A Lisburn-based video production company Speed Motion Films has plans to expand after receiving mentoring and funding from the government backed business support service Go Succeed.
Using the Go Succeed grant it is accelerating its growth ambitions with investment in its in-house studio and drone equipment.
It means the business, set up by Damien Gallagher over a decade ago, can increase capacity and the number of projects it is working on over the coming months as demand for its services continues to increase.
The company which produces television programmes for broadcasters including the BBC and RTE, also makes high end video productions for clients such as Belfast Harbour, National Trust and Tourism NI.
“We have invested heavily in our studio over the past two years, so we can now carry out significantly more work in house, with a space for TV interviews and podcasts, which has already been used by major broadcasters including Bloomberg,” he said.
“The Go Succeed grant has allowed us to invest in a new drone and also further enhance our studio, which is now a totally ‘black out’ space which dramatically improves the quality and effectiveness of our work.”
With a background in graphic and web design, Damien caught the video bug making videos for his basketball team in his youth.
He said: “Making videos for the basketball team and putting them on YouTube is really where it started and then I was a videographer at a local cycling shop before taking the launch and setting up Speed Motion Films.
“We’ve come an incredibly long way in the last 10 years, now with a full production studio and operating a number of top of the range drones as we evolve to meet the needs of clients.
“When we first started out, it was just myself and my business partner. We were producing a one-off TV show on a mountain bike but it then snowballed into a seven-part TV series that went all around the world, and that is where Speed Motion Films really took off.”
Looking to the future, Damien hopes the studio can become an educational asset to the wider video production industry.
“I’m really passionate about the educational side of things with video content,” he said.
“Whether it’s for businesses or individuals, our plan is to use it as a place that we can host masterclasses for others, to show them what is possible with video production.”
Go Succeed services are delivered completely free of charge via each of Northern Ireland’s 11 councils and offer support for entrepreneurs just starting out, as well as established businesses looking to grow.
Councillor Claire Kemp, Chair of the Regeneration & Growth Committee said: “Speed Motion Films is an incredible locally based company that is operating at the very top of its game and making an impact that is truly global.
“Having such an asset right on our doorstep is a great benefit to Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, and an inspiration to fellow and future entrepreneurs. Damien’s ability to attract major businesses as clients shows what is possible.
“We are pleased assistance from Go Succeed is accelerating his plans to take the business even further.”
Go Succeed (www.go-succeed.com) is funded by the UK Government. The service supports entrepreneurs, new starts and existing businesses with easy-to-access advice and support including mentoring, peer networks, access to grant funding and a business plan, at every stage of their growth journey. Participants also have exclusive access to the Go Succeed Members Area which provides business templates, bitesize business tutorials, and more.