Today we’d like to introduce you to Brad Slaughter
Hi Brad, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My business partner, Mark Schotte, and I started Bark Productions a little over 25 years ago. We first met while we were both working at Bernstein-Rein (BR) Advertising. Mark was Executive Producer of the agency; I was a new hire, coming right out of college from KU. I joined the agency in operations but quickly moved over into the production department, working as an Associate Producer. I was fascinated with production and Mark became a great mentor for me.
After 6 years of working together @ BR – we got the itch to start our own production company. We started with no clients, no billings – but with the passion to blaze our own trail. We set up our first office in the Union Carbide Building at 912 Baltimore Avenue….and started pounding the pavement – developing new business. Fortunately, fairly quickly, we landed our first project for McDonald’s. And from there, we began to build our business.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Commercial video production can be a bit of a roller coaster. The business can be either overwhelming busy or you’re waiting for the phone to ring. Each year is unique, in that regard. It’s difficult to predict. As we were able to establish a client base and eventually expand the offerings of our company, it developed new opportunities for us.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Bark Productions/19 Below?
Since starting Bark Productions, Mark and I have really enjoyed working (and developing some great friendships) in the Kansas City advertising community. We started with production services under the Bark Productions name and then expanded to offer post-production services with the creation of 19 Below. The two organizations have created a full-service production company that has provided the opportunity to work with ad agencies and clients throughout the Midwest and beyond.
Over the years – the depth of services has expanded with the development of partnerships with directors and production resources from NYC to LA and with the expansion of highly skilled in-house producers, editors, motion designers, colorists and audio engineers. Ultimately, Bark Productions/19 Below has become a one-stop destination for the creation of high-end video production for ad agencies and clients of all sizes. We’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the top agencies in the midwest region and have produced work for clients that include: McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Sprint, LG, Kellogg’s, NASCAR, NAPA Auto Parts, Virgin Mobile, QuikTrip, among others.
The company’s 20,000+ square foot state-of-the art studio is designed to meet the diverse production needs of both video production and post-production. With a spacious, open workspace, we offer a collaborative environment that includes an insert shooting stage, large edit suites, comfortable lounges, kitchen amenities, and secure parking for clients. For production, Bark offers an array of camera packages, grip / electric gear and production support.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
When you own your own business – risk is unavoidable. It’s something that’s always running through your mind…the “what if” scenarios. Calculated risk is part of the game. Whether you’re investing in the hire of new employees, equipment expenditures, or investing in a facility, risk has been part of building our business. Perhaps our most notable risk – was the creation of 19 Below (our post-production arm). Through planning and development in collaboration with talented staff, this turned out to be a risk well worth it – as post-production has enabled us to grow in ways we really had only hoped for…but in fact they became a reality.
In general – a plan is developed, but the company needs to be able to evolve over time. It’s the ability to be nimble and react to new circumstances that help achieve sustained success.
Pricing:
- While each project has its own approach and scope-of-work, our budgets can vary. We have the flexibility to produce a small interview documentary type project, all the way to a national commercial.
Contact Info:
- Website: barkproductions.com; 19below.tv
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barkproductions/; https://www.instagram.com/19_below/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarkProductionsKC/; https://www.facebook.com/19Below/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/barkproductions; https://vimeo.com/edit19below
