Introducing STUDIOME

Impressive client list for such a young outfit

After a considerable hiatus, punctuated by a failing laptop and a fractured hand, I’m back in the game. One-handed, though. Today I’m introducing Sam Tipper, founder and owner of video production company, Studiome. Why? He’s joining our directory – for those of you who don’t know what that is: we’re compiling a catalogue of all creative businesses and individuals who provide a service, making it easier to find people with the right skills, and for those people to be found. Sound good? Fill in the form on the directory page and join Sam and many others here on Creative Boom London.

From making a mockumentary about a couple of pigeons for his final project at university, to setting up Studiome in May 2008, Sam Tipper has been leaping forward in the past few years. He graduated from the University of Greenwich in 2007 with a first class degree in 3D Design and Animation and an award for outstanding achievement. In that awkward period of time immediately following university (in terms of life it’s a bit of a stop-or-carry-on situation) Sam edited freelance “for companies like Spectrecom and Dragonfly Productions”, before he took a job as runner at The Mill, Soho.

But after a few months he became disillusioned. “I didn’t want to end up as just another brick in the wall,” he said, “so I took a chance and set up Studiome in May 2008.” He wanted to fulfil project briefs without compromising his creative individuality, telling me: “I’m confident that this approach will lead to greater things.”

With this in mind, it’s no surprise that Sam didn’t stay solo for that long, taking on freelancers to free up time for more jobs – “Getting others involved was a must,” he said. “Realistically you need people to work with to get certain things done. Mostly the collaborators add a new dimension to the piece.” But he doesn’t think collaborative efforts are “totally necessary” for the production of decent work. It’s back to his creative individuality again: “Sometimes having a singular vision and executing it without outside involvement can focus the mind and produce great results.”

Here is an example of one of those results: a viral co-produced by Sam Tipper for Newspepper.com – it’s reached over 100,000 views and has been featured in The Sun. Not bad, eh? Have a look below.

24-year-old British girl weds her laptop “Alex”

With this kind of mindset a project brief might seem constraining at times; essentially the client knows or has an idea of what they want, but the professionals they pay are paid because they’re professionals. Someone who makes films (Sam) is bound to more about what works best than their client – but it’s all a balance. There should be equal/relevant input from both sides. Sam Tipper thinks it hangs on trust: “If the client knows you will do a good job then they will be more willing to let you run free on something.” Reputation, reputation, reputation!

He’s clearly passionate about all things creative – Studiome offers more than just video, boasting photography and a few areas of design and illustration – including art commissions (done by Tipper’s 19-year-old sister; “She’s really talented and I’m sure she’ll go far,” he commented) and story-boarding – a one stop shop for big, media-based projects. “For me,” said Sam, “they all fall under the bracket of the creative industry, and I think if you have talent then you can apply your creative vision across a wide range of areas.” Settling on one particular thing would limit you – not only does Sam keep his options open, but in doing so basically has his cake and is munching away on it as I type.

One of the branches is comedy videos: “I produce them with my sister and have garnered interest from some big names in the industry, so hopefully our stuff will be on TV in the future.” He also makes music and is pretty eager to promote what he does in an original way, and is currently encouraging “good ideas” to be sent his way. Got any? Get in touch with Mr Tipper (contact details below).

So if you need a viral video, or a story-board made for your advertisement, or an animated short – please don’t hesitate to drop Studiome a line from our directory section!

- – - – - – - – -

This is Studiome
www.studiome.co.uk
and if you want to talk music promotion with Sam Tipper
send him an email