HOW TO BE COURAGEOUS WHEN MAKING BUSINESS DECISIONS

How Stage 5 Films pulled off a daring production

in the middle of a global pandemic

During the height of the 2021 lockdown, Marcelle du Toit and her team at Stage 5 Films shot a 1920s coming-of-age period drama set in Mauritius. To make it all happen though, they had to take some big risks and make some very brave business decisions.

The entire crew flew out on a private charter in July. With both countries under level 5 restrictions they spent six months on the island and produced a full feature film. It was a monumental risk and there were various unforeseen stumbling blocks along the way. You might not be about to take a multi-million dollar risk in a foreign country, but you can learn from Marcelle’s story.

Here is how (and why) she and her team had

the courage to make those decisions.

THERE WAS A VERY BIG ‘WHY’

Remembering ‘why’ you’re making a particular decision is crucial. You need to have the reason behind making a courageous decision well thought out. For us (as Stage 5 Films) this was an opportunity to take a leap forward. I’m always strive for progress and seeking opportunities and challenges most people wouldn’t consider. In addition, ‘people’ were a big ‘why’ for us. Making this bold business decision gave us the means to provide a significant amount of employment in a time when the film industry was at a standstill. We had a crew of 200+ South Africans, British and Mauritians for six months.

We saw the bigger picture

One needs to constantly look at the bigger picture and how making that courageous business decision could shift your future forward, faster. This project gave us opportunities that few would have. It ticked all the crazy boxes! Being our largest production to date it scaled Stage 5 Films and has opened us up to larger markets. We were able to expand our services both locally and abroad.

i'm all about positive disruption

Not everyone is, but I am fuelled by a desire to improve systems, to challenge industry norms and to try things differently. Can we improve on previous systems? Is there a better way to do this? I apply this thinking to small and large business decision making. This film was the perfect opportunity to do what very few would do and to see how we are able to create without our usual structures. Our open mindedness, willingness and courage to try new things resulted in the success of the production.

THE COLLECTIVE BENEFIT WAS FAR BIGGER THAN THE PERSONAL OUTCOMES

I strive at all times to use our platform and business to empower others and contribute towards job creation. As mentioned, this project was in production during Covid. The film industry came to a standstill and many freelancers were out of work and savings. By making that one very courageous decision, we had the opportunity across the territories to provide employment for 200+ people. More importantly, the 200 families of those freelancers. The reach was impactful at such a critical time and there’s a great responsibility to lead and seize opportunity on behalf of others.

 

Marcelle and her team seized the opportunity and took the risk. They made the courageous business decision and Prisoner’s of Paradise will be released in the Spring of 2021. The next time Marcelle travels to Mauritius, it will be for the premiere of the film.

Share:

Transforming Your Financial Management with Expert Guidance
26 Jan, 2024
DoughGetters eases financial anxiety for business owners like Sarah in SA with expert bookkeeping and accounting, fostering growth and stability.
Selecting the Ideal Accounting Partner: A Comprehensive Guide
10 Aug, 2023
Choosing the right accounting partner is crucial for your business success. Explore key factors to consider and steps to find the perfect match for your unique financial needs with DoughGetters
When is the Time to Outsource Your Accounting
10 Aug, 2023
wondering when to outsource your accounting as a small business owner? Discover key signs that it's time to seek expert help & how DoughGetters can support you.
How Outsourcing Accounting Gives You More Control
03 Jul, 2023
Think outsourcing accounting means losing control over your finances? Let DoughGetters debunk this myth and show you how expert support can enhance your financial management.
The Benefits of Cloud Accounting for SMEs and How to Choose the Right Software
By Shannon Lodewyk 29 Jun, 2023
Benefits of cloud accounting for SMEs and how to choose the right software to streamline financial management and boost business growth with DoughGetters.
How to become Xero advisor certified, some tips to help you get started
15 Feb, 2023
Learn how to become Xero Advisor Certified with our guide. Understand benefits, requirements, and steps to certify, and boost your accounting skills.
Why Accounting is Important for Business Success
15 Feb, 2023
Discover why accounting is crucial for business success with effective accounting practices, informing strategic decisions, and propelling your business forward
Bookkeeping: The Heartbeat of Your Business
15 Feb, 2023
Uncover how proper bookkeeping can give you critical insights, boost financial management, and help your business thrive in any economic climate.
Will AI Take Over Accounting? Debunking the Myths
By Andre Swanepoel 14 Feb, 2023
Get the facts about AI in accounting. Learn why it won't replace human expertise and what tasks it can assist with, including data entry and tax preparation.
More Posts

Join our crew on instagram!

@doughgetters_group

Share by: