From solo to studio: How Work.Life helped Big Bolder Films expand their creative vision

When Ben Neeves first launched Big Bolder Films, his office was his living room. Fast forward to today, and he’s built a “full-fledged, kitted out content creation studio built for the kind of brands that want to make some waves and raise some smiles” – with a team that’s tripled in size and a client list that continues to grow.

What changed? Finding the right workspace partner in Work.Life Bermondsey.

This case study explores how the right workspace environment has supported Big Bolder Films’ impressive growth trajectory, enhanced their productivity, and helped build the collaborative atmosphere essential for creative success.

The challenge: Scaling beyond the living room

Like many creative entrepreneurs, Ben faced several challenges when working from home:

1. Growth limitations: A living room setup severely restricted his ability to bring on team members, host client meetings, or create a professional brand image.
2. Work-life boundaries: Without separation between home and work, maintaining focus and then switching off became increasingly difficult.
3. Collaboration barriers: Creative work thrives on collaboration, but working solo from home limited opportunities for inspiration and feedback.
4. Administrative overload: As Ben puts it, “There’s a million and one things to do when you start your own company. Keeping on top of the admin AND leading the creative can sometimes be a challenge.”

It was clear that to scale Big Bolder Films, he needed a workspace solution that would provide structure without sacrificing flexibility.

The solution: A creative community at Work.Life

After exploring several options, Ben chose Work.Life Bermondsey – and he hasn’t looked back. “We saw Work.Life first and honestly, you guys beat the competition on community, friendliness, cost and overall vibe – you guys crushed it,” explains Ben.

What started as a search for desk space quickly evolved into finding a true business home that could support his growth ambitions while providing the creative environment necessary for film and content production.

Impact on business growth

Since joining Work.Life, Big Bolder Films has experienced significant business development:

• Team expansion: “Year one was just me, now we’re a team of three!” This 200% team growth reflects the studio’s success in attracting new clients and expanding their service offerings – all supported by a workspace that could accommodate their evolving needs.
• Client acquisition: The professional environment has played a crucial role in winning new business. Work.Life has even directly contributed to their pitching success: “[Work.Life] helped us out big time in practicing for our pitches to new clients.” Having access to meeting rooms for client presentations and a professional space to welcome potential clients has transformed Big Bolder Films’ ability to convert prospects into long-term partnerships.
• Brand perception: Moving from a living room to a dedicated creative studio has significantly elevated the company’s brand perception. Clients now visit a space that reflects the quality and professionalism of the work they deliver.

Impact on team productivity and creativity

Beyond supporting growth, the workspace has enhanced how Big Bolder Films works:

• Structured creativity: Having a dedicated workspace has helped the team establish productive routines while maintaining the creative flexibility essential to their work. The separation between home and work has improved focus during working hours and better work-life balance overall.
• Collaborative environment: As a content creation studio, collaboration is essential to their process. Work.Life’s communal areas and meeting spaces provide the perfect environment for creative brainstorming, feedback sessions, and client collaborations.
• Reduced administrative burden: One of the biggest challenges for creative entrepreneurs is balancing administrative tasks with creative work. Work.Life’s managed workspace removes the distractions of office management, allowing Ben and his team to focus on what they do best – creating exceptional content for their clients.

Impact on company culture and community

Perhaps most significantly, Work.Life has helped Big Bolder Films develop a distinctive company culture:

• Team integration: As new team members joined, the welcoming environment at Work.Life made onboarding seamless. Ben notes that Work.Life has been “an exceptionally welcoming place to be. For staff and clients alike.”
• Community connections: Being part of Work.Life’s wider community has connected Big Bolder Films to other businesses, leading to collaborations, referrals, and creative partnerships that wouldn’t have been possible working from home.
• Supportive environment: The relationship with Work.Life staff has become an unexpected benefit. “Your staff are lovely. You should be super proud of the team at Berms!” Ben shares. This supportive community has created an environment where creativity can flourish and business challenges feel less daunting.

The Work.Life difference: Why Ben chose us

When selecting a workspace, Ben had several options in the Bermondsey area. His decision came down to four key factors where Work.Life excelled:

1. Community: The sense of belonging and connection with other members
2. Friendliness: The approachable, supportive staff and welcoming atmosphere
3. Cost: Competitive pricing that made professional space accessible for a growing business
4. Overall vibe: The intangible but essential feeling that the space aligned with Big Bolder Films’ creative identity

These elements combined to create an environment where the business could not just work, but truly thrive.

The future: Continued growth and collaboration

As Big Bolder Films looks toward their next growth phase, their partnership with Work.Life continues to provide the foundation they need: “I’m happy with the progress – slow and steady wins the day.”

This measured approach to growth, supported by a flexible workspace that can adapt to their evolving needs, positions the studio for sustainable success.

The right foundation for creative success

Big Bolder Films’ journey from a living room operation to a thriving three-person studio illustrates how the right workspace partner can support creative businesses at every stage of growth.

For creative entrepreneurs facing similar challenges, Ben’s experience demonstrates that workspace doesn’t have to be just a place to sit – with the right partner, it can become a strategic advantage that supports business growth, enhances creativity, and builds a collaborative community that elevates everyone’s work.

The transformation from solo founder to successful studio hasn’t happened overnight, but as Ben puts it: “slow and steady wins the day.” With Work.Life providing the perfect environment for that journey, Big Bolder Films continues to create content that makes waves and raises smiles for brands that share their creative vision.

Are you a creative entrepreneur looking to scale beyond your living room? Book a tour of your nearest Work.Life location to discover how we can support your growth journey.