Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about Tahoe Production House and the duties of your position.
Brandi Brown: Tahoe Production House is a full-service creative agency. We offer state-of-the-art production facilities and resources that are instantly scalable to fit every video, audio and photography production need. Our studio, edit suites and office space is available to rent for your project or band practice. At Tahoe Production House, we offer a number of full-service video production solutions including TV and Web commercials, website videos, corporate videos, animated videos, music videos, support for feature films and TV shows, pre-production services, production services, post-production services, live event production and more. Tahoe Production House is a state of the art recording facility. We pride ourselves on our top-rate sound engineers, equipment and acoustically designed studio. We offer music production services for the entire album-making process including writing, recording, mixing and mastering. We also offer rehearsal space for bands as well as sound engineers for hire. We also offer a range of professional photography. Our work ranges from children, families and groups to sports action. We offer complete Web site design and development services for WordPress Web sites. Tahoe Production House provides complete graphic design services to cover all of your business’ design needs. As the owner, my job is to oversee all of these things and continue to bring business into Tahoe Production House.
NNBW: How did you get into this profession?
Brown: I started in the entertainment industry at a very young age of 2 in theater in a production called Ebenezer Scrooge that ran for about 15 years in Lake Tahoe during the holidays. I loved dancing and acting, and did that until high school where I got my first internship at KMTN TV and was the “teen correspondent” on air reporter for four years. During that time I did some acting in L.A. and participated in Pilot Season, then I became more interested in what was happening behind the camera. I went to college and fell in love with production. I got hired right out of college back home at our local TV station Lake Tahoe Television/Outside Television as the production manager. During that time I wore several hats: producer, on air talent, director, camera operator, editor, etc. After four years I decided it was time for more.
NNBW: How have changes in technology most directly impacted your business?
Brown: Technology has had a huge impact on my business in being that television is on its way out, streaming is in, and if you don’t have video or photography as part of your marketing strategy you’re behind the curve. A great looking Web site, activity in social media, blogging, and SEO also has had a huge impact for small businesses and large corporations. We also use email marketing campaigns with software called Catapult, which has advanced tools like video, cloud storage and analytics unlike anything you have ever seen. Utilizing the newest technology available we have been able to become successful in just two years of being in business.
NNBW: Tahoe Production House offers a wide range of services. How do you identify new business channels and ensure successful delivery to your clients?
Brown: Here at TPH we practice what we preach. We started with our Web site, which is WordPress based, added great photography, video, SEO, blogging, social media and became the experts in our field here in Tahoe.
NNBW: What was your first job?
Brown: Chocolate maker at Lake Tahoe Chocolate Factory.
NNBW: What’s your dream job, and why aren’t you working it?
Brown: I’m doing my dream job. I own my own production company. I do what I love and I get to be creative.
NNBW: Have any advice for someone who wants to enter your profession?
Brown: My biggest piece of advice is to talk to people in the same business, write a business plan, ask hard questions and don’t be afraid to try something new and different. Business is an ever-evolving and changing thing. Your business plan will never be done, and the business you thought you started will be different in five years.
NNBW: What’s the most fun you have had on the job?
Brown: I feel like I cheated work. I get to play every day in the studio or out in the field. I get to work with great professionals in my industry who are also my friends.
NNBW: What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Brown: It’s nice to be important, but it’s important to be nice and first impressions are everything.
NNBW: What are your hobbies or pastimes? How do you spend your time away from work?
Brown: I love spending time with my husband and dogs in Lake Tahoe. Getting outdoors and enjoying this great place we call home is why I live here. There is always something to do. I also give back to my community by sitting on the board of directors for Tahoe Regional Young Professionals and Boys and Girls Club of South Lake Tahoe.
NNBW: If you could live your life over again, what one thing would you change?
Brown: I’m not sure I would change anything; I have lived a pretty amazing life. Everything I have done has been significant and has made me who I am today. I was told when I was young to pick what I love, and do that, and do it well.
NNBW: What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid?
Brown: A fancy movie star like Audrey Hepburn or Marilyn Monroe.
NNBW: What can you do that someone else can’t?
Brown: I was born and raised in Lake Tahoe. My family owned and operated a business here for many years and worked with many locals and businesses during that time. I call on these same locals and businesses to help me when I need it. I have a Rolodex of people here in Tahoe that no one else has access to.
NNBW: If you had enough money to retire right now, would you? Why or why not?
Brown: I don’t think I would retire. I’m only 29, so I feel like I’m to young to retire.
NNBW: What’s the last concert or sporting event you attended?
Brown: Fun at Harvey’s Outdoor Arena
NNBW: Where’s your perfect vacation spot?
Brown: Bora Bora.
NNBW: Why did you choose a career in northern Nevada? What do you like most about working/living here?
Brown: I chose to launch Tahoe Production House because I had the realization that Lake Tahoe lacked a full-service production facility. I enjoy working here because I can provide a service to my community that was non-existent before and live in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
To suggest a candidate for NNBW’s weekly question and answer column, look at our editorial calendar (http://apps.nnbw.com/utils/pdfs/9683736R.pdf) and contact reporter Rob Sabo at rsabo@nnbw.biz or call 775-850-2146.
