Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Connell.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My video life started when I was a kid. On my 10th birthday I used the money I got from gifts to buy a Super 8 movie film camera. I loved making fun movies with my family and friends and have been telling stories with a camera ever since. I went to Emerson College in Boston and graduated in 1980 with a BS in Mass Communications with an emphasis on TV and Radio. My first job was as a News Producer for Warner Cable TV in Somerville MA, producing a daily newscast that went out live to 9 cities around the Boston area. From there I went in to Corporate TV, working for American Mutual Insurance Companies in Wakefield, producing videos for training, marketing, sales, and public relations. AM went into receivership in 1988 and I was laid off, but made the decision to buy all the companies equipment, and started my current company, KC Visuals Unlimited, Inc.
I have been running my own business since 1988, and have seen a lot of changes in the industry, especially going from analog to digital video. I also worked at Avid for 12 years, the leading pioneer in the digital video realm. It’s a challenge running a video business every day, especially when the economy is tight. Many companies cut spending on video during tough times, but I have weathered the storms and I am still working hard at it today.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I have faced many challenges over the years, personally and professionally. I was laid off in 1988 and had to make the decision to either start my own business or look for another job. It was a tough road getting the business going, since finding customers was new to me. I’ve made many mistakes along the way and have learned a lot of valuable, and sometimes costly lessons. Over the years, I have been sued for negligence (a lady tripped over a wire from one of my lights at the State House), I have had a heart attack and 5-way by-pass surgery, been divorced, in a car accident totaling my car, and have had many economic up and down swings, but I am still here and still in business.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My video production company is small and diverse in nature. My specialties over the years has been event coverage and marketing videos. I have covered numerous conferences, seminars, meetings, sporting events, graduations, anniversaries, weddings, and parties, providing one or multi camera coverage. I also do marketing videos for small and midsize companies, used to promote their business on websites and social media campaigns. Customers over the years include: Tufts University, Wellesley College, Emmanuel College, Derry Medical Center, Aegis Communications, IM Wireless Verizon, Harte Hanks, Mopro, Palo Alto Networks, and the Boston Renegades. I am most proud that I am still in business and have dozens of customer testimonials praising my work and ability to work with people.
What were you like growing up?
I was a high school athlete and intelligent kid, graduating 3rd in my high school class of 600. I turned down a chance to go to Harvard so that I could go to Emerson and study TV and Film. I often wonder where life would have taken me if I went to Harvard and studied business. I loved sports and travel and loved to party with friends.
Pricing:
- I charge $425 for a half day of shooting with 2 or 3 HD cameras and $750 for a full day
- $60 an hour for editing
Contact Info:
- Address: 443 Quincy Shore Drive Unit 1 North Quincy, MA 02171
- Website: www.kcvisualsunlimited.com
- Phone: 978-640-1900 or 978-935-0373
- Email: michael@kcvisualsunlimited.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MikeConnellIBO
- Twitter: @MichaelisHBSU
- Other: https://hbsu.usi-tech.info/
Image Credit:
Lisa Malmgren
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