Which of these small businesses do you think would do best?

[slashmaster]

I want to start my own small business that has something to do with film. Was wondering if you guys could tell me which of these businesses would have enough real world demand?

!. Was thinking about trying to shoot bands music video's for a living. But a lot of people do this so the demand might not be so high.

2. Was thinking about owning a slitting and perforating machine that can slit and perforate 35mm film down to 16mm, and 8mm. I know there is some demand for it but how much?

3. Was thinking of being a projector repairman who specializes in Bell and Howell. I've already repaired my own and other peoples and have a cnc machine where I might be able to make parts that would be hard to find.

[granfer]

Why only one of those three? If there is limited demand for them, then you should be able to better use your time to advantage by doing more things. You can always drop the unproductive activity (ies) later.
DIVERSIFY!!!!!!!

granfer (retired Tv/audio service engineer/ Aerial installer / Electrical retailer/ Electronic consultant etc (all at the same time!)

[aj]

1 if you get a commission then you have one. But possibly there will not be that many.
you could rent out the equipment when it is not in (planned) use

2 Very difficult. Requires investments and the market isn't that big.
Garantees will very difficult.

3 Is there that much demand for projector repairs? You could purchase easy to operate and repair models. Overhaul these and sell from stock.

If you are a bit of a projectionist you could consider a projection-service for children's parties and where ever more.
You need a region with sufficient potential audiences, a good (16mm) projector(s), a screen and a set of films to show.
I know of people who do such services. There is even one who projects old journals or documentaries at homes for the elderly.

Then there is an ocean of film and slides which people whould like have transfered. The trouble is that some customers are never satisfied with service and goods.

[slashmaster]

Why only one of those three? If there is limited demand for them, then you should be able to better use your time to advantage by doing more things. You can always drop the unproductive activity (ies) later.
DIVERSIFY!!!!!!!

granfer (retired Tv/audio service engineer/ Aerial installer / Electrical retailer/ Electronic consultant etc (all at the same time!)

Thanks Granfer!

I probably will do just that, starting with the ones easiest for me to do now. Do you think I'd be better off building separate business facebook pages for each of them? Or build one for all of them?

[slashmaster]

1 if you get a commission then you have one. But possibly there will not be that many.
you could rent out the equipment when it is not in (planned) use

2 Very difficult. Requires investments and the market isn't that big.
Garantees will very difficult.

3 Is there that much demand for projector repairs? You could purchase easy to operate and repair models. Overhaul these and sell from stock.

If you are a bit of a projectionist you could consider a projection-service for children's parties and where ever more.
You need a region with sufficient potential audiences, a good (16mm) projector(s), a screen and a set of films to show.
I know of people who do such services. There is even one who projects old journals or documentaries at homes for the elderly.

Then there is an ocean of film and slides which people whould like have transfered. The trouble is that some customers are never satisfied with service and goods.

Thanks AJ!

Yeah, maybe selling overhauled projectors is the way to go. Like those 16mm bell and howells which always have that cracked worm gear I can replace. Was also thinking about selling super 8 B & H 346A's that have been converted to manual load so they are less likely to scratch films. Because those particular projectors are known to be very bad for films.

I certainly am a bit of a projectionist. What kinds of films would you suggest owning if you want to do something like that?

[aj]

I wouldn't opt for projectors which are known to be bad
You should choose brands and models who are known to be easy to operate by the user and who are easy to overhaul.
Customers are people who want to watch the family documentaries and possibly want to digitize off the wall.

The projection service could start out with super-8 but I think 16mm is better for quality and ease of operation on site.

I suppose there age groups of children. The attraction (to parents) is the old fashion ambiance. The children like the adventure. The repertoire is best selected from cartoons and comedy. Best stick with proven classic. Disney's are a bit hard to find. Plenty others available. Laurel & Hardy etc etc should be good too. Feature film of the past will look dated and are shortened edits. Prepare for wear and tear. Combine a number of shorts on large spools. Don't make them wait. Use two projectors. Rewind after the show. Use a slide-projector for in style announcements.

For elderly there are plenty documentairies who are at at bargain. Even on 16mm. Here you could go with travel, royalty at work. Industrial heroic style documentary. All from the audience's 20-50-ies

[granfer]

Wouldn't know about Facebook as never use it (or twitter) myself.
A web page that Google or other search engines would find could perhaps be useful.
And, of course, the various Forums.

[James E]

Check out Umit Mesut from one of the other forums:
vimeo.com/80799875
http://www.timeout.com/london/shopping/umit-son
http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/a-speech ... r8-fanatic

[wahiba]

My suggestion would be the technology route. if you can make the re-perforator/splitter then why not a small continuous processing unit and maybe a film to video unit say tied in with the Raspberry-Pi Arduini type computers.

All of these require the manufacture of sprocket transfer device which would seem to be the most complex part.

Finally:

Do not stop buying lottery tickers

Do not give up your day job!

Good Luck.

[Will2]

Maybe pickup a film cleaning machine from a lab going under and offer 16mm print cleaning service. My local lab just cleaned some prints for me and it made a major difference. Most of those old feature prints are just full of dirt and residue that those machines can clean right off.

[slashmaster]

Thanks for the replies everyone! I just started a facebook page for the business I'm trying to start here. https://www.facebook.com/ShildFilm Would be great if you guys could "Like" it and tell me what you think of it so far.