Don’t give up on your idea just because it hasn’t gained traction yet. Let me share a bit of my journey with you. I started my current company in 2017, but before that, I founded another film company, Studio84, back in 2010. At the time, I had just completed my NYSC and felt that staying in Adamawa would limit my potential. So, I packed my bags, returned home, and with my father’s support, registered the company. I knew I wanted to make films, but I wasn’t entirely sure how far I was willing to go. I gathered a team, wrote a script, and began raising funds. My goal was to create something unique—a film that stood out from what was already out there. After two years of fundraising, we finally produced the film in 2013. Unfortunately, it flopped, and I was devastated. I almost gave up, but I chose to keep going, holding onto the hope that my dreams would eventually come to fruition.
Over the years, I’ve invested and reinvested countless times. Today, after 14 years, I’ve been able to establish two companies: one that many of you know and a post-production company called Picture Lock. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but it’s been worth it.
If you’re aspiring to build something similar, here’s my advice: start small and scale gradually. Don’t rush to become a large production company overnight. Begin by offering your services as a problem solver—whether as a producer for hire, a writer, or in any other capacity. As you hone your skills and build a reputation, start involving others and train them to match your standards. Over time, you’ll grow into a company. Focus on contract work initially, paying as you go. As demand for your services increases, you can expand and add more value to what you offer.
For example, my post-production company, Picture Lock, was born out of necessity. I needed to solve my own post-production challenges for the shows I was working on, so I invested in equipment and started the company. But let me be honest—running a company is far from easy. It’s not all success; there are challenges and failures along the way. As I mentioned before, failure is an essential part of growth. Be prepared for both setbacks and victories.
So, keep pushing forward with your dream. Start small, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to adapt and grow. Good luck—you’ve got this!
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