Stage 3 Productions diversifies workload to spur growth

Before the Great Recession hit, Stage 3 Productions relied almost exclusively on the automotive industry. Now that the downturn is starting to let up, the Warren-based studio has survived and grown, thanks to a newly diversified client base.

Stage 3 Productions relied on automotive photography and other media for at least 80 percent of its work just a few years ago. Today automotive accounts for 50 percent of its business. The rest is a mishmash of computer generated imagery, photography touchups, studio rentals for events, the defense industry, and even music videos.

"The automotive work has turned around in the last 2-3 months," says Art Bonus, business manager for Stage 3 Productions. "We're shooting some projects right now that we hope will turn into long-term things."

The 25-year-old company employs nine people, an intern, and draws upon a stable of about 20 independent contractors for some of its projects. Those include a recent video for a duet song between local rapper Sean Forbes and Academy Award winner and Dancing With The Stars contestant Marlee Matlin. Both entertainers are deaf and are behind the song "Lets Mambo." It is also doing some defense work through TACOM.

Bonus expects this new variety of work, along with the rebound of the auto industry, to boost his business significantly this year. The studio hopes to add to its staff in 2011 and is even considering the possibility of expanding its space in Warren.

Source: Art Bonus, business manager for Stage 3 Productions
Writer: Jon Zemke

Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

Stage 3 Productions diversifies workload to spur growth

Related Tags

Recommended Content

Across Our Network