Maryland Center for Entrepreneurship Resident 5:00 Films & Media Graduates into New Studio

COLUMBIA, Md. — A Maryland Center for Entrepreneurship (MCE) Resident, 5:00 Films & Media, is expanding out of the incubator into a space that will house a larger operating capacity. The film and branding company has been operating within the MCE since 2016.

Esteban Escobar, the founder of 5:00 Films & Media, refined his videography skills after filming his own commercials when he owned a skim board shop in Chile.  When he returned to the U.S in 2004 he translated his technical expertise into a commercial production company. Escobar’s team focuses on outcome-based storytelling that connects non-profit and association clients with their target audiences.

5:00 Films & Media found success in Howard County, and it’s great they will stay here after graduating from the MCE,” said Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman. “We’ve had great results with our MCE companies, with many choosing to stay in the county. We look forward to watching 5:00 Films & Media continue to grow and achieve.”

The MCE is a 26,000-square foot business incubator run by the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) in Columbia, MD. It is home to 23 resident companies and gives support by providing a menu of client services for small businesses in the community

“The overall sense of the MCE is that is welcoming. They are so start-up positive and supportive, and it makes everyone feel like their idea is worth it,” said Parsons, 5:00 Films & Media COO/CMO. “The networking aspect at the MCE was also hugely beneficial to us, and they [MCE] connected us to residents, local businesses, and entrepreneurs through their programming. Even though we are leaving physically, we will still have strong ties to the MCE through partnership.”

Lawrence Twele, CEO of the Howard County Economic Development Authority, reflected upon 5:00 Films & Media’s graduation. “We are very proud of 5:00films accomplishments during their stay at the MCE, and we hope to support [5:00 Films] in their new ventures through sustained collaboration. We look forward to working with them in the future and know they will have continued success after this move.”

5:00 Films & Media has relocated to Highland, Maryland. The new site will host their editing and in-house studio, and host 1,200 square feet of office space with an additional 1,800 square feet of multi-use studio/equipment storage. 5:00Films & Media currently has a core team of six people and will remain at this size for the next year.

About HCEDA: The Howard County Economic Development Authority is a public-private partnership whose primary goal is to promote economic growth and stability by supporting existing businesses, targeting new businesses, and attracting corporate/regional headquarters. The Authority also maintains several programs aimed at the special needs of small and agricultural businesses. Additionally, the Authority strives to preserve the distinctive quality of life in Howard County. The Authority can be reached at www.hceda.org.

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