Today we’d like to introduce you to Domonic Crane
Hi Domonic, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I decided to open up a rental studio of my own after helping a friend named Colt while he worked for another popular rental studio. I was drawn to the business model and thought it was something I could definitely replicate myself and add my own twist to.
I’ve always been obsessed with thrifting and finding cool vintage finds on sites like facebook marketplace and Craigslist. So making the studio gave me an excuse to put this obsession to good use.
So once I knew I wanted to open a studio I went to work. I came up with a plan and photoshopped together some mockups of what I wanted the sets to look like and different set pieces I wanted.
I started showing the ideas around to some of my inner circle and everyone was really liking the ideas I had so I decided to jump the gun and find a location that would work for the studio.
I looked all over the greater Orlando area but eventually settled on a location that ended up being the most convenient for me to build up and operate.
Once I had all the logistics figured out I pitched the idea to my buddy Nick because I knew he had some money to spend. He was hesitant at first but inevitably believed in my vision so we signed the lease and started building out the studio.
We spend countless hours fixing up our location, driving all around central Florida picking up materials and set pieces going on wacky side quests. We even had a ritual of ending a days hard work with a Double Cheese from McDonalds, because we deserved it of course.
I can truly say i’ve put a little bit of my soul into this studio and am so happy that it turned out almost exactly like my initial vision.
We’ve recently launched with our own website and have our studio listed on other sites like Peerspace and Giggster, and the reception has been amazing.
I’m excited to see what the future holds for our little business.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The build out phase was a little tough, from bursted pipes, to broken AC’s and electrical issues. It’s tough building out a business in an old building but in the end we did it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I consider myself a creative, professionally i’ve worked in the film industry as an videographer, editor and now instructor at a college. I started editing and making videos in my early teens, making silly videos for class and with my friends. I grew up watching movies shown to me by my late father. He was also a film major himself and was working his way up in the industry before his passing.
I’m drawn to things that allow me to express myself, i’ve always been a little weird and dressed differently from other people. I may even fall into the classic hipster stereotype that people like to meme online.
Music was another outlet for me, I’ve made a bunch of stuff messing around with a midi keyboard in my room and jamming with my friends at the local coffee joint. I eventually posted some cover songs on the internet and found some pretty amazing virality and success from it, even being reached out to by some pretty large record labels to get signed.
But when it comes down to it i’m just a dude, I don’t expect or want anything more than that. Some niche success is good with me.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Why is the studio called “Big Buddy Rental Studio”
The back story of the name is kind of a silly inside joke between my co-founder Nick Grant and our friends.
I’ve always called people “Buddy” but my friends started adding more variants to the term of phrase. We started calling each other little buddy, big buddy, even micro buddy.
Being a “Big Buddy” is a sign of endearment in my circle, so I thought it would be a great name for the studio.
Pricing:
- $50 Per hour for studio booking
Contact Info:
- Website: http://bigbuddystudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigbuddystudio/?igsh=OHppeGloeWlubGpw&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Big-Buddy-Rental-Studio/61560707656140/
