in the U.S but in the world stage as well.
Moonlight™ Film and Video Production Company is set to make use of the following marketing
and sales strategies to attract clients;
Sources of Income
Moonlight™ Film and Video Production Company is established with the aim of maximizing
profits in the film and video production industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that
we do all it takes to attract our target market.
Moonlight™ Film and Video Production Company will generate income by offering the
following services and products;
Sales Forecast
One thing is certain when it comes to movies and documentaries; they never dies and the demand
for good movies and documentaries will continue to grow. This goes to show that any film and
video production company that is known to always produce good movies will continue to attract
talented artists, corporate organizations and clients and that will sure translate to increase in
revenue generation for the business.
We are well positioned to take on the available market in Los Angeles California and beyond and
we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits
from the first six month of operations and grow the business and our clientele base beyond Los
Angeles – California to other cities in the U.S. and even the global market.
We have been able to critically examine the film and video production market and we have
analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales
forecast. The sales projection is based on information gathered on the field and some
assumptions that are peculiar to startups in Los Angeles – CA.
Below is the sales projection for Moonlight™ Film and Video Production Company, it is based
on the location of our business and other factors as it relates to film and video production start –
ups in the United States;
N.B: This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption
that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor
offering same services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection
might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.
At Moonlight™ Film and Video Production Company we will keep our fees and prices of videos
a little below the average market rate for all of our clients by keeping our overhead low and by
collecting payment in advance. In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to start –
ups, nonprofits, cooperatives, and small social enterprises who engage our services to help to
produce movies or short videos especially for advert purposes.
Payment Options
At Moonlight™ Film and Video Production Company, our payment policy will be all inclusive
because we are quite aware that different people prefer different payment options as it suits them.
Here are the payment options that we will make available to our clients;
In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our plans with
little or no itches.
Film & Video Production Business Plan – Publicity and Advertising Strategy
We are aware that there isn’t any business that despises new clients. This the reason why we
have been able to work with brand and publicity specialist to help us map out publicity and
advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market. We are
set to take the film and video production industry by storm which is why we have made
provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our recording studio company.
Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise Moonlight™ Film
and Video Production Company;
Film & Video Production Business Plan – Financial Projections and Costing
The cost of setting up film and video production business can be quite expensive especially if
you are all out to start a standard film and video production company. Aside from the money
required to purchase the latest film recording and production equipment, you would also need a
huge cash base to be able to attract and pay well established film actors to act in your movies.
Essentially, this is the area we are looking towards spending our start – up capital on;
The Total Fee for incorporating the Business in Los Angeles, California – $750.
The budget for Liability insurance, permits and license – $2,500
The Amount needed to acquire a suitable Office facility with enough space for standard
movie production studio in a business district 6 months (Re – Construction of the facility
inclusive) – $200,000.
The Cost for equipping the office (computers, printers, fax machines, furniture,
telephones, filing cabins, safety gadgets and electronics et al) – $2,000
The cost for equipping the movie production studio with the required video gears –
$150,000
The Cost of Launching our official Website – $600
Budget for paying at least 5 employees for 3 months and utility bills – $100,000
Budget for paying actors and taking care of logistics in movie locations – $500,000
Additional Expenditure (Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions et al) – $2,500
Miscellaneous – $20,000
Going by the report from the research and feasibility studies, we will need about $1 million to set
up a medium scale but standard film and video production company in the United States of
America. Here are some of the key film and video production equipment and gear that we would
need to set up our film and video production company;
Generating Funding / Startup Capital for Moonlight™ Film and Video Production
Company
Moonlight™ Film and Video Production Company is going to start as a partnership business that
will be owned and managed by Macqueen Reeves and his business partners. They are the
financial of the business, but may likely welcome other partners later, which is why they have
decided to restrict the sourcing of his start – up capital to 3 major sources.
N.B: We have been able to generate about $500,000 (Personal savings plus funds from business
partners) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $500,000 from our bank.
All the papers and document has been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved
and any moment from now our account will be credited.
The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and
competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these
factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business
close shop.
One of our major goals of starting Moonlight™ Film and Video Production Company is to build
a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from
external sources once the business is officially running. We know that one of the ways of gaining
approval and winning customers over is to ensure that every movie that we produce is a hit back
to back and it appeals to the needs of the society we intend selling the movies
Moonlight™ Film and Video Production Company will make sure that the right foundation,
structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our
company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and
re – training of our workforce is at the top burner.
As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management
staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more. We know that if
that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in
the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.
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