Are you a videographer or filmmaker trying to scale up or even begin a video production business? Well I was in your shoes not even one year ago, whilst these past months I have been striking my first couple decent paying projects and improving my production quality. Meanwhile learning the key essentials of networking and the importance of what it means to cover an event.
You Don’t Need All of the Gear
As a beginner, it is so easy to feel you cannot start your journey because you do not have high-end gear. Well I am here to say that is not at all the case, I have met multiple men who have struck a couple 4 figure projects using an iPhone and an iPhone software (cap cut or Imovie). To be successful it is not about what you have rather your skills and knowledge with what you have. I can attest to this. I started on an iPhone and finally shot all of 2022-23 on an intro-level crop sensor camera. In addition to this before ever getting the best of the best camera and video basics this will help you in the long run. Of course, you can go out and if you have the money buy a DSLR cinema body, But you have to ask yourself “Am I even familiar with this camera’s capability?”. In all reality, if you want to step up your game and take it seriously all you need is two tools. This would be any intro-level video camera you are familiar with or are eager to master. Next, a clear source of audio whether this be a cheap onboard shotgun mic or a wireless lav mic. These are the basics you should think about, “Am I receiving clean footage and crisp audio”.
Networking and Finding Work
As a beginning or even aspiring videographer you can find yourself learning off of YouTube or even your own faults in which there is nothing wrong with. However, I have found that the best way to learn and grow fast is by networking. (The act of connecting and meeting other higher-ups in your niche). Whether you are social or not, I believe it is easy to communicate over shared interests and the more connections and people you have in your field will only do you good. It’s self-explanatory that having help and support will only improve your craft. Now to find work this can be a challenge when starting as you first need to build a portfolio of your best content that appeals to a certain audience. Sometimes the case may be people reaching out to you which is awesome but this only happens every so often as a starter. I find it most efficient to look up “events near me” and pick out the first 20 you would enjoy covering and more than likely at least one will get back to. This takes trial and error. Individually go to each venue’s website then usually scroll down to contact and get in touch with the venue’s PR (public relations). I recommend sending a lengthy but straight to the point email that introduces you but also gets right to what you are about. This is where communication is important as you want to come off as very professional and well-composed and give them a reason this is a good investment for them. Accept no. More often than not they respect you and your inquiry so they will not say no rudely. However, you will need to learn how to remain professional and talk with a purpose.
Conclusion
Content is needed within every company, job, brand and entrepreneur in the world we live in today. It’s important to believe in your skillset and remember you are providing a service to the client whether they be independent or an organization. With this knowledge and advice, anyone can start a base to expand on to something great.
