Operational Strategy Engagement: Lighthouse Films
CLIENT: Lighthouse Films (http://lighthousefilms.com/)
BACK STORY: Founded over two decades ago by husband and wife team, Brad and Andrea Walker, Lighthouse Films has evolved into the go-to place for equipment rentals, production, and post production in Wilmington, NC…and beyond. From 2017-2018, Lighthouse Films doubled its team size. Due to this significant growth, Brad and Andrea met with Stabilimenta during the summer of 2018. They wanted to improve the company culture and internal processes so that the quality of their operations matched the extremely high quality of their video production, editing, and equipment rental services (check out their reel below).
WHAT WE DID: Stabilimenta conducted an operational strategy engagement with Lighthouse Films following a three-phase approach.
Phase I: Discovery & Research
Stabilimenta reviewed Lighthouse Films’ existing processes and tools as well as conducted a discovery session with Brad and Andrea. Stabilimenta also conducted qualitative and quantitative research through employee and client surveys as well as one-on-one employee interviews and follow-up phone interviews with clients. Stabilimenta gathered all of the research into an insights report, which also included refined organization anchors (mission, vision, values and beliefs, positioning) and operational gaps and issues.
Phase II: Action Plan
Building on the discovery and research phase, Stabilimenta created a personalized action plan with prioritized recommendations. Stabilimenta also produced additional deliverables, including: organization chart, director of operations job description, templates for new business proposals, employee onboarding, and project retrospectives, and expense guidelines.
Phase III: Execution Follow Ups
Stabilimenta had ongoing follow-up calls and onsite meetings with Lighthouse Films in the months following the action plan rollout. Stabilimenta also helped Lighthouse Films interview candidates for the director of operations position.
KEY OUTCOMES:
A year and a half after the engagement began, employee satisfaction is at 100% (according to a December 2019 employee survey), and all team members have worked hard to build and sustain a culture of trust and appreciation
Successful hire and onboarding of a director of operations in May 2019
Smooth growth from eight to twelve full-time employees and a successful move to a larger office in Wilmington’s Brooklyn Arts District
Clarity in employee roles and responsibilities
Creation of an onboarding guide to ensure all new employees receive dedicated and consistent training
Improved efficiency of team and department meetings as well as improved cadence and format of employee one-on-one meetings
Implementation of family meals as well as annual employee surveys so employees have a way to share open and honest feedback
Introduction of a project retrospective process
Articulated vision that employees can rally behind: “To be known as a high quality, creative film production and post-production company supported by a robust equipment rental business that champions the Wilmington film community and beyond”
“Hiring Jamie and Stabilimenta was one of the best decisions of the year, and we anticipate seeing a high rate of return and employee retention as direct results of her services. Our Stabilimenta process has been rejuvenating—reminding us why we work hard every day to make our company and product the best it can be and improving client relations and our employees’ experience.”
“It’s amazing to see the growth and positive change that we’ve gone through as a company in just a year. I am very thankful to be a part of this journey and see Lighthouse grow into a powerhouse of great work with a supportive team to make a positive impact on our community.”
WHAT’S NEXT FOR LIGHTHOUSE FILMS?
While Lighthouse Films remains a global company, it continues to focus on championing film production in North Carolina and the Wilmington film community. They supported projects filmed in Wilmington that are forthcoming in 2020, including The Georgetown Project (a horror movie starring Russell Crowe) and Uncle Frank (a Sundance film that was acquired by Amazon). Lighthouse Films remains a lead contributor for the stock footage giant, Getty Images, and continues to support commercial clients with productions and post-production. Lighthouse Films has recently seen its largest growth in equipment rentals, providing the highest quality cameras, lenses, gear and support around.