Today we’d like to introduce you to James Stokes Jr.
James, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up I was always intrigued by movies, documentaries, and videos, but It wasn’t until college that I was really able to immerse myself in a film. As a Communication major at the University of Wisconsin Parkside in Kenosha, Wisconsin is where I really had a chance to tap into my passion for film and start to develop my craft. I was able to partake in projects and internship experiences that were challenging but rewarding.
After graduating I worked jobs that were just jobs for income but I wasn’t nearly as happy as I had been when I had a camera in my hand working on projects that helped people showcase their talents, important causes, or capturing important milestones, therefore my wife and I decided to relocate to Texas and to start saving money to go towards a videography business.
Once we got to Texas I and started working as a life skills teacher at an alternative school for at-risk children and as an incentive for students with good behavior I started to offer a small Introduction to Film course in which the selected students learned the basics about film, how to properly use the equipment, and created short Public Service Announcements.
At the same time I continued to buy equipment for my business piece by piece and I started off shooting short videos for local businesses and fighters pro bono and soon after developing relationships and networking Beastman Productions started to consistently get paid clients for various events such as weddings, sporting events, funerals, makeup tutorials, senior pictures, etc.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road for Beastman Productions. It has definitely been a process. There are several things I had to balance such as working a full-time job but still finding the time to give my business 110% every day.
Also working in this industry you have to constantly stay in a learning mode in order to stay innovative and be the best at what you do. In addition, I had to learn the ins and outs of running a business which was something I had absolutely no experience with and I did not have anyone to call and get advice from. So, it was a lot to learn and a lot happening all at once.
Please tell us about Beastman Productions.
Beastman Productions is videography business. I am the owner and operator. Beastman Productions is known for being an innovative company that ensures every client receives high quality customized services.
What sets us apart from other videography companies is the fine attention to details, the personalized experience, and the determination to make sure we bring out the beast/best in every project that we touch. So far one of the things I am most proud of as a company is the ability to work with Roy Jones Jr. Promotions.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Nothing, I believe everything aligned and worked the way it was supposed to.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1615 W Oleander St, Fort Worth, TX 76104
- Phone: 817-691-8413
- Email: James@beastmanproductions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beastmanproductions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeastManProductions/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/user28632633
Image Credit:
Brandon Cunningham, Snap Judgement Photography
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