Telling stories. It's kind of our schtick.
"In 1995, the thought of leaving television after 10 years and starting production company—in Arkansas—was really bat shit crazy. But since I was a kid, caution was not a strong suit for me. I can bore you with details but the short story is. Holy shit, it worked."
— Mike Hart
How It Started
It started with a guy with a dream and a crappy mullet.
Things really took traction when he leveraged everything he could (even his future) to borrow money and start the business above a small music store in Downtown Fort Smith.
We grew to a 10,000 square-foot, purpose-built facility in 2000. We've been on top of the media mountain, and at the bottom after 9/11 and the real estate crash of mid to late 2000s.
How It's Going
Good people creating great things.
After so many talented people have spent time own our studios and went on to do great things, we just keep reloading with younger, super talented people who really have a passion for this industry.
They also have a key ingredient, the secret sauce you might say: They’re nice. Sounds easy but find me a company with no assholes.
What's Next
Where is this ship headed?
When you look at 5 Star from the outside, you'll see old folks teaching some of the new younger talent what we’ve learned. And they teach us a few things, too.
It’s exciting to see what’s next because it will always be a challenge. We welcome that.
Our Crew
A business that makes it 30 years is super cool. A production company that does is a mythical unicorn.
5 Star owes its success to the many people who see life thru the lens. Like Travis, for example. Boat load of awards, can shoot anything, has won multiple Emmys. He’s the wolf. Over the years he has went on to become a great mentor and I’d say 99% of the shooters that come thru the door wanna be him. To that, we say good luck and start working yo ass off.
Mike and his team are personable, professional, and incredibly accommodating. If you’re looking for a team that is talented, adaptable, and dedicated to bringing your story to life, I highly recommend 5 Star Productions.
— Pebbles Turbeville, Ed.D, CEO, Horses & Humans Research Foundation
We are incredibly honored to partner with the crew at 5 Star. They never fail to listen to our vision and turn it into reality, ensuring that our creative direction is taken to the next level with compelling testimonials, case studies, animations, 3D renderings, photography and overall video production.
— Melissa Thomas, Rheem Manufacturing Company, U.S. Air Marketing