Meet Danny Herb of Rise Motion Pictures Studio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danny Herb.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up in the Sacramento area in northern California, playing in rock bands and acting in local community theatre. In 2006, I came down to LA to pursue my dreams in the filmmaking industry. With a construction background, I found jobs on set in the grip/electric department and art department while producing/writing/editing my own projects. I met my wife in 2008, got married in 2014 and now are expecting our first child in January 2018.

I came up with the idea of opening my own stage because while making my own films, I was frustrated with trying to find locations to shoot in. Any studios I scouted were either crazy expensive or were just dirty, make-shift, spaces. After helping a friend build out his studio I decided “I can do this too” so I came home to tell my wife who is always my voice of reason. She usually sees my extravagant ideas for what they are: extravagant ideas. This time, to my surprise, she encouraged me to pursue this wild idea of opening my own studio.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not always. Building the studio out was fairly smooth with my construction background. The Cyclorama wall, custom vanities, shelving for equipment, etc. but the sound-proof elephant doors were where it got problematic, to put it lightly. On the last step of building them, I fell from a 12 foot ladder straight down on to my feet and shattered my heel. It took major surgery, 10 pins in my foot and 3 months to heal, and I’m still recovering to this day. Thankfully my friends are amazing, and they helped when I couldn’t be at the studio.

Today, I have dialed in the stage trying to be everyone’s favorite place to film, but nobody knows it even exists. “It’ll pick up” everyone says, but I have no marketing or sales experience, so I rely on word of mouth, and word only travels so fast. Every client who shoots in my studio, loves it, but getting exposure is very difficult for me. It’s such a niche market. With a baby on the way the pressure to make rent increases. All I want is to make this studio successful and I refuse to give up.

Rise Motion Pictures Studio – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My business Rise Motion Pictures Studio rents out the building to anyone who needs filming space. I have outfitted the facility to be perfect for any shoot, taking into consideration each department.

Hair and makeup will feel comfortable in the large room, with a lot of light and several vanities.

The wardrobe room is equipped with a full-size mirror, clothing racks, and changing room for privacy.

Producers can stay organized in the production office with several work stations, desks, white boards and a printer.

Actors and star talent can relax in the privacy of their personal dressing room with a couch, TV, mirror, and clothing rack.

The Grip and Electric department loves the full lighting pipe grid above the stage to hang their lights from and the G&E room is filled with organized gear if they choose to rent my equipment.

Craft services can spread out their assortment of snacks in the kitchen adjacent to the stage for cast/crew passing by.

Anyone not needed on set can relax in the Green Room and enjoy a fresh bag of popcorn.

My unisex bathrooms are so clean, I’ve had men confused that they were women’s rooms.

I am known for having a great space at a decent rate, and a friendly, accommodating attitude. I know how hard making a film is, so I strive to make my clients’ shooting experience the best I can, and I am proud to do so. Unlike other spaces in LA, my facility offers the best of all worlds with free A/C, free Wi-Fi, free parking, 300a of free power, large sound-proofed elephant doors for loading/unloading, quiet building, 3000 sq. ft. open stage, and a 30’x20’ Green Screen/White Cyclorama wall. Did I mention I have a great relationship with the Emmy award winning set building shop next door?

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Personal success and business success are different in my mind. Personal success is finding happiness in all that you do. I have achieved personal success. Business success is being able to make enough money to pay all my bills and take home some money for my family. Business success I am still fighting for. I don’t need to be rich to be successful. I am just looking to finally break even at the end of the year instead of taking a loss. Then next, maybe make a small profit, and eventually make enough to support my family. But hey, isn’t that what we’re all trying to do?

Contact Info:

• Address: 11678 Pendleton st. Sun Valley, CA 91352
• Website: www.risemotionpictures.net
• Phone: 916-224-2242
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risemotionpictures
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/risemotionpictures
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rise-motion-pictures-studio-sun-valley-2

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