Name of your website?Episode XI Studios
Your name?
Randy Davis
Your Location (city, etc)
Charlotte, NC
Please give us a short summary of your website?
Episode XI (11) Studios is a full service digital video production company in Charlotte, NC that assists with increasing your revenue through commercial video production, event/meeting planning, and corporate photography (advertising, product, and event.
What inspired you to launch your own website?
So that I could have total control over content, design, and most importantly, for the shear fun of it.
When did you launch your first website, and what was it?
My website was launched about 13 months ago, and this was my first.
How did you decide on a name for your website?
Many times, people ask how we came up with the name Episode XI (11) Studios, and the answer to that question is one that would make Tim Allen proud. Randy has always been a huge Home Improvement fan, and even has the first five seasons on DVD. Who would have ever thought that a company would be named after it…here is how it evolved.
When Randy and Beth decided to begin a new career, the first order of business was to give the new company a name. Our belief was that the company name should be personal. We each made a list of personal jokes, likes, hobbies, and quirks. Beth believed that the word “episode” would highlight the video aspect of the business, and its use in a company name was a first. Randy thought it would be a great idea to incorporate his favorite Home Improvement episode as part of the name, and thus Episode XI Studios was born.
There is an episode of Home Improvement where Tim Taylor (Tim Allen) realizes that he should help out more around the house. In his “Tim Taylorness”, he rewires the vacuum cleaner, because it needed “more power”. In its soft whisper mode, the vacuum performs just as any other, but in super suck mode, Tim nearly loses his youngest son to its vortex.
If anyone out there knows Tim Allen Dick, and can get a signed autograph for Episode XI Studios, we will forever be greatful.
What makes it different from other, similar offerings?
We offer formats for the web, TV, and distribution for every production that we offer...all at no additional fee.
What is your eventual goal? (To sell it, keep it for income, secure a book or other mainstream media deal?)
To fulfill my purpose of in life...to have fun behind the camera, to be creative during editing, and to create a wonderful memory of the entire experience.
How does your investment of time and money balance against your success?
The rewards of success have far outweighed any investment.
If you had an unlimited development budget for development, how would you change your site?
Other than add some flash interactivity...Nothing
If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?
Absolutely not.
What unexpected costs and headaches have you had to deal with?
When I developed the site, I knew nothing about coding or web design.
What has been your biggest challenge?
The many variables associated with web design, such as...browser compatibility, file formats, operating systems, and video codecs.
What method has been most successful for promoting your website?
Search Engine Optimization
How has running your website differed from your expectations?
When I first started (coming from a graphics background), I surprised that the software interface wasn't WYSIWYG.
How long have you run the site already, and how long will you continue to keep it up if you don't enjoy big gains in traffic, income or popularity?
A total of 13 months so far, and I will probably continue to develop it through 2008
If a Turtle loses his shell, is he homeless or naked?
Both
What is your website address?
Episode XI Studios
