Production company or name, what should you release work under?

[Shattered Glass Pictures]

I'm currently trying to start to shoot some spec commercials, and get a website started and I'm starting to have some different questions. Should I go ahead and start a production company and release all of my work under it's name or should I release it under my name? My goal eventually is to direct feature films, but this will help create some revenues to fund my projects. Any suggestions? Thanks guys.

 

[Dean Bull]

Here is what you do...

Make your commericals and start your website and Brand YOUR NAME. Not your production company name because nobody cares.

your website should be www.yourname.com or www.directoryourname.com or www.dpyourname.com

Next, after you have a website up, and some spec commericals up, try and generate some business.

Once you have a few clients that pay you, say over 5,000 bucks go to an accountant or lawyer to incorporate your company (which is you) as your name, inc.

Now, when you get hired to direct commericals or features, your checks get made out to your corporation and you can enjoy all the various tax breaks bestowed upon corporations, including, writing off vehicals, equipment, dinners, travel, union dues, cell phones, you name it.

The best thing for you to do right now is spend your money on getting a KILLER REEL -- seriously if you are going to spend some coin, shoot on film, hire a dope colorist, get some visual fx in the mix, I mean really CRISPIN up your reel.

Like make 5 2 minutes shorts, or better yet, make 5 30 second spots that tell a unique story! and make each one a visual KNOCK OUT.

Corporations and companys are only useful when you have something to protect (like assets or income) When you are starting out, the best use of your funds is in building your reel. You would be surprised what one 30 second spot shot on 35mm film will do in terms of getting work. Its sad actually....

Anyway, hope that was helpful.

-- Dean

 

[onetrackmind]

all good suggestions above, but some companies may not want to make checks out to you as an individual, so do still regestier as a sole proprietorship to begin with, but use a fancy name.