Exploring Life & Business with Israel Olvera of Leo Production Company and Leo Photo Company

Today we’d like to introduce you to Israel Olvera.

Hi Israel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Whether writing for my high school English class or pitching a new concept at work, I’ve always loved storytelling. My career took me deeper into Leadership Development, where I saw the raw talent of emerging leaders and the thousands of inspiring stories I felt needed to be told. During the pandemic, I started a podcast to help tell these stories. We spoke to local leaders and other inspiring individuals across the country, hoping to spark a fire in this next generation of leaders to become active, vocal, and involved in their communities. Naturally, my podcast evolved from audio-only to video – my first foray into “film.” I found a knack for visually bringing those stories I loved telling to life in this space. My wife, an already talented and accomplished photographer, pitched me the idea of starting our film and photography company, bringing high-quality commercial production support to our small town. The first project we chose to take on was a documentary film that centers around 4 young and emerging leaders in the Yuma and Phoenix areas making a huge impact, not just in their communities but across the globe.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all. With everything in life, there are some wins, and there are some losses. Some of the struggles we faced were getting out of our way. There was often a sense of imposter syndrome even if we belong at the table or in the room with other creatives. There is always that nagging internal voice saying otherwise. In addition, the costs of starting and running a small business have been constantly on our minds. I still work a day job, so building a new business in the evenings and weekends is a delicate balance. We are grateful for our community and our family and friends’ support, which help us remember why we do what we do.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Leo Production Company and Leo Photo Company are the same. Leo Production Company focuses on Commercial Film, Documentary, and Commercial Photography, while Leo Photo Company focuses on photography for newborns, graduates and brands. We separate them to be able to dedicate the necessary time and resources to each of their unique visions.

We are passionate about storytelling, whether that is through film or capturing the elements that make up a great story through photography. We spend significant time investing in our local community by merging our desire to invest in the next generation of leaders by creating art. Through our initiative “Leo Cares,” we dedicate up to four project spots a year on our project slate for non-profit projects. Each of these non-profits has the opportunity to receive pro bono production services from us to help share their mission or continue to elevate their brand story.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
Join a local business support group, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. You are going to make many mistakes. What’s important is learning from them and moving forward. Being authentic, kind, and generous goes a long way. One of my favorite quotes is, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Contact Info:

• Website: leoproductioncompany.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/leoproductioncompany
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/leoproductioncompany
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/leoproductionco
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCJHACc6jiRa3fBHvIPmR9ug
• Other: https://instagram.com/leophotocompany

Image Credits
Leo Production Company Leo Photo Company