Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin and Melinda Dahl.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
We are twin sisters from Toronto, Canada and we have always had our sights set on making it in the Arts. We both went to college for Photography and Film and at relatively early ages, we both enjoyed local success as working actors in Toronto. But eventually, we felt like it was time for a change. So, at the age of 21, we packed up our car and headed west in the pursuit of working in Film and Television in the “City of Angels”.
When we arrived in Los Angeles, we had nothing except our car (which we shared), our cameras, two suitcases and a shared dream. We brought our cameras everywhere, and started getting little jobs here and there shooting events – birthday parties, short films and music videos with our friends. Over a short period of time, we had built our portfolios enough to impress a big-time video director Sherman Halsey. Sherman provided a great deal of content for many Country music artists, particularly in Nashville. At the time, he was looking for more shooters and editors to go on the road with Tim McGraw during one of his tours. Caitlin got the job, joining the tour, which proved to be a great opportunity. With a chance to display her ability as both an artist and an editor, Caitlin was awarded the task of editing four of Tim McGraw’s music videos.
This valuable experience would open up the door for other corporate jobs, as well as many other film and video projects. While Caitlin was on the road, Melinda was back in L.A., shooting for Getty Images, while acting in major motion pictures and on television. Then, when Caitlin returned from the road in 2008, we started “DahlHouse Productions”. Combining our film and photography backgrounds, we were able to offer individuals and companies a “one-stop shop” for their film and video needs, and at the same time, we were also able to write and produce our own short films and documentaries.
Has it been a smooth road?
Getting the company started was very difficult financially. As small fish in a very big pond, we wanted to get bigger jobs – campaigns for companies like SEXY HAIR and INSTYLER – but we didn’t have the right gear that we needed to take us to that next level. So we took out some loans and invested in ourselves as a company, gearing ourselves up with the right equipment, etc. It was a risky move, but it proved to be the right one, as slowly but surely, we started to get the jobs we wanted. Eventually, we were able to pay off our debt and start turning a profit. And also, we now have some great gear, which is essential for the kind of work we do.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Dahlhouse Productions – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
DahlHouse Productions is a full-service boutique Production agency that specializes in developing a cohesive photographic and motion picture aesthetic for music, film, and business interests. DahlHouse has helped bolster and complete the visions of elite clients such as Guess Inc, Sexy Hair, Instyler, The American Lung Association and many others. Our attention to detail, our understanding of our clients’ wants and needs -combined with our team of highly skilled and award-winning photographers and filmmakers – are what sets us apart from other production companies. Through the years, we are best known for our work in the beauty business. However, we are now getting some recognition in the Film Festival circuit, thanks in part to our latest short film, “Grown-Ups”. The film stars Alexandra Breckenridge from “This Is Us” and ‘The Walking Dead” and also, Dahlhouse’s very own Melinda Dahl, and has been getting great exposure as and wonderful recognition at film festivals all over the country.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
We love how many creative people there are here in Los Angeles. This city attracts the best of the best and unfortunately the worst of the worst. The homeless crisis is prevalent right now. We hope that the government can step in and do something about this problem which can be startling and overwhelming at times.
Pricing:
- Film and Video Consulting: Free for the 1st hour $125/per additional hour.
- Post Production services including Editing: $125/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dahlhouseproductions.com
- Phone: 323.481.6845
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: @Dahlhouseproductions
Image Credit:
Shalon Goss
Melinda Dahl
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