Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Young and Rob Smith.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
We went to college together in Pittsburgh PA and moved to Chicago separately after graduation in the late 90s. Once we got together as a couple, one holiday season we did not have a lot of money for gifts or cards, but we did have a video camera. Since we are both singers and love to make our friends and family laugh, we decided to do a holiday video, inspired by the old Judy Garland Holiday special.
When doing the credits, we had to name our production company. We could think of nothing better than to name our brand new film company, just for this one special, after two of our professors from college who had had huge impacts on who we were as artists. They both had since passed, so to honor them, and all they gave us, we named our company after Raymond Laine and James Prescott. Prescott Laine Productions was born, sort of by accident.
From people who saw our Holiday special, we started getting requests to film anything and everything. Live theater and music events, then branched into promotional pieces for smaller theater companies, into video portions of live theatrical events, into commercials, into corporate industrial work, into scripted work and even yes, the YoungSmith Christmas & New Years Spectacular is an annual event now that has outgrown that little video camera in our apartment.
Twelve years later, we are very proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish in the name of and to honor our dear professors Jim and Raymond.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
We have had a steep learning curve. Going from producing theater to producing film, in all its different forms is a jump. Not a huge jump, but it was a jump. We spent a lot of time reading and working with people who were willing to answer our questions as we went. It was never a struggle, but being humble enough to ask for help if we didn’t know the answers, in the beginning, was the easiest way to walk through each challenge. We learned fast and are grateful to all the people who helped us.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Prescott Laine Productions – what should we know?
Prescott Laine is a full-service media company, specializing in video production. Our focus is on honest storytelling, no matter what the story. From CEOs explaining to employees at a large corporation a new initiative to theater companies advertising a new work to our scripted work, we strive to hear our client’s needs and present whatever the project, in an honest, relatable way.
We are known for being flexible, easy to work with and problem solvers. What sets us apart is our ability to listen to our clients and the talented crew we bring to the table. We are most proud of how fast we have grown as well as our ability to incorporate and have access to the latest technology in video production that we are able to instantly utilize for every project.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Prescott Laine would not be what we have become without the support and mentorship of Dean Bushala at Red Branch Productions. Dean is an Emmy winning Director/Producer who has shared his knowledge and leadership with us over the last decade.
We are grateful to have been able to work with him and that we get to continue to work with him even as his star shines brighter and brighter. We also couldn’t be who we are without cinematographer Christopher Lane’s attention to detail and masterful lighting. We have relied on both of these gentleman’s extensive experience.
They are willing to work with us and help us grow Prescott Laine to the full-service company we are today. We are proud to have them both as members of the Prescott Laine family. Greg Lanier at NORC is our favorite client and advocate. He really understands how we work and is truly a joy to work with on every project. Without these relationships with our business partners and clients, we would not be who we are today.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://prescottlaine.com/
- Phone: 773-405-6733
- Email: melissa@prescottlaine.com
- Instagram: http://www.instragram.com/prescottlaine
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrescottLaine/
Image Credit:
Tyler Core
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
