Connecting brands to international audiences through film: Meet UoB entrepreneurs UK Rush Productions

Claire Gong and Cheryl Li graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2018 with a Masters in Film and Television before starting a video production company called UK Rush Productions. They make creative video content for businesses around the world and specialise in bridging the gap between brands and international audiences. 

They have worked with some instantly recognisable brands including; Huawei, Ogilvy, Tencent, Tomato English, Ort Gallery, World Retail Congress and Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Claire and Cheryl are currently part of the University of Birmingham's start-up incubator programme (UoB Elevate) in Birmingham city centre and were able to start their business through the Start-Up Visa scheme. We caught up with Claire to find out more about their business model and find out why working in the film industry has been such a 'rush'.

Claire: We provide outstanding video production and visual solutions for international companies, advertising agencies and international film productions.

We aim to make every production a challenging ecstasy, a creative rush. During our postgraduate course, we were invited by West Midlands Fire Service to produce a series of videos to help international students get more knowledge about fire safety. That was the first time we saw the need for institutions and companies that may need to produce videos aimed at the Chinese speaking market in the UK. 

A few months later, a company in China approached us seeking international video co-operation in the UK. So we quickly figured out that there is a market for international video production. We can help British companies and institutions to get their audience through videos in China, and we can help Chinese companies and agencies to expand their brand reputation through videos in the English speaking world.

We are proud of our ability and desire to produce beautiful content that brands love and audiences can relate to. We have local contacts around the world, providing the most professional international film and television co-production and local production services to brands and organisations around the world: in Europe, USA, Africa, Asia... you name it.

How did the support from the university help you in achieving your goals for the business?

First and foremost, we learned a lot about how to start-up and also the start-up visa process through the B-Enterprising team. This allowed us to get our business started in the UK.  After we got the visa, the careers team really helped us go through all the difficulties in the first year. Not only the physical help, but they also mentally supported us. We all know that start-up is never an easy thing. Sometimes it might be frustrating, it might make you feel it is time to give up. But Kerry, Mohammed and other staff, always support us, cheer us up, find our drawbacks and help us to improve.

Love Is Greater Than Two video - by UK Rush Productions:

Find more videos from UK Rush Productions via their website.

Describe a particular challenge you faced running your business in the UK and how you overcame it?

We were struggling to get clients at the early stage of the business, However, after several volunteer works, we gradually got some contacts and networking.

When the first job was done, the challenge quickly moved on to how can we approach the second, the third client and it would be best if we can have some repeated clients.

In order to get in touch with this kind of company as much as possible in the first place, we decided to do direct marketing. 

After evaluating our strengths and weakness, we confirmed our target market and potential target client and created a contact list of businesses that are profitable and with a high-profit margin, asking if they need any video or photo services. After endless email sending but refusal, we eventually got our first repeated client.

Do you have any advice or tips for other students considering applying for the Start-up visa?

Just do it! like the slogan. You never know what you will achieve and how much potential you have until you start doing it. Keep your mind clear. Talk to as many people in your sector as possible. Participating in as many events related to your sectors/business as possible. Otherwise, it is really hard to find out whether your idea is practical or not. 

Also, learn about your potential competitors in the market, and try to differentiate your business from them. My other personal advice is to do some sports and keep healthy. A strong body as well as balancing your work and free time for the benefit of your health is also very important.

Find out more by visiting the UK Rush Procutions website.

For tips on starting a business and the Start-Up Visa scheme visit the University of Birmingham, B-Enterprising website.

With thanks to Claire Gong (UK Rush Productions)
Arranged by Kerry Brunn

Edited by Bob Lee