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

Hi Melanie, thanks for joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

To be successful in business, or anything in life, it takes focus, perseverance, dedication, hard work, long hours, and caring very much for whatever it is.

When I began Mellen Productions – Location Services with my former business partner, Ellen Rizzo, in 2007, we knew what needed to be accomplished to benefit location services in the market place. It was the passion in our efforts that made the difference, the people with which we collaborated, pulling on the right support and working towards a common goal, to be the best at what we did to insure that everyone in the end is satisfied.

We came from different facets of the industry. I jumped to the other side of the camera when we kicked off the location scouting and management business. There was a lot to learn, however, we loved what we were doing so the hard work and long hours were just a part of the process. We had to earn the producers’ and fellow crew members’ respect by showing them we would work tirelessly to accomplish the tasks.

We also made sure the homeowners and businesses were well cared for, showing them we would be by their sides to the very end and beyond, confirming all went back to satisfactory condition after the production team departed. Proudly, we have never had an issue with any production company not holding up their end of the deal. Caring for people and their needs goes a long way and speaks volumes for one’s intentions. Success is having a passion for what you do and displaying integrity,

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?

Mellen Productions – Location Services began business in 2007 by seeing a need in Georgia’s production industry and filling that need. The Georgia Tax incentive kicked off a few years prior, and production companies around the nation started coming to Georgia in abundance for filming and photography shoots. One would think we had the foresight to pull the business together, but it was simply fortunate timing. We saw a need for a comprehensive location service company, providing outstanding locations and services to our clientele. We hired the most skilled and knowledgeable individuals in the industry for support. By collaborating, we formed a team that was, and still is, tough to beat. This allows us to take on several projects at a time to keep things rolling.

The most important aspect of our business is how much we truly care about the efficiency of location logistics all coming together. We welcome the challenges and will not rest until everything is resolved.

Not only are the production companies important to us, but we wouldn’t have a thriving business without the amazing homeowners and location reps with whom we have the pleasure of working. We take extra pride in making sure they are satisfied at the end of the project. We stay engaged until each person is pleased with how well their home or location is put back together after the project. Our goal is to be welcomed back time and time again.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I worked with countless production companies during my career as a model and talent. I would show up on location, not thoroughly appreciating how much effort went into pulling the project together, from building the storyline, to selecting the perfect location, to hiring the crew. My main concern then was focusing on my craft, having my lines memorized, conveying the message well and hitting my mark. I was respected in the industry as a reliable talent. I got along with all the crew and truly enjoyed what I was doing. However, I came to a point in my career that I realized it was time to shift to a new position. I carried over the reputation I built as talent, to the same care and concern I had for locations.

When I moved to the other side of the camera, my former business partner and I knew all the right people with which to make connections since we had been in the business for so long. We had to prove to them that we could handle locations just as well. Naturally, a few crew members had their doubts since they knew me as talent, but it didn’t take long to show everyone that I could handle locations just as well. We quickly earned the respect from the producers, directors and crew members, being involved from the start for logistical planning. We dug in with the support of family, and in no time, Mellen Productions – Location Services became one of the most respected location businesses in Atlanta.

As talent, going to incredible locations, seeing the end result and the value of a great location, I saw the importance of providing the perfect environment for the project, That ignited the fire to perform..

It brings me great pleasure seeing everything come together smoothly. Our motto is ‘treat the location environment with just as much care as if it was your own’. That brings great comfort to homeowners and location reps, knowing that we’re there to make sure things are handled with TLC.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source for new clients is referrals. It is such an amazing feeling getting a call or email from a producer or director stating, “I heard a lot of great things about you and your locations team from so-and-so and I was wondering if you have time to take on my project.” Which I reply – “It would be my pleasure. Please tell me more about the project and how my team and I can help.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mellenproductions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mellenproductions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mellenproductions
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-antos-8901861b/

Image Credits
Personal images from friends and colleagues that have approved use.