Five Students, One Vision
Starting your own business at University is no small feat.
But try bringing five students together and then setting up shop.
On top of a degree.
Well, for five Cinematic Arts students, that’s precisely what they did.
Two of the five founders, Erin McCloskey and Caitlin Harbinson, shared a little about their recruitment process.
Building the Wee Donkey Team
"When selecting the team for Wee Donkey Productions, the decision was straightforward. During our studies in Cinematic Arts at Magee, we worked on numerous group productions as part of our degree. Through these collaborative projects, we identified individuals who not only excelled in their roles but also fostered strong working relationships. For us, those individuals were Michael McKee, Sarah Watson, and Ryan Liggett."
Naming the Dream: How Wee Donkey Productions Found Its Identity and Direction
Now, undoubtedly, one of the first challenges with any business is picking a name. So, how did these five minds agree on one idea?
‘The name ‘Wee Donkey Productions’ came from one of our team members' Mum, who seemed to have a niche for funky company names. As a business we wanted a name that could be easily identifiable and unique, that also grounded us in the local community.
‘Wee Donkey Productions’ derives from the saying “Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the wee donkey” which was famously said by Ted Hasting in the TV drama ‘Line of Duty’ which was filmed in Belfast and since has become a popular Northern Irish saying. The name ‘Wee Donkey Productions’ immediately sets the tone of our business as being down to earth, unique and local and we just love it!’
And, as only the second of two group businesses to have ever joined the EPY programme, Wee Donkey made their own blueprint for WDP whilst on the placement.
‘In our case, EPY provided essential support in deciding between a Social Enterprise and a Partnership structure. Through the sessions, as well as one-on-one mentoring with our mentor, Katrina Marrow, we determined that a partnership was the most suitable option for us. EPY has played an instrumental role in guiding us as we move forward with our company, helping us gain the knowledge and direction necessary to succeed.’
‘It’s not just about what each person can do, but also about discovering new skills together.’
Despite having only been in business for less than a year, Wee Donkey Productions have already made their mark in their local community as figureheads of the future in media production.
‘We have our ‘workshop’ projects – the likes of ‘Smartphone Filmmaking’ at Rathmullan Film Festival or ‘Manifestations of Home’ with the Rural Community Network. Our workshops are simple enough in structure; we go to a location and provide information about filmmaking, alongside a PowerPoint presentation, to a group of people.’
‘Depending on the type of workshop, we can then also help the attendees to create a short film using the skills they previously learned. Our workshop service seems to be our most in-demand service, and it is the most common project type for us to work on.’
Alongside these empowering workshops, Wee Donkey Productions also offers photography and social media marketing, providing a full media experience for their clients.
So, are you feeling inspired? Want to be the next Wee Donkey Productions? Or maybe the next Facebook? The Wee Donkey team has some advice before you start a business with your bestie.
‘Our advice to other students thinking of starting a business together is to do it with a group of tight-knit, reliable friends who share a strong work ethic and a genuine passion for the business. Having a supportive team you can trust makes all the difference, especially when navigating the inevitable challenges that come with organising projects/products. Most importantly, make sure you’re all aligned with the same vision and committed to putting in the necessary effort to turn your business idea into something real and sustainable.’
And if you’re still determined to start a business, is EPY the right route for you?
Well, here’s what Wee Donkey Productions had to say.
Real-World Prep with EPY
"EPY is excellent preparation for the real world, providing practical, hands-on experience in entrepreneurship. It not only helps you develop essential business skills but also significantly boosts your confidence. The program requires you to actively engage in networking, present your ideas publicly, and build connections with other business professionals. The team at EPY has truly helped transform our career aspirations into a reality."
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the Wee Donkey team have their sights firmly set on continuing to give back.
‘For the future of Wee Donkey, we want to expand our workshop network, reaching as many young filmmakers as possible of all ages. Giving them the skills they need for the industry and provide insight and signposts for where they can hone their individual craft.’
