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Videomaker Forums » Forum: Making Money - Recent Topics http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Forums » Forum: Making Money - Recent Topics en Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:03:57 +0000 Jackforrester on "Starting a video editing buisness" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/starting-a-video-editing-buisness#post-52343 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:08:10 +0000 Jackforrester 52343@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hello, I am interested in starting a small buisness with video. I would like to offer an editing only service where people would send me there raw footage and i would do some simple editing on their video. This would be charged at a small price. I was wondering what would i need? Would i need any permission and would it work. I would also like to know how much to charge? SargeHero on "A difficult decision...which NLE" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/a-difficult-decisionwhich-nle#post-46483 Wed, 06 May 2009 03:47:04 +0000 SargeHero 46483@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hello people of Videomaker I have this terrible confusion to which NLE should I used for my future projects. At this moment I use Sony Vegas Pro 8, I know it from top to bottom and I really like it a lot. But as good as Vegas is I feel that I need to move on to another NLE...but which one? From the most popular NLE that I have read or heard: There is Vegas Pro, Premiere, Final Cut and Avid. As a Vegas user I wonder, what difference does the other NLE have that I cannot do in Vegas? Of course Avid is the beast of editors but what difference would it make if I have knowledge using Premiere, Vegas and Final Cut? I consider this; I will be editing video with many people and not everyone will have Avid (or a Computer powerful enough to handle it) but there is a possibility that they will have one of the other NLE and if I know how to use them all I will have advantage. (Of course I will have a preferred NLE) Another thing that make me write this topic is regarding to Avid. I was looking over it and is really awesome, powerful and all, but when I get to look at the price I almost die ($2495.00 is a lot of money) I keep searching and I found out about the academic price $295.00 and since I'm a student, I apply and now I'm awfully confuse, what should I do? On the other hand I will also buy the Adobe Master Collection and a Apple MacPro. Its a lot of stuff I know. Its because I'm starting a business about video and graphics designs and I'm looking for the best things. At this moment I'm looking for information, learning at much as I can on how to use camcorders, improving my editing skills and learning how to use other programs. Since in video you need high reputation I consider that my clients will judge me by the NLE I used, the camcorder and of course the quality of my project (which will be near perfection) This is all in the long run and we are preparing a plan of action (where and how to invest, etc) So, back to the original question, which NLE should I use? EarlC on "Ads by Google waste" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/ads-by-google-waste#post-51173 Sat, 03 Oct 2009 01:36:53 +0000 EarlC 51173@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ The single most significant waste of your time and money is Ads by Google. Just take a look right here on Videomaker and see where your ads are being placed - marketing to the choir. That is why I quit, because where Google was putting my ads was largely reaching my competitors and NOT prospective customers. Really, REALLY look into how this campaign works, and how much more effective your advertising and marketing dollars and time can be spent by utilizing resources that get you consumer eyeballs. Imagine, you're paying for clicks that mount up because your competition is checking you out, not because you are making a sales pitch. Hi Mom Videos on "professional forms (contracts, receipts, etc)" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/professional-forms-contracts-receipts-etc#post-51887 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:41:53 +0000 Hi Mom Videos 51887@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ I am lining up my first few serious professional jobs, and I am wondering where I can find professional receipts and contracts that can be adapted for my business. I am doing work for a business, and they need a receipt to prove that their expendature is business related. Any ideas? Thank you =) EarlC on "Entry Level Cost for Video Business?" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/entry-level-cost-for-video-business#post-48488 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 02:41:50 +0000 EarlC 48488@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ At well under $10K, going into business as an independent professional video services provider is one of the lowest investments with one of the highest potentials of any small business start-up you can imagine. While there are those who would argue the equipment, debate the costs and question the sanity, by far the easiest out of the box experience for a video entrepenure would be based on the factors listed at <a href="http://www.eccomeecgo.blogspot.com">E.C. Come, E.C. Go</a> Check it out, we can debate the equipment recommendations and needs, costs and what might be left out, or unnecessary here! Hi Mom Videos on "Best stock footage site for travel footage" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-stock-footage-site-for-travel-footage#post-51723 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:12:59 +0000 Hi Mom Videos 51723@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ I have footage of the grand canyon, eiffel tower, colosseum, etc. I think I have settled on pond5.com but I was wondering if anyone knew of a site that is better suited for travel vids. digitalhq on "Thoughts on wedding shows?" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/thoughts-on-wedding-shows#post-51617 Sat, 24 Oct 2009 04:43:42 +0000 digitalhq 51617@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Just wanted to see what people's experiences/thoughts are on doing wedding shows? I'm contemplating doing my first next year, but it's pretty pricey so thought I would ask around a bit. Do the bookings/contacts come easy? I'm fairly sure that there will only be one other video vendor at the show, if any at all, but since many brides don't book a videographer at all, is it worth it? Also, if anyone has tips on how to set up a successfull wedding show booth or pictures of their booth, that would be extremely helpful too... avawser on "Funeral Slideshow Costs" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/funeral-slideshow-costs#post-51735 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:00:18 +0000 avawser 51735@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ I have been producing photo slideshow videos independently for 5 or 6 years now but have never been able to break into the market for getting a contract with a funeral home and producing for them on a regular basis since every one of them in my area already have their own contracts with other production companies. Recently I discovered a new funeral home coming to the area and I really want to give it my best shot to pick up a contract with them. I have produced a demo reel of some of my most recent and best slideshow videos but I am not sure what I should ask for charge costs. I have my own current price rates but I don't know what one should ask as a fair price to a funeral home business. Does anyone do this and if so what do you charge for a video to a funeral business? I don't want to overcharge them, yet I don't want to be getting paid literally nothing for the work I put into it as well. 321actionvideo on "How can I use Youtube as an online gallery?" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-can-i-use-youtube-as-an-online-gallery#post-51602 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:46:26 +0000 321actionvideo 51602@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ I am a videographer that would like to use youtube as an online video gallery. I would like to upload my videos from an event into a playlist, and then allow the customer to purchase the video. Once purchased, they would have the full use of the video to embed, share, etc from youtube. If the customer would like to customize the video, they would email me, and then I could customize the video and upload it to youtube for them. I would like to use the paypal to handle the checkout for the videos. Can this be done via you tube? or other software? brianpeek on "Music Video Editing Rates" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/music-video-editing-rates#post-51529 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:52:05 +0000 brianpeek 51529@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Would like to know what to charge to edit a 3-4 minute professional MTV music video style, fast paced, in out angling, quick clip effects, etc. The client will provide photos, video clips, a clear idea of exactly what image they want to create. Client will provide video clips showing what exact pieces to include. In client's words from email "example: provide a 2 minute video, then show exactly what part I need. I will do this for a few videos, clips, along with photos I will provide." The client is asking for a 2 day turn around. I've only done one music video but its quite good. However, it took me 2 weeks of editing. Of course I had to sort through the footage and pick out the clips myself. Any advice on how I should handle quoting this project? SargeHero on "Selling or sharing a video footage" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/selling-or-sharing-a-video-footage#post-48959 Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:23:38 +0000 SargeHero 48959@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hello Videomaker community: Yesterday (by some miracle) I recorded a power line exploding because a lightning hit it. I didn't caught the lightning striking it, but I manage to record the rest of the "fireworks". I consider this as an opening to sell my footage, so I call a news media and guess what, they laugh at me. They told me "we don't give money for videos" and they only air the video if I decided to donate the video to them. This was not what I wanted so I politely thank them. I began to look on the internet and is indeed true, the news media don't usually give money for video, they expect people to donate their video just because their names will be mention on television. What a stupid investment that is, unless of course, you use it to promote your company, but in my case my video company is just a baby. So I keep looking and I came across this page <a href="http://www.sellmyvideo.co.uk/index.asp">http://www.sellmyvideo.co.uk/index.asp</a> so I decide to send them an email to see what happen, but I think this is too good to be true. I show the video to a few colleagues and they love it and told me to upload it to Youtube and spread it as much as I can, but what benefits will this give me? So here is the thing, which option could be more beneficial, sharing it or selling it? Another thing I was thinking was to copyright the video, should I do that too? Thanks in advance to all Videomaker community EarlC on "What Kind of Video Producer ARE You?" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-kind-of-video-producer-are-you#post-50788 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 02:42:29 +0000 EarlC 50788@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Essentially,there are 10 general categories of video producers: casual, amateur, hobbyist, part-time paid, full-time paid, inexperienced professional, experienced professional, independent shooter, ENG professional and commercial (entertainment or business) video producer. * Casual video producers give no thought to videotaping as a business, means of income or even source for entertainment. This producer purchased or was given, or acquired a camcorder of some make or model for the purpose of occasionally recording a personal or family event. The casual video producer infrequently pulls out the camcorder bag, charges up the battery and gets part of blowing out the birthday candles, a segment of the Grand Canyon Railway journey, carving of the turkey or unwrapping of holiday presents - maybe the kids in their Halloween costumes. * Amateur video producers put more effort into their productions. They will shoot longer bursts, record more specific elements of events or trips, and usually pack more than one spare battery. Many of them will actually own a cheap tripod, but rarely auxiliary lighting or additional microphones. The amateur producer might have simple, basic or free editing capabilities. Amateurs may even attempt to add titles, and "edit" out long, boring footage in an effort to make their productions more enjoyable to view. Amateur video producers tend to focus more on a given subject - trip, nature, event, birds, insects, kids, cars, women - instead of mixing all matter of content in an effort to fill the tape, hard drive or card before dubbing over to reuse their media, or starting a new tape. Amateurs may actually give some thought to ways to make a dollar or two with their equipment and basic skills. They may have some idea that doing montages and weddings could, in the years ahead, become a decent "retirement" profession to fall back on. * Hobbyists will usually acquire more than just a camera and a bag. The hobbyist will nearly always have a decent tripod and/or monopod, auxiliary lighting and purchase additional mics or other audio recording tools. Hobbyists will own an editing system purchased with the specific intent to edit productions into a quality finished video. Hobbyists will seek ways to make money with their video tools, primarily in an effort to finance their real goal - producing video in an area of special interest. The hobbyist enjoys nature, or sports, chasing storms, or simply doing a better than average job of producing youth sports, even social/commnity activity videos and selling some copies. The hobbyist seeks to make income from video primarily as a method for investing more into videotaping and editing tools to perpetuate the hobby rather than as an income source. While most hobbyists will remain in that category, some will eventually move into some aspect of business with their video production experience, abilities and tools. * Part-time paid video producers could be hobbyists as well, but definitely want or need, or have invested in video with an eye toward generating income to supplement whatever other income sources they have. This is usually a full-time job, or a working spouse, or one or both supplementing retirement income levels. The part-time paid producer may or may not be considered a professional, and may, or not, consider herself to be a professional beyond being paid for what they produce. Quality may, or not, be a personal issue with their productions. Many part-time professionals, however, consider themselves creative artists and will put in untold hours in an effort to polish their productions. Perfection certainly is often a goal for them. While primary focus for part-time producers seems to be wedding videos, part-time video producers may find a niche in car shows, drag racing, surfing, or some other specific area or activity - so long as it generates income. The part-time producer is not always so much interested in hours vs income and cost ratios as he or she is in making a "chunk of money." * Full-time paid video producers have invested significantly in time, money, equipment and experience with the primary intent of entering video production as an independent business. While a majority of full-time independent professional video services providers work from a small office/home office environment, others focus on establishing a commercial location - even developing a editing/production studio. As such, the full-time video producer may or may not have achieved his or her, or the client's for that matter, desired level of professional. Interest may be as minimal as getting by, or making a living, to becoming highly successful, building and growing the business, or even expanding to a brick-and-mortar based location/multiple location level. In most cases the full-time video producer began at one of the previously-mentioned levels with the idea of eventually moving forward into a full-time, commercially viable, video production business. Budgets for the level of their business operations, concerns or plans will play, or should, a primary role in establishing rates for services and products. Any full-time video producer not factoring in all costs related to their business will eventually experience a short-fall and either go out of business, or have to re-enter the workforce and gear down their video business efforts. * The inexperienced or experienced professional will reach above, or fall below, the line as established for full-time paid video producers. While the inexperienced may move up, or fall behind, as circumstances affect their business model and/or learning curve, the gaining of experience will move many of these into a higher level, often better-paid, independent professional video services provider. * Shooters focus on establishing themselves as experts in the field of video acquisition. The successful ones focus on a specific area of production - working on documentaries, entertainment, even some areas of news gathering - and building a name for themselves. They often have invested heavily on support tools such as stabilizers, higher-end production cameras, shooting platforms and/or other rigs such as cranes or jibs, etc. By focusing on the specific tools, and quality cameras, their area of specialty calls for, and by developing experience and professional expertise shooters can often hire out for quality pay actually earning more per hour than many full-time, full-service independents can generate. While up-front investment costs may run higher, actual operating expenses may be lower for a potentially faster R.O.I. - return on investment. * ENG professionals can include any, or all, of the above upon achievement of experience and development of professional talent levels and working their way up the ENG career ladder. The established ENG professional has worked long and hard, often at poor income levels, to achieve a reasonable position in this field. Perhaps the top 10-percent of this category will generate the highest income levels - the remainder slaving under often thankless conditions at entry-level, or worse, pay scale. * The entertainment/commercial (corporate) producer has parlayed talent, experience, investment capital, equipment, branding and more into a business environment where the right connections generate the right business opportunities. The creme does not always rise to the top here, however, and often folks who strike for this level of production, above or below the line, either fall out altogether or find themselves returning to one of the previously-mentioned categories. These categories are based on my experience, not necessarily personal investment/involvement, as an independent professional video services provider. There are most definitely many sub-categories or alternative titles, and the success/income range within any of the above, or others, is wide. A living, or more, or less, is available to a person with the right combination of ambition, incentive, skills and determination who pursues video production. Willsca on "$10,000 Video Contest at Tongal.com" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/10000-video-contest-at-tongalcom#post-51535 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:56:15 +0000 Willsca 51535@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Tongal (<a href="http://www.Tongal.com">http://www.Tongal.com</a>) is currently hosting a $10,000 video contest open to anyone who wishes to participate. Tongal is a free crowdsourcing site that allows people to showcase their creativity and get paid for it. LendingTree.com has put up $10k in total and is now looking for a 30 second video based on any of the five winning concepts from the previous round (<a href="http://tongal.com/app/contestDetail.action?id=8">http://tongal.com/app/contestDetail.action?id=8</a>). So why participate? Winning filmmakers get paid ($5,000 for 1st down to $150 for 5th). AND - if you're video wows the LendingTree brass, your spot could become their next national commercial. How's that for a resume builder? Get the creative juices flowing at Tongal.com, but hurry, because this contest ends on October 26th! EarlC on "SEO is good for the SOUL!" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/seo-is-good-for-the-soul#post-51400 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:27:05 +0000 EarlC 51400@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Some SEO is can be good for the soul, not to mention Google rankings and traffic to your new or revised, or soon to be revised website. A new article on SEO can be found at <a href="http://eccomeecgo.blogspot.com/2009/10/basic-search-engine-optimization.html">E.C. Come, E.C. Go</a>. Maybe you already know about and do all this, maybe not. Couldn't hurt to see if there's something new lurking in that article that will spur you toward more SEO efforts. matpez on "Pixelfish /yellowbook won't pay subcontractors!" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/pixelfish-yellowbook-wont-pay-subcontractors#post-46501 Wed, 06 May 2009 17:53:43 +0000 matpez 46501@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Pixelfish, who hires subcontractors for yellowbook.com video shoots has owed me for 2 shoots I have done for them following all instructions and meeting all requirements.Â They are now six months behind on paying me and do not care.Â The last message, below mine I received from the CEO was April 15, 2009.Â I beg of all of you to not accept jobs from them and spread the word quickly so that none of you get into this or a similar situation. Below is the last two correspondences I had with the company, beginning with mine. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sent April 10, 2009: John, although I appreciate a response from your company regarding the $400 you initially owed me, I do not find your answers acceptable. Let me explain.Â The first job I ever shot for your company was November 6, 2008.Â I did everything according to the directions sent to me.Â I waited patiently for over a month without any communication.Â Soon I saw the client's finished ad on their yellowbook page, here: <a href="http://www.yellowbook.com/profile/loan-finder_1821294083.html?addressId=1" rel="nofollow">http://www.yellowbook.com/profile/loan-finder_1821294083.html?addressId=1</a> After waiting a bit longer, on January 22, 2009 I sent my first inquiry about payment.Â Along with all the information about the client and shoot I wrote "Please advise why this has taken so long.Â I have another shoot for your company tomorrow and I am not very confident that I will be paid for either job at this point. Thanks!" The response was: "I apologize for the delay in payment ~ but for some reason I do not have the invoice copy.Â I have copied Lilly so she may provide a copy or if it is easier for you, please re-send it so I can get you in the system for payment.Â I will contact you once I have received the invoice to provide a payment date.Â Thank you for your patience Happy New Year! Claudia Thatcher Operations Manager" On January 28, 2009 I still had heard nothing so I resent the invoice and got this reply: "Thanks Matthew I will get it processed and let you know when I will be releasing payment to you.Â Â Happy New Year! Claudia Thatcher Operations Manager" I patiently waited until February 25th, 2009 when I sent my first copy of the following message: Â "Hi Claudia.Â I have still not been paid or even heard any updates from you concerning this shoot which was November 6, 2008, 4 months ago.Â Again, the clip has been done almost 2 months now and can be seen here: <a href="http://www.yellowbook.com/profile/loan-finder_1821294083.html?addressId=1" rel="nofollow">http://www.yellowbook.com/profile/loan-finder_1821294083.html?addressId=1</a> Then, on good faith alone, I went out and did a second job for your company.Â When Lilly asked me to step up and get it to you right away, I did.Â Your company had my second shoot edited and on the advertisers page within a week.Â I however have heard nothing. <a href="http://www.yellowbook.com/profile/cowan-wesley-cosmetic-and-family-dentistry_1820189360.html?addressId=1" rel="nofollow">http://www.yellowbook.com/profile/cowan-wesley-cosmetic-and-family-dentistry_1820189360.html?addressId=1</a> Your company owes me for 2 separate shoots.Â It is unacceptable that 1 of them is over 4 months past and I have heard nothing from you. Please let me know that I am actually going to get paid for these jobs.Â The treatment and communication so far has been very poor. Looking forward to your reply." Nothing.Â No response.Â I resent the same message March 9, 2009 and got a response: "Matthew â?? I am hoping to release payment today and am reviewing payables this morning.Â I will provide an update before the end of today Thanks Claudia Thatcher Operations Manager" April 3, 2009 I sent the message a third time.Â Then I received this reply: 'Matthew â?? I apologize for the delay~ our CEO will be contacting you regarding the payment status as my role has shifted and I will no longer be handling the payables. I will be sure to send him a message to contact you ASAP. Thank you for your patience. Claudia" On April 7, 2009 I still had no reply from anyone so I finally threatened to write about your company and it's horrible service and lack of payment and communication on a very popular message board with videographers.Â Suddenly, I get a reply from you, the CEO. Now, on to your message I received 5 months after my first job for your company, and 3 months after I first inquired about payment. You write "We have finally begun to recover from an unexpected number of customers and partners failing to pay for work we delivered.Â Our new Accounting Manager, Cheryl Aken, starts next week and will be working diligently to get everyone paid as quickly as we receive payments from our customers and partners." This information should not have any effect on the work I have done for you.Â Both shoots I did, the final videos are up on the yellowbook site.Â I have to make the assumption you wouldn't release a final video to a client without payment in full.Â If you would, I see the first major flaw in your business model. Assuming you must have been paid for specifically the jobs I shot for you, I see no reason as to why I have to worry about your other clients not paying you. Next, you write: "Regarding your account specifically, a payment of $200 is scheduled to be sent by the end of this month. If we receive funds enabling us to send payment sooner, we will notify you immediately." This is a problem.Â This is 100% unacceptable, and as a CEO of a business, you know it.Â If this situation were reversed, not only would your company be after me for payment, you would have tacked on late fees and interest.Â I am going to attach a new invoice to this email with a $100 late payment fee attached to it.Â That is a fair way to conduct business and you know you would have done the same, probably only after a month after the promised and contracted payment date. After some fluff about how Lilly thinks I'm great, you continue: "Again, I sincerely apologize for any negative impact the delay in payment has caused you.Â We are committed to righting the situation as soon as possible and greatly appreciate your continued patience." If you are committed to "righting the situation as soon as possible" you would not be offering my half of what you owe me 5 months late,Â " by the end of this month". The next message I receive from you, or anyone in your company needs to include that you have already sent my payment in full, without a post-dated check, within one week from right now, or I am posting this entire exchange on several videographer message boards.Â You know that I am in the right in this situation and it is now up to you to correct it. I look forward to your reply. ------------------------------------------------- Reply April 15, 2009: Matt, Thank you for your message.Â I empathize with your frustration as we are in a similar spot with our own customers and I apologize for any unfulfilled â??promisesâ?? by our accounting team that you highlighted in your message.Â We mistakenly made payment commitments based on our own customersâ?? promises to pay us for work completed.Â I hope you understand that we never intentionally misled you but simply made commitments we should not have. I hope you also understand that if we were in the position to pay you in full, we would have already done so.Â Whether a project you shot paid us or not has no bearing on our ability to pay you.Â Iâ??m sure you are aware that businesses donâ??t keep separate cash accounts for every customer, but rather manage the incoming and outgoing payments as a whole.Â Â As to your assumption that we receive payment before delivering video, that is usually the case.Â But major partners like Yellowbook have negotiated different terms and currently are paying us about 40 days after the video is delivered (well after it is already â??liveâ??).Â However, many other customers and partners have simply halted projects or failed to pay altogether which has unfortunately put us behind on payments to vendors.Â Â I know none of this information helps you pay your own bills, but please understand we have been burned by customers promising to pay us but donâ??t, which leads us to break promises made to you and others.Â It is my goal to have you paid in full by the end of April as Lilly has identified you as a high priority, but I am hesitant to make a firm commitment due to the desire to avoid the same issue of making a commitment we are unable to fulfill.Â I appreciate your request for full payment immediately, but unfortunately I am unable to increase the amount we can pay you as we simply donâ??t have the funds to do so. You are of course free to post this exchange on any message board you like, but I hope you see that we are doing our best to fulfill our commitment to you. Â Regards, John McIntyre CEO brandon0409 on "Client's Having trouble playing discs (-R) but work fine in mine." http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/clients-having-trouble-playing-discs-r-but-work-fine-in-mine#post-42640 Tue, 30 Dec 2008 04:50:51 +0000 brandon0409 42640@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Â The past couple times that I have given a client their approval disc, it would not play in their DVD player. Â When I first started out, I was using DVD-R's exclusively. These are the discs that I have been giving them their approval copies on (to make sure everything works/spelling/functionality/etc). When I re-burned their DVD on +R, everything seemed to work fine. I have 4 different DVD-players, all of varying ages and brands. Â Memorex, Philips, magnevox, and a small Sony portable as well as my computers. The DVD's ALWAYS work fine in all of my DVD player, then when I give it to them it ceases to work. This has been a more frequent problem. Specs: I usually use Memorex Inkjet printable DVD-R's. Â I've noticed something strange. Â When I burn onto a -R, there seems to be more used Disc space than on a +R. Â Just from eyeing the burnt part of the disc. Â What is that? Does it have anything to do with anything.Â grinner on "10 steps to getting and keeping a client" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/10-steps-to-getting-and-keeping-a-client#post-51182 Sat, 03 Oct 2009 22:01:25 +0000 grinner 51182@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ I wrote this for the COW a couple of years ago but thought some of you who specialize in post-production may benefit from it: After all the technical hooha, this subject is the bottom line. It's a given that you must be able to provide a top-notch product in a timely manner at a reasonable rate. Know that there are more than a few in your market who can do the same. They will come to you repeatedly for two reasons: State of mind and a good time. Their having a fun day is crucial and should not be over looked. People skills are half of editing. Every market offers different scenarios but here are some tips that can help ensure a long lasting relationship with today’s producer: 1: The session is at nine. Get there at eight. Make sure all the elements are there and ready, if possible. Take this time to have some coffee, listen to some tunes and basically chill. When the client walks in he/she will catch and notate the vibe and that will set a mood for the day. 2: Have fun. That’s the idea anyway right? The more fun you have, the more freedom you’ll be given, resulting in more fun to be had. 3: Feel ‘em out. Do they want to drive the boat? Are they relying on you for input and creativity? If you can’t surmise from their open dialog or actions, simply ask. They’ll honestly tell you and you guys can rock from the get-go. 4: Drawn out times like digitizing beg for conversation. Ensure the technical end is cool but try not to let the one in the big chair get bored. Pick a subject (themselves or their families are two great topics to start with), but keep ‘em into it. 5: Buy lunch. Be happy about it. They’re paying a hansom hourly rate. Have someone bring in some sacks of good food with a smile on their face. Tokens of appreciation are always appreciated. 6: Bring something to the plate. By now they need to know that what you’re providing can’t be found up the road. If you’ve not shown your specialty by now, you’re waiting too long. 7: Don’t hesitate to free them up to do other tasks they may have building up in a workweek. Artists often work more efficiently alone and producers often appreciate being able to run that important errand, knowing they are being taking care of at the same time. 8: Make sure the deadline is met and that you and the client both know the finished product is the best it can possibly be, given what was provided. This is the most important thing in an edit session. 9: Make sure they feel the love. Hopefully by now, they’re already hooked but that almighty dollar speaks loudly. Round down on the hours. If it’s taken 9.5 hours you can easily point out your charging for an even 9. This is always loved by the check-writer and will affect your bottom line in the long run. Note… don’t venture away from your set hourly rate. That’ll pin you down later. Just cut ‘em some slack after the session. 10: Bow tie it. The dubbs are dubbed, you’ve gotten your high five or hug and you can just make it home in time to read bedtime stories. Ask them a simple question as they are leaving. “When will I see you again?” closes another booking nine times out of ten. This easy question is an important link between one-off clients and buddies who show up a few times a week. -Grinner Hester, Contributing Editor, CreativeCow Magazine grinner on "the salary thang... don't sweat it" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/the-salary-thang-dont-sweat-it#post-51183 Sat, 03 Oct 2009 22:07:40 +0000 grinner 51183@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ I’ve seen many posts asking about salaries. First, I have to say if you’re in this for the money, you’re in the wrong biz. There are many jobs in which you can throw on a tie and make an easy six figures. Do that and save room for those who are so passionate about this that the thought of doing anything else has never enter their heads. Now, because that passion is not that rare, rest assured there is a big stack of resumes on the desk of every production manager in the world sent by people who are very ready, willing and able that will go to work for free in order to get a chance to show somebody what they can do. Some hate the thought of working for free or minimum wage. I thought it was grand to get paid to learn more than what I paid a college to learn. Let’s say you start at 5 bucks an hour. Sweet. Your foot is in the door and you’re on your way. In most industries, holding a job at one place for a really long time looks fantastic. I’m not gonna say it doesn’t in this industry but the best way to get a significant raise is to leave and get another job. Cost of living raises are not raises at all. I see them as insults and an invitation to move on. Now, as a receiver of resumes, I like to see a variety of places worked at. It shows a variety in softwares, hardwares, duties and personality combos. It also shows me they are not willing to settle for good enough and I like that. This industry is a revolving door of talent and ideas so new blood is simply required. The more people move around, the more people can be moved around. Okay, you’ve done your two years at 5 bucks an hour and have moved up 3 positions. Demand 8 bucks or split. If ya get it, stay and keep climbing. If not, just move on. You’ll get a job more in tune with what you need and want to do then. Needs vary. With a rapidly-growing family I had to push hard every two years or so. I went from 3 bucks an hour to a salary less than that to 8 bucks an hour to 24k per year to 35k per year to 45k per year to 60k per year to 80k per year to six figures a year in a 13 year window. I moved my family to five states in as many years at one point. I worked 3 jobs at a time to get by when I needed to and I hate to say I neglected my family at times. The closest I have ever come to making what I’m worth is today as a self-employed editor with my own gear. Only because I am weathered by the ways of the industry do I wonder if the hourly rate I now charge is worth the time away from my family. Nothing ever is ya know. Not he 3 bucks an hour your first employer insulted you with, not the raise you just received for a job well done an not the way-too-high rate you pull out of the air because you really don’t wanna mess with something. We’re not talking about that though. We’re talking about the required hours away from that wonderfulness that puts the food on the table. Man, I’ve put the food on the table some pretty bogus ways. We all know where to find high-paying jobs with security. We just know life is too short for that. So, the salary thang. Don't sweat it. Take what's offered and grin doin' it. If the pay is low, the pay is temporary. You're makin' movies though. It's all good. neewin on "How much would you charge for a job like this?" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/how-much-would-you-charge-for-a-job-like-this#post-51116 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:54:16 +0000 neewin 51116@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Pricing estimate for filmming/editing/dvd creation. Hello all, I'm new here and thought I would ask some people's opinions on pricing for a job that I am working on. In short, I took a job to create a dvd that will be used for a company who work with people with special needs. The dvd is meant to show a variety of activities that their clients might be interested in doing. This could be anything from golf, basketball, knitting, drawing, cooking classes etc. It's really anything. The actual footage doesn't have to be anything special, but it should show what it is and give a brief synopsis that might peak the clients interest. In total, they are expecting about 40 or so different activities. (Each clip runs from about 1 - 2mins) This includes all the pre-prod, filmming, editing and building the DVD. So my question is, how much would one charge for something like this? It's just me doing this (and a possible help from a friend for some of the shooting) Thanks for any feedback! Jeremy EarlC on "R U a successful video producer?" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/r-u-a-successful-video-producer#post-51100 Sun, 27 Sep 2009 20:39:34 +0000 EarlC 51100@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ What constitutes a successful independent professional video services provider (full, or part-time) and why, OR WHY NOT, are you one? My answer will soon follow, but first I want to give this post some time to gain momentum. kwfyv25 on "Pricing projects and services" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/pricing-projects-and-services#post-50902 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:32:48 +0000 kwfyv25 50902@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ I've been looking through the posts and haven't found the info I need, but please help me out here if I've missed it. I've been given a tremendous amount of encouragement to venture out and do video production professionally. I just completed a 30-second commercial for my company (real estate brokerage) promoting a subdivision we represent. Well, word got out about that and now I'm starting to get more work from other local businesses. I've been in business for myself previously doing other things, and a stumbling block I always seem to hit is how to appropriately price my products and services, mainly so that I don't short-change myself. This is probably what would be considered a small-to-medium market located in the southeastern US. Most of the research I've done shows that the typical cost for a 30-second spot is around $2K. Of course, that includes voiceover with script writing, and other enhancements. This first project I did didn't have a voiceover, but did have original music. I did all the shooting and editing, and probably have about 15 or so hours into it. The next project I have lined up is for a 30-second spot and a corporate-type video, which will likely be about ten minutes long, promoting a product invented by a local company to other business who would have a need for it. I also have work from other Realtors to promote their properties. So you see, I have a variety of services where a one-price-fits-all approach won't do, or will it? Should I be charging by the hour, the project, or both? Thanks! thecompletist on "Slideshow Website & Brand for Sale" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/slideshow-website-038-brand-for-sale#post-50731 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:31:52 +0000 thecompletist 50731@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ My Short Slideshow career over a few years was hobby and for extra cash. I did many shows for family and friends as well as a couple of dozen clients and small business. Being in a industry now I do not have the time to do shows or nor do I wish to keep up my website hosting and domain name. I am looking to sell the entire website, content including logo, tagline, copy, photos etc.. for a fair price to someone who is trying to start or fasttrack a business idea for some extra money. I started out with and used Proshow Producer as my development tool for the shows but obviously your own shows can be plugged in along with your contact info etc..The shows on the site are a couple of years old and I did get much better but just never updated the site. If I am not allowed to post this here please let me know asap and I will remove it. Not sure on board rules. It is a niche market and want to get it to someone who can really use it. <a href="http://www.matchstickvideo.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.matchstickvideo.com</a> - mixing music and memories (always loved my tagline) The Site is targeted for slideshows & Photo Montages It has a Pagerank of 1 It is 2 years old I have done some minor Search Engine Optimization on it It has 32 Links pointing at it The traffic is about 40-50 visitors per month With No promotions this year I had 6 inquiries That resulted in 4 sales 2 I gave to another company in my city because I do not have the time. Average price of shows about $200 It is hosted with godaddy right now and can be transferred very easily. All HTML Files can be provided including stock photos Plug in your own shows Plug in your own prices Plug in your own contact info ++ Included in the final sale will be some information regarding Optimizing the site further for your city and how to compete online going forward. I do Search Engine Marketing for a living now and have spent very little time on this site. There is more that can be done and I will include a Top 10 List of SEO ideas for the new site owner free of charge. Please forward all questions to me. Please forward me your OFFER and a brief description of your situation. Price isn't everything here. I am glad to get this into someones hands who will do something with it around their love for slideshows and allowing for part time income. Thanks Jeff Toronto thecompletist (at) gmail.com Cville on "Music Liscense" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/music-liscense#post-50702 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:57:23 +0000 Cville 50702@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ I have seen various videos posted, some in these forums such as wedding videos that appear to be using popular comercial music. I know that it is very hard for the small video producer to get music rights for projects like weddings and small events. So I was just curious what everyone is doing. I have seen a website called zoomlicense.com that is attempting to provide licensing to popular music for small productions but their selections are limited at this time but it seems to be what is needed for the small producer. I am intrested in everyones thoughts on this issue. gwiz on "Hot Rod show opportunity" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hot-rod-show-opportunity#post-48185 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:44:17 +0000 gwiz 48185@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Every year there is a hot rod show in my area, over 1000 hot rod and custom cars are on display. There is a burn-out competition and certain categories are judged. I am an independant videographer producing mainly weddings and corporate video but always think there must be an opportunity to make and sell video from this. I would like to get some ideas about rights/pricing/sales etc before talking to the organises. Rambler on "WE NEED YOUR HELP!!" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/we-need-your-help#post-50562 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:17:31 +0000 Rambler 50562@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ hi there, I'm a teen filmmaker and this summer i was part of Fresh films, the nations largest teen filmmaking competion. the voting phase is currently going on and the New York Crew can use all the help we can get you can see our videos and vote at <a href="http://www.fresh-films.com/comedy.htm#" rel="nofollow">http://www.fresh-films.com/comedy.htm#</a> please vote for new york. Voting is unlimited so you can vote as many times as you want.. Thanks Evan on "Names for company" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/names-for-company#post-50624 Sun, 06 Sep 2009 04:35:06 +0000 Evan 50624@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ I have a photo montage service (photostofilm.com) and I am looking to expand. I would like to make another site advertising my video production and event videography services, but can't come up with a name, or a good one anyway. I would love to hear your suggestions. Thanks. Galin on "Pricing" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/pricing-1#post-49478 Sun, 26 Jul 2009 20:29:10 +0000 Galin 49478@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ I have to come up with a proposal for a video promoting my town in all four seasons, so it'll be a yearlong project. If hired I'll be working with the town's creative agency which will provide scripting and a suggested shot list. They expect a minimum of 15 days of shooting. I'd be in charge of all the releases, and at the end of the project the completed product and all raw footage will become property of the town. They say they want a 3 minute video, but I took a look at their list of suggested shots, and it would compile a video far longer than 3 minutes. So i think in my proposal I'll offer to produce a longer promotional piece using a wider variety of footage, and then also a shorter 3 minute piece with a select few shots. I'd probably end up shooting more than 15 days anyways. This would be my first big project, and i have no idea what to charge for something like this. My past clients have said my work was very professional and some of the best they've seen, but personally I haven't really impressed myself with my work yet. But i guess I do do quality work. As for equipment, I'll be using an HVX200a with p2 set up, and if i get the job I'll use some of the money to purchase a 35mm adapter. I have a dolly and will most likely have use to a jib arm. I've been talking to a photographer about pricing who does a lot of work in this area. I know its really quite the same business, but he still has a decent grasp on it and knows some people who do video work so he's been asking around about pricing for me. He says $8000 is as low as I should probably go. What do you guys think about that price? Could i go higher? Keep in mind that it's a bid for this deal, so I don't want to price myself out of it. Then again, the photographer knows the guy in charge of this project, and is going to put a really good word in for me, so he said the job should be as good as mine. Also, i just thought of this, but ... music licensing. Do i just factor this into my costs? Or do I set a cost, then say they have to pay an additional fee for music licensing. My plan is to try to track down a local group for the soundtrack, so licensing may not even be an issue as far as cost goes. Thanks so much in advance, Galin ssw on "Sell Streaming Video PPV basis" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/sell-streaming-video-ppv-basis#post-49510 Mon, 27 Jul 2009 20:22:35 +0000 ssw 49510@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ I'm trying to find a way to stream my footage online on a Pay per View basis. The PPV is basically footage I have shot and have rights to etc.. and I am wanting to try and sell them on the internet (for around £3.99). I've searched google and can't find anything that doesn't want paying large ammounts of money up front like £99 upwords. I personally can't afford that and I have no idea if the video will be popular enough to cover the cost, so instead I'm looking for something that lets you upload the video and lets people pay to watch it but instead the site takes a percentage cut rather then alot of money up front. Thanks for any replies. EarlC on "Keeping Busy in a Down Economy" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/keeping-busy-in-a-down-economy#post-49036 Sat, 11 Jul 2009 08:57:26 +0000 EarlC 49036@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Feeling battered by the negative headlines from virtually every news source you turn to? Worried that you, or your video business, might not survive the long haul while the economy rebounds - if it does :-( Now, more than ever, it is important to do everything you can in an effort to stay out of the dumps mentally, to remain active and aggressive, to market and sell yourself, your services and your products. Don't let depression take away your drive and hurt your business any more than the current business climate already does. Keeping Busy in a Down Economy - maybe taking action right now is the thing to do. Maybe the latest article at <a href="http://www.eccomeecgo.blogspot.com">E.C. Come, E.C. Go</a> will get you focused or lift your spirits. WazzuMan on "Starting Business -> Need Advice!" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/starting-business-gt-need-advice#post-34508 Tue, 08 Jan 2008 05:36:01 +0000 WazzuMan 34508@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ 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.Â 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. Here are my questions: a) Should I being renting equipment until I make enough $ to buy my own, or should I go in debt immediatly? b) What equipment is ESSENTIAL when beginning? (note: I am just starting, but I have no intentions of creating anything less than great). c) What is the best first step(s) in breaking into the local wedding video business in my area? Those are some of the more important questions I have right now. I am going to try and get as much experience with other companies by just helping out right now, but market research has dominated my interest.Â I also understand how important good picture quality is, but I do believe that having an eye for photography can go a long way.Â Not having the best camera won't help my quest, but I do not believe that it will keep my company from creating good things.Â Thank you all!