When Shane August ‘28 first launched Always August Productions, he wasn't simply looking to start a business; he was pursuing a passion for helping organizations tell their stories through innovative production solutions.
Today, that passion has grown into a thriving venture that serves clients throughout the region, and Shane is taking the next steps in his entrepreneurial journey through the J.D. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship.
Always August Productions joined the J.D. Brown Center's business incubator in late summer, giving Shane access to workspace, mentorship, and a community of fellow entrepreneurs as he continues to grow the company. He will also soon present his business to the Weinstock Venture Investment Fund, a fund established solely for current YCP student and recent alumni, seeking support to help accelerate the company's growth and expand its impact.
Building a Business Through Storytelling
Always August Productions specializes in professional video production and photography, helping businesses, organizations, and individuals communicate their message through compelling visual content. From promotional videos and event coverage to brand storytelling and creative projects, Shane has built a reputation for producing content that helps clients connect with their audiences.
What began as a creative passion has developed into a growing business fueled by persistence and a willingness to continually learn and adapt.
“I never set out to start a company; I just loved making videos. Years of freelancing turned into a passion, and that passion turned into Always August Productions,” says Shane. “Now I get to help my clients grow their audience the same way I grew mine.”
Like many student entrepreneurs, Shane has balanced the demands of academics while simultaneously building a business. Along the way, he has developed not only technical skills in filmmaking and production, but also the business skills necessary to manage client relationships, market services, and grow a company.
Finding Support Through the J.D. Brown Center
As Always August Productions continued to gain momentum, Shane became increasingly involved with the entrepreneurial ecosystem at York College. Through the J.D. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship, he’s finding resources, mentorship, and opportunities designed to help student entrepreneurs turn ideas into sustainable ventures.
Now, by moving into the Center's incubator, Shane will have access to an environment specifically built to support growing businesses.
"The J.D. Brown Center has given me valuable resources to help start and grow my business, along with knowledgeable people I can turn to for advice and mentorship,” notes Shane. “The Incubator space in particular means a lot to me. Having a dedicated place to create makes it so much easier to bring my ideas to life and be more creative with my projects."
Preparing for the Next Step
One of Shane's next major milestones will be pitching Always August Productions to the Weinstock Venture Investment Fund. The fund provides York College students and recent alumni with the opportunity to secure investment capital and mentorship to help advance their ventures.
For Shane, the pitch represents more than a funding opportunity—it is a chance to further refine his vision for the future of the company and explore new opportunities for growth.
“This pitch is about more than funding; it's about being able to say yes to bigger, bolder projects. My goal has always been to push boundaries and keep innovating, and this is a chance to take that even further."
Whether expanding services, investing in equipment, or reaching new clients, Shane is focused on continuing to build a business that combines creativity with entrepreneurship.
A Growing Entrepreneurial Journey
Shane's story reflects the opportunities available to students who are willing to pursue their ideas and take initiative. Through Always August Productions, he has transformed a passion into a business, built relationships with clients, and created value through his work.
As he joins the J.D. Brown Center incubator and prepares to pitch to the Weinstock Venture Investment Fund, Shane represents the next generation of entrepreneurs who are building businesses while still in college—and demonstrating what is possible when talent, hard work, and opportunity come together.
“It’s not often that you find a student who not only has a full course load, not only extracurricular activities, but also has the drive and passion for their business to warrant office space in the incubator,” says Oscar Winters, Executive Director of the J.D. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship. “Shane is one of those students.”
