Member Article

Entrepreneurial husband and wife duo launch Whitley Bay-based video production startup

Steven Pattinson, 25, and wife Roni, 35, have launched Blue Bandit Media, a video production company, following support from North Tyneside Council’s The Business Factory.

The husband and wife team had a wealth of technical knowledge in producing film but lacked the experience of running and growing their own business.

Utilising sales and marketing support from The Business Factory, the pair were able to set up Blue Bandit Media alongside Blue Bandit Shoot Out, a service to help small businesses across the region access cost effective film production.

Steven said: “In the past only big businesses would invest in film but thanks to the growth of sharing platforms and social media sites, more small businesses are looking for quality film to support their marketing activities.

“Whilst most people have access to basic video production facilities on their phones and mobile devices, there is still a need for professionally produced film which doesn’t cost the earth which is the basis on which we have built Blue Bandit Shoot Out.

“The cost of hiring studio facilities can be prohibitive for small businesses so Blue Bandit Shoot Out aims to bring small businesses together to share the expense of hiring green screens and film production facilities.

“On dedicated days each month, small businesses will be able to come to a venue, meet with professional script writers and film makers and leave with quality film content that they can use as part of their marketing activities.”

Steven added: “The specialist support we received from The Business Factory team has helped us to really understand the needs of the SME market and as result we have created a tailored solution which they have helped us to package and sell.”

Cllr Bruce Pickard, Deputy Mayor at North Tyneside Council added: “The Business Factory provides such as wealth of support, from basic start up advice to helping people like Blue Bandit Media to bring products and services to market that really meet the needs and demands of their customers.

“People often have the technical skills and ability to deliver a first class service but lack the experience of running a business, which is exactly where The Business Factory expert team can help and I’m delighted that Blue Bandit Media is already proving to be such a successful example of how a little support can make a big difference.”