Lukas Klouth, moved to Sweden from Germany. Today he is running a successful video production company in his own name (LINK HERE) working internationally with celebs like Bianca Ingrosso and Odell Beckham Jr.
Tell us a bit about your background, where you’re from, and how you ended up in Sweden
I am originally from Germany When I was 25, I worked in television, doing shows and series. During breaks between seasons, which lasted about 3-4 months, I took the opportunity to travel extensively. It was during one of my trips to Thailand that I met my girlfriend, who is Swedish. This meeting ultimately led me to Sweden, as I decided to move here about five years ago.
Why did you decide to start your own company?
After working in Sweden for four years, I had the chance to work with different companies, including freelancing and collaborating with production agencies. During the time I was working at Daniel Wellington, I noticed that I had a growing number of clients who continued to seek my services, even from my time back in Germany. Recognizing this client base and my passion for having diverse clients and projects, I felt that starting my own company was the natural next step. I wanted the freedom to work on my own terms and leverage my skills effectively. Opening my own company seemed like the best choice for me, and it has been about five years since I made that decision.
You have worked with some cool celebrities like Bianca Ingrosso and Odell Beckham Jr. How important has your network of contacts been for your business?
The network of contacts I had played a vital role in starting my own company. It provided me with the confidence and assurance that I would have clients and income right from the beginning. Having those connections gave me the initial push I needed. However, expanding the network and finding new clients has been more challenging, especially when working from home and focusing on post-production work. So, networking remains crucial even now. I believe that having the right connections is essential, and even if you excel at what you do, without the right contacts, success can be elusive.
What are 3 pieces of advice you would give to someone starting their own company?
1. Get a strong network. I highly recommend finding contacts who are in a similar field or have experience in starting a company. Surrounding yourself with people who understand the challenges and can provide guidance and support is invaluable. Collaboration and brainstorming can help address issues and find effective solutions.
2. Patience is key. Starting a company can be a rollercoaster ride, with ups and downs. There may be times when jobs are scarce or when income is a concern. In such situations, it’s essential to be patient and wait for things to change. Sometimes, taking the time to recharge and appreciate the downtime can be beneficial.
3. Just do it! If you have an idea and it makes sense, don’t hesitate. Starting a company may seem daunting, but it’s often not as complicated or expensive as it appears. If you believe in your idea, give it a try. It’s worth taking the leap and seeing where it takes you.
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