Professional Documents
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Hope Studios Business Plan
Hope Studios Business Plan
Hope Studios Business Plan
Email: hopestudios@live.ca
Website: www.hopestudios.ca
This business plan is the property of Joshua JD Lemmens and all contents are confidential.
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1 Executive Summary 3
3 Milestones
4 The Company 5
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7 Business Operations 13
8 Market Research
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9 Market Analysis
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10 Marketing Strategy
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11 Environmental Impact
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12 Community Benefits 20
13 Financials 21
14 Appendices
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1 Executive Summary
Hope Studios is located in Hope, British Columbia, in the Fraser Valley, one
half hour from Chilliwack and one and a half hours from Vancouver.
This studio complex is situated on a 1/2 acre lot of commercially zoned land
at 1300 6th Avenue, and is owned by XXXX XXXX of Hope British Columbia.
The lease agreement is $XXXX per month not including Electrical, Phone or
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Internet. It is a secure location with security cameras, high fencing, locked
gates and barbed wire.
Hope Studios is a new media video production facility. The new media
industry [*A] in British Columbia is currently centred in the greater Vancouver
area and benefits from being part of a 1.4 billion dollar film and television
production region which is the third-largest in North America. Companies in
this cluster [*B] have global competence in digital animation, visual effects,
video, film and post-production services. Other competencies include games,
e-commerce applications and e-learning. It is Hope Studios aspiration to tap
into this market place and become a leader in areas not yet realized or
optimized due to little or no market saturation in the Fraser Valley.
Hope Studios in the area of pro web design and high definition video is a front
end provider based business offering clients video production content on the
internet. Hope Studio’s intent is to use its market associates and to utilize
their services as a Producer or broker to complete projects keeping rates
competitive.
a) Vision Statement
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To excel in becoming a reputable and recognized cluster in the new media
sector for the Fraser Valley, gaining the respect of industry professionals
resulting in perpetual growth, cooperative network business relationships and
a local artistic sub economy.
To encourage and facilitate socially marginalized groups and individuals who
wish to use pro web services to market themselves on the internet.
It is Hope Studios vision to cluster all groups assisting the BC Film commission
in the Fraser Valley under one banner, that being www.fraservalleyfilm.com.
b) Mission Statement
To create a small but well networked new media content provider in video
production and a post production facility that produces professional cost-
efficient video products for value oriented clients. To facilitate new media
entrepreneurs in marketing complete pro web services with video.
To support and facilitate socially marginalized groups and individuals who
wish to use pro web services to market themselves on the internet.
3 Milestones
I have almost completed my studio space with the needed renovations. The space is
almost completely painted and the flooring in the office and restroom has yet to be
done. The last items to be installed are the rack lighting, electrical plugs and
bringing in the equipment.
Hope Studios website will be fully active with the URL www.hopstudios.ca , by the
end of May. It is presently in development and can be seen at
www.wix.com/hopestudiosca/hopestudios. There you can see several sites I am
employed to complete. Concept sites are designed sites used to close possible
clients who are worth the time to build a shell site to attract them as clients.
I am confident that I will be able to complete and procure 4 basic websites with video
per month. With 1 site being from a larger client. I have contacted BCAA as I used to
be a tow truck driver and they are interested in a site for authorized dealers with
training videos for tow truck drivers. I have also promised a video for them on how
to drive an RV as a sample of our work for a social media link to public safety for
BCAA members. This opportunity with BCAA will be partnered with several network
associates as it may be a large contract. In the first quarter I will set up website
platforms and technical support for marketing for several possible clients who may
wish to use Hope Studios as a pro web provider with video.
4 Company
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The new media industry coupled with the more traditional video and film
industry production houses in the west coast market place encompasses
many people locally, nationally, and internationally. Hope Studios is built to
accommodate production needs within the Fraser Valley of the smaller
independent video and film producers to clients who have never or rarely
used video production as a means of advertising or promotion with a pro web
format. Hope Studios anticipates producing several demo reels that will
appeal to prospective customers. Every project is different and every concept
has to be appealing, informative and professional. A consultation gives me,
the producer a better idea as to what a client needs and how to present it. All
web platforms can be seen by the client in the developmental stages. Hope
Studios will focus on new media videos for website is between 30 second to 3
minutes in length that oriented for marketing services.
b) Nature of Business
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corporations do not have to be Canadian-owned, or have an interest in the
copyright. Enhanced credits are available for B.C.-owned and controlled
companies. Film production may include High Definition Video prepared for
film interests including some pro web formats.
When you combine incentives with new state of the art technology it is easy
to understand why we will have packages that are very attractive to
prospective clients. In new media these clients will be looking for pro web
video for internet marketing, digital content marketing, streaming media,
visual effects and web development, such as video banners and flash
components for e-commerce or web design.
The cluster is largely concentrated in the Lower mainland around Vancouver,
but satellite clusters are emerging on Vancouver Island and in the Thompson /
Okanagan and Kootenay region of BC. Hope studios expectation is to
encourage a cluster in the Fraser Valley putting us on the map.
By consolidating groups assisting the BC Film commission in the Fraser Valley
is the first step in creating a cluster in our area. For Hope Studios the
agencies associated with the film industry such as catering, hotels, services
and other agencies are a warm market that can be utilized for pro web
services.
With the advent of upload speed, stable transport programs and technological
advances in new media networking, Hope’s location to business partners can
span the globe. Producing impressive footage for clients elsewhere and
creating a foundational base servicing the Fraser Valley.
With SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and Video search engines, any query
typed in are first searched in priority sequence among most used searches
engines. Video searches have become increasingly popular among today’s
Web searchers and this addition allows us to offer clients an edge in today’s
new media market place, providing a more visual and interactive search
experience.
As video is quickly becoming a major factor in Internet marketing and aiding
in user engagement. According to comScore's Video Metrix, U.S. Internet
users viewed 14.5 billion online videos in March, 2009 up 11 percent from
February 2009
YouTube, of course, is still king of the hill with almost six billion videos
showed and more than 100 million unique visitors in March 2009. With
Internet video on the rise and the search engines looking more favourably on
video content, there's an opportunity to leverage this medium for all new
media video producers and SEO efforts.
Our new media partners will focus and aid clients in SEO efforts with videos
produced by Hope Studios. They will focus on a five step plan for optimizing
for video search, many which run parallel to traditional SEO best practices:
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i. Keyword research
ii. Video production
iii. Landing pages
iv. Distribution and keyword placement
v. Tracking/analytics
i. Keyword Research
Before producing a video, during our pre-production phase we will perform
the proper keyword search to identify the top-performing and commonly
searched keywords. These should be embedded in your verbal script or
commentary.
Some search engines have the capability to convert speech to text and then
index the results. These keywords should be infused within the title,
description, and even the file name and URL, where possible.
We use a good keyword tools to identity different keyword phrases, going for
the long tail keywords in this case. Long tail keywords are a type of keyword
phrase that has at least three and some times as many as five words in the
phrase. Long tail keywords are used when the website wants to refine search
terms to the web page, as well as when the searcher is looking for something
rather specific. Like normal keywords, long tail keywords are used to define
what is on the web page and what the publisher wants to be found under in
search engines and on search engine results pages. These keywords are
highly specific, and draw less traffic for the website, but tend to draw more
quality traffic, which leads in more conversions than normal keywords. Long
tail keywords can also be used by publishers and visitors in different ways.
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We also consider how to produce a unique video. With so many videos out
there, how will the client’s video stand out, be memorable, and cause people
to tell their friends about it?
Consider the folks at Will It Blend? To illustrate the power behind their
blenders, they produce videos that show their product blending things like an
iPod or glow sticks. This demonstrates the products or the services
capabilities while also being very viral and entertaining. This is where a
service and or product can be sold with a longer video production that can
present at length the viewers interest as you are capturing your target
market.
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As videos are uploaded, we will have the option to add keyword phrases into
the title, description and tags for each site. Here are some guidelines for
each:
Titles: In my experience your title should be your headline. It should be
anywhere from 75 to 120 characters. The lowest common denominator is 75,
but some sites will give you more room. Make sure it's readable by humans.
Having a list of keywords will appear as being spam. Also, if you want to
include your brand name in the title, it should go last.
Description: Descriptions should be detailed and should utilize your set of
top keywords while still being human readable. You have about 200
characters so you have a little more room for more detail. A good tip is to
include your landing page URL as the first thing in your description and be
sure to include the "http://" because most of the sites you submit your video
to will include your description, which will include the URL. As a bonus, many
of the sites will automatically convert the URL into a link.
Tags: Again, be as detailed as possible utilizing top keyword phrases. You
also need to include your brand, city, and topics. Branding is an important
topic to cover with all clients.
v. Tracking/Analytics
Tracking and analytics are always of the highest importance because they
provide the statistics that tell you what works and what doesn't. As previously
stated, it's important that you tag your landing pages and other pages a
visitor might view on their journey to a final goal.
The same basic principles apply for other landing page optimization. Switch
out different pages or parts of pages, A/B testing and multivariate testing to
shake things up and see if you achieve better results.
Video advertising can be effective for large and small businesses and is
becoming a serious focus for a number of video production facilities. Our
challenge is to use the model aforementioned and test the results, and then
modify the plan accordingly. Keeping the sites basic and simple is important,
while the social media sites with video and all the internet trappings can lead
to the website to close the sale.
Hope Studios is a new media content provider producing various formats for
pro web services through video, soliciting high definition video services
applicable to the new media industry. These services include production in:
a. Internet and digital content marketing including pro web services and
social media platforms,
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c. Pro web video for personal and commercial applications,
d. Video for e-commerce and e-learning,
e. Video pod casting and video blogs, getting people started
f. Artistic and commercial films for independent producers,
g. Assist socially marginalized groups and individuals using pro web services,
with youth initiatives within the native community.
h. Search engine Optimization, marketing, management and analytics
b) Network Associates
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they will be able to sub-contract work when the work load increases. As well
as using these associates on larger contracts.
With network associates like those listed below covering a firm base of the
work that Hope Studios does, they assist me greatly in my learning curve in
this industry.
Robert Fresco Celebrated Director of Photography for Film and Video, now
working with Gloo Studios in Vancouver. With an Academy
nomination and many awards.
Dwayne Thornhill Freelance Videographer and ENG camera man for many television
stations in Canada. Professional sound engineer and editor.
Chris Millman CEO Canadian Web Solutions, SEO marketing specialist. Custom
programmer and internet business marketing.
Frank Supernault Cree Elder and advisor. Teacher and First Nations Spirituality.
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I go to Frank for advice and council concerning different matters
and we discuss the direction of Hope Studios and things pertaining
to my personal and spiritual life.
7 Business Operations
As a small production Company, Hope Studios does not have any kind of regulated
business hours. All business is set up by appointment and set up at the convenience
of the parties involved. Editing and web development is usually done in the evenings
and most video recording in studio is done after business hours, when clients can be
available.
I have registered the Hope Studios name with Victoria and have applied for a
business licence with the municipality of Hope. When the licence is accepted I will
apply with the Envision Credit Union for a business account. These items should be
completed before June 1st, 2010
Envision Insurance has found a company that will insure the studio, the contents up
to $30,000 and liability for $1200 annually which can be paid in monthly
installments.
Clients
All clients sign a Web development and Design contract, as well as a Website
Maintenance agreement. A payment structure is set up through direct payments with
Paypal or in person.
8 Market Research
9 Market Analysis
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From different business in the consumer market place, eight businesses have
been in operation between 0-2 years, six businesses have been in operation
between 2-5 years, and six businesses have been in operation for over 5
years. 5 of the older businesses had established websites or were looking for
a new approach. The newer businesses were all without sites but one. The
businesses in operation between 2-5 years were most knowledgeable and
were in the process or thinking about getting a site established. All but two of
the business I visited were interested in video production within a website if it
was affordable.
Over 60% of the businesses did not have active sites, nor had a domain
name. 60% of the business felt it was very important to market on the
internet with video and 40% felt it was important. Four businesses were
willing to pay over $2000 per year on pro web services with video, six
businesses between 1 and $2000, two businesses between $500- $1000 and
six businesses under $500. The average advertising dollars spent per year
was just under 4% of the businesses Gross revenue.
The main consideration in choosing a pro web company for these businesses
had a variety of answers ranging from financial considerations to, ‘will they
understand the vision of the company,’ communication flow and reliability.
Many businesses said that a company should have a good track record and
reputation, visible websites they have created and maintained. Some
businesses were tired of using people they knew to build a website and that
things didn’t work out. 20% of the business wondered about shopping cart
applications. The predominant answer for where they would look for pro web
services with video was online.
I found it important to ask about online video viewing practices. 10 business
owners preferred viewing videos between 30 seconds to 1 minute in length,
and 10 other owners preferred viewing videos between 1 to 5 minutes in
length. Two other options were available but not chosen of 5-10 minutes and
10+ minutes. In order of interest, averaging a listing of 4 main categories,
owners paid more attention to special interest videos first, entertainment
and news was an even number for second and business interests was the
least viewed amongst these business owners.
All but two businesses gave their name and number or business cards as a
referral when Hope Studios is launched, and five businesses were a definite
close pertaining to a pro web site with video using the services of Hope
Studios.
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In the standard media production mindset of the 90’s, video production
houses didn’t talk to each other due to tight competition within the industry.
Pro web designers were even more so insular and introverted as a whole, so
there was not much communication between them outside of forums or
venues for relevant technologies. Both clusters independently didn’t really
communicate with each other until the advent of clustering which began in
the early 2000’s.
I was surprised at the interest and spark I received from both pro web and
video businesses in creating a cluster in the Fraser Valley. For the home
based businesses which many of these businesses are, the complaint is that
working on your own is a great part time business, but a meagre full time
business. The general climate of these businesses I interviewed was a feeling
of frustration as many had other jobs to support their desired vocations. Four
of the twelve competitors that I interviewed were actually making a living full
time in their chosen fields.
All competitors interviewed own their equipment and only two businesses
ever rented or subcontracted work to complete projects. Most of them were
looking to upgrade to faster and more updated software or equipment to
make their work-load easier. The concept of working together as a cluster
was new to each of the companies but one who being knowledgeable in the
new media market place is working with another production company and is
very pleased with the decision. Only one business did not have a functioning
website. It seems home based businesses as apposed to retail businesses
that I spoke to are much more active concerning internet marketing.
To find prospective clients all the companies I spoke to were flexible in rates
to keep or get the contract or a sale. Many offered free services to continue
doing business with their clients and some would charge more to other
clients to offset their expenses, whatever the market would bare.
Word of mouth was mentioned by all as a key element for advertising. If one
client was satisfied, others were spawned thought the working relationship.
Many advertised and found clients within a captive marketplace such as
native groups, church organizations and through their main income provider.
Two of the businesses used Craigslist to access work and others generally
used various online marketing techniques, with three businesses using the
local newspaper from time to time to advertise. One business used the local
Radio Station to advertise, found it expensive but fruitful.
How did many of these competitors get their first clients? As it turns out
most of them began by work without payment to build a portfolio or to gain
experience in the field they chose to work in. Word of mouth and community
networking still seemed the building block that moved the business forward.
When I asked these competitors for one piece of good advice for me in
starting a pro web video company, all their answers were varied but very
helpful. Do things to help the community, find a captive market that needs
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you, start a school, use the people and businesses you are friendly with and
just ask them to invest in your efforts, do freebie’s, stick with variety so you
don’t get stuck with one thing, keep at it and don’t give up, get good
contracts, do the paper work and have signed agreements, and pay the tax.
Most of the competitors were willing to try using their services with Hope
Studios at discounted rates to become network associates and get work out
fast and effectively.
a) Strengths
b) Weaknesses
c) Opportunities
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• Changing technology with a future
• Growth industry
• Adaptable
• Creating online presence
• Building a base with other companies to create a viable working cluster
d) Threats
10 Marketing Strategy
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Pricing Structure
Standard pricing in the industry concerning video production is expensive.
For one day of shooting with equipment and a camera operator, you can look
anywhere from $350 to $1000. per day. This may or may not include a rough
cut for the clients viewing. Editing is another consideration which may cost
from $200 to $500 a day. Pro web design with flash from experienced
programmers cost vary from one business to another, as there is no real
standard created in the industry for first time clients to glean from. Web
designers will build
Acceptance sites and suite the needs of the customer, adding different
components such as flash, video, picture galleries and shopping carts.
With the advent of new media and the knowledge base of potential clients
already posting videos and building there own websites for little or no cost, a
commercial alternative has to be available with rates and creatives clever
enough to keep providers employed but encouraging as well as keeping a
client base.
The general population has become very video savvy; from knowing how to
use, edit and upload digital phone video to prosumer video with digital video
cameras using standard and high definition quality. The glamour of video
production has waned as Youtube and video upload sites are becoming
popular at an epidemic proportion. Video editing has become user friendly
and anyone can record their own music with relative success right in the
home.
It is Hope Studios plan to use web server / providers with packaged deals
including fast and excellent offerings of flash, video, photo and shopping cart
components. A proficient user on these sites using click and drag technology
and without the need of coding can put an amazing site up in hours. A basic
cost of a domain including its domain name comes to about $200 per year;
this does not include the cost of building the site. This same web provider
would host the site with the required bandwidth and server requirements for
the client.
I am speculating that a general cost of having a site up would be around
$500 not including HST, given that all photos and artwork are upload ready.
Any updating of the site would be managed regularly at the clients request
for a minimal update fee. A site with a basic shopping cart is $100 extra.
Sites using video that require 1 to 3 short videos and are uploaded to social
media sites will range from $1000 and up as shooting on location and editing
videos to suite the client takes time and organization. This rate is at the
bottom range with little or no pre-production requirements.
Hope Studios sound stage will allow professional quality video production
with colour key screen capabilities for clients. From High definition video to
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recording voice and music, the studio rates will not reflect the industry rates
but a viable new media rate for pro web services. All rates have not been
established due to incomplete R&D, as well as incomplete demo reels and
sites still in progress. This allows for a viability study and recommendations.
Total $500
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Website with up to 10 pages with 4 videos
$1000
Website with up to 10 pages with 6 videos
$1500
These sites include all content, photographs and video uploads and social
media setup and links with SEO marketing and management for 1 quarter.
11 Environmental Impact
My services are environmental friendly, outside of the fact they use electricity and
there is no real waste outside of computer parts that go to a computer recycling
program in Chilliwack.
12 Community Benefits
An event like this in different communities will get people from all walks of life that
are interested in new media and people too busy to do the work may become
clients as a result.
13 Financials
Assets
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Item Technical Information Value
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Laptop #2 HP Pro Book $800.00
Security Cameras 5 cameras and syn monitor with computer IP $500.00
monitoring system via the internet plus back-up
drive
Canon T2i High Definition camera and 2 lenses $1,400.00
Total $16,200.00
Capital Requirements
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Computer Mac Quad Core Computer designed for video editing $3,500.00
and pro web design
Video Projection Sony VPL-HW15 Projector for releases and promotions $2,500.00
System viewed at presentations, trade shows and workshops
Portable Booth Display booth for trade shows and exhibitions $2,000.00
display
2- 32 inch For editing and studio recording playback, trade $600.00
monitors shows and exhibitions.
Internet Stick For internet access to show clients progress on $50/month
Websites and videos online where internet not easily $600.00
accessible
Zoom R-16 Location sound recording system for video $500.00
Canon EOS 7D High Definition Video and digital camera+ accessories $3,800.00
Lighting Pro LED lighting for Studio and colour key $500.00
Memberships Video and motion picture associations, new media $2,000.00
and fees associations, internet memberships, local and
provincial agency association licences and or fees
Insurance For building, contents and production van $2,400.00
Total $16,400.00
14 Appendices
The debates over definition reflect the fact that the industry is changing
rapidly. Studies of the new media industry will therefore reflect a young and
fast-moving business environment. This is certainly the case with two recent,
major studies of the new media industry in BC.
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and currently has a membership of more than 135 companies (Simmons
2003) and is sponsored by the Western Economic Diversification Fund, a
federal agency. Taking a quantitative approach the NMBC survey was
comprised of 32 questions that were posted on the New Media BC Web site.
An invitation to visit the link was e-mailed to more than 700 new media
companies, almost 40 percent of which responded, representing more than
260 companies. Survey participants were asked to provide information about
these items concerning their company as follows: age, geographic location,
core activities, target markets, human resources, innovative activities,
financing and ownership, revenues, export activity, collaboration, industry
challenges, and reasons for remaining in British Columbia. Responses in each
section were then cross-tabulated by age, sector, revenues, and location.
While some of the responses simply corroborated findings from previous
industry surveys, others revealed significant change and growth in the
industry during the past five years.
Carried out under the auspices of the Innovation Systems Research Network
(ISRN) a study was conducted to better understand the new media industry
in BC. In contrast to NMBC’s quantitative methods, this study focused on a
qualitative approach using a detailed questionnaire to conduct in-depth
interviews.
An extensive literature review was used to help build up a picture of the
industry as a whole. To date, they have completed approximately 70
interviews: 51 with companies and individuals and 19 interviews with
representatives from the industry associations and the government
agencies.
The NMBC study identified a geographic clustering of companies in the BC
Lower Mainland, centred on certain areas of Greater Vancouver: Yaletown,
Gastown, and central Burnaby. The industry is still in its infancy: over half of
the companies (61.8 percent) surveyed have been in operation for less than
six years. This figure compares to earlier statistics from a study conducted in
2000 by Price Waterhouse Coopers in which 54 percent of new media
companies were found to be four years old or younger. Today’s new media
industry in BC is comprised of more than 700 companies and provides full-
time employment for approximately 14,000 people. This is a significant
increase from 1998 when Price Waterhouse Coopers reported that new
media employed 1,800 people.
Although 79 percent of BC’s multimedia companies are located within the
Lower Mainland, the industry is beginning to flourish in other areas of the
province such as the Okanagan and Kootenay regions and Vancouver Island.
The boom period of the late 1990s is reflected in the age of the companies.
Nearly one-third of the companies started in that period and more than half
(62.9 percent) are less than six years old. The typical Lower Mainland
company is slightly older than its counterparts in the rest of the province.
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A majority of BC’s multimedia companies, 87 percent, are privately owned,
8.8 percent are public companies, 2.3 percent are subsidiaries of Canadian
parent companies and 1.5 percent are subsidiaries of foreign parents.
Regardless of the location, the majority of new media companies, 52.5
percent, employ less than six people. The statistics show that as companies
mature their employee count also increases (New Media BC 2003).
The NMBC survey divided the multimedia industry into three subcategories
according to function: content providers, enablers, and delivery. Content
providers are those companies that develop digital content such as games,
animation, Web design/development, e-learning, visual effects, streaming
media, and Internet publishing. Deliverers provide the “pipelines” for digital
content and include Web hosts, Internet service-providers, and
telecommunications companies. Enablers provide the tools and resources
necessary for the delivery of digital content such as software development,
Internet applications, digital compression technologies, security software,
and e-commerce applications.
In contrast, we distinguish between firms according to products and markets.
Our interviews and discussions revealed that rather than being a single
cluster, the industry in BC is composed of four different sub-clusters.
Although they carry out some similar functions, they are distinguished by
their markets and products. In essence the sub-clusters correspond to
different new media product areas. The New Media focus in BC has a strong
focus on the development of content & enabling software. Primary
applications are: Animation & Digital Film, e-Commerce, e-Learning, Games
Development/Publishing, Streaming Media, Internet & Other, Visual Effects &
Post-Production, and Web Development & Design. The new media cluster in
BC benefits from being part of a film and television production region which
is the third largest in North America: companies in this cluster have global
competence in digital animation, visual effects and post-production services.
With over 700 companies, BC’s new media industry provides full-time
employment to approximately 14,000 people. [i]
[i] “From Cluster or Whirlwind? The New Media Industry in Vancouver”’-R.Smith, J. McCarthy & M.
Petrusevich, CPROST. 2004
‘It has been the interest of the Canadian government and assisting agencies
in the emergence of clusters funding R&D in the millions of dollars to
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encourage and foster diverse networks of scholars, government partners,
private and not-for-profit sectors and international collaborators, contributed
to the project’s examination of the dynamics of industrial clusters in both
urban and non-urban centres.
[ii] Presentation by David A Wolfe to the 8th Annual Meeting of the Innovation Systems Research
Network, May 4, 2006