We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex Kohnstamm and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

• What was your thought process behind starting your own business?

I felt that the best way to be able to make and tell stories was through film. From there, I saw the lack of film production in my hometown in Minnesota as an opportunity. Kobamm Productions started as a portmanteau to make comedy and action short films in college (It is my last name and my good friend and animator, Tom Coben’s, last names smushed together.) This made-up name eventually evolved into an actual production company after college that worked to address the lack of quality film production in Minnesota. Eventually, I took my company to Los Angeles to expand. Kobamm is currently on loan to an agency in Huntington Beach, working on a wide variety of commercial and advertising content.

• What’s one thing about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?

I think the impression is that it is difficult to break into the film industry. Honestly, if you are curious about the film industry at all, I cannot stress that the fear of rejection is much worse than the rejection itself. It does require you putting yourself out there and have a can-do attitude. Most people in the industry will welcome questions with open arms. We know that opportunity is everywhere, and that the next connection could lead to a great project. You never know unless you reach out.

• Risk taking: how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/career?

I would prefer that a project has no risks, but it comes with the territory. Part of being a competent producer is figuring out how to eliminate risk with the budget I’m given the best that I can. The higher risk a project is, the more prone to human error. The good news is that if there are any mistakes made, I’ve quickly learned from them and gained the experience that has honed my craft.
In film and in life, time is valuable. When thinking about risk, I always ask myself, “Is what I’m spending my time doing worth it?”

• Other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?

The single most important decision I made was listening to my dad’s advice. Right after college, I was still figuring things out but I knew I wanted to do something in film. My dad found an advertisement for a film festival in the Star Tribune and encouraged me to volunteer. I met other passionate filmmakers and was able to network and build the start of my production crew. I still work with these same people today.

• What is the most important factor behind your success / the success of your brand?

Many people consider my job as a “fixer” on and off set. I’m presented with a problem, I take care of it. Done deal. Handling problems, communicating effectively while keeping your calm, and being a good teammate makes you irreplaceable on and off set. I would say that is a major factor behind my success as a producer. Most of my work has found me through word of mouth.

• What’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?

Moving from Minnesota to California was the most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make. I think that is always the hard decision, do you stay in the comfort and familiarity of home or do you search for greener pastures?

• Work life balance: how has your balance changed over time? How do you think about the balance?

When I started out in the industry, I had a “damn the torpedoes” sort of mentality. Work consumed my life and I was okay with that. Over time, I realized that mentality was unsustainable. I now schedule time for myself, whether it be hanging out more with friends or going to the gym. Mental health is also important to me and I fit in therapy monthly as well.

• Do you have a favorite quote or affirmation? What does it mean to you / what do you like about it?

I would say my favorite work-related quote was made famous by Nick Offerman on Parks & Rec. “Never Half-Ass Two Things, Whole-Ass One Thing”. To generate a good product that you can stand behind, it requires dedication and attention.

When I started out, I would direct, write, produce, and whatever else I could on do to make sure that a project got done. The mentality is usually, “the best way to get something done, is to do it yourself”. However, in my experience, trusting other professionals to do their job, whatever it may be, so that you can focus on your job with undivided attention will elevate an okay project to a great one.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I work as a senior producer at an agency down in Huntington Beach called Oak Leaf Productions. My job is very client facing and responsible for transparent communication so that everyone is aligned moving forward with a production or project. Additionally, I produce music videos and passion projects when I find time. I think this job comes naturally to me, the logistics, the meticulous planning, and fixing problems. I would say that by starting in this field by myself and picking up the ways of the trade through trial and error has helped me become a very unique producer in the field. I would say that being a producer is a very large responsibility, one that requires you to put a production ahead of your own needs. This can be very difficult for prospective producers. It takes time, dedication, and of course a lot of solved problems.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Being a member at the magic castle in Hollywood, I would say to start there. It’s a great spot to see magic, grab some drinks, and dress up for a night out. Definitely a big fan of the Huntington Library and Gardens. LA has some great sports teams to watch. I live in South Bay where there is plenty of great food. Also, can’t forget the open air malls. Those are fantastic. If you are a dog owner, there are great dog beaches in Huntington Beach and Long Beach.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I definitely need to thank the Twin Cities Film Festival for welcoming me with open arms when I joined the film community after college. I have to thank my team over at Oak Leaf Production and Gallegos United for being a great family for the last year or so and helped me get through the pandemic. Especially my boss, Daniel Marin, who has been a great mentor and influence on me becoming a better producer.

Website: www.kobamm.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/alex_kohnstamm

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexkohnstamm/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alexkohnstamm

Image Credits
Photos taken by myself

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