Breakwater Studios - Comprehensive Analysis Report
Summary
Breakwater Studios is a filmmaking company specializing in short documentaries and the works they inspire. Founded in 2012 by Ben Proudfoot, the company has become a recognized name in the short documentary scene. Located in Los Feliz, California, in Walt Disney's historic first office, Breakwater Studios is committed to protecting its people, its philosophy, and the integrity of the stories it tells.
1. Strategic Focus & Objectives
Core Objectives
- Focus on cinematic humanist storytelling through short-form and long-form documentaries.
- Connect artists and organizations with audiences through film and media.
- Craft stories that resonate with millions, taking an innovative and human approach to filmmaking.
- Partner with brands to create docu-style branded films.
Specialization Areas
- Cinematic humanist storytelling.
- Short-form and long-form documentaries.
- Docu-style branded films.
Target Markets
- General audiences interested in documentary films.
- Brands seeking docu-style branded content.
- Organizations looking to connect with audiences through film and media.
2. Financial Overview
Funding History
- Total funds raised: $3.38 million.
- Key investors include DNS Capital and Madison Wells Media.
3. Product Pipeline
Key Products/Services
- The Queen of Basketball: Winner of the 2022 Academy Award.
- The Last Repair Shop: Winner of the 2024 Academy Award, catalyzing a multi-million dollar fundraising campaign for the L.A.U.S.D. music repair shop.
- A Concerto is a Conversation: Nominated for an Oscar in 2021.
- Life's Work, New York Times Op-Docs series Cause of Life, and Almost Famous: Series that have amassed tens of millions of views globally.
- The Final Copy of Ilon Specht for L'Oréal Paris: Winner of the Cannes Lion Grand Prix.
- Flowers for YouTube, If You Have for UNICEF, and May Day for Charles Schwab.
4. Technology & Innovation
Technology Stack
- Combines traditional filmmaking with technology.
- Employs a "proprietary methodology" as a key element of its storytelling approach.
5. Leadership & Management
Executive Team
- Ben Proudfoot: Founder and CEO, is a two-time Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker. Born in Nova Scotia in 1990.
- Josh Rosenberg: EVP, Production.
- Dawn O'keeffe: VP, Finance.
- Nana Adwoa Frimpong: Executive Media And Communications Director.
- Nick Garnham Wright: Executive Creative Director.
Other Key Personnel
- Brandon Somerhalder: Cinematographer-in-Residence.
- David Bolen: Cinematographer-in-Residence.
- Gabriel Rivera: Creative Director, Archival and Licensing.
- Jeffrey Perez de Leon: Lead Assistant Editor & Online Editor.
- Katya Richardson: Composer-in-Residence.
- Stephen Derluguian: Colorist-in-Residence.
Advisors
- Daisy Tinsley Barnett: Advisor, Brand Partnerships.
- Jeremy Lambert: Advisor, Story & Development.
- Josh Upton: Advisor, Brand Partnerships.
- Kevin Merida: Strategic Advisor.
- Kirstin Falk: Senior Advisor, Brand Strategy & Partnerships.
Board Members
- Emily Casey Brown
- Norm Bolen
- Richard Graham
- Abby Pucker: Board Observer.
6. Strategic Partnerships
- Barack and Michelle Obama
- Lewis Hamilton
- Naomi Osaka
- Orlando Bloom
- Shaqille O'Neal
- Stephen Curry
- Ava DuVernay
- UNICEF
- L'Oréal Paris
- Charles Schwab
- The New York Times
7. Operational Insights
- Breakwater Studios differentiates itself through its focus on humanist short-form documentaries.
- The company utilizes a "proprietary methodology" for storytelling.
- The company is dedicated to its people, philosophy, and the integrity of its stories.
8. Future Outlook
Strategic Roadmap
- Expands its production of original and commissioned documentaries.
- Partners with various organizations and brands.
- Focuses on crafting stories that resonate with millions of viewers worldwide.
