Chocolate films is an independent, full-service video production company. They are an international agency based in London and Glasgow, with global partners and satellite offices in the EU and US. They make content with impact – from promo videos to documentaries, animations to event films, and more.
Social investment from Big Issue Invest has been incredibly valuable in the development of Chocolate Films and Chocolate Films Workshops. They have focused on understanding the company, our values and mission and have helped us in such a supportive way. We can't praise them enough!
Challenge
Chocolate Films was set up to tackle the lack of access to creative opportunities and skills development for young people, particularly those from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds.
Over the past 23 years, they have built an independent social enterprise organically, without the backing of investment funding, and although this path has been rewarding it has also been challenging. They were consistently forced to overcome the consistent hurdle of starting and growing with limited resources.
Throughout their journey of obtaining finance, they encountered many challenges, one of them being offered loans from traditional banks with high interest rates and rigid terms.
Solution
Big Issue Invest was contacted and provided affordable loans at key moments in their growth, enabling them to move closer to their mission of creating meaningful opportunities for young people in London. These loans have also helped with the expansion of their operations and the establishment of their new home: the purpose-built Nine Elms Studio.
This space will allow them to take on more video production projects, increasing their capacity. In turn, this growth will mean they can continue to empower the next generation of creatives by offering more training programs and employment opportunities.
Revenue
Chocolate Films generates revenue through client work, creating promotional videos, documentaries, and branded content for businesses and individuals.
Impact
As a result of this investment, Chocolate Films will be able to facilitate workshops across the UK, from their own studio and around the world in a variety of settings, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from deprived areas, care leavers, and ex-offenders. Through their workshops, they’re inspiring and equipping young people from all walks of life with the skills to tell their own stories.
For over ten years, Chocolate Films had been looking to design and own their film studio. We were delighted to support them in achieving that goal so that they can continue to empower young people and vulnerable adults with life-changing opportunities in filmmaking.