The Shortcut to Success: Starting Your Home Video Studio

Hello, aspiring video professionals! I'm Robert Hanley, the founder and CEO of Home Video Studio. Today, I wanted to share some vital insights on making money with video, specifically about starting a home-based video editing business. 

Robert Hanley, CEO & Founder Home Video Studio

Over the years, I've had countless interactions with budding entrepreneurs eager to jump into the video business. Recently, I received an email from someone believing they could replicate our studio at almost half the price by just buying the equipment. This prompted me to underscore a key point: it's not about the equipment alone; it's about what you do with the equipment.

Let me clarify: the equipment does matter, but it's not everything. The video industry is more than just cameras, editing software, and lighting. If your first and foremost concern is equipment, you're setting your priorities wrong. You see, even the best gear could lead to business failure if you're unable to use it effectively or, more importantly, profitably.

Like an artist picking out paints and brushes, your gear is essential, but it's your expertise and ability to attract and serve clients that will truly define your success. Asking questions like, "How will you find customers? How will you price your services? Who will build your website? How will you market your services?" is where your focus should be at the onset.

...If your first and foremost concern is equipment, you're setting your priorities wrong...

This is where joining Home Video Studio comes in. We help you avoid common pitfalls and jumpstart your success by guiding you through the crucial early decisions. Our approach provides a shortcut to creative and financial success in the video industry, especially for those considering a second act or retirement business. We're not just providing equipment; we're offering a comprehensive solution for starting a life change business.

As a Home Video Studio Owner, you'll not only have access to an excellent equipment package (with our expert advice on what to buy), but you'll also benefit from our proven methods of running a successful video business. We'll teach you how to effectively use your new Home Video Studio equipment and how to navigate the complexities of marketing, advertising, and the art of editing and filmmaking. 

If you already have some gear – a camera, computer, or Adobe software subscription, that's great. It could save you money upfront. But remember, don't get fixated on the gear. The real focus should be on how you can use your equipment package to provide you and your family with the income and lifestyle you desire.

Embrace this journey of life change and financial growth. Let's turn your passion for video into a profitable business, providing valuable services to your community. Visit www.myhomevideostudio.com to learn more about how we can make your dream a reality.

May the Force be with You!

Robert Hanley

Producer/Director/Editor

CEO & Founder of Home Video Studio

Are You Scared to Start A Video Business?

Do you feel like you're going in circles? Not getting anywhere? Are you scared to make a move?

We all get scared from time to time. Not scared like afraid of the dark - scared like we are afraid to make a move for fear of failure or rejection. It’s natural. I know many of you have been looking at Home Video Studio for years. Some of you have come close to contacting us or coming to see us but you have not actually done anything yet. Fear holds you back: Fear of making a mistake; Fear of being committed; Fear of Failing; Fear of saying the wrong thing and simply just fear. 

Halloween is a good day to embrace your fear and move forward. Give us a call. Talk to us. Quit going in circles and get things into gear. Call me today at 317-358-5932. Let’s talk. 

Would you like to be in business for yourself? Work whatever hours you wish? Do your own thing? Be your own boss?

Saturday, November 5th is our next Show 'N Tell Saturday. You can also attend via Zoom. You do have to be approved to attend so call or email sooner than later. 

On that day we will be taking some of you through what makes up this incredible business that we have called Home Video Studio for the past thirty-one years. We’ll show you how you can control your time and your lifestyle and have the most amazing life and career. And if you simply want to make a bunch of money, we will show you that too. 

Call us today and get registered for Show ‘N Tell Saturday Weekend or Zoom 'N Tell. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and get things going. Spots at this Show ‘N Tells are filling up. Space is limited at these events so call 317-358-5932 ASAP. Remember that at anytime you can go to our website and get more information: www.myhomevideostudio.com.

P.S. Happy Halloween! 

May the FORCE be with You! 

Robert Hanley

Producer/Director/Editor

CEO & Founder Home Video Studio

Join the Winner's Circle in Video Production

 

Join The Winner's Circle. Mike Bartlett (Left) was in the Swimming Pool Business. John Fehling was a Family Physician.

Both Mike and John are Award Winning Producer/Directors. They own and operate Home Video Studios. Find out more at www.myhomevideostudio.com

Home Video Studio Welcomes Keith and Tina Bright!

We want to wish our newest Studio Owners - Keith and Tina Bright a warm welcome into the Home Video Studio Family. Tina and Keith were installed last week. They are opening a Home Video Studio Store in Lowell, AR. Good Luck!

Video Production Studios Need Marketing That Works. Home Video Studio Announces Daniel Ramos As A Trainer at Getaway 22 in Reno, Nevada

 

We are happy to announce Daniel Ramos as a Trainer at Getaway 22 in Reno, Nevada. Daniel Ramos of BeFound Next will be training Thursday, Friday and Saturday on social media, Google Ads, marketing and marketing management and step by step guidance on the various modules his company BeFound Next provides.  Hope to see you in Reno. We will be announcing more trainers soon.

If you would like to lear more about Home Video Studio go to www.myhomevideostudio.com

Debbie Williams Wins Home Video Studio Dr Strangelove Hanley Award

Home Video Studio Owner Debbie Williams wins the Dr. Strangelove Hanley Award at the 21st Annual Home Video Studio Hanley Awards in Clearwater, Florida on July 17, 2021. Want to start your own home-based video business? www.myhomevideostudio.com.

It's not the Equipment...

Yesterday, I blogged about our new Home Video Studio packages and system pricing.

I received many emails and phone calls. I also received the following email message this morning.

Sorry I am not interested. I can have those equipments less than almost half of those price. 

Thanking you 

I wrote back and briefly explained that it is not about the equipment. It is about what you do with the equipment. I thought I would expand on this concept today.

Our expertize is what our clients pay us for. We know a thing or two about equipment.

So it is not about the equipment…  but it is about the equipment.

If you want to be in this business – become a video producer, production company, director, etc. most likely the first thing you will do (or have already done) is to search for some equipment. You’ll look at cameras and editing software. You’ll explore lighting and mikes. You’ll either go PC or Mac. There are literally hundreds of decisions you will have to make.

Just as an artist might pick out their paints and brushes. You will choose your gear. The fact is you will not only make a lot of mistakes with your purchases but when you put the equipment first you are focusing on the wrong area. You are starting off on the wrong foot.  

The studio equipment you start out with is important but more imperative is how you use that equipment. If equipment is your first priority, you could go out of business within a few months to a year.

It’s not the equipment. It’s what you’ll do with it. Instead of asking questions about equipment, focus on these types of questions first.

How will you get the word out? How will you find customers? How will you price your services? Who will build your website? Who will write the copy? How will they know what to write? How will you advertise and market your services to your community? How will you learn marketing, advertising, the art of editing and filmmaking?

These are valid and important questions. There are hundreds of others as well.

It’s all about priorities… knowing which questions to ask first, second and third and having the answers readily available to you. This is where Home Video Studio comes in.

We know what to teach you first, second and third. We know the answers to your questions before you even think of them. That’s why people pay us.

So yes we have a fantastic equipment package but much more than that, we have a wonderful method of teaching you how to use your new Home Video Studio equipment. We are a short cut to creative and financial success.

Should you become a Home Video Studio Owner, you will purchase your own equipment with our counsel from our detailed shopping list. You may already have some gear – a camera, computer, and Adobe software subscription or other items. That’s fine and if you do, that will save you money upfront. Just don’t get fixated on the gear. Let’s focus on what to do with your studio equipment package and how to use it to provide you and your family the income and lifestyle you desire.

Check out our website for more info: www.myhomevideostudio.com.

May the Force be with You.

Robert Hanley

Producer/Director/Editor

President & Founder Home Video Studio

317-358-5932

Jim Fitzhugh of Katy, TX Starts A Home Video Studio Business

Jim Fitzhugh of Katy, Texas

They say everything is bigger in Texas and Jim, who was installed in May 2017, is the first owner using Home Video Studio's new signature edit desk – it's cool and it's big! Meet Jim Fitzhugh, owner of Home Video Studio – Katy, Texas! 

Jim was "born on the bayou" growing up in Houma, Louisiana about 60 miles south of New Orleans. He became interested in the visual arts early in life watching his dad shoot 8mm home movies. Then he really got serious: "Early in high school I got the photography bug," says Jim. "I even turned a closet into a darkroom and bought a photo enlarger."

Upon high school graduation Jim attended LSU and majored in Mechanical Engineering. He then set out on a long and successful career in the energy industry working for Amoco (since merged with BP). 

Jim's interest in video and photography remained strong as an adult and he decided to keep it up as a serious hobby and an escape from the daily pressure of work. He bought the equipment he needed to shoot and edit video – then placed a Yellow Page ad for video production services. 

"My plan was to make enough money to pay for the equipment, then shut off the advertising and business aspect...I just wanted to pay for my hobby," laughs Jim, "but one of the first calls I got was for VHS copies, so I went to a store and bought 10 VCRs. Now I was in the video services business." 

"Early in high school I got the photography bug," says Jim. "I even turned a closet into a darkroom and bought a photo enlarger."

Fitzhugh soon reinvested in a Mac G5 and began honing his production and editing chops. Then in the early 2000s he saw an ad for Home Video Studio in a video magazine. "I was interested because I figured there were a lot of secrets I just didn't know about. But the timing wasn't right because I was still very busy with work." Video, however, remained an important part of Jim's life as a fulfilling hobby. 

In 2005, just before Jim retired from BP, the biggest challenge of his career came. As Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc in the gulf Jim was faced with coordinating the shutting down and dismantling of many damaged oil platforms containing numerous producing oil and gas wells – a touchy situation with millions upon millions of dollars and, more important, many human lives at stake. Besides a pressure relief Jim used his video skill to produce a video recap of these operations. 

Finally, upon retiring and 15 years after running across Home Video Studio , Fitzhugh decided to revisit them. "I was retired, needing some guidance, and bored," says Jim, "so I gave Robert a call." Everything fell into place quickly and Jim Fitzhugh became a studio owner in Katy, Texas, just outside of Houston.

Just installed, Jim has some definite plans for his new lifestyle. "I've broken my goals down into what I call my VIP goals," says Jim. "That's V for video goals, I for income goals, and P for personal satisfaction goals." 

We welcome Jim Fitzhugh to the Home Video Studio family!

What about you?Would you like to change your career? Have you spent three years or three decades and now you would like to be somewhere else? Sick of your job? Start your own Home Video Studio. If you have quesiotns, call me. 

Call me. Let’s chat. 317-358-5932. 


May be Force be with You. 

Robert Hanley
Producer/Director/Editor
President & Founder Home Video Studio

Learn More About Home Video Studio

Download my free audio book:  How to Start & Run  Your Own Home Video Studio. Click here to download: www.myhomevideostudio.com

You could join Jim at Getaway 17!

Don't Wait!

Each week I make a reading suggestion for you; a book or blog that has made a real difference in my personal life and/or business life.  I do have a long, long list. I love books and I read a lot. 

A client gave me this book. In fact I have a number of books given to me by various clients throughout the years. This book was given to me by Jane Gray. I remember loving the title of the book as well as the book. It holds a special place on my book shelf. It's a great message. 

Today's selection is Don't Wait - take the first step by Jane Gray. 
Here is a short description from Amazon.com (available for $12.95).

Out of personal life experiences Jane Gray illuminates the importance of relationships with God and with others. DON'T WAIT is a simple but profound message that encourages you to make life decisions that are truly important. This elegant book transends time shown by its photographic illustrations, uplifting quotes and heart filled writing leading you to seize the moment and change your life forever-DON'T WAIT!

Most people avoid important life changing decisions. You only get one shot. Don't wait! Make things happen!

I'll see you next Wednesday with another selection. 

May the Force be with You!

Robert Hanley

Producer/Director/Editor
CEO Home Video Studio

317-358-5932

Copyright © 2017

P.S. Check us out at www.Homevideostudio.com.

Advanced Training 17 Begins! Running & Marketing a Video Production Company

Studio owners from all over the United States and Canada train.

Advanced Training #17 has begun! Welcome to our Home Video Studio Owners from the United States and Canada. We have 24 studios training on running and marketing a video production studio in Indianapolis this week. Want to join us for Show 'N Tell Saturday Seminar on the weekend? Call Robert Hanley at 1-866-71401956 for details on how you can attend our VIP Friday dinner and our free Saturday seminar.

Want to be in the Video Business?

Learn how you can start your own

Home Video Studio

at Show 'N Tell Saturday.

Three dates to choose from!

Join us on one of these dates:  

Saturday, February 4 

Saturday, February 11

Saturday, February 18 

Indianapolis, IN

Space is limited. Travel paid for qualified attendees!*

Start your own video business! 

Call 1-317-358-5932 to reserve your spot!

Seven Major Things You Will Learn At My Saturday Seminar!

MAKING MONEY - The number one thing we’ll cover is making money in the video business. I’ll cover pricing video as well as collecting the money.  What’s the difference between a $500.00 video and a $5000.00 video? Are you leaving money on the table? I’ll teach you how we do it! Oh... what about a $30,000.00 video? 

ADVERTISING & MARKETING -  This is the great unknown for most people who attempt to enter our industry. How do you get business and find clients? I’ll share with you.   

TRAINING & SUPPORT - I’ll cover our 12 month and 21 day in person training program in depth.  How do we take you from where you are now to where you want to be? We are very good at this as long as you can take that first step and get to Show ‘N Tell!

STUDIO EQUIPMENT - You’ll be in my studio all day so we’ll definitely get into the nitty gritty on equipment and gear. How will you outfit your studio? Do you have current equipment that can be used? Maybe and if so that will save you some money. 

FINANCIAL GOALS - Our goal is for you to make $5000.00 per week in your new video business. I’ll take you through our core principles and provide you with a clear understanding of how you can reach your goals. Making money is easy if you can follow our plan. 

CREATIVE GOALS - Not everyone is out to make a fortune. Home Video Studio is a very fun and exciting business and lifestyle. Want to turn your hobby into a real live functioning studio? We can do that for you. Want to get your family involved in the business? We’ll help train them. This is a very family friendly business.

TRANSITIONS - We’ll discuss transitions and getting started. Going to quit your job? Come out of retirement? Convert a 401k? Will you work the studio part time until you can go full time? We will start designing a plan for you at Show ‘N Tell Saturday. 

FUNDING - We’re not cheap. It takes about $62,900.00 to $72,900.00 to start your Home Video Studio. Some people are shocked at this. Others find the money. I am an expert at funding if you need to find the money. One of the things we do on Saturday afternoon is cover financing.  It’s not that difficult. If you need consultation on funding call me. 

Attend my next Making Money With Video Seminar!

Join Robert Hanley on Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 in Indianapolis, IN in Las Vegas on Wednesday, December 7th or in Boston on Saturday, December 10th For Show 'N Tell Saturday!  Space is limited. Travel paid for qualified attendees!* Start your own video business!  Call 317-358-5932 to reserve your spot!

Seven Major Things You Will Learn At My Saturday Seminar! MAKING MONEY - The number one thing we’ll cover is making money in the video business. I’ll cover pricing video as well as collecting the money.  What’s the difference between a $500.00 video and a $5000.00 video? Are you leaving money on the table? I’ll teach you how we do it! Oh... what about a $30,000.00 video?  ADVERTISING & MARKETING -  This is the great unknown for most people who attempt to enter our industry. How do you get business and find clients? I’ll share with you.    TRAINING & SUPPORT - I’ll cover our 12 month and 21 day in person training program in depth.  How do we take you from where you are now to where you want to be? We are very good at this as long as you can take that first step and get to Show ‘N Tell! STUDIO EQUIPMENT - You’ll be in my studio all day so we’ll definitely get into the nitty gritty on equipment and gear. How will you outfit your studio? Do you have current equipment that can be used? Maybe and if so that will save you some money.  FINANCIAL GOALS - Our goal is for you to make $5000.00 per week in your new video business. I’ll take you through our core principles and provide you with a clear understanding of how you can reach your goals. Making money is easy if you can follow our plan.  CREATIVE GOALS - Not everyone is out to make a fortune. Home Video Studio is a very fun and exciting business and lifestyle. Want to turn your hobby into a real live functioning studio? We can do that for you. Want to get your family involved in the business? We’ll help train them. This is a very family friendly business. TRANSITIONS - We’ll discuss transitions and getting started. Going to quit your job? Come out of retirement? Convert a 401k? Will you work the studio part time until you can go full time? We will start designing a plan for you at Show ‘N Tell Saturday.  FUNDING - We’re not cheap. It takes about $62,900.00 to $72,900.00 to start your Home Video Studio. Some people are shocked at this. Others find the money. I am an expert at funding if you need to find the money. One of the things we do on Saturday afternoon is cover financing.  It’s not that difficult. If you need consultation on funding call me.  I suggest you bring your spouse/partner to our Show ‘N Tell weekend. Join my wife Denise and I for dinner on Friday evening. That’s our treat. You’ll know a whole lot more about running a Home Video Studio by end of day on Saturday!  Check out our website for more information: www.myhomevideostudio.com

Tony & Lori Melendez Started a Video Production Company with Home Video Studio 14 Years Ago!

After fourteen years with Home Video Studio, Tony and Lori Melendez have advice for people looking into becoming a Home Video Studio owner: "This is a good time, for people, to go into business for themselves. If you have a passion for video,  Home Video Studio is the best way to do it."

Tony and Lori Melendez at 2016 Hanley Awards

Tony and Lori Melendez, Home Video Studio owners from Amherst, Ohio, reached a  milestone in their Home Video Studio career last spring. Tony puts it like this, "Robert (Hanley, founder and president of Home Video Studio) told us that the day we bought a Home Video Studio we'd never forget the date," says Tony, "and he was right! We decided to become studio owners on May 11, 2002 and we have always cherished that day."

That makes Tony and Lori fourteen year veterans with Home Video. 
Tony and Lori’s involvement with Home Video Studio came by way of a “happy accident.” Tony was a freelance videographer who picked up the phone looking for some advice.

Tony explains, "I had taken on a wedding job and was looking for some technical support and I happened to pick up a Videomaker magazine and saw an ad for Home Video Studio. I was hoping to reach a video expert and soon I was talking to a stranger named Robert Hanley who not only pointed me in the right direction for my technical problem but advised me on some pricing as well."

Of course Robert also advised him of the benefits of affiliating with Home Video Studio and after that call one thing led to another. Tony and Lori were attracted by the notion of being in business "for yourself, but not by yourself." They attended a "Show N Tell Saturday" in Indianapolis and on a red-letter day in May they became studio owners and have enjoyed the income, support, expertise and camaraderie that successful Home Video Studio owners enjoy ever since. 

“You have to have a vision, you have to have a picture of the future you want." 
- Tony Melendez

What are some of the keys that make for this success and longevity? If you're looking for secrets or shortcuts there are none (except for Home Video Studio itself). Tony and Lori simply exhibit that age-old traits that work:

“You have to have a vision,” says Melendez, who started his business in his home and operated out of it for nearly eleven years before moving into a studio store, “you have to have a picture of the future you want.”

Tony and Lori at Getaway 4 in 2004

Tony and Lori have worked as a team their entire married life. Tony spent his career as an educator - teaching and coaching – and, until 2011, ran his business alongside these demands, first on his own and then as a Home Video Studio owner. "A mentor told me when I first started teaching not to put all my eggs in one basket," says Tony. Some teachers paint or clean windows on the side. I liked video so I started my own video business and worked it in the evenings, on weekends and in the summer." Lori, who has a background in marketing and also ran a successful daycare, has partnered with him from the beginning.

Together Tony and Lori took the daily steps necessary to fulfill their dream. It wasn’t an accident.  It was planned and cultivated.

Tony and Lori have also won many Hanleys, international awards for creative excellence, at the HVS Annual Getaway held each year. Among these honors are Studio Owners of the Year, Rookies of the Year, Best Video Production, Best Wedding, Best High Concept Video, Best Sports Scholarship Video, Best of Show and Studio Store of the Year.  

Want to start your own Home Video Studio? Call 1-866-7141956 or go to www.myhomevideostudio.com. 

Home Video Studio - Serious Income, Fun Business!

One of the most asked questions I receive is about money.  Questions like:  How much money can I make? Can I make X amount of money? Can I replace my income?

If the question comes first – like it’s the number one topic you bring up when we first talk then most likely you are not a good candidate to start a business or at least a Home Video Studio.

If the question comes later on after you and I have chatted a bit, the opposite is true. Perhaps you are a person who can succeed at this business. It’s natural to want to have an understanding on how much you can make and how soon especially when the entry level is $62,900.00. But… your passion has to come first.

That’s right currently it takes about $62,900.00 to get into Home Video Studio. NOTE: We have a price increase coming soon but for now you can still buy in at this price.  

“Serious Income, Fun Business.” That’s our slogan. We’ll teach you everything about this business including making money.  If you’ve got the passion, we can put you into this profession.

How much money can you make? That is up to you. One thing’s for sure, you’ll never know until you try – until you make it happen.

Tomorrow on Wednesday, I am flying to Houston to finish the install for one of our newest owners, Troy Griggs. Troy found us in Videomaker. He is in his forties, married with two children. Troy is making it happen.

We have a Basic Training starting in early October. Two new studio owners will be training:  a retired man in his 60s and a TV Production Shooter in his forties. I have one slot open at this training. Can you make it happen? We have a spot for you.

Why not get started now? Call me and let’s chat. I know this business inside and out. You’re going to have a ball. You’re going to love it. You’re going to make money and have fun.

Call 317-358-5932 or call toll free 866-714-1956. 

Nothing happens until you actually start. You take action. You make it happen.

Download my free audio book: "How to Start & Run Your Own Home Video Studio."

May the Force be with You.

Best Regards,

Robert Hanley

Producer/Director/Editor

President & Founder Home Video Studio