Case Study: 008 Productions Ltd

008 Productions Ltd is a Company Limited by Guarantee which produces an eclectic range of performing arts productions.

Introduction

Mike Howl is a writer and actor. In his search for writing material he uncovered the fact that during the Second World War, Huyton an area in the outskirts of Liverpool was home to a Prisoner of War Camp. Given the fact that there were likely to be living members of the community who had experienced the period, the director’s imaginations were stimulated and excited by the prospect of producing a living history film. Encouraged by the Government’s policy that is focusing on developing creative industries, and the need to address social problems in the community, the idea of a short film production company was born. By combining interesting community history with dramatic production, Mike, believed that he can stimulate and influence the thought processes of the older people as they experience a re-birth of their usefulness and position within the community.

Research within the community received an exciting and positive response and resulted in a substantial number of people wanting to participate in the film. A surprising number of people that had lived through the second war generation were still resident in Huyton at the time to making the film. Among them were three German ex-patriots who took up residence after marrying girls from Liverpool.

Because of the high profile attached to the film due to its historical nature, 008 Productions received funding from various creative industries supporting agencies, to support the embryonic stage of the film. A lot of hard work over a period of just less than 12 months raised a lot of interest when the second war film, entitled “They were all some Mother’s and Father’s Sons,” was produced and launched. The success of the film saw 008 Productions enjoying its premier when Granada showed it “live”. The film was also attended by Roger Philips of Radio Merseyside who featured it on his programme. More than 200 community members and officials had the opportunity to see the film.

Growth

In addition to the aspect of business that promotes short historical films of a particular nature to the community, Mike has now identified a gap in the market where the development of community cohesion through educating and informing young people in schools is crucial. This new arm of the business uses drama and the performing arts to bring about cohesion within troubled communities. Productions cover a diverse range of topics and issues which has allowed young people to understand social issues that affect their daily lives. This in turn, is helping to address the endemic problems associated with social exclusion. Issues that are dramatised include anti-social behaviour, racism and ageism.

The material researched from a wider-base of social issues and is then used to produce a piece of film or theatre or both, which is used to develop interactive workshops for use in schools, youth and community groups. The service has extended to show the films to youth offenders serving probation. Furthermore, 008 Productions is successfully providing work experience to drama/theatre students and this has reinforced relationships between schools and colleges. Mike has been involved in educational theatre in the past but the idea of producing something different has stimulated a passion that awakens young people to the realities of society. Mike firmly believes that although many national social issues are currently dealt with by theatre, young people may not firmly see themselves as part of these social problems. They often feel remote from the cause or the effect, and thus practicing self elimination.

By predominantly developing a focus upon promoting its services to wider youth groups, 008 Productions, educate and entertain young people. This new business approach is entirely consistent with the Government’s aim to promote the development of a safe, just and tolerant society. The Government supports the industry through schemes such as the entrepreneur scholarships, enterprise education, tax relief and has also offered more funds to the Arts Council and other creative industries bodies. In 2005 creative industries leaders from across the sector celebrated the official launch of Creative and Cultural Skills – this included the sector Skills Council for advertising, crafts, cultural heritage, design, music, performing, literary and visuals arts, heralding etc. This is a new era for growing talent in the creative and cultural industries. Therefore, 008 Productions is contributing to the development of creative industries within the UK – and is part of a sector that is moving towards promoting the evolution of Britain towards becoming the creative hub of Europe.

Issues

Mike is keen to see the future of 008 Productions built on solid foundation of sustainability. The company is aiming at continually improving and expanding upon the current services offered, with a view to operate beyond the local market. Currently 008 Productions is focusing on a range of social issues but would also want to include issues such as nutrition, sexual health, drugs, bullying etc. However, in order to cover such a diverse agenda, Mike is now seeking financial support and has approached relevant public organisations who share the same passions to solicit funding. The business has grown to a stage where the new activities, which are also at the heart of the government agenda, will have to attract more funding. Mike is spending a lot of time approaching funding agencies that support businesses because the business has outgrown income from profits that was dedicated for expansion purposes.

Legal Entity Sole trader – Mike Howl. Description 008 Productions produced historical films and dramas associated with endemic social problems. The services also focus on educating young people. Products: Video Production. Trading: Since 2005. Turnover: £62,000

Learning Curve

“008 Productions is like a one-stop shop that holds a basket of creative solutions to different community issues. I have learnt that it pays off to have a broad base of services that are well structured and varied. The service portfolio has broadened and is now less volatile and therefore less risky,” Mike explained.

Furthermore, the company has learnt how to tap into cost-saving through maximising on economies of scale. through dealing with the same suppliers. For instance 008 Productions enjoys reduced theatre hire rates because the company deals with the same suppliers. For school dramas and short films venues are even offered for free because of the relationships built with schools and colleges over a long time.