Turning a "company" into a company.

M

markinhifi

Well-known member
I've been claiming my little operation as a "company" for a year now. We're a few student filmmakers who are just making short films for ourselves at the moment, but would like to do some stuff for hire. Shorts, music videos, wedding videos, etc..

I'd like to set up a business account at the bank, put a trademark on my company's name, file some paperwork and turn this into a legit business.

The problem is, I have no idea where to start.

Can you recommend any essential books where I can read up on this topic? I know there's a ton out there, does anything stand out from the rest? Is there any where to get free (or at least really cheap- we're students after-all) legal advice on stuff like this? I just have so many questions, and to be quite honest, i'm a bit scared, but very willing to take this on.

Any suggestions? I'd truly appreciate it.

Thanks.
 
The sticky thread at the top of this forum is a good start.
How to get started and stay in business.
 
Thanks for the heads up on that thread. My question though is leaning towards more the business/legal side of things. Getting clients isn't my issue (at the moment, anyway).
 
I know in Australia you must have a 20k turnover to be considered a company. So basically I have to try and make that 20k to claim the tax breaks on my camera stuff.

I spose one of the first things you'll need is proper insurance (including public liability).
 
It also depends on your location. Are you in the States, Canada, Europe, somewhere else? That's the huge first step in legally registering your company and its name.

-Kegan
 
as far as i know, u can go to bank and open an account under business name any time u want. and just apply for trademark at us trademark office. theres no paper work to file. "i dont think" unless u want to form a corporation. then there is paperwork to b filed and u will need a lawyer too.

any1, please correct me if im wrong.
 
If you are in the states you have to have some sort of paperwork to state that you are a business to open a business account at a bank
 
you are best off having an inexpensive lawyer write up an inc or LLC for you. He can advise you on proper accounts, ect based on your partnership combo.
You can do this online but, man, there is peace of mind in having somone to blame should somthing go wrong.
 
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