http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Forums Forum: Making Money en Mon, 13 Oct 2008 21:27:59 +0000 http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/beginner-filmmakers-wanted-to-produce-how-to-shorts-howcastcom#post-40679 Sun, 12 Oct 2008 09:51:45 +0000 HowcastEmergingFilmmakers 40679@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi,</p> <p>My name is Heather Menicucci and I'm the Managing Producer of Howcast's Emerging Filmmakers Program. I thought some of you might be interested in checking it out. I hope I'm posting on the right forum. If not, please let me know.</p> <p>Here are the basics. Shoot me an email if you have any questions. Thanks!</p> <p>Howcast Studios is looking for beginner filmmakers to produce stellar how-to shorts for Howcast.com - one of Time Magazine's 50 Best Websites of 2008.</p> <p>Up-and-coming filmmakers, students, recent grads and web video makers: produce how-to videos on topics that inspire while experimenting with new production techniques and story-telling devices in the Howcast Emerging Filmmakers Program. Build an impressive reel and gain a following of viewers, as we distribute and promote your videos across the web (on AOL, Yahoo!, Break, etc.) and beyond to TiVo, iTunes, and your mobile phone (including VCast, others coming soon).</p> <p>Howcast provides you with a short script, signature graphics, pre-recorded voice-over and audio tracks from our growing music library. You provide the vision. Shoot, edit and upload. There's a small stipend and revenue sharing for every accepted video.</p> <p>Get creative today. We have hundreds of topics ready. Visit <a href="http://www.howcastfilmmakers.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.howcastfilmmakers.com</a> to learn more and apply.</p> <p>Email me at emergingfilmmakers AT howcast.com with any questions.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-company-website#post-40628 Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:52:14 +0000 SteveMann 40628@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>&gt;&gt;Google is automatic.  Don't fall for the hype of companies that offer to get you listed for a fee.  You can submit your site to the search engines yourself, but even if you don't, they will find you anyway.</p> <blockquote><p> &lt;&lt; That actually isn't entirely accurate. While Google does attempt to automatically comb through the we and index it. If you just put up a web site and expect it to just pop up on google searchs right away or pop up very highly you will probably be very disappointed.</p></blockquote> <p>Well, yes, it is automatic.  I put up a few web sites with virtually no SEO optimization an full of W3C errors, yet within a week, Google found them and indexed the site.</p> <blockquote> <p>&lt;&lt; GoDaddy.com is one of many domain name registrars, not the only and not necessariy even teh best. Since ICANN doesn't really regulate them the registrars can pretty much charge whatever they want. You might want to shop around, do a google search to find one with a price that fits your budget. &gt;&gt;</p> </blockquote> <p>Yes, you can shop around for price / benefits.  What I said was shopping registrars for domain names is silly because they all use the same database to determine availability.</p> <blockquote> <p>&lt;&lt; As with any blog or template baed disign system, you will be limited in layout and features. If you want a good looking professional website hire a pro. Or at the very least learn how to use a WYSIWYG html editor like Dreamweaver and then steal idea from cool sites like the ones found on coolhomepages.co&gt;&gt;</p> </blockquote> <p>There are thousands of templates for Wordpress, and many that are used as websites, not blogs.</p> <p>*IF* your budget and business plan can afford it, spending upwards toward $3,000 for a professionally designed website is probably worth the expense, but the OP was looking for the cheapest way to get a web site up.</p> <p>I use WYSIWYG for my sites now. If you are familiar with Visual Basic or Visual C, then you will be right at home with WYSIWYG.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-company-website#post-40583 Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:44:08 +0000 jerronsmith 40583@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>&gt;&gt;Google is automatic.  Don't fall for the hype of companies that offer to get you listed for a fee.  You can submit your site to the search engines yourself, but even if you don't, they will find you anyway.&lt;&lt;</p> <p>That actually isn't entirely accurate. While Google  does attempt to automatically  comb through the we and index it. If you just put up a web site and expect it to just pop up on google searchs right away or pop up very highly you will probably be very disappointed. There is a sub-set of Web design/development called SEO (Search Engine Optimization) that deals with making your site pop up on web searches and pop up higher. Yahoo used to have a contributory search engine, I don't think they do anymore, I don't think google does that either for that matter.</p> <p>&gt;&gt;Step 1: Go to Godaddy.com and register a domain name.  DO NOT buy the extras that they throw at you.  You can always add them later if you decide that you need them.  Instead, look for the "no thanks, continue with checkout" at the bottom of the page. If you are going to use Wordpress, then you don't need any of them.&lt;&lt;</p> <p>GoDaddy.com is one of many domain name registrars, not the only and not necessariy even teh best. Since ICANN doesn't really regulate them the registrars can pretty much charge whatever they want. You might want to shop around, do a google search to find one with a price that fits your budget.</p> <p>&gt;&gt;Step 2: Buy a hosting account at GoDaddy.com.  Start cheap, but not with the "free" hosting.  You want it on Linux, when asked.&lt;&lt;</p> <p>Again, there are many web hosts in the world. The two big issues with a web host are how much storage space do you get and how much bandwidth are you allowed per month? Bandwidth and storage space are especially an issue if you plan to display video on your site.  I tend not to suggest using any free hosting service as it gives you the lowest of the low in terms of bandwidth, storage and stability.</p> <p>&gt;&gt;Step 3. Go to the Hosting Account Manager, find the add products - it's not easy to find (my only complaint about GoDaddy), but from there you can install Wordpress.  It's free.  Then build your blog.&lt;&lt;</p> <p>As with any blog or template baed disign system, you will be limited in layout and features. If you want a good looking professional website hire a pro. Or at the very least learn how to use a WYSIWYG html editor like Dreamweaver and then steal idea from cool sites like the ones found on coolhomepages.com</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-company-website#post-40579 Sun, 05 Oct 2008 20:20:32 +0000 SteveMann 40579@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <blockquote><p> I'm A little confused. So if i use wordpress and i buy a domain name i will get noticed by like google and stuff.</p></blockquote> <p>Google is automatic.  Don't fall for the hype of companies that offer to get you listed for a fee.  You can submit your site to the search engines yourself, but even if you don't, they will find you anyway.</p> <p> Step 1: Go to Godaddy.com and register a domain name.  DO NOT buy the extras that they throw at you.  You can always add them later if you decide that you need them.  Instead, look for the "no thanks, continue with checkout" at the bottom of the page. If you are going to use Wordpress, then you don't need any of them.</p> <p>Step 2: Buy a hosting account at GoDaddy.com.  Start cheap, but not with the "free" hosting.  You want it on Linux, when asked.</p> <p>Step 3. Go to the Hosting Account Manager, find the add products - it's not easy to find (my only complaint about GoDaddy), but from there you can install Wordpress.  It's free.  Then build your blog.</p> <p>Step 3:</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-company-website#post-40577 Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:55:49 +0000 FILMSinc 40577@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I'm A little confused. So if i use wordpress and i buy a domain name i will get noticed by like google and stuff. So from this info, wich one is the best? </p> <p>by the way, Christcolorado thanks for the list, that really helps </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-company-website#post-40561 Sat, 04 Oct 2008 18:05:56 +0000 SteveMann 40561@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>"And godaddy isn't the only good source for domain names. I've had good experience with namesecure.com"</p> <p>Shopping for domains with different registrars is silly because they all use the same database.  Worse, some unethical registrars will notice when someone check for a domain name, finds it, and leaves without registering for it.  They then register it themselves to locl out any other registrar then email the original searcher with a pitch for the name at a premium.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-company-website#post-40517 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:34:33 +0000 jerronsmith 40517@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>&gt;&gt;I've also heard that website templates don't let you get good Google rankings, but didn't hear why. My personal feelings are that any template someone else made won't look as good as what I can make myself out of my own head.&lt;&lt;</p> <p>A web template is just an HTML document that you change the content for. If you don't know enough html to add the meta data and content that the search engines look for that can cause a problem but that isn't the templates fault.</p> <p>And the thing about template is that in general, just like stock art and music, they are created by professionals. A professional designer will almost always be able to develop a better page design than an amateur does, the same is true for photography and art. That's why they are the professional. I am not a  musician (pro or amateur), so you know what I farm that part of a job out or I use stock. Just makes practical sense.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/voice-talent-for-hire-1#post-40491 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:28:51 +0000 robgrauert 40491@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> if you click on his name, it takes you to his website....</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/voice-talent-for-hire-1#post-40490 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:57:11 +0000 chrisColorado 40490@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I'd just like to see what you do. I worked in radio (making commercials/PSAs every now and then) for a short time and know something about narration/voice overs. I learn little bits here and there, and like to learn from everyone I meet.</p> <p>welcome to videomaker!</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-company-website#post-40486 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:24:57 +0000 chrisColorado 40486@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I've also heard that website templates don't let you get good Google rankings, but didn't hear why. My personal feelings are that any template someone else made won't look as good as what I can make myself out of my own head. The same goes for stock music, but that's another story...</p> <p>I just taught myself HTML/XHTML and CSS and viola! - another job skill. A good book is "CSS: The Missing Manual" by David Sawyer Mcfarland.</p> <p>And godaddy isn't the only good source for domain names. I've had good experience with namesecure.com</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/voice-talent-for-hire-1#post-40485 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:18:17 +0000 chrisColorado 40485@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>or a link to your website?</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/voice-talent-for-hire-1#post-40483 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:15:14 +0000 SteveMann 40483@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Samples?</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/starting-business-gt-need-advice#post-40479 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:28:54 +0000 SteveMann 40479@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <blockquote><p>I am in the beginning phases of opening a Video Production business. I figure I will being with wedding videos since the I should be able to book few regardless of my experience.  After establishing a portfolio and having my card floating around the area, I plan on moving along and expanding to other areas of the business. I have been reading a lot but really am interested in what you all have to say.</p></blockquote> <p>If you can - rent.  The usery rates of credit cards is a suicidal spiral, regardless of the purpose.</p> <p>Where are you located?  There's likely to be a WEVA group in your area and the established videographers are always interested in using people like you for second camera.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-company-website#post-40477 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:27:32 +0000 jerronsmith 40477@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>@<strong>rachaeldesign</strong></p> <p>&gt;&gt;If you use templates etc, your website will never be recognised on the search engines.&lt;&lt;</p> <p>How do you figure that?</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/voice-talent-for-hire-1#post-40476 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 08:52:22 +0000 dshetterly 40476@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ </p> <p>Greetings!   I'm an independent professional voice talent with a private studio.  I'd like to offer my services to your productions, where you need a friendly non-accented male voice.  I also work with a number of other talents, including native Spanish speakers, if you are wanting to hear variety.  </p> <p>You'll find our rates competitive!   Thanks for your time and I hope to work with you soon. </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advertising-and-finding-your-first-client#post-40449 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:53:42 +0000 birdcat 40449@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Got my first paying customer from a combination of two things:</p> <p>1) Craig's List</p> <p>2) Having decent samples of my work with reasonable prices</p> <p>Most folks on Craig's List are Uncle Morty who has a video camera and some software to edit with - Not very professional looking samples or websites.  I highlighted this fact in my ad and made sure my website (while still under construction) looks good and the samples I posted were very good - Also made sure there were no typos or bad links in the ad or the website.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advertising-and-finding-your-first-client#post-40444 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:41:20 +0000 improvemyvideo 40444@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> You've got to give them what they want first and what you want last.  I would take a few months and go to different companies and offer a free video.  Explain to them that you are competant but are looking to upgrade your demo reel.  This may happen with weddings, corporate videos, family events or other sources.  I wouldn't put any ads in the paper.  The more you market yourself and services the more it will return to you.  I would start the free route and then work up the ladder.</p> <p>Try going to a Chamber of Commerce networking event.  They have monthly events where you can meet other people from companies that may want a video.</p> <p>Go to a Business or Wedding Expo and set up a booth or walk around and give out your biz card.</p> <p>Work for another video production company and get experience.  Or, ask them to do an internship with them in exchange for footage to make your demo reel.</p> <p>Get creative and have fun with breaking into the video produciton market.  It's a lot of fun and has great pay...a win win.</p> <p>Jeff</p> <p><a href="http://improvemyvideo.com"><a href="http://www.ImproveMyVideo.com" rel="nofollow">www.ImproveMyVideo.com</a> </a></p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-company-website#post-40438 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 03:30:51 +0000 butterflyguy 40438@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Here's the easiest and cheapest way to make a website - WordPress.com</p> <p>It's free and is relatively easy to setup.</p> <p>A lot of people use this.</p> <p>Buy a domain name from godaddy.com and then have it point to your wordpress account.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-to-company-website#post-40437 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 02:35:34 +0000 rachaeldesign 40437@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>If you use templates etc, your website will never be recognised on the search engines. Basic html is easy to pick up and learn, you could easily build your website yourself by using css and html and get it highly ranked on google. templatemonster will give you a good few ideas for really good different designs !</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/starting-business-gt-need-advice#post-40436 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:47:46 +0000 ThomW 40436@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I bought my first camera in May of 1998. That Sony Dig8 camera did about 20 weddings for me. I knew that I couldn't begin to ask for much with a consumer camera but every one of my clients were happy with the quality of picture and sound.  Yes, I would have liked to have had a better camera but I've been able to impress myself and those who watch my work with the SteadiCam Jr. more than anything else.  I'm sure that if I got a professional looking camera that I would have impressed the clients with first impressions. But, there's something about the creativeness of a shoestring budgets that makes me want to say "Haa" to those snooty elites and there $40,000 cameras that sit on a pan and tilt head that cost more than my entire production equipment stashed in my garage.  Which by the way I have had the privilege of using and have found myself explaining that to my employer that, "HE WASTED ALOT OF MONEY THAT THIS HERE BOGAN CAN DO JUST AS WELL!!"   Sorry for that outburst.</p> <p>Yeh, you will need to purchase wireless mics (I got one from B&amp;H for less then $140).  Invest in a good tripod (don't settle for a cheap $100 one).  More than likely this tripod will last you for the next 3 or 4 generation of cameras that you go through.  If you decide to go with a consumer type camera look for ext. mic inputs and even LANC control options.  Weddings often mean a lot of time off the tripod so consider a Steadicam or a Fig Rig.  Anything that will set your creativeness apart from any other videographer out there is what you are looking for.  I doubt that you will need fancy animations and special effect so your editing software can be very basic.  You will want to layer video and audio tracks for lower thirds and possibly some split screen effects but mostly direct takes and cross dissolves will be what you need 95% of the time. (FCP Express will work, I use Sony Vegas and love it).  DVD authoring is another animal but a necessary one.  I use a printable DVD's that I can get from Costco.  With my HP 580 Printer I can create nice looking colored DVD faces.  While were speaking of printers make sure you print some business cards.</p> <p>Good luck.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/starting-business-gt-need-advice#post-40418 Mon, 29 Sep 2008 10:45:07 +0000 birdcat 40418@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Unless you are really better than most at shooting and editing, I would be careful going into the wedding video business in a big way before getting some experience under your belt. You're playing with peoples lives here - If you screw up in a big way, you could wind up ruining what should be a happy day for a couple.</p> <p>Rather than start out on your own, I would second camera for an established videographer for a couple (and see how he edits them as well) before offering that myself as a paid for service (unless you're planning on going the bargain basement route for like $300 for the whole thing - Then they'll not have a leg to stand on if it's not up to snuff).</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/2nd-wedding#post-40416 Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:59:49 +0000 D0n 40416@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I'd recommend two ways to start out:</p> <p>1) apprentice. find a pro, volunteer to help out a couple times, to gain some experience, and see if you can land a job for a season or two, then head out on your own, if they can't pay you what you're worth.</p> <p>2) Don't get a reputation as a bargian basement pro. You start off dirt cheap in an industry where most jobs come word of mouth, you'll find that word of mouth works against you when you try to jack up your prices. "But you shot my cousins Jenny's Wedding for half that much...forget it we'll find somebody else..." Charge what the job would be worth if you get it right (don't even bother if you aren't confident you can do it right), and be prepaired to offer a full refund if something goes wrong. "My cousin Jenny says you're honest....that's why we called you..." </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/2nd-wedding#post-40415 Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:20:39 +0000 improvemyvideo 40415@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Wow...great advice from previous posts.</p> <p>I've been doing this for years and have filmed countless weddings.  I started off filming friends and families weddings too and made some funny mistakes (funny now, stressful then).  I would start off cheap or free with the mindset that you will raise your prices after a few months or after a few wedding videos you've done. I would also do what feels right.  Some people don't mind charging right off the bat and probably have a lot of confidence and some people that aren't as confindent and film several weddings for free.</p> <p>If it were me...I would do 5 weddings for free and tell them you are learning your craft (instill confidence but let them know you are still learning).  You can build your demo from there and master how to work with the couple from start to finish.  After that, you can charge whatever you want.  Feel free to do some research of other wedding video companies in your area to see what they charge and how their packages are set up.  Again, the more experience you get, the more you can get paid.  But if you have a niche you can find (ethnic weddings, beach weddings, etc), than you can charge more off the bat since you "specialize".</p> <p>Best of luck.  Check out my website for more helpful tips.  <a href="http://improvemyvideo.com"><a href="http://www.ImproveMyVideo.com" rel="nofollow">www.ImproveMyVideo.com</a> </a></p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/tranquil-videos-needed#post-40406 Sun, 28 Sep 2008 18:00:30 +0000 faqvideo 40406@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I would like to trade my book <a href="http://www.faqvideo.com/siy_book">Shoot-It-Yourself Wedding Video</a> for the tranquil 30+ min video (ocean tide, bonfire, wheat field, runway take-off, whatnot).</p> <p>Please preview the book <a href="http://www.lulu.com/content/1329281">here</a> and email me at <a href="mailto:andreifilippov@gmail.com">andreifilippov@gmail.com</a> for details.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/is-school-necessary#post-40404 Sun, 28 Sep 2008 17:47:29 +0000 faqvideo 40404@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Schools are different. It won't hurt definitely. I have been working as a self-taught cocky cameraman/editor for several years until I got a chance to get a crash course on journalism. It opened my eyes. Never regretted it.</p> <p><a href="http://www.faqvideo.com/siy_book">FAQ Video</a></p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/shooting-video-for-the-state-of-wyoming-any-tips#post-40382 Sat, 27 Sep 2008 20:11:30 +0000 chrisColorado 40382@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I sent the bid in on Wednesday morning. I bid about $31,000 for a $40,000 budget. I may not get the job itself, but the guy wants me to do a small personal video project for him on the side, so that's something.</p> <p>It's been a long week. Thanks again, guys! Barefoot, your ideas about calculating what other producers make and liability insurance were life savers. </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/saying-hi#post-40370 Fri, 26 Sep 2008 17:30:17 +0000 film814 40370@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hey sjlprod,</p> <p>Nice to have you here!  The work you do sounds like fun.  I'm a college student and filmmaker, and have also done some videos that incorporated photo collages.</p> <p>I look forward to talking with you in the future.</p> <p>Jeremy</p> <p><a href="http://www.sdgstudio.net" rel="nofollow">www.sdgstudio.net</a></p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/starting-business-gt-need-advice#post-40363 Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:35:01 +0000 VideoJeff 40363@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Weddings are generally the preferred way to enter the video production biz but they do offer their own challenges as well.  I would be carefull in "maxing out your credit card".  You can go into huge debt while trying to make this work.  Even though most of America likes to go into debt to get stuff they can't afford and then get into trouble (a discussion for another day).</p> <p>I would work with some talented wedding video companies as well as some corporate video companies to get experience and see how they run they company.  Offer your services on Craigslist.org or call these companies up directly.  I know we are always looking to train people and give them experience in exchange for work.  My advice...start off slow but learn fast.  Don't think you have to purchase every amazing piece of equipment you had your eye on (the newest HD camera).  My first project after starting a small video company was for a car dealership.  We didn't own a camera (had to rent one) and used a cheap program to edit the tv commercial on (it cost $100).  We eventually purchased several video cameras, mics, a crane, tripods, cases, computers, lighting, editing systems, etc.  I would start small and maybe commit to saving the profit from the first 5 weddings and buy a camera.  You can always use available sound at a wedding.  I have a few Apple computers I edit with but started with a cheap desktop and $100 editing program and built it up from there.  Generally you don't need lighting for a wedding video, so don't bother with that yet...you can always rent that.</p> <p> The most important thing is confidence while you get the experience.  Always ask questions and don't get cocky.  Set up a budget for yourself and don't be afraid to buy some materials (like this magazine or other e-books) that will help you build your knowledge.  I am always looking for new ideas and I've been doing this for several year.</p> <p>Hope that helps.</p> <p>Check out my site for other helpful I deas.  <a href="http://improvemyvideo.com"><a href="http://www.ImproveMyVideo.com" rel="nofollow">www.ImproveMyVideo.com</a> </a></p> <p>Jeff</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/saying-hi#post-40354 Fri, 26 Sep 2008 07:59:02 +0000 sjlprod 40354@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hello everyone,</p> <p>I hope you are well. I'm new to the thread and I just wanted to say hi. I'm big into archiving family photos and have been for many years. I actually bring family treasured pictures and turn them into virtual dvd movies. It's a joy when you see the reaction of someones face when the see magical moments on the big screen tv. If anyone has any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. If you would like to see some of my videos that I have created for poeple feel free to visit my website <a href="http://www.VideoFromPictures.com" rel="nofollow">www.VideoFromPictures.com</a> I look forward to chatting with you.</p> <p>Have a great day.</p> <p>Stephen Lawrence</p> <p>WEBSITE: <a href="http://www.VideoFromPictures.com" rel="nofollow">www.VideoFromPictures.com</a><br /> EMAIL: <a href="mailto:Info@VideoFromPictures.com">Info@VideoFromPictures.com</a> or <a href="mailto:SJLProd@yahoo.com">SJLProd@yahoo.com</a></p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/is-school-necessary#post-40312 Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:24:11 +0000 parksy 40312@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I think it is how much pain you can take. If I had to do it all over again, I would have done the school. But on the other hand, I probably wouldn't  be as far with business sense as I am today. Might be walking around being some camera man on a movie set.</p> <p>To learn it by yourself, will take TONS AND TONS of motivation!! Not to mention money to support what you want to do. Basically if your a real self starter, and you have the passion sooo bad it hurts. You will probably come out doing it one day. School still costs money too, and a lot! Either way this career choice will suck your money from you for awhile. But there is nothing more rewarding than doing some thing you love!!! Almost NOTHING! Besides kids, and a wife, dog, video games, food, anyways you get the point.  The problem is getting there. I was also 20 when i started. I bought in when the first FCP came out. Film school wasn't even a thought or an option. I wanted to make movies!!! I never made moviesthough . Promotional videos, safety and weddings yes. A few short films, but no real movies. Maybe that is what keeps me going. Even though with 2 kids its hard to find like I used  to.</p> <p>    Anyways, the passion to learn something like this may only come once in a life time. If you have it, and you want it, go for it! School or no School, you can do it! You may not want to do it later. Live with no regrets!</p>