We recently connected with Benjamin Tone and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Benjamin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about serving the underserved.
n the fast-paced world of creative production, the spotlight often shines brightest on big-budget brands—the global names with deep pockets and endless resources. But at Tone Production, we believe every brand deserves a voice, a story, and a visual platform that captures who they truly are—regardless of their size or budget.
Serving the Underserved Isn’t a Trend. It’s a Mission.
From day one, our focus hasn’t just been about chasing the “top of the top” brands. Instead, we’ve made it our mission to partner with purpose-driven businesses, local startups, churches, and community-based organizations that are often overlooked by traditional agencies. These are the brands building quietly, impacting locally, and dreaming boldly—with or without a national platform.
We believe these voices matter.
Why These Brands Deserve More
Many underserved brands bring something truly special to the table: authenticity, grit, and a deep connection to their audience. What they often lack is access—to resources, to high-end storytelling, and to creatives who get their mission.
That’s where Tone Production steps in.
Whether we’re filming a nonprofit’s impact reel, a local seafood company’s brand story, or a community church’s digital campaign, our approach remains the same: high-quality, story-driven video that doesn’t compromise creativity just because the budget is smaller.
Our Locations, Our Commitment
With active production in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Mobile, AL, we’ve witnessed firsthand the stories that go untold because a brand doesn’t have a Madison Avenue budget. But we know that great video isn’t about the budget—it’s about the vision.
At Tone Production, we help small and mid-size brands show up like the big guys, with cinematic visuals, sharp branding, and powerful messaging that connects with real audiences.
What We Offer:
• Brand Films & Documentaries – Real stories that stir emotion and build connection
• Social Media Video Campaigns – Custom short-form content for Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
• Corporate & Internal Videos – For training, onboarding, or mission-aligned storytelling
• Event Recaps & Promo Reels – Whether it’s a conference or community fundraiser, we capture the energy and essence
A Voice for Every Brand
At the end of the day, we’re not just creating content—we’re creating opportunities. For that small-town business that’s never been on camera. For that ministry making an impact in their neighborhood. For that brand that’s been told “you’re too small” to matter.
If you’re an underdog brand with a bold vision, we’re here for you.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
At Tone Production, we are a full-service video production company committed to authentic storytelling and impactful visuals. We specialize in brand films, commercials, documentaries, and social media content that help businesses, nonprofits, churches, and creative entrepreneurs engage their audiences and elevate their presence.
While many production companies focus exclusively on big-budget, high-profile clients, Tone Production proudly serves both established brands and the often-overlooked—emerging, mission-driven businesses that deserve to be seen and heard. Our mission is to empower underserved brands with the same cinematic quality, creativity, and strategic insight that top-tier companies receive.
We operate across a growing network of cities, including:
New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Shreveport, Mobile, Little Rock, Memphis, Houston, Atlanta, and Chicago.
Our services include:
• Cinematic Brand Videos & Commercials
• Social Media Content Campaigns
• Event Recaps & Promo Reels
• Documentary-Style Storytelling
• Church & Ministry Media Production
With over a decade of experience, we bring a hands-on, collaborative approach to every project—from concept development to final delivery. Our team is passionate about helping brands communicate their vision with clarity, purpose, and style.
🎥 Let’s create something powerful together.
🔗 www.toneproduction.net
📍 Serving clients across the Gulf South, Midwest, and beyond.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
Starting or scaling a business is exciting—but one of the biggest roadblocks entrepreneurs face is funding. Whether you’re launching a new product, opening a storefront, or investing in a high-impact video marketing campaign with Tone Production, having access to capital is crucial.
Here’s a breakdown of smart, practical ways to fund your business and bring your vision to life:
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1. Start with a Solid Business Plan
Before asking for money, know your numbers and your goals. A clear, professional business plan helps you attract investors, qualify for loans, and set a solid foundation for growth. Include:
• Financial projections
• Marketing strategy
• Mission & values
• Brand positioning
• Plans for content (yes, video helps here!)
💡 Tip: Video content can help elevate your pitch deck—ask Tone Production how we can help you build investor-ready presentations with professional visuals.
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2. Apply for a Small Business Loan
Traditional funding is still a solid option. Look into:
• SBA loans (Small Business Administration)
• Local bank loans
• Credit unions
• Microloans for smaller startups
Be ready with credit reports, business documents, and proof of revenue.
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3. Seek Out Grants and Local Funding Programs
Free money? Yes, please. Look for small business grants, especially if you are:
• A minority-owned business
• Woman-owned
• A creative agency, nonprofit, or startup with social impact
Check with your local Chamber of Commerce, city development agencies, and platforms like Grants.gov or Hello Alice.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
The Disruption No One Expected
It was late August, right in the middle of wedding season, and our calendar was packed. Shoots lined up in Baton Rouge, edits in queue, clients expecting delivery in days.
Then Hurricane Ida hit.
Overnight, power was out across Southeast Louisiana. Roads were blocked. Internet gone. Our Metairie office was flooded. Half our gear was unreachable. We had backup drives, but no workspace. Clients were understanding—but only to a point. The deadlines didn’t wait for recovery.
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Adapt. Shift. Move Forward.
Instead of folding under pressure, we adapted.
We packed what we could, drove hours to find stable internet, and edited in hotel rooms and coffee shops from Lafayette to Shreveport. We created makeshift workstations in family homes and borrowed studios from friends in other cities.
When a bride called crying, worried her wedding film was lost in the chaos—we reassured her it wasn’t. And it wasn’t. Her final edit was delivered ahead of schedule.
We finished a corporate job for a seafood company in Mobile from three different laptops across two states. That video went on to help them land a major distribution contract.
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A Company Built on Grit
Tone Production isn’t built on hype—it’s built on hustle.
We know what it means to rebuild. To figure it out. To push through when everything says “pause.” That’s why we serve not just the Fortune 500s, but the startups, the ministries, the underdog brands—because we’ve been the underdog too.
We don’t just make polished videos. We build relationships, honor our commitments, and stay in the game—even when storms hit, literally and figuratively.
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Why Resilience Matters in Creative Work
When you work with a production company, you’re not just hiring gear and crew—you’re trusting people with your brand’s story. And stories don’t wait. Neither do campaigns. Neither does life.
At Tone Production, we deliver. No matter what.
Because resilience isn’t a buzzword here. It’s how we’ve survived—and thrived.
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Want to work with a creative team that won’t flinch under pressure?
Let’s tell your story—whatever it takes.
📍 New Orleans | Baton Rouge | Lafayette | Mobile | Shreveport | Little Rock | Memphis | Houston | Atlanta | Chicago
🌐 www.toneproduction.net
Contact Info:
- Website: https://toneproduction.net
- Instagram: toneproduction.nett
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-tone-50133757/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@neworleansvideoproduction