Week 4 Reflection: RISE Self-Evaluation

For this assignment, I has to do a RISE Self Evaluation. In this video, I had to revisit my past activities that I finished for this class and how the class influenced me. Please enjoy.

Week 4 Reflection: RISE Peer Review

For this assignment, I had to review one of my peer's business plan. I had the pleasure to review Julia's business plan for "Revolt Media Group". I hope you all enjoy.

Julia's Week 3 Project: Finalized Business Plan

Good Evening Julia,

I just finished going over your business plan for Revolt Media Group, and I will say that I was not only delighted to review it, but I was also very impressed. I related to your idea because I have a background in radio, and I deeply agree that there aren’t many shows that cater to the average young adult. I also enjoy the fact that you are doing it in New York. Hopefully one day you may hire me as an personality. I would also like to point out that your target market is perfect. Being honest, listening to Power 105 or Hot 97 is like “blah” these days, I can tell that you plan on adding some type of variety to your company than what Emmis or Clear Channel only approves their stations to play.

To inquire, I would say instead of waiting for your fan base to out beat Apple/Beats or Sirius, I would try to link with a program director that is established in their company and inquire about having a slot. When I stated radio, I worked on Invasion Radio on a web site, and my boss at the time met with some heads at Sirius and we were able to not only do the show on the web but we were also able to do it on Sirius. It’s like the same thing Kay Slay does. Wednesdays on Shade 45 and Thursdays on Hot 97. It’s a great way to cross promote your brand and to break down barriers to lay down your foundation a little quicker.

If you are seeking personalities that are not only going to bring you listeners but also advertisement, I would suggest looking into bloggers that work for 2DopeBoyz, JackThriller, AllHipHop, Complex, and other sites. When you are getting people like that that already has a great fan base and viral outlet, this will help in the long run, because your brand is promoting them, and their brand will promote yours. One hand washes the other… while both hands wash the face together.

Other than that, I really enjoyed your business plan. You really did your research and gave everyone an in depth example of what it takes to start a business. Remember, when you make it big, I hope you have a personality position for me. Until then have a great month and see you again soon!!

Best,

Lauren Benzo

Week 3 Project: Finalized Business Plan

Over the past few weeks, I have constructed the contents of what would be the business plan for my production company "D.Y.M.E. Productions". Here is the finished product. I hope you enjoy.

Week 3 Analysis: Financing

For this assignment, I had to identify my start-up costs and estimate how much money I will need to launch my business. I also had to analyze potential sources of funding that can help me secure what I need.

You can view my Prezi here. 

Week 3 Practice: Elevator Pitch

For this practice, I had to make an elevator pitch for my company "D.Y.M.E. Productions". This is to ensure that I can communicate what my company does in a clean and succinct way. I hope you all enjoy.

Week 3 Exploration: Graphic Designer & Artist Coach

For this exploration assignment, I had to review 2 case studies. They were called "Sparky Firepants Images" and "Room on the Edge." Along with reviewing these case studies, I had to respond to some questions that my instructor wanted me to answer. I hope you all enjoy.

Week 2 Project: Business Plan - Part II

During the past week, I analyzed my industry in production and I also identified my competition. For this week’s project assignment, we had to add those details to our business plan. As you see below, this project is broken down into 3 parts: Industry Analysis and Trends, Target Market Analysis, and The Competition.

Industrial Analysis and Trends

Here is an overview of my industry, the market opportunity, the barriers to entry, and the long-term opportunities.

Industry Overview:

The production industry is in transition. In this day and age, video production is now known as a creative skill that can be learnt by anyone with ambition and imagination. You can get receive software for free, or pay a monthly fee for programs as adobe. But on another note, on a professional level, the production industry is gearing more towards reality television. I can understand that people love another person’s lift turn into a train wreck, but there are also shows that are inspirational, comforting, educational, and informing. These are more of the shows that D.Y.M.E. Productions are willing to share with the world.

Market Opportunity:

To grow some revenue, our television company can confide with another company to help develop a national growth strategy. This will include an analysis of existing operations as well as new marketing opportunities in non-core and emerging markets. By doing this, we can develop an emerging market strategy with specific target and supporting implementation plans.

Barriers to Entry:

The Barriers to Entry will act like a deterrent against any competitor that plans on coming into the industry after D.Y.M.E. Productions is established. This will serve as a defense mechanism that imposes a cost element to new entrants. This will help D.Y.M.E. Productions become a market leader and this will help us understand how to protect our position.

Long-Term Opportunities:

D.Y.M.E. Productions’ long-term opportunities are instilled with our company to wanting to break down barriers and thinking out of the box.  Not to mention the kind words of our clients recommending us to their friends and colleagues at other companies. Some production companies tent to follow the way of others. D.Y.M.E. Life is more of a company that thrives off the fact of thinking out of the box. Our 5 – 10 year goal, we plan on having our company more on an international level. With the development of D.Y.M.E. Life TV and Food Traxx with Benzo, within the first 3 years of filming we are going to take the show over the world. With this happening, this will open the door with networking with movers and shakers and different countries. Another goal within 10 years would be producing a summer box office hit. 

Target Market

Here is an overview of my target market including the description, the size, the trends, the customers, the readiness, and the strategic opportunities.

Market Description:

D.Y.M.E. Productions offers an unlimited amount of services to clients that are interested with investing with our company produce television shows, films, commercials, exc. The target market for D.Y.M.E. Productions is very diverse; this is why we plan on opening more offices around the United States.  As said before, D.Y.M.E. Production is a very unique company. Within a reasonable amount of time, our company will be past the development stage. Our supply and support systems are available and we are currently working the ends of the development costs.

Market Size and Trends:

Film and Video Production companies in the industry have grappled with mounting production costs. Many have increasing invested in high cost special effects. We also have some that are working with new distribution channels, even online content providers such as Netflix and Hulu. Even though we are located in New York City, over 28% of total domestic film production is done in California.

Target Customers:

Are target customers are are people that are seeking to take their ideas and turn them various forms of media. We will give them that platform for television show, short films, Internet shows/vlog, interactive entertainment and digital media.

Market Readiness:

Searching for a phenomenal production company isn’t new to our potential clients. From the loyalty that we will have with existing clients with the gift of networking with as some call it “word of mouth”, we feel that our services may seem as a competition to some companies, but with the factors in New York City with over 100 start up production companies coming to life within the next 2 years, this may effect out market, but we can stay positive as long as we keep putting up top notch work and keeping our clients happy. 

 Strategic Opportunities:

We plan to initially market our products and services as an alternative solution for television networks and video companies.  These markets were selected because of their size, trends in technology, our experience with video production, our industry contacts, and an overall belief that they are most appropriate to initially target.

The Competition

Here is an overview of my company’s competitors, the advantages, the barriers to entry, and strategic opportunities.

Competition:

A. Zero Point Zero Productions

B. Restless Films

C. CubeVision

Advantages:

    A.     This is a media production company that works out of New York City. This company caters into   making television shows for national syndicated stations. An advantage that we have over them is that our ideas for shows are more in depth and we are willing to work with other companies for cross marketing. Zero Point Zero would never think of doing that.     

   

    B.   This production company is based out of New York City. Even though this company makes short-films and music videos, we have an advantage because our company specializes in other routes of production such as television shows, commercials, vlogs, ect.

    

    C. This production company is based out of Santa Monica, Ca. This company mainly makes motion pictures and television shows. Even though this company is highly respected in the industry and our company is new to everything, we have an advantage because unlike the owners of CV, our team is young and open to new ideas to work with the clients.

Barriers to Entry:

A barrier we could face tying to compete with these brands would be being black balled or going out of business. The industry is small and word of mouth/networking is everything. I would never want the owners of these companies feeling that I call them competition to D.Y.M.E. Productions. I more so call them inspirations on levels that I would want my company to be. Of course we are in competition because we all are production companies, yet it is always better to make a friend/potential future business partner than enemy in this cut throat industry.  

Strategic Opportunities:

Our company can meet the needs over the competitors by sticking to what D.Y.M.E. Productions stands for. Being unique, bold, cutting edge, and the prototype. The opportunities I see for D.Y.M.E. Productions are 60% positive 40% negative because I am new to running a production company, yet I have business partners and financial advisors that are willing to steer the brand and myself into the right direction. Not to mention, I am willing to do collaboration with my competitors. This will open the door for more cross marketing for the D.Y.M.E. brand and more collaborations with other production companies in the industry.

Week 2 Practice: SWOT Analysis

For this practice, we had to understand the strengths and weaknesses of our project. Doing this allows us to manage or eliminate threats that may occur in the future. Below you will see the Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats that my company D.Y.M.E. Productions may run into in the future.

Week 2 Analysis: Competitor Research

For this analysis, I had to analyze 3 potential competitors for my media/ production company “D.Y.M.E. Productions”. In the video, I will evaluate the “What, Where, Who, When, Why, and How” of these 3 production companies. I will also tell you what us similar between all 3 of these companies, but I will also state that my business either falls in line with the companies or moves in another direction to stand out from the competition.

Week 2 Exploration: Case Studies - Photography & Adventure Travel

For this week’s exploration, I had to review two case studies. One was Junshien Photography and the other was Live Adventurously. Along with reviewing these case studies, I had to respond to some questions that our instructor wanted us to answer. I hope you enjoy.

Week 1 Project: Business Plan- Part 1

Week 1 Project: Business Plan- Part 1

The objective for this assignment was to develop the first two section of my business plan worksheet.  These two sections are meant to display the company description and the operations and management plan.

Company Description:

D.Y.M.E. Productions is a media company based in New York City. We are a one-stop shop for media creation. Our team will take an idea for a commercial, branded video or film and transform it into vivid reality.

The Company’s Mission:

D.Y.M.E. Productions’ mission is to create the most innovative content using the most up to date technology and creative skills available today. Our belief is that creativity is the source of wisdom, but in our industry creativity can only be exercised through extensive experience. Our work will speak for itself and we with do whatever it takes to make each production a success.

Services:

Our company offers a full array of digital film video production services including concepting, script writing, storyboarding, filming, location services, editing, original music, mixing, color correction, motion graphics, and final delivery. We provide high values, prompt, reliable service and stunning creative production that your audience will remember.

Our creative approach for every project is to begin with the story and what needs to be told visually. Once the treatment is finalized, we use it as a blueprint to begin the intricate preproduction process. We will then focus on the very important elements of the production such as set design, lighting, make-up, and visual style. Secondly we will discuss casting, shooting, props, locations, transportation, shooting schedule, ect.

Each project will be unique and defined by it’s creative approach toward innovation. Our company pushed the envelope, raises the bar, and strives to give each production that rare dynamic quality. Our experienced and dedicated creative team exudes in their everyday work. We are filmmakers and love what we do everyday.

We have various types of video package available, starting at $2,500. Please contact Lauren Benzo for more information. With our first year profits, we plan on putting the profits back into the company and to gear towards opening up more D.Y.M.E. Productions’ studios in other cities such as Los Angles, Miami, and Atlanta.

Development to Date:

D.Y.M.E. Productions is a start-up company that was founded in 2015. We have just finished the final stages of registering our company’s name. We have established a business entity. We have also have legal permits to film in the whole state of New York.

We currently have locked down our home office in New York City and we also have legal right to film in different areas of the state.

Legal Status and Ownership:

D.Y.M.E. Productions was registered in September of 2015 as a Partnership Company in the state of New York. D.Y.M.E. Productions is owned and managed by Lauren Benzo, Monica Benzo, Sophia Twillie, Vanessa Saez, and Tasha Mitchell. D.Y.M.E. (Driven Young Motivated Entrepreneurs) has already been trademark by Lauren Benzo in 2006 which is a collaboration of all of her other companies branded by D.Y.M.E. (D.Y.M.E.ndz INC, D.Y.M.E. Life Radio, D.Y.M.E. Life TV, D.Y.M.E. Life Society).

Even tough all partners plan on investing their own money in the company, they are seeking $100,000 from outside investors and/or venture capitalists. These funds would be dispensed towards hiring staff, start-up costs, marketing, equipment, and growth within the company.

Operations:

D.Y.M.E. Productions will operate in the city of New York. We will also work on location in neighboring states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, and other states after we apply for permits. Lead operations will run at the home office in New York City.  Our staff will also be located at the home office. The staff will handle customer service, social media marketing, and accounting.

Technology:

D.Y.M.E. Productions is based on creativity and extensive experience. This is some of the reasons why we tend on using top quality equipment to give our clients nothing but production that is top quality.

Software:

• ·      Adobe Creative Cloud – Full Creative Suite
• ·      Pro Logic X
• ·      Final Cut Pro X
• ·      After Effects
• ·      Motion
• ·      Drop Box
• ·      Google Drive
• ·      Accounting Software (QuickBooks or Peach Tree)

Hardware:

• ·      iMac w/ Retina 5K Display (5)
• ·      MacBook Pro (5)
• ·      iPad (5)
• ·      LaCie 5big External Hard Drive (2)
• ·      KRK Rokit 5 Studio Monitors ( 5 Sets)
• ·      Beats Studio Headphones (5)
• ·      Condenser Microphone (1)
• ·      Cannon Rebel T5i (5)
• ·      External Lavalier Microphone (2)
• ·      FocusRite Scarlet 2i2 audio interface (5)
• ·      Airport Time Capsule (2)
• ·      Revo SR-1000 Shoulder Support Rig & Support Strap (5)
• 
  

As the company grows in profit, so will the hardware and software. We want to make sure that everything with give to our clients is worth the money that they are paying us.

Management:

Key Employees:

Lauren Benzo, Owner: Media Communications Grad/Production/Journalism/Radio

Monica Benzo, Owner: Computer Animations Grad/ Production

Sophia Twille, Owner: Film, Production                         

Vanessa Saez, Owner:  Production/ Marketing

Tasha Mitchell, Owner: Marketing

Management Structure: