How To Start A Production Company With No Experience - Antoine Allen

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Award-winning filmmaker Antoine Allen had dreams like any other kid growing up, and it was those same dreams that allowed him to break through every obstacle in his path. Despite growing up poor in Jamaica, Queens, Allen was already rich with potential. Refusing to let this define his future, he moved forward with a passion, drive, and tireless dedication that has now become synonymous with the Antoine Allen brand. Allen began his career in the music industry, successfully managing hip-hop artists for many years. During that time, he had several experiences that opened his eyes to the fact that he had more to offer. It was at this time that the phrase “dream big or don’t dream at all” really hit hard. Forgoing the traditional film school route, he began educating himself on all creative, technical, and business aspects of the process and never looked back. Allen transformed himself into a successful writer, director, filmmaker and producer. He sold his first screenplay, No Where Land an animated feature film in 2008. As an award-winning director, Allen has gone on to be involved in a variety of film and music video projects. In the summer of 2010, Allen made his directorial debut with Split Decision a narrative short film exploring love, rejection and motivation, which he also wrote and produced. He took promotions into his own hands, launching a highly successful social media campaign. The trailer alone received over twenty-one thousand views on YouTube and countless ‘Likes’ on Facebook, all culminating in the Split Decision world premiere. The opening screening in New York City sold out. This should have come as no surprise since Allen sold out a premiere to a 3-minute music video that he had previously directed. On a personal level, the film allowed him to draw from his own experiences of beating the odds when life got tough, and was an experience that brought Allen full circle. His most recent project, a full-length feature film Life Is Too Short (2015) premiered to another crop of sold out audiences and has been honored with multiple awards and film festivals selections.

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#production #company #filmmaking

[rochellemcryans]

I opened my production company It's a Really Rochelle Production that's an LLC, back in August of last year and it came with fees and I made a web series and worked with a payroll company and paid my first actor that guest stared it was three episodes. He became eligible to join the union SAG-AFTRA👏🏿👏🏿

[ajtaylor]

That's the plan with my production company. We want to use our slate of shorts to build a foundation and get enough push and fan viewership to fund and make a feature. Antoine is right about trademarking your name, getting an LLC and a bank account when you're first starting off. Good stuff!

[Crewelperleology]

The interviewer was so helpful in properly articulating and expounding on the guest's responses. That was the saving grace.

[EasyZee]

It's not like the old days anymore, to start a company, all you need is to register the business and get a bank account for the business. You don't need an actual studio space, employees, equipment, a secretary, coffee machine, HR department, or anything else. Once you get production funding, then you can hire the people you need and get the equipment.

[MH-illk]

I had to start my company MP Hafner Entertainment because I thought of an animation series, got help from two writers (one is a old classmate of mine and the other a professor of literature that I studied under) and was able to pitch to one of the biggest animation production companies in Asia to help produce the series. I did everything this gentleman stated and I too have a wife who is awesome support. I got a business partner now who is helping me developing more animation projects and we are going to be developing live action films. I did not think of being in this position 2 years ago. I'm learning the business day by day. Biggest lesson I've learned so far is get people who know/do things in the industry and let them do it. Don't by a tyrant. Another thing is protect your IPs. The film industry is full of sharks.

[ttobinupinit]

A lot of the same advice applies to producing your own comic books, as well... Good to see that all his hard work is paying off for him.

[lmnop]

God always gives those blessings when you need it 🔥

[freefour]

A lot of us that come from similar backgrounds as the black filmmakers you put on talk about things we need to know. Keep these diamonds shining for their brilliance helps us reflect ours.

[Tightrope_Comedy]

Very inspiring
It was great to hear him breakdown the steps he went through to get started, hopefully that helps me get setup for real sometime soon.

[Jabarikjay]

Wonderful interview! As a new actor and aspiring film maker these videos are extremely motivating

[itsallProvidence]

Always wondered about the Legal Zoom aspect, I unfortunately allowed others to get in my ear and dissuade me from trademarking and getting started. Eternally grateful for this video and will certainly share this with others. #itsallProvidence

[itsallProvidence]

*"A good support system."* The key ingredient, top of the list. #itsallProvidence

[ictesting]

Forever the best youtube channel. THANK YOU!! Antoine ruuules!

[DreamWeaverfilm]

Always inspiring ! Glad to see so many aspiring production company's here :)

[moniquevamado]

This interview is speaking to me on so many levels. Thank you!

[creolelady]

I will have to agree with him about starting small. The fact is I like it that way

[Aaron_Smith_OM]

I've been scared as shit to start an LLC. I'm a writer, but I have experience in logistics which gets me hired on indie productions as a producer because I understand resource and people acquisition and management. But I don't want my writing to take a back seat and suffer because I'm running a company. Perhaps I can use the production company as a means to push those stories forward? I have some research to do. Thanks Film Courage for another great video and one that has sparked some deeper learning/understanding.

[garytucker]

I did two LLC Co's. The first I had a partner that messed well with my skill set. We did a few things, but we were undisciplined on certain business things, and eventually I ended my partnership due to other things. The second I started myself, but I was reaching for something out of desperation more than a goal. I felt that there was no one to mentor me, but in hindsight I get easily frustrated when I can't move forward for whatever reason. I helped others with their projects, and so far I've seen more positive & learning experience that way.

[RobinHackett]

Antoine, good for you. I just watched the trailer. Powerful. Thank you

[tuebanto]

This is the step by step video I needed 🙏🏿