Guy Bauer's Journey: Insights and Lessons from the Founder of Umault
In a candid and insightful interview, Guy Bauer, the founder of Umault, a Chicago-based video production studio, shares his journey, philosophy on video production, and the valuable lessons he gained from his experiences. From humble beginnings in his Chicago apartment in 2010 to overcoming significant financial setbacks in 2018, Bauer's story is one of resilience, creativity, and continuous improvement in the dynamic field of video production.
Bauer started his production company, Umault, not in a high-tech studio but in the second bedroom of his Chicago apartment. Reflecting on his origin story, he highlights the significant mistakes he made, particularly in management, leading to a $1,000,000 loss in 2018. Despite the financial setback, he considers that year pivotal for learning what not to do and the importance of effective management.
Umault is known for producing B2B videos that break away from the traditional corporate mold. Bauer emphasizes the simplicity of his philosophy: making videos that people genuinely want to watch. He acknowledges the difficulty in achieving this goal but believes in the impact of creating content that resonates on an emotional level.
Bauer shares the challenges of convincing clients through words alone. Instead of relying on traditional sales tactics, he adopted a "show, don't tell" approach during COVID by creating commercials for Umault. This shift allowed clients to experience the creative work firsthand, leading to more successful engagements.
Guy Bauer's Origin Story:
Video has been Bauer's hobby since seventh grade when he made a book report video. Despite a career detour into TV and radio, he returned to video production during the Great Recession in 2009. In 2010, he officially started Umault after taking an editing job online. Bauer acknowledges making numerous mistakes in business, creativity, client service, and leadership since then.
Lessons from Failure:
Bauer opens up about his struggles in management, leading to a significant financial loss in 2018. However, he sees this period as a crucial learning experience. Losing $1,000,000 forced him to understand what not to do, paving the way for a clearer direction in his business.
Navigating the Challenges of 2018 and COVID-19:
Bauer's struggles in 2018, coupled with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlight the resilience required in the video production industry. He credits being lean before COVID for helping Umault weather the storm. The key, according to Bauer, is maintaining mental stability, being positive, optimistic, and realistic.
Umault now consists of only two people—Bauer and his wife. He is actively involved in all aspects of the business, except accounting and producing. Bauer uses a pricing strategy focused on keeping prices high to manage capacity effectively. By reducing the number of clients through higher rates, he ensures that each client receives the attention they deserve.
Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers:
Bauer's advice to newcomers emphasizes the importance of doing, learning from mistakes, and not expecting instant success. He encourages filmmakers to explore different areas initially but urges them to find a niche as they gain experience. Lastly, he emphasizes the uniqueness of each filmmaker, discouraging imitation and encouraging the development of an individual style.
Conclusion:
Guy Bauer's journey is a testament to the challenges and triumphs inherent in the video production industry. From the early struggles in a Chicago apartment to the resilience displayed during financial setbacks, Bauer's insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring filmmakers and entrepreneurs. His commitment to creating content that people want to watch and his practical approach to pricing and capacity management contribute to the success of Umault in a competitive industry.
Check out his website at www.umault.com