After a decade in the production business, I've seen the highs and lows, the breakthroughs and breakdowns, and everything in between. Building a production company isn’t just about cameras, gear, or creative concepts; it’s about navigating relationships, failures, and your own personal growth. Here are 10 lessons that shaped my journey and my perspective over these ten transformative years.
1. Work Compounds Even When the Work Doesn’t "Work Out"
Not every project will be a portfolio masterpiece or a financial success. But every project teaches you something—whether it’s refining your process, improving your communication, or simply building resilience. The work you put in today lays the foundation for the opportunities of tomorrow.
2. Reputation is Important.
Treat People Fairly.
Your reputation is a valuable asset. Clients, collaborators, and crew members remember how you make them feel and how you handle challenges. Fairness, integrity, and kindness go a long way in building relationships that last beyond a single project. When something goes wrong, as it naturally does, people will look to see how you handle it.
3. Your Competitors Are Struggling too, Even If It Doesn’t Seem Like It
It’s easy to assume that Instagram account that you look up has everything figured out. But the truth is, everyone has their battles—tight budgets, demanding clients, creative blocks, you name it. They may be different struggles, but everyone has them. Knowing this can help you focus on your own path instead of worrying about theirs.
4. Comparison Is a Lose-Lose Game
No two production companies are the same. Constantly comparing your work or achievements to others’ can lead to unnecessary frustration. Instead, measure your growth against your own goals and past performance. This is one of those easily said but hard to do statements. It truly is a daily discipline to suppress the negative voice of comparison and instead focus on your own personal direction.
5. Lean Into Your Strengths and Be OK With Your Weaknesses
You don’t have to excel at everything. Find what you’re truly great at and lean into it. Outsource or collaborate where you’re weaker. Grow in your weaknesses and always seek to get but don't beat yourself up for the short comings. That takes away mental focus and energy. Instead accept it, seek to get better, and lean into your strengths.
6. Read More, Even If the Info Seems Similar
The more you read, the more connections you’ll make. Even if a book or article seems repetitive or similar to the last book you read, it can reinforce ideas or present them in a new light. It's amazing how you will read something in the morning and then use those insights at some point in the working day. Knowledge compounds just like work does.
7. Chase Your Dream Gear but Be Ready to Be Disappointed by Disappointments
That new camera, lens, or piece of equipment won’t magically solve all your problems. Gear is a tool, not a cure-all. Chase your dream setup, but don’t let it overshadow your creativity and resourcefulness. Truth be told, every piece of new gear will come with headaches that you are not seeing, especially after watching all the YouTube influencers tell you how awesome it is and to purchase it right away from their affiliate link below. Whether it's a new camera or equipment, it WILL have it's unforeseen challenges and WILL NOT solve all your problems.
8. Fail Fast. Try Something, Fail, Then Try Again
Failures are inevitable. What matters is how quickly you try again, adapting from what you learned from the experience. The faster you experiment and iterate, the faster you'll see progress, and the faster you'll see whatever you deem as being successful, successful.
9. Experiment With Ideas. Have Fun.
Take creative risks, try new things, and don’t be afraid to break the rules. Get outside of your comfort zone. Creativity often happens when you step outside the box or normalcy and comfort.
10. Turn the negative internal voice into a positive internal motivator.
We all have that inner critic. There is a negative voice always mouthing off and it's unique to each and every one of us. Usually in some way it's connected to our insecurities. Self-doubt is NATURAL. Like a double edge sword, it can be negative and withholding or it can be a powerful motivator. But it really is a daily discipline to decide how you are going to listen to that inner voice. Does it play into your weakness and hold you back? Or does it play to your strengths a push you to do more. Like most things, you get to decide.
Final Thought.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the game for years, I hope these insights resonate with you. The journey is challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Go get it.
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