Q&A with Brian Mclane – CEO of Palm Aisles Pictures

1. Tell us a bit about Palm Aisles Pictures.

Palm Aisles Pictures is a new breed of film and television production company. Our approach to making movies and episodic content revolves around telling great stories in a cost-conscious manner.

2. What gave you the idea for your business and how did it start?

It all started when Apple came out with the iPhone 6S. The camera has a 4K resolution meaning larger screens were now available to us without losing quality. Overall technology is enabling people who may never even conceived of making a film to do so and we did.

3. What’s your favorite thing about your work?

There is nothing like making a movie and seeing it come to fruition. The best part is that after all the hard work it lasts forever.

4. What are your keys to making yourself productive?

I once read a book and subsequently attended a lecture by Jack Canfield. He said that if you work the “Rule of 5” (doing five things everyday that get you closer to your goal), you will be successful. And that seems to be the case.

5. Tell us one long-term goal in your career.

Our first film “The Killer’s Requiem” is not only a Rock Music Feature, but it is also faith-based. If even one person comes to God because of our film it all would have been worth it.

6. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned through the course of your career?

Never take no for an answer. Always keep moving forward. If you can’t get in the front door, go through the side entrance. Once you stop, that’s when you’re defeated. So I never stop.

7. What advice would you give to others aspiring to succeed in your field?

There’s a lot to learn if you’re shooting a movie on your iPhone. I’ve written an e-book on the subject which will save aspiring filmmakers who want to venture into mobile filmmaking a lot of time. Some of the most important things are technical in nature such as streamlining your work flow and digital asset management. Try to learn a little about every aspect of what it takes to make a good film as well as promote it including production techniques, post-production and working with rights and unions. Perhaps the biggest piece of advice is when it comes to film festivals. It’s all about who you know and working your film to the programming committees. Most of them will never watch your film unless you bug them. And under no circumstances would I ever use the Withoutabox platform. If you have to submit your film using an online platform, use Film Freeway.

8. What are your favorite things to do outside of work?

My daughter Sofia McLane, who also stars in The Killer’s Requiem is my number one priority. Spending time with her playing games or running around is my absolute favorite thing on earth.

9. Name a few influential books you’ve read and/or websites you keep up with that you’d recommend to readers.

YouTube is the oracle of knowledge. Almost anything you need to know about Final Cut Pro you can learn on YouTube. I don’t have the time to read unfortunately.