Ireland 
USA Marie Owen
Meet the woman transformed the Scottish film production landscape with a startup she created from her kitchen table
Published: 10/01/2025
Few would advise starting a business with no experience, but this did not put Marie Owen off when she crafted the idea of creating a production service company from her kitchen table back in 2006. It was inspired from her husband’s experience as a fashion photographer travelling the world to work on various photoshoots.
Marie thought the startup, which would eventually be rebranded to LS Productions in 2015, would ensure that her husband worked in Scotland a bit more and would give her an outlet from motherhood, which she describes as ‘the hardest job in the world’.
She explains: “I’d given up work to be with the family and I thought it would be good way of getting back to work without committing to an employer. I had a young family and the kids were a year and a half old. We thought it would be a good way to keep my husband working from home too and keep it within the family.”
They funded the business with £30,000 of their own savings. Initially they started the venture with her husband’s agent who, together with her partner, was an equal shareholder in the business. But 18 months later they bought the business partners out and Marie took over all the main responsibilities such as invoicing, budgeting, paying bills, hiring, and writing contracts.
Marie explains that in the early days, particularly after separating from her business partners, she was the only employee managing a tiny company turning over £100,000 while raising three children.
But she was keen to expand the business. “I’m particularly good at organising and gave production a go. But I thought it would be nice to build a team and get someone in who was good at finance or marketing. It gave me an opportunity to start afresh, incorporating good values, good business ethics and getting good people in.”
Highs and lows
Marie says there were lots of highs and lows that she experienced along the way. Highs included landing the company’s first major client, hiring the right people and setting up the business’ first office space.
She recalls some early wins such as bagging Crew Clothing as a client and expanding the team. “We always thought one of my husband’s clients would be our first, but we got Crew Clothing so that was a high. The first woman we employed for the business worked for us for nine years and now we’re still in touch as we’re friends. My fifth employee was someone that specialised in marketing and hiring them was high too, as they were able to promote us.”
Marie adds that the business also benefited from joining Vistage, an executive coaching organisation catering to small and medium sized businesses. “I’ve been with Vistage for 13 years. It helps you remove yourself from the organisation so you can review and plan better. It’s been the best business decision I ever made. You grow with it and it’s like having a support team beside you.”
The Covid pandemic was a major low for the business. Marie explains:
“The pandemic was such a surprise as we had to shut our doors overnight. We did pivot and, in hindsight, lots of good things came out of it. But it was scary because at that time we had 45 people’s wages to pay.”
Hire the best – and don’t feel bad about it
When asked what advice she had for other entrepreneurs, Marie says it’s important to surround yourself with experts. “Bring people that are spectacular at what they do because then you have this amazing, strong team. Also remember that you’re not just the book of good ideas! Don’t beat yourself up about it. Rather be a good at asking the right questions, than being the solution giver. Use spectacular people that you hired to help you!”
She adds that while it’s important to be driven by financial it’s not the most important thing. She explains:
“The money for me is helpful but the why and what we can achieve is important too. Have that vision, write it down, even if you feel embarrassed. It can evolve as the business progresses. Realise that plans can be tweaked, it’s not like a tattoo.”
Adding value for growth
Today, LS Productions is 18 years old and has won several awards and has even been nominated for a few Grammys. It’s evolved into the UK’s largest production service company, with teams working across commercials, film and television, music videos, fashion and sports shoots. Instead of keeping things local, as initially planned, the company has conducted shoots in Los Angeles, Miami, China and Tenerife and worked with some of the biggest global brands.
Marie is still involved as the CEO but points out: “I have a fantastic Managing Director who I trust and it’s her day-to-day responsibility to run the business. My role is ambassadorial, ensuring we have the right culture and people. I would love to continue my involvement in this way for the next few years to add value for growth. We recently opened our film and TV business. It is starting to take shape and has some exciting opportunities for us.”
When asked if she will ever try something else, she adds: “One day I would like to step back and let this baby fly on its own without me. After that, I’d love to help others start their own entrepreneurial journey!”