We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dweh Brown a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

DWEH, appreciate you joining us today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

If I were starting Homebase Films over today, knowing what I know now, I would take a much more strategic and streamlined approach. One of the biggest changes I would make is building systems early. When I first started, I was handling everything shooting, editing, marketing, client management without a clear structure. I would set up simple systems early, like automated scheduling, easy-to-use client management tools, and ready-made email templates, to save time and keep everything organized.

Another key change would be setting my prices correctly from the start. Like many creatives, I initially undervalued my work, thinking that lower prices would attract more clients. Over time, I realized that pricing is not just about covering costs, it is about positioning my brand for the right clientele. If I started over, I would price my services to reflect my expertise and the value I bring.

I also learned the hard way that not every opportunity is the right opportunity. In the beginning, I said yes to everything, believing that more work meant faster growth. Now, I understand the power of targeting the right clients, those who truly value high-quality production and long-term relationships. If I were to do it all again, I would be more selective, focusing on partnerships that align with my brand’s vision.

Another major shift would be seeking mentorship and building a strong team sooner. It took me a while to realize that growth comes from learning from others and trusting a team. I would connect with experienced mentors for guidance and bring on second shooters, editors, and assistants earlier so I could focus on expanding the business instead of handling every task myself.

I would also focus on getting my brand name out there from the start. In the beginning, I relied mostly on word-of-mouth, but now I understand the importance of creating content, using social media, and making sure people can find me online. If I were starting over, I would make branding a priority and build strong relationships to attract more opportunities sooner.

At the end of the day, every mistake was a lesson that helped Homebase Films evolve. If I had to do it again, I would do it smarter, not harder.

DWEH, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Dweh Brown, and my journey into photography and videography started from necessity but quickly turned into a passion. Before I ever picked up a camera, I was a musician first—a Hip Hop artist under the name Loot-Tenant Trax out of Durham, NC. As an emcee, producer, and studio engineer, I spent years immersed in the music world. However, when funds were tight, I couldn’t afford to hire photographers or videographers to capture my content the way I envisioned. Instead of letting that limit me, I saved up and bought my first camera so I could shoot my own visuals.

As I improved, other artists started asking who was creating my content—and that’s when I realized I had developed a skill that others needed. What started as a way to support my own career quickly became something much bigger. I fell in love with storytelling through the lens, and before I knew it, I was helping fellow creatives bring their visions to life.

From that passion, Homebase Films was born—a creative hub designed to serve artists, businesses, models, and brands looking to elevate their visual presence. More than just a production company, Homebase Films fosters a culture of community over competition. We’ve built a reputation for bringing together local talent, brands, and creatives to collaborate on events, campaigns, and projects that push the culture forward.

At Homebase Films create high-quality photos and videos that help people and brands tell their stories in a way that feels true to them. Whether it is your wedding day, professional headshots, live event coverage, brand visuals, or marketing content, we focus on capturing moments that make a lasting impression.

What sets Homebase Films apart is our deep understanding of creative storytelling and brand-building—not just shooting content, but crafting moments that resonate. I take pride in turning ideas into high-quality visuals that help creatives and businesses stand out.

At the end of the day, I want people to know that Homebase Films isn’t just a service—it’s a creative hub where artists and brands come together to grow, build, and create unforgettable work.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

One thing that non-creatives may struggle to understand about the journey of a photographer or videographer is that our job does not end with the click of a shutter or the final cut of a video. There is a whole world behind the scenes, including countless hours of planning, editing, marketing, networking, and managing the business side of things.

Many of us have long nights refining our craft, organizing shoots, curating content for social media, and ensuring that every client receives not just a product, but an experience. It is not just about showing up and pressing a button; it is about capturing a moment that tells a story, preserves a memory, or elevates a brand.

If there is one piece of insight I would share, it is this: treat every engagement with a creative as a collaboration and an opportunity to bring your vision to life. Come with questions, ideas, and an open mind, because when we work together, we are not just creating content; we are crafting something that can last a lifetime.

Have you ever had to pivot?

When I first started, I did not know anything about the business side of media. I was simply shooting any local creative I could get in front of my lens, fueled by passion and a desire to create. Over time, I began to notice a gap in the market. The same storytelling I was doing in the hip hop world, capturing moments, preserving culture, and fostering a community of artists, had a natural connection to what I was doing behind the camera. I was not just taking pictures or filming videos; I was telling stories that mattered.

That realization led to one of the biggest pivots in my career. I recognized that my creative skills could serve more than just artists. There were businesses, schools, and communities that needed their untold stories brought to life just as much as the creatives I was working with. By expanding my focus beyond the artistic world, I was able to blend storytelling with branding, helping businesses showcase their identity, organizations capture their impact, and professionals build their personal brands through visual media.

What I am most proud of in this pivot is the impact. I see it in the smiles of creatives who finally have visuals that match their vision, in the growth of the Charlotte creative scene, and in the increasing recognition of photography and videography as powerful business tools. Now, I blend the business world with the creative world, infusing my own unique storytelling style into every project. This personal approach has become the foundation of Homebase Films, shaping the brand as we continue to build a team that carries this same passion forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.HomebaseFilms.com
• Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/HomebaseFilms
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/homebase-films-a56bab143/