Resident starting up media business

Andrew George recently received $15,000 from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund to start up a new media business, which will offer audio, video, and media management services within the Rainy River District and surrounding areas.
“I record bands, do videos, and manage bands and media projects, helping each project reach its full potential,” the 21-year-old Fort Frances resident noted.
He explained his business, called “All Good Projects,” will not only offer these services, but there will also be a production element.
“If someone wants to record something, I’m just there as an engineer,” he said. “But if someone comes to me with an idea for production work, if I’m on board with it, we could work on it together as a project.”
George noted he came up with the idea for the business after discovering he didn’t want to study business at Acadia University in Nova Scotia.
“I liked music, but I didn’t know what to do,” he said, citing he tried to start up a record label there, but the concept didn’t fit.
“It wasn’t a great idea . . . Record labels are dying. It wasn’t the place to start it,” he expressed.
George then went to study audio engineering at Mid-Ocean School of Media Arts in Winnipeg.
“I learned a lot about the recording process and audio and video,” he explained. “I was about 16 when I started to record myself, and my interest in it grew from there.”
He got some help from people at the United Native Friendship Centre, who suggested he apply for grants in order to start up “All Good Projects.”
He developed a business plan and was notified in August that he had earned the grant. The funds have allowed him to purchased the audio and video equipment he needs for the business.
“Grants are so important,” he stressed. “I don’t think any business like this in Canada could survive without grants . . . It’s the only reason I could come back to Fort to do this.”
George has had to go through the proper procedures to develop “All Good Projects,” such as getting insurance and a business license.
He indicated it’s been a lot of work, but he believes his business has the potential to succeed here.
“I think there’s a need for someone young to help develop the artistic people,” he voiced. “I’m a big believer in trying new things in this area to keep youth around.”
George also noted there are no music management or recording studios in Thunder Bay that he is aware of.
“And there are a lot of talented people here,” he added.
George’s audio and video recording will be available for weddings, birthday parties, and other events, as well as to record any budding artists—even if it’s just one song.
He has portable equipment he can take to the clients house or they can visit the studio he has set up in his home.
“The services will keep me in business, but I’m really interested in working on some projects,” he stressed, citing for example, someone could come to him if they had an idea for a television proposal. He could help work on it and pitch it to a network.
George has recently produced a mockumentary, titled “The Show,” which documents Canadian small town life from the viewpoint of high school students.
While he called the film “really edgy,” he indicated many local students will be able to relate to it.
“Everyone might not like it, but it’s the truth. Some people don’t like the truth,” he remarked.
The short film will premier at Cine 5 in International Falls on Dec. 27.
In addition, George is already managing a band in Thunder Bay called “Money Honey,” who won the Kenora Battle of the Bands.
“Hopefully young and old will want to come up with some ideas and see what we can produce,” he said, citing he doesn’t want to have competition in the area, but to have everyone working together.
George indicated he couldn’t have gotten to this point without the support from his parents. And while he expects some challenges, having an entertainment company is his passion and he plans to work hard at it.
Anyone interested in these services or those who have a production idea, can contact George at andrew@allgoodprojects.com or visit his website at www.allgoodprojects.com