Business
Starting Your Production Company
At some point every serious filmmaker stops making films as a hobbyist and starts making them as a business. This course walks you through it — from why you'd form a company and which legal structure fits, to naming, branding, registering, the business plan, startup costs, and growing it into something that lasts.
What you'll learn
✓What a production company is and why (and when) to start one
✓Choosing a legal structure — sole proprietor, LLC, or corporation
✓Naming, branding, registering, and writing a real business plan
✓Startup costs, company structure, your website, and growing it
Pairs with this tool
Filmmaker Toolbox
Naming, budgeting, and planning your company is easier with the right tools at hand. The Filmmaker Toolbox brings the templates and calculators you'll reach for while setting up your production company into one place.
Open Filmmaker Toolbox →Course chapters
Module 1 — Foundations
I7 min
What a production company actually is, and what it does for you
What a Production Company Is
II8 min
The real reasons to form a company — liability, taxes, and credibility
Why Start a Production Company
III8 min
Sole proprietor, LLC, or corporation — which structure fits you
Choosing a Legal Structure
IV7 min
Do you need one yet? How to know when it's the right time
Do You Need One Yet?
Module 2 — Core Craft
V8 min
Choosing a name that works — legally, brandably, and online
Naming & Branding Your Company
VI8 min
Your logo and visual identity — the front card of your brand
Your Logo & Visual Identity
VII8 min
Registering the company and setting it up the right way
Registering & Setting Up Legally
VIII9 min
Writing a business plan that guides you and convinces others
Writing a Business Plan
Module 3 — Putting It to Work
IX8 min
What it actually costs to start, and how to fund the setup
Startup Costs & Finances
X8 min
How a production company is structured — roles, partners, team
Structure, Roles & Team
XI8 min
Your website and online presence — where clients and collaborators find you
Your Website & Online Presence
XII9 min
Building it into a company that lasts — projects, reputation, growth
Building & Growing Your Company