Growing up in small-town Bethany Beach, Ian Martin never really expected to find his big break in the production industry. What started as amateur projects with his friends, from rough audio recordings to unscripted videography of skate and surf videos, though, has transformed his once scoffed-at ambitions to regional and nationwide recognition. His appreciation for music and filming industry has propelled him to the top and, now that he’s gaining more experience than ever, Martin’s not considering slowing down at all. 
Coastal Point • SUBMITTED
Ian Martin started FTS Production and Martin Howard LLC. His passion for production has led his company to become a familiar name with the young crowds in the area and beyond.
Over the past few years, Martin has been fine-tuning his audio expertise with his label and clothing line, FTS Production, a noticeable name in the area, especially among the younger crowd. The business is a smaller branch from what Martin and his cousin, Peter Howard, began years ago when they started Martin Howard, LLC, a company centered on the video aspects, as well as the audio components of production, catering to local business owners looking to improve their means of advertising.
With a degree in business and a history supporting a keen production eye, Martin conjoins his knowledge and talent to generate television and radio advertisements, as well as business consultations for companies and corporations throughout the state, and surrounding areas, stretching to Baltimore, D.C., Philadelphia and New York. “Since the start of Martin Howard and their expansion into FTS Production, the duo has been able to obtain connections with local establishments such as Sea Colony’s local television programming, SoDel Concepts, owned and operated by restaurateur, Matt Haley, and Great Scott Broadcasting, one of the most recognizable radio broadcasts in the Tristate area. Martin Howard has produced commercial advertisements for SoDel Concepts as well as Bethany Beach contractors, Sunrise Remodeling. Martin’s business is constantly picking up new partners and clients, averaging another one each month.
Martin hopes that the broadening of his businesses will take him to the limits, though he already finds himself traveling to New York City and Washington D.C. on a regular basis. In addition to commercials and clothing, he has his foot in the door with music video production, musical artist agency, and even culinary arts in Europe, a passion he hopes to one day incorporate into his profession. “At one time,” Martin recalled, “people used to say, ‘Why be a jack of all trades when you can be a master of one?’ Now, you see more and more big names getting into other things and branching out. They’re able to do that, because their name is what’s selling it.” Although Martin admits his name might not be turning heads the way many are in big cities like LA or New York just yet, he isn’t about to restrict himself. “It’s nice to know that the potential is there,” he said. “I’m very passionate about what I do.” For now, though, his focus rests on appealing to the south eastern portion of Delaware and establishing his company as an elite partner in advertising production, from independent local businesses to entire shopping and commercial centers. The idea came from noticing local business commercials on area television stations. Martin Howard keeps a core group of employees on hand, including the owners’ namesake, an audio engineer, cameraman, and a handful of others. “It’s a really good team we have,” Marin said. “We work together well with each other, and we’re small enough that we don’t need to worry about a lot. There’s a lot of talent here, and we can provide the area with a lot of stuff that others can’t.” They can produce anything from 24p and high definition video recordings as well as traditional film.
Although he is still young, Martin is pleased with the progress that he and his cousin have been able to make. “Production is something I’ve been doing all my life,” said Martin. “It’s been a lot of reading, working and studying. I’ve always been creative and enjoyed doing these things for years, and now, we have a sound industry and numerous connections. We’ve been able to gain a lot of experience.” Although Martin said he enjoys the freedom and independence of creating a project from scratch with his own take, he understands the necessity of customer satisfaction, and can format his work around anyone’s liking. “We work closely with different businesses,” he said. “If they have something in mind, I’m going to give them what they want. I don’t want to try to sway them from what they have envisioned. Other times, though, people come to me and say, ‘Make my business look appealing and attractive.’ That’s what I like doing.”
Businesses commonly update their advertisement product every two months, as well, a feature that Martin and his company work close to accommodate with their clients.
He admits he’s adjusting to the big-city lifestyle, one that he may one day be a part of, but for now, the familiarity with Bethany Beach is one he could never leave for good. “I have a lot of ties here,” he said, “and I enjoy the small-town atmosphere. It’s a very low-key area. The only drawback is the capacity of what the company can hold around here is limited.” While established, though, he hopes to make an even greater impact on area businesses. “There needs to be an option for businesses who want to make the kind of influence that we can help give them,” he said. “It’s been great since the start, and I would have never have guessed that I would have made it this far.” If you have any additional questions or inquiries concerning Martin Howard, LLC or FTS Productions, contact Ian Martin at (302) 745-3327 or (619) 977-5547.