Today we’d like to introduce you to Rod Whittaker.
Hi Rod, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As high school students, my colleagues and I formed a cover band. Unknowingly, this became our first venture into business and spawned a successful career in the music industry as a performer. Fast forward to four decades later the band is still going strong and has provided seed money for many business ventures along the way. My instrument is bass guitar, and it has accorded me the opportunity to travel the world, performing music and enriching lives. Approximately five years ago I retired as bandleader and I’m now part owner/manager of Encore Film And Music Studio. We provide production space for film, photography, and video projects. We also provide rehearsal space for the performing arts.
After retiring from the music industry I was burned out on music, however a few years later I got the itch to return, not as a performer, but as a producer. I formed AMC Performance Company. My goal was/is to produce entertainment for performing arts venues, such as college and community theaters. Some of my musical and theatrical productions include We Were Funky, Live!, The Voices Of Donny Hathaway, Forever Motown, and The Faces Of Emmett Till.
My love for Old School music and values prompted me to create the We Were Funky brand, which includes the following:
wewerefunky.com – a website that offers a glimpse into the rearview mirror of American popular culture of the 70s-90s, with an emphasis on Funk, Soul, R&B music.
We Were Funky Documentary – A film that tells the story of the Funk/R&B musician, the music scene, and the music culture of the ’70s in Atlanta, GA.
We Were Funky, Live! – a live stage musical celebration of the Funk, R&B, and Disco music of the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
45% of small businesses fail within 5 years. Starting as teenagers, what we later found to be a business, luckily I and my colleagues were still living with our parents. This was probably the biggest contributing factor in my success. As bandleader, some of my greatest struggles were dealing with different personalities and navigating the music industry over decades to ensure the band was working. I had to look at music not as something that I loved but as a product. Whether I liked it or not, I had to provide the product that others liked in order to work and be successful. The other struggle was missing out on personal events due to the extensive traveling.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Encore Film And Music Studio provides affordable resources in a professional environment in which visual artists and entertainers can creatively realize their vision.
Our clients enjoy 5000 sq. ft. of rental studio and production space. Encore includes a 112 ft. pre-lit cyc wall at a height of 16 ft.; 52 ft. concave white, 18ft. black, and 42 ft. concave green screen. Includes vehicle access, free parking, two dressing/make-up rooms, two restrooms, client lounges with flat screens, snack area with kitchenette.
Encore is perfect for clients needing production space for film projects, photo/video shoots, rehearsal space and special events. 24-hour around the clock booking, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!
I’m most proud of the fact that in a few short years my brand has become established to the point of hosting such entertainers as Ricky Smiley, Ludacris, Tyler Perry, and such TV productions as Love And Hip Hop, Married At First Sight, Growing Up Hip Hop and more.
What I would want your readers to know is that not only is this my business, but also my life passion. I am a lifelong servant of the arts who is blessed to own a business that caters to enriching the lives of society. By treating every project as if it were my own, I try to ensure the creator achieves their vision, with hopes of their content benefiting someone.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I’ve learned you can’t take anything for granted, and the most difficult problem to solve is when people are required to work today.
Pricing:
- $75 hr. production studio rental
- $35 hr. rehearsal studio rental
Contact Info:
- Website: encorefilmandmusic.com
- Instagram: encorefilmstudio
- Facebook: Encore Film And Music Studio
- Youtube: Encore Film And Music Studio
- Other: wewerefunky.com
Image Credits
Melody King / Amethyst Heart
