Shirley Scopelitis knows what it feels like to spend money to be invisible. As founder of Scope Locations, a Northridge–based agency that sources filming locations for production companies across Southern California, she hit the ground running when she launched in August 2023. She attended every event, sponsored every opportunity and chased every lead. Her biggest mistake, she says, was confusing motion with strategy. Here’s what it cost her, and what finally changed.
“When I launched Scope Locations in August 2023, I thought I knew exactly what I needed to do to succeed: show up everywhere, say yes to everything and put my name in front of as many people as possible. I was the new kid on the block, and I was determined that no one would miss me.
“Early on, I got a call about sponsoring an event for location professionals who make up a big part of my client base. I said yes without hesitation. I bought a sponsorship, got a listing in the program and showed up that night ready to network my way across the room.
“I met two people. The two people sitting at my table.
“That’s when it hit me. An event like this isn’t a networking event – it’s a celebration. People come with their teams and colleagues. They’re there to honor each other, not to meet a locations agency they’ve never heard of. The bigger problem was that I was making the same mistake everywhere. I bought equipment my business hadn’t asked for. I sponsored things that dropped into my lap. I was running a rat race instead of building a strategy.
“My two goals were clear – grow my property portfolio and grow my network – but I was going about both the wrong way.”
Be intentional, know your goals
“Here’s what I tell other entrepreneurs now: say your goal is to meet the city manager. There’s a panel where she gives a speech, and a breakfast where the whole point is for her to interact with attendees. Same person, two different rooms – but only one gives you a real shot.
“Being intentional means knowing the difference before you show up.
“The shift came when I stopped chasing and started listening to my clients and to what my business actually needed. I source filming locations for production companies, and instead of pursuing every property type imaginable, I focused on what people were actually asking for. The growth followed – not from sponsorships, but from word of mouth. A handful of clients had great experiences, told someone, and before long I was fielding multiple calls a day.
“That first year was expensive in money, time, and missed sleep. But it taught me the most valuable lesson I carry into every decision now: protect your time like it’s your most precious asset – because it is.”
