Business
Expanding Business Opportunities: Joseph Calata’s Most Impactful Advice

Joseph Calata’s entrepreneurial journey in the Philippines has been marked by both triumphs and challenges, something not uncommon in those brave enough to stake their claim in the country’s tumultuous business world. People know the Philippines for its intricate regulatory framework, which can often be a significant barrier for entrepreneurs.
Business owners frequently encounter bureaucratic red tape, inconsistent law enforcement, and lengthy approval processes that can stifle growth. Calata himself faced these hurdles while modernizing his poultry feed business and launching new ventures.
In his experience, Calata focuses on the importance of understanding the regulatory framework and being proactive in compliance. He advises entrepreneurs to invest time in learning about the laws that govern their industries. “Regulatory challenges are inevitable but can be managed with the right preparation. Understanding the rules of the game allows you to play it better,” he asserts.
His success has crucially depended on his ability to adapt to changing regulations. For instance, when he launched KROPS, a smartphone app aimed at connecting farmers directly with consumers, he had to contend with various government policies affecting agriculture and technology.
His strategy involved engaging with regulators and advocating for policies that would benefit his business and the broader agricultural sector. Establishing relationships with government officials and understanding their perspectives ultimately helped Calata align with governing bodies.
Competing Against Monopolies
The presence of monopolies in the Philippine market presents another significant challenge for entrepreneurs. Established players dominate their market in various sectors, making it difficult for new entrants to gain a foothold.
A monopolistic environment can lead to unfair competition, higher barriers to entry, and limited consumer options. However, Calata has thrived despite these obstacles, demonstrating true resilience and strategic thinking.
His creative mindset and willingness to disrupt traditional business models have contributed to Calata’s success. With the power of technology, he was able to create solutions that addressed gaps in the market. For example, the KROPS app provided farmers with a platform to sell their products directly and empowered them to bypass middlemen who often exploit their labor.
“Modern technology is the key to survival in a market dominated by monopolies. You must find ways to offer unique value that others cannot replicate,” Calata advises aspiring entrepreneurs.
Analysts reveal that the Philippine economy is gradually shifting toward a more competitive environment. The government is implementing reforms aimed at reducing monopolistic practices, and the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has been actively working to promote fair competition, which bodes well for emerging businesses.
Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
Calata’s journey is one of adaptability in the face of adversity. Having faced significant challenges, many entrepreneurs might have seen his difficulties as devastating setbacks. However, he views them as a chance to reevaluate his business strategies.
The agricultural sector in the Philippines is vital, contributing approximately 10% to the country’s GDP and employing around a quarter of the workforce. However, it is also plagued by inefficiencies and outdated practices.
Calata recognized the potential for growth in this sector and seized the opportunity to introduce modern technologies. Keeping his mind focused on the prize, Calata both improved his business operations and directly contributed to the overall strengthening of the agricultural sector.
Entrepreneurs can create products and services that genuinely address market demands by understanding the needs and challenges of their environment. Calata has been known to visit farms personally, ensuring that he stays grounded and connected to the very people his business serves. He remarked, “Understanding the community is key. When you invest in people, you invest in your business.”
Calata’s story is a powerful reminder that success is achievable with the right mindset and outlook, regardless of the challenges that may arise. Even in a market environment as hostile to entrepreneurs as the Philippines, keeping one’s own conviction can go a long way.
Business
Jellyfish Pictures Suspension Reveals Outsourcing Opportunity, Says BruntWork

Jellyfish Pictures, a well-known UK visual effects studio, has temporarily shut down due to financial struggles. The company, recognized for its work on major films and streaming projects, is searching for buyers or investors while halting all ongoing work. This situation has raised concerns across the visual effects industry, which is already dealing with economic pressures, labor disputes, and production changes. BruntWork, one of the top outsourcing companies, sees this as an opportunity for companies to reassess how they operate and how outsourcing can help VFX studios lower costs and stay financially stable.
A Leading Studio Brought to a Standstill
Jellyfish Pictures started as a small operation in 2001 and became a respected name in visual effects. With multiple offices in London and a portfolio of high-profile projects, the studio built a strong reputation. However, rising costs and growing competition from lower-cost studios made it harder to stay profitable. Financial pressure mounted, forcing the company to suspend operations.
Clients relying on Jellyfish Pictures are now left searching for alternative vendors to complete their projects. The suspension has also put hundreds of employees in a difficult position, leaving them uncertain about their future. Company leaders have stated they are looking into all possible options, including selling the business or bringing in outside investors.
Why VFX Studios Are Struggling
Visual effects companies have long worked with tight profit margins. The financial setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic made things even tougher. Many VFX studios kept projects moving remotely but struggled with delayed payments and cancellations. In 2023, the global VFX industry was valued at $11.3 billion, but continued production delays and tighter budgets are making it difficult for companies to grow.
The writers’ and actors’ strikes in 2023 added more complications. With productions on hold, many VFX studios found themselves with fewer projects in the pipeline. A recent industry survey found that 72% of VFX companies faced financial struggles due to the combined effects of the pandemic and the strikes. Mid-sized studios with high fixed costs, like Jellyfish Pictures, have been hit the hardest.
Winston Ong, CEO of BruntWork, believes this situation exposes weaknesses in traditional business models. “Studios operating in expensive cities like London face overwhelming costs that outsourcing could help reduce,” he says.
The Role of Outsourcing in Keeping VFX Studios Afloat
Some experts believe outsourcing can help visual effects companies manage financial risk. According to Ong, studios that rely entirely on in-house teams in high-cost cities struggle to keep expenses under control, while those that blend in-house work with outsourcing can operate more efficiently.
The shift to remote work during the pandemic showed that collaboration across different locations is possible. Data from outsourcing firms suggests that studios using a mix of in-house creative direction and outsourced production can lower expenses by 40-60% without sacrificing quality. Some companies have already moved in this direction, allowing them to stay competitive without driving up costs.
Beyond production outsourcing, some VFX studios are also exploring ways to streamline marketing efforts. Hiring a digital marketing virtual assistant allows companies to manage campaigns, social media, and client outreach more efficiently. This helps studios maintain a strong industry presence without the overhead costs of full-time marketing teams.
Still, outsourcing comes with potential risks. Some industry veterans warn that relying too much on external teams can lead to quality issues and production delays. Studios must find the right balance between saving money and maintaining the level of quality audiences expect from high-end visual effects.
What Comes Next for Visual Effects?
Jellyfish Pictures’ troubles have sparked discussions about how VFX studios can stay in business. More flexible production models, outsourcing, and smarter budgeting could become the standard technique. Advances in technology continue to make remote collaboration smoother, allowing studios to complete projects without keeping all operations in expensive locations.
“This reflects a larger problem across the industry,” says Ong. Studios that adjust their operations and use outsourcing effectively may be better prepared for economic swings. Companies that maintain strong creative leadership while using global production teams seem to have an advantage.
For many, this also extends to marketing. Some of the most successful VFX firms are those that recognize the benefits of outsourcing digital marketing to specialists who can handle branding, social media, and client engagement without the high costs of in-house teams. This allows studios to maintain visibility and credibility even in uncertain market conditions.
Larger firms may continue to acquire struggling studios, but smaller businesses that improve their financial strategies could stay independent. The challenge is finding a way to keep artistic vision intact while managing expenses.
Moving Toward Stability
Jellyfish Pictures’ shutdown is a warning for the visual effects industry. High operating costs and unpredictable changes in production schedules show why studios need flexible business strategies. Some will turn to outsourcing, while others may merge with larger firms or adopt hybrid models to stay competitive.
For mid-sized studios, financial stability must be a priority without sacrificing creativity. The next few years could bring more studio buyouts, with bigger companies taking over smaller ones. However, independent studios that adjust how they work could still succeed by reducing costs without lowering the quality of their output.
“Adaptability is what matters. Studios that adjust their structures and use global talent wisely will be the ones that remain strong in this industry, ” Ong concludes.
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