Their challenge when founding the business in 2020 was both simple and daunting: how to build a viable company from scratch in the middle of a pandemic. OCM did it by relying on core principles of digital innovation and trust—values ingrained in them from previous employment in public service broadcasting.

In terms of trust, they never let a client down. OCM is dedicated to quality, collaboration, and meeting deadlines. When it comes to digital innovation, they invested in professional Sony filming equipment, which gives the content they create a high-end digital look.

In 2021, OCM earned a place on the Real Ideas Start Something cohort, which provided invaluable business support. Their smartest investment was in apprentice Milly Coupe from City College, Plymouth. This brought their staffing split to 50:50 female/male and allowed them to offer all-female production teams to clients. This, in turn, enables OCM to provide services and pro bono support to women’s charities, a significantly underfunded part of the sector, while also supporting clients’ ambitions to promote women in STEM.

Their workflow combines practical creative skill in operating filmmaking equipment with various digital solutions for back-office functions. A digital workflow for editing allows OCM’s staff the flexibility to work wherever they like, although they remain committed to providing an office base for the business. They believe that great digital innovation, as well as positive mental health, can only be achieved through real human interaction.

Three years on, OCM is thriving and growing. Milly, a working-class female school leaver, has accepted their offer of permanent full-time employment in a digital tech role, and they regularly provide freelance opportunities to other South West-based talent.

In 2022, their director, Chris Quevatre, was named one of the Chamber’s 30 under 30 in recognition of his achievements in driving digital innovation in film.

“The whole team has been blown away by what you delivered. We couldn’t have imagined you would give us something so good.” —Katrice Deves, Plymouth City Council.

“The OCM team are fantastic storytellers. Starting with our ideas and an understanding of our ethos, they brought these to life in films that drew in and moved our audience.” —Marcus Huntley, Compass School Principal, Bermondsey.

“OCM provided complete support, developing our vision into a video campaign we could use across our social media and websites. They captured truly authentic moments and created a film that has won over audiences whenever it has been shown.” —Nicola Bonas, Associate NHS Director of Communications, Involvement and Inclusion.