Today we’d like to introduce you to Trevor Thompson.
Trevor, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Creating video content has always been a part of my life. Whether it was skateboard videos with my friends in middle school or short films in high school and beyond, I always enjoyed the world of video and film production.
After graduating from college with a marketing communications degree, I started working for my dream company, FUEL TV. FUEL was an action sports and music channel owned by FOX Television, and it had always been a favorite of mine growing up. It was the perfect opportunity to learn and grow and enjoy the world of production. My high school friend Alex Blackmon was responsible for getting me this dream job, and I’ll be forever grateful!
While working at FUEL TV and learning as much as I could, I started to take note of the incredible influence that Social Media was gaining. Brands both big and small needed to craft a significant online presence to connect with their customers and video was an integral part of that formula. Previously, the only large-scale video platform for commercials and ad content was Television, and it was reserved for the extremely high budget elite like Coca Cola and car companies
Now, the internet was allowing all sorts of companies and brands to reach millions of people for a fraction of the cost. This new platform got me thinking about starting a business to craft content, and help brands tell their story, market their products and communicate to their audience online.
My good friend Alex Blackmon and I started Elevated Media Productions soon after leaving FUEL TV, and we hit the ground running. We purchased a couple of cameras, a few lights, and some lenses. We networked within every connection we’ve ever made, and slowly we began creating videos. With the support of our family and friends, the word started to spread, and Elevated had begun!
It started a bit slowly at first, but we knew we were on to something. We worked out of our homes, our parents’ homes, college libraries, and pretty much anywhere that offered Wi-Fi and a table to spread out our laptops and hard drives. We were a two-man band that offered all sorts of creative direction, production services, and post-production editing.
Our business continued to expand, and before we knew it, we had our first office the size of a small closet. We put up a couple folding tables a few chairs, a futon, and never looked back. Today we have to pinch ourselves when we come to the office. We are blessed to have a large creative office with multiple edit bays, a full six-stool bar, huge conference table for team meetings, storage space for camera and production gear, and creative living room complete with couches and a TV.
Each year our business has continued to expand, and the need for video and visual content continues to become more essential for every company marketing mix. Our team has expanded to five in house employees and a vast network of freelance creatives that are like family. Our clients have become quite diverse as we work with successful startups, large healthcare organizations, international car companies, and billion-dollar businesses.
We’ve had travel jobs that have taken us to Mexico, Portugal and more than half of the states within the US. We’ve created national television spots, videos that can be viewed internationally in every Apple store, and we continue to receive millions of views online. We’ve assisted so many clients in growing their business, raising millions of dollars and telling their story across the world.
We have met so many amazing people from all walks of life, all types of industries and expertise and we’re so thankful for every connection this business has allowed us to create. We’ve even won a few advertising/video awards along the way! It has been and continues to be, an amazing adventure. I am so thankful for every minute of it and can’t wait to see what the future holds!!!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Owning your own business is an amazing adventure full of ups and downs. You’ve heard it a million times, but it’s been so true for me.
We have had our share of struggles along the way, but fortunately for us, it’s been mostly positive. We continue to have struggles determining the best avenue for scaling our business, but this is a great problem to have. We welcome these challenges with open arms because it means we are in business and it means we’re growing!
On top of our normal production duties, it’s a full-time job staying on top of advertising trends, film technology advancements and overall business evolution. Everyday you’re filled with a perfect mixture of anxiety and excitement and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Elevated Media Productions has made a name for ourselves in the industry by creating quality content that is tailored directly to each and every unique client. We are a nimble team of individuals with diverse passions and expertise that come together on each and every project.
The quality of our content is of the utmost importance, but our team understands that we are there to create a positive experience for our clients as well. We have created personal relationships with our clients that extend beyond business dealings and all of the members truly care for each client and each project.
I believe that it’s a balance of quality of work and the environment fostered during production that sets us apart.
What were you like growing up?
I have always been a fan of the outdoors, a fan of people and new experiences. Surfing, mountain biking, tennis, skateboarding, and hiking are just a few of the ways I filled my free time while growing up. As an only child, I have always loved surrounding myself with groups of great friends and my family. I would say I have always had a fairly outgoing personality and not much has changed in adulthood!
At Elevated, we try to make it a priority for our team to get out of the office for surfing, mountain biking or snow days to recharge. I love that this job allows me the freedom to get outside and meet new people during exciting endeavors in new places. Essentially, I get paid to do what I’ve always loved! When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me at the beach with my wife and friends, and I hope to continue doing this for years to come!
Contact Info:
- Address: 880 Hampshire Rd. Ste D. Westlake Village CA 91361
- Website: www.ElevatedMediaProductions.com
- Phone: 323.405.7007
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @ElevatedMediaProductions
- Facebook: facebook.com/ElevatedMediaProductions
Image Credit:
Ellice Boone of Boone Studios
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