Airlines and television stations have been editing films for adult content for decades. In recent years, however, local Utah companies like Sunrise Video and CleanFlicks have commanded national attention for their digital editing services, allowing content-conscious consumers to rent or buy "family friendly" versions of movies like "Titanic," "Jerry Maguire," and "The Matrix." But before CleanFlicks became a household name, one company by the name of CleanFilms was pioneering the industry. On April 2, 2004, CleanFilms executives challenged BYU students to come up with fresh, innovative ideas to expand their customer base and maximize profits.

Chad Fullmer, CEO of CleanFilms, addressed a packed auditorium in the Tanner building on the nature of the business, which utilizes a Netflix-based system to ship edited DVDs to its subscribers through the postal system. Members return the discs in pre-paid envelopes when they're through, and an updatable online queue automatically sends out another DVD according to member preferences. No per-rental charges or late fees are assessed during the subscription term. Fullmer asked students to invent new marketing strategies to gain the interest of potential subscribers.

Students were organized into several small groups to complete the assignment. Each group was joined by two or three Entrepreneur Founders to provide advice and expertise. Students were given 45 minutes to assemble a four minute presentation using nothing but a set of colored markers and a few overhead transparencies. Groups launched into a flurry of activity as ideas were expressed and developed into cohesive strategies. Tension began to build as the clock ticked away the final minutes for preparation.

When the dust settled, every student who participated received a special prize from CleanFilms. Those groups who were judged by their peers as having the best strategies received an even greater reward, with a cash value of nearly $120 each. The Center expresses its thanks to CleanFilms and our Founders for supporting this spring's Case Study event. See you again in October!