With support from Northumberland Business Service Ltd (NBSL), father and son partnership Ian and Matthew Brown have joined forces to create Flashlight Films, combining experience to develop their passion for film and start new careers in the industry.
The Haltwhistle based company provides high definition films and promotional videos for small to medium size businesses that wish to expand within a more competitive market. With high-quality DVDs, animated menus and enhanced features for audio CDs, they also produce videos for musicians looking to widen their appeal.
Through NBSL’s Enterprise Bridge Programme which is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2007-13, the pair developed their business plan with in depth advice sessions to review all aspects of the company’s activities.
Recent films include one for Northumberland National Park about footpath restoration work on the Simonside Hills, a complex evaluation film for a Big Lottery funded volunteering project, and a promotional video for Haltwhistle Swimming & Leisure Centre.
“Flashlight Films is now a well equipped film company,” enthused Matthew, a university graduate in Film Production Technology. “
“As well as the promotional business films, it’s been exciting to produce music videos for up-and-coming bands Waterfront and the Little Comets. The Comets’ single, One night in October, was screened over 40 times on MTV2 and has received over 50,000 Youtube hits already. At one point it was ahead of Oasis at number three in the independent singles chart!
“More recently we have also produced a souvenir DVD for the South Tyneside Railway which operates England’s highest narrow gauge railway between Alston and Kirkhaugh. We already knew a thing or two about the line as we’ve been regular visitors over the years.”
The family partnership obtained excellent support from Sylvia Grainger at NBSL’s Business Advice Centre in Hexham, accessing valuable start up support and funding. Ian was also supported from the centre in undertaking his ILM Online Level 3 course in Starting Your Own Business.
Once the business was trading, Tynedale Council (before merging into Northumberland County Council) was able to support them with a match funding business expansion grant to enhance their equipment.
The Simonside Hills film involved significant preliminary research with Northumberland National Park. Ian and Matthew wrote the commentary before planning a detailed shot list for footage which was gleaned over three filming sessions. They were supported by a park ranger with a Land Rover to give them access to filming sites in the hills.
The commentary was then recorded on Flashlight’s portable sound studio at the National Park base in Rothbury. Editing included titles, captions, acknowledgments and background music written, recorded and performed by the talented duo. The final product was a boxed DVD with a fully designed corporate cover for the Park Authority.
“Having a well planned business from the start equipped us to deal with the unexpected things that naturally come along,” added Ian. “It’s been hard work to get up and running but very rewarding. I wouldn’t have missed it for anything!
“There will always be something we need so we are planning to purchase further additional equipment to take us forward and we have some exciting projects lined up, such as an interactive, promotional school DVD for parents.”
NBSL’s Enterprise Bridge Programme secured its ERDF investment, which supports innovation, enterprise and business support across the North East, through regional development agency One North East.
Ian’s previous work as a Deputy Head Teacher at a South Tynedale Middle School involved getting behind the camera to support the curriculum both for teacher training and for school information films. He orchestrated the recording of special events within the school and community and helped youngsters to plan, produce and make films.
Matthew’s passion for the industry has led him to produce and edit a wide range of screen offerings, including videos for bands and individuals, an information film about a secure training unit for violent teenagers and a dramatic piece about the modern social scene, the latter of which was shown at a film festival.
Examples of Flashlight’s work can be viewed at www.myspace.com/flashlightfilms and they can be contacted at flashlightfilms@aol.com.
NBSL has advice centres located on the high streets of Hexham, Morpeth, Blyth, Ashington, Alnwick and Berwick, helping budding entrepreneurs to set up in business. For further information, call 01670 813322 or visit www.nbsl.org.uk
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