We were lucky to catch up with Norman Davis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Norman, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you as a business owner?

In my previous employment I was a Project Manager. As such, I learned the importance of Time Management. This was one of the most important things I was able to take with me into the film business. By analyzing your work requirements and activities, you can get a sense of priorities and how it all comes together, Knowing these details about the project can direct you to available tools and resources that can be used to manage the project and help you complete the project on schedule. One tool I learned to use that has saved countless hours and money has been the simple Gantt chart. Knowing how long something will take to complete and what has to happen before it can, helps on time management. One filmmaking tool that I employ on every shoot that is similar in many respects is the Shot List. This tool is used to coordinate the filming of scenes to eliminate setting or location changes, camera changes, major lighting changes or even costume changes for the actors. Ultimately good time management is one of the key requirements that a good filmmaker needs to employ. By doing so, the filmmaker is able to complete film projects on time, within budget and with a high degree of quality.

Norman, 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?

I have always been a filmmaker, even when I wasn’t. Let me explain. Have you ever read a story and it played out visually in your mind as you read it? Sure, everybody has, but I add a different twist. I look at it visually but through a lens. What would it look like on a movie screen? Looking at a story this way is called looking at it “Cinematically”. I’ve been doing this to stories for decades. But it wasn’t until I moved from another completely different career to dive into filmmaking to make this “Cinematic” dream come to fruition.

It started out years ago when I was a kid. I was given an old Kodak box camera and I started taking pictures. I moved from the old box camera to a 35mm SLR type camera. Then I started developing my own black and white photos. Then the video camera came around and the days of still photos were relaxed by VHS and 8mm video tape. That was the start. Since then it’s migrated from analog tape, digital tape, to mirrorless 35mm cameras to now, full sized 35mm celluloid film cameras and full frame 8K digital cinema cameras. It’s been one heck of a ride but oh, so much fun! Now I own and operate my own production company called State 48 Films LLC. The demand for content is so high that we have projects lined up for the next two years. At State 48 Films we’re stepping up to the challenge of meeting the needs for digital film content, not only for streaming services but for theatrical releases as well. Check us out at state48films.com

How did you build your audience on social media?

So, building an audience on social media isn’t as cut and dried as one may think. You need your business to hit the right market place and make the right statement. I leave those sorts of things to the experts now but when I was starting out, I did all the marketing and social media messages and stories. Some of it is pretty easy, some not. It depends really on your business.

Selling my video expertise to a mom and pop operation just wasn’t the ideal candidate so I started connecting with people in the industry directly, asking questions and building from there. They, in-turn would direct me to other people or companies that could be potential clients. This networking via social media paid off. As my video business grew, I became more and more involved with film production as a natural by-product of my video business. Soon I was in the filmmaking business full time.

After upgrading my camera and equipment, I started Saguaro Films which specializes in Western genre films. Saguaro has been very successful with its latest film “Gunfight At Deadman Wash” which has been featured in over 30 film festivals around the world and has won several awards. In January of this year, I added my newest company, State 48 Films, to the headliner. State 48 Films will focus on non-western genre films.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

In every business, the reputation of it is vitally important.

We have a saying in the film industry “Early is on-time, on-time is late”. Be punctual. The business lives and dies on how well time can be managed on set.

Be truthful, don’t lie, ever! This really affects your reputation negatively if your caught, and you will get caught.

Own up to your mistakes. Everyone makes them, from the Producer on down to the lowest PA, We’re fallible because we’re human. People will much more respect you if you own up to your faux-pax than to put the blame on any thing else. Think wisely.

Don’t take anything from the set unless directed to. I think that’s called “stealing”.

Be kind and cheerful on set. A happy atmosphere on set is your greatest asset.

Build your business where your clients actually look forward to you calling them with ideas and suggestions. Everybody wants their story to be the best it can be. Help them be successful in this.

Give of your time to help others learn filmmaking or whatever your business is. It builds good relationships and helps promote the business within the community.

Contact Info:

• Website: state48films.com
• Facebook: state48films LLC
• Youtube: saguaro films

Image Credits
State 48 Films LLC