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

Hi Eric, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It begins with both of my parents being successful entrepreneurs and from them I learned that being in control of your career based on your own decisions instead of someone else doing it for you was the direction that felt very comfortable for me.

The Mad Dog Video story begins when I met my two partners Steve Suggs and Eric Schotz in the mid 1980’s while working together on a travel show for KABC called Eye On LA. Incredibly exciting time for me, traveling the globe, meeting amazing people from all walks of life and learning a craft. I was completely convinced this was the career for me.

By 1990 the show had been taken in house by the station and the three of us were looking for our next steps. We felt we had something to offer the TV production market which led to us borrowing the money to purchase our first camera package. In June 1990 Mad Dog Video Inc. was born and as I write this we will be heading into 35th year as partners with not one argument. Disagreements, blunt conversations, honest opinions all have been shared amongst the three of us for sure. This was always done in the interest of what’s best for the business and never to offend someone personally.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Mad Dog Video is a boutique video production company and sound stage specializing in promos, behind the scenes, celebrity/executive interviews. Be it something as small a two person crew doing an interview locally to having the resources to complete a 50 person production almost anywhere in the world.

With any business there are always challenges. Addressing any challenge head on immediately with honesty. If you’ve made a mistake own it and learn from it.

We are as excited about our clients projects as they are and love being a part of a project as it comes to fruition.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Almost all our guests want to see Rodeo Dr, Hollywood and finish in Malibu at Paradise Cove for a drink and something to eat. Full day here.

The Warner Bros tour in Burbank is fun. Half day and back to our house to hang at the pool and BBQ.

If they’re looking for a day at a theme park I would say Disneyland, Universal or the San Diego Zoo. All three are fantastic. Full day plus more if you want.

Sunday morning would be Supercar Sunday in Woodland Hills 7am-10am and free. Walk around see the cars and talk to the people. Always a big hit with friends.

Sunday afternoons Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas for live music, margaritas and a bite to eat. Good vibes here.

For casual lunch Follow Your Heart in Canoga Park. I love the vegan rueben sandwich or Mariscos Los Arcos Canoga Park as well. Shrimp cocktail is my go to here.

For dinner let’s go to any Maestro’s and if it’s sushi Brothers in Woodland Hills or Sushi Spot Tarzana. Can’t go wrong with any of these.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Where to even begin with this….I’ve been so fortunate with the support I’ve received in my life.

My parents who always encouraged me to try new things and not be afraid of failure but to learn from it.

My sister Lisa and her boyfriend Chris for giving me a place to live when I moved to Los Angeles.

Bradley Anderson willing to give me my first production job.

My partners Steve Suggs and Eric Schotz for always having my back and believing in me.

Mike Jordan and Cris Pena for the laughs and hard work on a daily basis.

The best DP’s, audio mixers, lighting, grip, makeup artists that always go out of their way to make us look good.

The clients that have supported us for over 30 years!

My wife Toni and my children Ellis and Maddie for their love and patience with me when I’m dealing with business at night, holidays, vacations, etc.

Website: https://Www.maddogvideo.com

Instagram: @maddogvideo

Linkedin: Eric Bourgoujian

Facebook: Mad Dog Video Inc

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