Filmmaking Planner

She says: “Frustrated and disheartened, I took a step back from the industry and embarked on a personal healing journey, seeking solace and inspiration from within. During this transformative time, I discovered the power of journals and planners. I poured my heart and soul into fleshing out the life I wanted, meticulously mapping out my filmmaking ideas. I grew tired of piecing together my vision on loose scraps of paper, complex templates, and sticky notes.

I channelled my creativity and tenacity into a new business venture. Late nights turned into months of designing and planning, fuelled by tears and unwavering determination. Then in 2023, with the help of a £10,000 loan from Start Up Loans, my manifestations came into fruition and Filmmaking Planner was born."

Q&A with Aysha:

How are things going now, and what has been your biggest achievement so far?

Things have been going extremely well for Filmmaking Planner. We launched our first hard-back planner in July 2023 and have started to receive sales and positive feedback on the planners. We are set to launch the digital version of the hardback planner, offering various colours, and are in production with our gift set Executive Planner and a wiro-bound version – a sleeker, expanded version of the original planner. One of our most significant achievements so far is that we have successfully executed our business start-up plan, and the planner has begun to generate sales.

As a small business and startup, we are still becoming familiar with this new sector of stationery combined with filmmaking. Nonetheless, we have managed to secure four collaborations with a renowned producer, two universities, and a film festival. Additionally, the planners have been distributed through the British Bookshop and Amazon. We have also built strong relationships with designers, print-on-demand services, and e-commerce platforms such as Shopify and Etsy.

How did you come up with your company name?

The company name came to me quite easily because it perfectly aligned with what I wanted to achieve with the business. ‘Film Planning’ is a crucial skill that every filmmaker, whether a beginner, student, or seasoned pro, must master to ensure the success of a film or film production.

What’s the best thing about running your own business?

The best thing about running your own business is the autonomy and control it provides. As a business owner, you have the freedom to shape your vision, make decisions, and steer the direction of your enterprise. This autonomy allows for creativity, innovation, and the pursuit of personal and professional fulfilment. It also offers the potential for financial rewards and the satisfaction of building something meaningful from the ground up.

What are your plans for the future of your business?

The plans for the future are to continue building the company’s brand while engaging and cultivating a cult following among indie and professional filmmakers. We plan to expand by offering online filmmaking training and courses, as well as filmmakers’ accessories such as pens, cups, and T-shirts featuring meaningful film quotes and inspiration. In the near future, we hope to secure distribution of our planners in stores such as Sainsbury’s, WHSmith, Waterstones, and others.

Why did you choose Start Up Loans?

I chose Start Up Loans after learning about it through a promotion on TikTok, thinking it sounded like a great idea to get my business off the ground. In the past, when setting up companies, it has always been a struggle and never really taken off as I had hoped, mainly due to a lack of financial resources to give the business a proper start.

What has getting the finance meant to you?

Securing the business startup loan has meant a great deal to me. Without it, I’m not sure where I would be with the business. The loan has been instrumental in allowing me to make significant strides. It has enabled me to secure two interns for marketing and content creation, which are crucial for getting the brand noticed online. Additionally, I’ve managed to create three products, start to generate income for myself, invest in marketing efforts, and cover the startup operational costs. In essence, this financing has been the catalyst for turning my business vision into a tangible reality.

Have you worked with a mentor/business advisor?

Yes

Tell us about your experience of working with a mentor/business advisor?

My experience of working with a business mentor provided by my loan provider made all the difference in fine-tuning my business knowledge. I felt strongly supported and received valuable advice and tools to assist with the startup process. This guidance not only helped me navigate the early stages of my business but also gave me the confidence and clarity needed to make informed decisions for its growth