Leif Ramsey, manager of School of Visual Arts and Design Productions, sits in the studio area of Ledford Hall on the Southern Adventist University campus Wednesday. As an extension of SVAD Productions, Ramsey has formed a rental business for equipment and studio space.Name: SVAD Film Rentals
Location: 5010 University Drive, Collegedale, www.SVADfilmrentals.com
Contact information: 423-504-3676
Products/services: Advanced film and video equipment rentals including digital cameras, audio equipment and technical gear for film production. SVAD also offers studio rentals.
Age: Started Jan. 9, 2012
Startup investment: Leif Ramsey has run video production company, SVAD Productions, since 2006. He decided to open SVAD Film Rentals in conjunction with Southern Adventist University to make money on his equipment between projects. Starting the rental business cost between $3,000 and $4,000.
Target market: Video producers filming in the Chattanooga area who either don't have or couldn't bring a piece of video equipment. "The great thing about Chattanooga is there's a lot of people who are interested in the arts and are interested in doing something creative," Ramsey said. "We have a strong enthusiastic community and we have a fair amount, a growing amount, of people who are serious about it."
Biggest hurdle: Grow the art community to make Chattanooga more of a professional video production area. Ramsey said few local professionals make a living at video production.
Biggest reward: Helping that community expand. SVAD is partnered with Southern Adventist University, the school from which Ramsey graduated with a graphic design degree, and he keeps the business open to help new students learn. "From a community perspective it's, 'Hey, here are the resources available if you need them.'"
Lesson learned: Advertising and marketing are important. Ramsey said he hasn't done much marketing for the business, but expects as he increases his efforts more clients will come calling.
Future goals: Ramsey views the rental business as a supportive revenue stream for his video production company. He hopes to double his rental volume within the next three years. "I think that's very doable considering the volume we're doing right now," he said.