Today we’d like to introduce you to Chase Turnbow.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In short, within 6 years I went from making minimum wage to owning a six-figure video production company. Here’s how:
In high school, I had dreams of becoming a movie director in Hollywood so in the summers I would work production assistant and boom operating jobs for low budget films. At the time I was working at The UPS Store and making plans to go to film school. I was making YouTube videos just for fun and a local business owner I met at church recognized my talent and offered me a part-time position to make online videos to promote her business. It was amazing because it was the first time I was paid for doing something I really loved and I was able to quit my job at UPS.
After about a year of working as an in-house videographer, I decided that I enjoyed video production more than movie production. The main reason being the variety of projects that I could work on in a year was more fun than focusing on only 1 or 2 projects per year like many movie directors. I also very much enjoyed the marketing aspect of online video production. Business owners and marketing directors starting noticing my work and offered to pay me to make videos for them as well.
I started Chase Me Films in 2012 and transitioned into working full time as my own boss. The first couple years were a bit rough. With several established production companies in the area, it was hard to compete. To help grow my business I hired a business coach who started a successful production company to teach me everything he knew. He taught me how effectively network, grow and email marketing list, and establish myself as an expert in the industry.
In 2016 I had my first six-figure year and since then I have had the opportunity to create videos for several recognizable brands like Microsoft, Texas Roadhouse, The Dallas Morning News, New York Life, ServiceMaster, and United Way. I became known as the expert in online marketing videos. I even had the opportunity to film outside of DFW for companies in California, North Carolina, Arizona, and even as far as The Netherlands and Italy.
I have 3 people on my team, but I collaborate with dozens of other people to help produce my videos from music producers to animators, and voice actors. I love what I do! Most days I work on home editing videos for my clients and often have 1 or 2 video shoots per week. I have made videos for a variety of industries and every video is unique and custom and that’s what makes it fun!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Finding clients and gaining confidence to charge premium prices for my work were a few of my biggest struggles early on.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Chase Me Films – what should we know?
Any video production companies can get good lighting, sound, and HD video, but I believe the content and message of the video has greater importance. We’ve all seen cheesy commercials on TV that look good but the delivery and messaging is way off.
What makes Chase Me Films different is I focus first on the goal of the video for my client and then help craft a message that will compel viewers to action. To make an effective marketing video, you must put a greater emphasis on the marketing aspect before getting caught up in what camera and lighting gear should be used.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My wife Megan has been a huge supporter. She inspired me to follow my dream of entrepreneurship and always encouraged me even when times were tough.
I did not have any formal education, instead, I owe much of my success to my business coach and mentor who taught me the exact steps to take to get where I wanted.
Contact Info:
- Website: chasemefilms.com
- Email: info@chasemefilms.com
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