Breea Guttery (age 23) is the owner of Tell the Birds Cinematic Films Company. She started the business five years ago and specializes in travel Documentaries, Product Promotion Ads, and Special Life Moments. She’s a firm believer in following your passion and making a career out of what you love. Read our interview with the lovely Breea below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I started my business so young (age 17) and loved the idea of not having to work nine to five days. I wanted to be able to be creative and interact with people as much as possible.
Tell us about your business.
Tell the Birds Cinematic Films is a traveling documentary film company that captures REAL moments. The moments you want to remember and repay over and over in your mind. The once in a film time moments that you cant get back. We thrive on laughs and tears. We specialize in Humanitarian, Lifestyle, Product Promo, Music Videos, Short Films, weddings and birth stories.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
We will be releasing a workshop in the fall!
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
We’ve shot for companies such as ASOS, Revlon, Lysol, Pampers, and over 50 local brands. We’ve been featured in Green Wedding Shoes, Utah Bridal, and Arizona Bridal.
Where is your business based?
We are based 50/50 out of Utah and Arizona.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
When I first started, the first few steps I took were;
- Getting quality equipment. I saved all my money from my classy job at the frozen yogurt shop and nannying for the neighbors everyday, to get my first camera and lenses.
- Starting a website and getting business cards. I started with a smaller blogger account and homemade business cards.
- Getting my name out there. Shooting everyday! I reached out to small business offering free work for exposure!
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Social media, and more specifically, Instagram. Working with influencers and “Instafamous” local brands and people has been the easiest and fastest way to spread my name far.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Some of my biggest challenges so far have been being organized. I had a hard time last year when my business really started to take off. Not many people were doing videos at the time and I had a real lead on getting clients. I started to bite off more than I could chew and became overwhelmed with emails and scheduling. Yes, I know, you’re thinking, Oh boo hoo, what a horrible problem that is, having TOO MUCH work! But it got to the point where I would accidentally double book days, or miss a shoot and it made me feel very unprofessional. Another problem with having too much work was I wasn’t able to be as creative anymore. I was pushing project out as fast as I could leaving no room to be unique and fun with each individual video.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I decided to hire help. I started out with interns. I put out a post on social media asking if there was anyone who would like to shadow me and learn how to do exactly what I do. I had an amazing response! Over 100 applicants emailed me wanting to know more. I held two meetings, one in Utah and one in Arizona, and I currently have 10 interns in each state that come shadow on shoots, help with emails, pick up equipment and sneak food from the wedding receptions for me.
I originally decided to name it something like Tell the Birds, instead of Breea Guttery Films because I didn’t want my name attached to it. I wanting to be able to grown this company into something where I could have employees and offices, and studios!
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I like to have one styled shoot a month to keep me creative. The styled shoot can be anything from a collaborative bridal video, company promo ad or short film with volunteering local actors. Sometimes during the wedding months or crazy traveling months, I get into this flow that makes me feel like I can only do one type of video, so throwing in that styled shoot each month, keeps me thinking of new ideas that aren’t anything like what I’m working on with clients during that month.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I like to make people cry… in a good way. I like to think we keep things very raw and candid. We capture the real emotions people have. It’s very popular to show highlights of life though video right now, there’s lots of videographers making videos of their lavish trips, vacations, and adventures. But, here at Tell the Birds, we like to capture the real moments, whether they be good or bad. During travel we capture the traffic, mistakes and mishaps. During weddings, we’ll capture awkward dancing and special quirks. During a birth story, if something unexpected happens, we’re there to capture those small first moments you have with your child, whether he/she made it to earth or not. In product videos, we capture the hard work and dedication you put into the product your selling. Everything utterly real.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
That your only competition is YOURSELF.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Find your own style and run with it! Be smart and creative when it comes to branding yourself. Be organized and neat in everything you do. Have fun with it! You are your OWN BOSS, so you make the rules, and one of those rules needs to be taking time out to have fun. Do projects that work with how you want to brand yourself. Don’t sell yourself too low. You’re worth more than you think.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
I use all sources of social media to connect with my audience and future clients. Another huge tool I use is mentors and influencers. I love learning things from people who have done what I’m doing. Whether it be through workshops, e-courses or shadowing. The best way to learn is experiencing it first hand.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Website www.tellthebirds.com
Instagram @tellthebirds
Facebook www.facebook.com/tellthebirds
Pinterest www.pinterest.com/tellthebirds
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
“#Girlboss” is one of my favorite books. Also, the Elizabeth Smart’s book, “My Story”.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I’m always trying to improve my website. It’s still in the works, but I have a great team helping me this time! I believe in hiring the Pros to help with a professional website. Square space has made it easier to do it on your own, but I still recommend having a top of the line website.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
This summer we are traveling with Revive Humanity to capture their experiences serving the people in Africa, Belize, Honduras, Mexico, and Costa Rica! So some of our goals are to think outside of the box with these videos and capture some really special moments that’ll touch people’s lives forever!