Is it possible to build a thriving video production company without owning a single piece of equipment? Jerry Koedding says yes, and he's been doing it for over a decade.
In this episode of Small Business, Big Engine, I sit down with Jerry Koedding, founder and Head of Production at Wave Films, a lean, Singapore-based production company that has built an entire business around talent, relationships, and strategic partnerships—instead of gear, studio space, or traditional overhead.
Jerry shares how he fell into filmmaking without any formal training, why he left a corporate job to pursue the unknown, and how he's built a profitable and scalable production company in one of the most expensive cities in the world, all without owning cameras, editing suites, or even an office.
If you're a creative entrepreneur, service-based business owner, or production team looking to scale smarter, this conversation is packed with insights.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
How to run a capital-efficient production company by focusing on producing, not gear
Why Wave Films operates with just four core team members and how that creates flexibility
The secret to managing large freelance creative networks across Asia and beyond
How Jerry handles project-based talent selection, avoiding one-size-fits-all in creative hiring
Why Wave Films partners with other production companies instead of competing with them
The advantage of being a “general contractor” for film and media projects
How hospitality and client experience play a larger role than people realize in production
What it takes to build trust and reputation when your business depends entirely on word of mouth
Why Singapore is a global opportunity hub for international video production
Lessons Jerry would give to his younger self and anyone just entering the creative services industry
About Jerry Koedding:
Originally from Germany and based in Singapore, Jerry Koedding is the founder and Head of Production at Wave Films, a boutique production company that offers full-service creative execution through a vast network of freelancers and partners across Asia. With no formal training in film, Jerry has relied on his business background, creative instincts, and unmatched relationship-building skills to grow a nimble production powerhouse that serves brands, agencies, networks, and even other production houses.
Wave Films specializes in content production for commercials, documentaries, TV shows, and social campaigns, and is known for delivering high-quality work without the traditional infrastructure.
Jerry’s philosophy is simple: Stay lean. Hire smart. Treat production like hospitality. And never stop building relationships.
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🎙️ Small Business, Big Engine is hosted by Grant Fisher and features real conversations with founders, marketers, and creative entrepreneurs who are building stronger businesses by focusing on the engine, not just the aesthetics.