Your company name is the first thing potential clients will learn about you. A great name is memorable, easy to say, and hints at what you do. Start by brainstorming words related to production, creativity, film, and your unique style. Think about what makes you different. Are you focused on sleek corporate videos or gritty, artistic commercials?

Once you have a list, say the names out loud. Do they roll off the tongue? Are they easy to spell? A name that's hard to remember or spell is a name that's hard to find.

Before you fall in love with a name, check its availability. The most important check is for the website domain (like yourcompany.com). You'll also want to see if the name is available on major social media platforms. A consistent name across all channels makes you look professional and easy to find.

Your brand is more than just your name. It's the overall look and feel of your company. It's how you communicate your personality and values without saying a word. A strong brand identity builds trust and makes you recognizable.

Think about these key elements:

• Logo: This is your visual signature. It should be simple, versatile, and work well in black and white or in color. It will go on everything, from your website to your invoices.
• Color Palette: Choose a few consistent colors that reflect your brand's personality. Are you modern and techy (blues and grays) or energetic and bold (oranges and yellows)?
• Typography: Select one or two fonts that are easy to read and match your style. Use them consistently on your website, in proposals, and in emails.
• Voice: How do you sound in your writing? Are you formal and corporate, or casual and creative? This voice should be consistent everywhere you write.

Your website is your company’s home base. It's where potential clients go to see your work and decide if you're the right fit for their project. The goal is to make it as easy as possible for them to see your talent and contact you.

A professional website doesn't need to be complicated. Focus on a clean, simple design that's easy to navigate. Most visitors will be on their phones, so make sure your site looks great on a small screen. Your contact information should be easy to find on every page. Don't make people hunt for a way to give you business.

In the production world, your portfolio is your resume. It’s the proof of your skills. This is usually presented in two key ways: a showreel and a portfolio.

Your showreel, or demo reel, is your highlight clip. It should be 60-90 seconds long—short enough to hold anyone's attention. Put your absolute best shots first. The goal is to grab a viewer immediately and make them want to see more. It should be a high-energy montage cut to music that shows off your range and technical skill.

While the showreel is the hook, the portfolio is the deeper dive. This is where you display individual projects. You can organize your portfolio by client, style, or type of project (e.g., "Commercials," "Music Videos," "Corporate"). For each project, consider including a brief description of the goal and your role in making it happen. This gives clients context and shows them you can handle projects from start to finish.

Time to see what you've learned about setting up your production company.

With these foundations in place, you're not just a person with a camera—you're a professional business ready to attract clients.