North Hollywood Photography and Self-Tape Studio

 

 

 

Hello! I’m looking to raise money to create a multi-purpose photography studio in the heart of the NORTH HOLLYWOOD ARTS DISTRICT.

 

What you will use the money for?

There are four phases to our business plan: The Photography Studio Division which will provide dancers, actors, artists, photographers, social influencers, and musicians with a 1200 sq ft space with over 30 unique sets, 20-foot ceilings and a giant white cyc wall to shoot and develop content for videos, photographs, and social media advertisements. The Self-Tape and Voice-Over Division will be managed and operated by the founder of the “self-tape,” Jason Montgomery (Selftape.com). It will provide actors with professional-grade equipment and will be supervised by industry professionals to assist in preparing and recording auditions. The Education & Workshop Division will provide free courses led by industry professionals to educate and inspire artists on their creative journey. The Virtual Production Division will be in development in year one and will launch at the beginning of year two. The Virtual Production Division will be focused on the future of film and television and be an R&D Department for future industry technology as it applies to video and social media content production.

 

All funds raised will go to the hard costs of developing these divisions. Not a cent will be used for personal expenses, nor will any of us be paid a salary or stipend from the funds raised.

 

Do you already have a location?

Yes, I do! I am very excited to be moving into a historic location that was once owned by Ron Howard and Henry Winkler and has been occupied as a photography studio for nearly 40 years. COVID-19, unfortunately, took its toll on the space this past year and it was converted into a storage unit for music gear for a touring band. BUT, as in-person businesses begin to ramp back up in Los Angeles, I’m elated to bring creative life and energy back into this studio that is so deserving with its rich history. The Studio is located in the heart of the North Hollywood Arts District at Chandler and Tujunga (just a short walk from the Roger Dunn Golf Store).

 

Do you have a name?

Chandler Photo Studios. Because it’s on Chandler and it’s a photo studio. Clever, huh?

 

How much money are you looking to raise?

90k total. In a perfect world I would be able to crowdfund the full 90k, but realistically I hope to reach my goal of 50k. 50k will put us in a very comfortable position to begin our buildout and address electrical and plumbing issues as they arise.

 

Why are you crowdfunding? Why don’t you take out a loan or get investors?

Full disclosure: Like so many of you, COVID-19 also took its toll on my personal finances and my credit took a hit. So, unfortunately, I did not get approved for an SBA loan. I had the resources to secure the space, but I’m tapped out on a large investment. As far as investors go, this is more of a passion project than a money-making venture and most investors are looking for a short return on their investment. I strongly believe the studio will be successful and will ultimately finance itself; therefore, I want to be able to have the freedom to control the rates and fees without stressing about making an investor more money. The goal is to use crowdfunding to really build grassroots support. Chandler Studios will only be as successful as the people that support it and want it to be. I think another benefit to crowdfunding is it shows potential investors for future locations the support we have for those locations.

 

Do you have a business partner?

Photography guru Timothy Fielding is my business partner. He has been managing the photography studio since it was built and is easily one of the most genuine and animated souls you will ever meet. Originally an Illinois native, (his father was a horse jockey from the Sea Biscuit Era and still resides near Arlington Racetrack in Illinois) Timothy moved out to LA shortly after he was hired to photograph the iconic Rod Stewart in the 80s. Timothy went on to become good friends with Laker’s legend Jerry Buss and found his way into shooting some of the greatest athletes of all time. He has nearly 50 years of experience as a photographer and his industry and life experiences are truly invaluable. Our connection to art, community, and Midwest values is what brought us together and continues to bond us. He will be managing all of our artist and executive headshots. Also, he has an incredible handlebar mustache and the luscious white hair of a Lord of the Rings Elf.

 

 

Why are you doing this, aren’t you a restaurant guy?

Although I am a restaurant owner and have been in restaurant management for over 15 years (Yikes!), I actually went to The University of Southern California for theatre and film. Prior to USC, I worked in and around Chicago as a professional actor, set designer, and lighting designer. After USC, I became a professional costume designer and actor. My costume design for The Actor’s Studio performance of Fences at the Tiffany Theater eventually made its way to Broadway. I received a certificate of appreciation from Los Angeles Mayor Gray Davis for my work on the world premiere production of Dogeaters, and assisted on the Ovation nominated costume design for Hostel. Another highlight: I was Tessa Thompson’s costume designer for the Los Angeles Women’s Shakespeare production of The Tempest where somehow, I convinced Tessa to wear a corset that I made from a fallen palm tree (Sorry, Tessa). In addition to costume design, I also had a short stint as an LA actor in Theatre, TV, and Film before taking a much-needed break from “the industry.” For over a decade, the restaurant industry/culinary arts have filled my void for performing arts and design, but I am so excited to add another chapter to my story in developing this community supported project.

 

Is there a market it for this type of business?

Yes, and it is quite expansive. One of the industry leaders, FD Photo Studios, currently has five locations in LA, three locations in NY, and one in Chicago. More and more smaller studios are popping up in lofts and commercial real estate all over downtown LA, and the demand isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Fortunately for us, there are currently none in North Hollywood that offer the quality we will provide.

 

Who is your target audience?

Dancers, Choreographers, Videographers, Photographers, Actors, Visual Artists, Musicians, Corporate Clients, and Social Media Influencers. As corporations put more and more pressure on influencers, dancers, and artists to create content for their brands, these artists are in desperate need of controlled spaces to shoot that content. We are here to fill that void.

 

Who’s going to build it?

My contractor, Russell, and I have been working together closely for the last ten years. He has built many restaurants and nightclubs, in addition to countless home renovations. His most recent restaurants may be familiar to you: Black Market Liquor Bar in Studio City, Scopa in Venice, Dama in DTLA, Chestnut Club in Santa Monica, and The Local Peasant in Woodland Hills. He is a master of carpentry and has one of the most creative masonry minds to match. I will be assisting him in the buildout all along the way to keep labor costs down so more of your money can go towards the design elements.

 

How are you going to promote it?

It will literally take a village. Between Tim, Jason, and myself we each have a pretty deep rolodex of people that are in need of the space we are creating. However, we know that won’t be enough. We have budgeted for targeted social media ads and will be using platforms like Peerspace (it’s like AirBnb for commercial spaces) to help get the word out. We know that STILL will not be enough, so we will also be relying on people like you to spread the word.

 

What unique things would separate you from other businesses like this?

Our mission is to be the premiere resource for connecting actors and artists with industry professionals and corporate clients through hospitality: a word not often associated with the Arts Business. Our goal is to help young and established artists by providing them with the creative tools, knowledge, and resources to create quality content which will enhance their artistic and financial growth. We are looking to create more than a business; we are looking to create a community of talented artists that will become industry leaders.