Spotlight on Ayrshire Film Company CIC
In our newest spotlight, we’re happy to be joined by Taylor McInroy, Creative Director of Ayrshire Film Company CIC. Ayrshire Film Co. was set up as a Community Interest Company to create a difference within Ayrshire. They work to ensure that in the future, young people in Ayrshire can be creative, community groups can be recognised for their work, and local businesses can thrive.
What does your social enterprise do?
We’re a video production social enterprise based in Ayrshire, our primary activity is producing high quality videos for other organisations, we love working with partners in the third sector! Also, our social mission is to support young people in Ayrshire with training and opportunities in all aspects of new media.
How do you do it?
We work with any organisation looking for quality video content, we specialise in story-driven films with people at the centre of them, some examples would be case study videos or short documentaries. We always start with a conversation to help understand what would be a great video for our clients.
Why should someone buy/use your product/services? What are the benefits and what makes your organisation unique?
As a video production social enterprise, we understand firsthand the importance of sharing powerful stories. We feel our job goes beyond the technical elements of setting up a camera and pressing record. Our role from start to finish is to ensure your amazing story is told well.
What is your personal motivation?
Personally, for me setting up Ayrshire Film Co. was a combination of two passions; filmmaking and community work. I believe social enterprise is an amazing model of business and can have such an impact on local communities. My aim is to ensure Ayrshire Film Co. is set up to make a lasting impact.
What is the current focus for your social enterprise?
We’re continuing to work with clients old and new to build lasting relationships which produce quality work for both organisations. Our work with young people has increased too and we’re focusing on building our ‘TVAyrshire’ project which is very exciting.
What exciting things do you have coming up?
We’re currently delivering BFI Film Academy in Ayrshire for the first time ever. I was really proud to bring this opportunity here as Ayrshire often lacks creative arts activity due to Glasgow being so close. I’m really looking forward to seeing the young peoples’ finished films in January.
Who do you want to work with more?
I would love to work directly with funding organisations to highlight the good work and outcomes being delivered as part of their funded projects. I think there’s a lot of innovative and positive work being done and sometimes it’s hard to translate that into a project report.
What’s your biggest challenge?
Currently our biggest challenge is capacity, we’re a small organisation of 4 staff members, trying to do a lot of different things. Ultimately, we have to make sure we are balancing our work so that we’ve got a sustainable income as well as delivering positive outcomes for the young people we work with.
Where do you see your organisation in 5 years?
In 5 years’ time, I would love for us to have our own premises which would include a dedicated studio space where the young people on our ‘TVAyrshire’ project can be creative. We could also open this to other community groups and schools to use.
What top tips would you give to other social enterprises?
My top tip would be to build networks and relationships even with your competitors. It’s natural to feel a bit wary of similar organisations but more often than not I’ve found that a ‘rising tide lifts all boats’, and you can often help each other out.
For more information about Ayrshire Film Company CIC, please visit their website and make sure to follow them on YouTube, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and Facebook.
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