Covid-era restrictions presented big challenges to businesses across the state. That includes local videography business Aria Studios, which specializes in weddings.
Former TV producer Kolby Moser was inspired by the power of filmmaking to tell stories both personal and civic-minded. She founded Aria Studios in 2008, specializing in the wedding and events industry.
Over the years, Aria Studios has grown to a staff of seven, plus freelancers, filming 100 events per year.
Moser also launched a related nonprofit organization, Aria Children’s Fund. The nonprofit arm has had success helping to bring fresh drinking water to parts of the Philippines.
Moser tells PBN she was able to retain all her staff through the Covid restrictions on events by transitioning to filming micro-weddings and briefer shoots.
A Paycheck Protection Program loan saw the studio through the worst times. She also pivoted more business toward commercial clients, such as Hawaiʻi Pacific Health, Punahou School and Foodland.
Moser used the downtime to connect with schools to interest students in filmmaking, hosted free workshops, and networked.
Moser tells PBN that one surprise for her as the business has grown is that she is rarely the one behind the camera these days.
“My role now is to focus on our shared vision, leading, training, speaking and recruiting. At this point in my life and career, it’s exciting to see my team do it well," she said.
