How u guys showcase your work to get more jobs?

[sundazz]

hi All,

don mind me for a subjective questions.. (hopes its not sensitive)
curious.. how u guys showcase and advertise your work to get more job?

thx

[devilboy]

Originally Posted by sundazz hi All, don mind me for a subjective questions.. (hopes its not sensitive) curious.. how u guys showcase and advertise your work to get more job? thx

I am working on a video summary of all my previous projects... I think a short 5 min clip is good...

[jfoo]

used to do that but found it counter-productive as clients want to see what i deliver. so i show them the music videos that were created for the clients to give them a feel of the style of filming and editing.

i also keep spare copies of the videos i deliver to past clients so i let them choose which one/s they want to watch.

[devilboy]

Originally Posted by jfoo used to do that but found it counter-productive as clients want to see what i deliver. so i show them the music videos that were created for the clients to give them a feel of the style of filming and editing. i also keep spare copies of the videos i deliver to past clients so i let them choose which one/s they want to watch.

Yeap its good to have a variety of samples for customers... some like to see what you do, some like to see a short summries.

[tommon]

Simple give to clients an edited (lo Res) on a VCD. Put them in various types; eg wedding, events, corperate, etc.

[JaPhotos]

I will advised against doing a disc with summary of all your past projects of different services.

It will be more productive to do 1 for each type of services. ie. 1 disc for weddings, 1 for coporate, 1 for products/training, etc. As each potential client in each area will not be interested in the other types of clips no matter how good they are.

[sundazz]

but how do these people (your cliect) comes to know you that you provides video productions services before they wanted to see your reels?

[devilboy]

Originally Posted by sundazz but how do these people (your cliect) comes to know you that you provides video productions services before they wanted to see your reels?

its started off tough... friends... relative... friends' friend... friends' relative.... friends' friends' friend....friends' friends' relative.....relatives' friend... and etc etc...

Its like doing it 100% free... after 4 projects, got recognition, get paid $200, after 8 projects, get paid $400... and so on and so forth...

Trust me, before you even reach $400.00 you will feel like giving it up.... 1) Its really tiring, the total load of a videoman is much higher than photo. 2) Your ROI takes a longer time as compare to photographer (Think of the cam, accessories, and the computer that also cost the same as your cam or worst, higher)... but my advise, believe in yourself and constant learning will eventually lead you to nice returns.

[devilboy]

Originally Posted by JaPhotos I will advised against doing a disc with summary of all your past projects of different services. It will be more productive to do 1 for each type of services. ie. 1 disc for weddings, 1 for coporate, 1 for products/training, etc. As each potential client in each area will not be interested in the other types of clips no matter how good they are.

Well again, this is subjective... it really depends how creative you are...of course, your summary dun mixed your weddings projects and cooperate and training videos together, it will definately looks silly.

[CYRN]

Originally Posted by devilboy its started off tough... friends... relative... friends' friend... friends' relative.... friends' friends' friend....friends' friends' relative.....relatives' friend... and etc etc... Its like doing it 100% free... after 4 projects, got recognition, get paid $200, after 8 projects, get paid $400... and so on and so forth... Trust me, before you even reach $400.00 you will feel like giving it up.... 1) Its really tiring, the total load of a videoman is much higher than photo. 2) Your ROI takes a longer time as compare to photographer (Think of the cam, accessories, and the computer that also cost the same as your cam or worst, higher)... but my advise, believe in yourself and constant learning will eventually lead you to nice returns.

Hi... what cam were you using and does your cam counts when you transit between free and paid assignments?

[devilboy]

Originally Posted by CYRN Hi... what cam were you using and does your cam counts when you transit between free and paid assignments?

Sony A1P... but I dun understand your next qns

[sundazz]

Originally Posted by devilboy Sony A1P... but I dun understand your next qns

guess is asking if whether the client will look at your cam when you starts as a pro?

[CYRN]

Originally Posted by devilboy Sony A1P... but I dun understand your next qns

I'm tinking of using a small plam-sized fully auto DV cam to start biz... is it feasible or must I get something more sizeable? Cuz it's kinda like using a P&S equivilant for paid photography.

[zulschizo]

Originally Posted by CYRN I'm tinking of using a small plam-sized fully auto DV cam to start biz... is it feasible or must I get something more sizeable? Cuz it's kinda like using a P&S equivilant for paid photography.

hello, in my opinion, while it is the videographer that matters and not the video equipment, it is also important to have the right equipment for the job especially if it is a paid one. I think size does not matter but the camera's ability matters the most. for paid assignments, there is not much and in most cases NO room for mistakes thus a fully auto camera may not be sufficient.
for example, it may not give you much creative freedom as a videographer and also might not perform well in low light situations and its auto focus will start to be problematic. a small palm-sized cam is also usable for paid jobs as long as your portfolio justifies your ability to use it to its fullest potential. I've seen beautiful works done with palm-size camera and also seen crappy ones using super duper expensive cameras. the success of the final product all depends on your creativity, style and how you present your works and most importantly yourself. the camera is just a tool. sorry for the long post, hope it helps...

[CYRN]

Originally Posted by zulschizo hello, in my opinion, while it is the videographer that matters and not the video equipment, it is also important to have the right equipment for the job especially if it is a paid one. I think size does not matter but the camera's ability matters the most. for paid assignments, there is not much and in most cases NO room for mistakes thus a fully auto camera may not be sufficient. for example, it may not give you much creative freedom as a videographer and also might not perform well in low light situations and its auto focus will start to be problematic. a small palm-sized cam is also usable for paid jobs as long as your portfolio justifies your ability to use it to its fullest potential. I've seen beautiful works done with palm-size camera and also seen crappy ones using super duper expensive cameras. the success of the final product all depends on your creativity, style and how you present your works and most importantly yourself. the camera is just a tool. sorry for the long post, hope it helps...

so in the end is that any features that I should be looking out for if I were to buy a cam for commercial purposes?

[sundazz]

i think both the cam and skill are equally important.
you need to have good showreel to convince your client, but if your cam is too consumer, your client will have doubt.. not oni doubt whether is the showreel really yours (even it is really yours) , but oso doubt if your camera can performance. As wat zulschizo said.. many consumer handycam do not have enough features.

this may oso call packaging.. tho some people may say if u have the skills n r creative, wat ever camera in hand can still produce good work.. i totally agree, but biz is biz.. to convince your client, equipment is equally important. but here i don mean tat u have to go for really hi end cam, a prosumer camcorder is enough.

i suggest u start off renting first (can it be a pd150 / 170, vx 102, 100, etc) and get more exposure with different cam so tat u will know wat to chose and wat u wan..
jus my tot..

[CYRN]

Originally Posted by sundazz i suggest u start off renting first (can it be a pd150 / 170, vx 102, 100, etc) and get more exposure with different cam so tat u will know wat to chose and wat u wan.. jus my tot..

thanks

[devilboy]

Originally Posted by CYRN I'm tinking of using a small plam-sized fully auto DV cam to start biz... is it feasible or must I get something more sizeable? Cuz it's kinda like using a P&S equivilant for paid photography.

After using alot of video systems, to me, I find the shoulder mount ones are the best for event coverage, more stable and reduce shake as for small palm, I find that it is difficult to control unless your fitness level is really outstanding. Qoute you and example, sometimes I will need to run from point A to point B fast so to capture another view of the couple, with shoulder mounts, when you reach point B, just stand upright and try to regulate your breathing, your cam will not shake too much. With palm ones however, needs more skills and fitness, as you have nothing to rest on except your arms, you may shake quite a lot.

When I use A1P and especially on the go... I will use Monopod, this why, just stick your videocam onto the ground and record very very stable but abit restrictive to your angles, moreover, monopod is light... But in video projects, unless its for intention, the couple will not like to see themselves in a "Saving Private Ryan" boat scene.

*Try not to use Monopod on Shoulder Mount cams, due to the balance of the system, I nearly broke an XL1 when I try on a project. Lucky my hands manage to hold on the viewfinder...

[sundazz]

Originally Posted by devilboy After using alot of video systems, to me, I find the shoulder mount ones are the best for event coverage, more stable and reduce shake as for small palm, I find that it is difficult to control unless your fitness level is really outstanding. Qoute you and example, sometimes I will need to run from point A to point B fast so to capture another view of the couple, with shoulder mounts, when you reach point B, just stand upright and try to regulate your breathing, your cam will not shake too much. With palm ones however, needs more skills and fitness, as you have nothing to rest on except your arms, you may shake quite a lot. When I use A1P and especially on the go... I will use Monopod, this why, just stick your videocam onto the ground and record very very stable but abit restrictive to your angles, moreover, monopod is light... But in video projects, unless its for intention, the couple will not like to see themselves in a "Saving Private Ryan" boat scene. *Try not to use Monopod on Shoulder Mount cams, due to the balance of the system, I nearly broke an XL1 when I try on a project. Lucky my hands manage to hold on the viewfinder...

yes.. a shoulder mount full size professional camcorder is the best.. not oni for stabililty.. but also better control.. with its ring iris control, focusing, black n white view finder, etc. definately good for corporate and commercial shoot, but not so practical for wedding shoot..
u reminded me again on the older days tat i shoot wedding with beta!! shoot 1 day need 3 days to recover my energy!!

[alternus]

Hi guys,
I would like to offer a spoil market solution to "how to showcase your work to get more jobs".
(strictly for wedding videography)

Solution: Just offer to do an express highlights on the cheap.



That is instant advertising to 500 ppe (for a 50 table banquet) every time.
Your quality shows immediately.

And remember to prepare your namecards during the farewell segment!