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How did you come up with the idea for your business?
As soon as we arrived as students to the University of Texas at Austin, we craved to experience a true set environment that would allow us to meet seasoned crew members who were already immersed in the Austin Film Industry. We began to assist in the art department on a plethora of commercial sets around Austin, which ultimately led us to joining the crew of Netflix’s Queer Eye as Production Assistants while they filmed the sixth season in Austin during the end of our sophomore year. This 5 month job taught us the importance of balancing school and work and ultimately showed us that we could jumpstart our career in the industry while still earning our film degree.
Fast forward two years later and we have both found our love for art directing and production designing commercials around Austin together.
What does the average day look like for you now as an entrepreneur (especially compared to past jobs/days)?
When working as contractors in the freelance commercial industry, our days always look different. However, when on a job we can mostly be found prepping mood boards, creating renders, coordinating our art department team, and placing more Amazon orders than we’d like to admit. One shoot days we are often managing our team of set dressers and assistants as they work to put up frames, build props, and do whatever it takes to make a space come to life.
What are some of the top things you have learned so far?
Here are some things we’ve learned so far: Learn to hire people you can trust to work hard and make your vision come to life. Always have backup options and plans. You don’t need a degree to get real work experience in the film industry. Never stop learning. And lastly, always let your work speak for yourself.
Who or what inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
As creative people with parents who are both engineers, our parents have always stressed the importance of being able to financially support yourself through your work. As creatives, we made it our goal to be able to do so by working in film.
What have been 1-2 of your proudest moments in creating your business?
Our proudest moment had to be getting our first paid set build opportunity. After shadowing different production designers and contractors, it was amazing to be able to put all of our knowledge into a set design we could call our own.
What’s the best advice you have received along your journey?
Our mentor, John Rains, has always told us to let our work speak for itself. As young women in the film industry, it can be difficult to feel looked down upon due to our age and the fact that we are still in school. John has always pushed us both to let our work be the best representation of our skills and leadership.
About The Authors:
Kayla and Krista Kummerl '23
Founders of The Kummerl Twins
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