Getting jobs with HVX or HPX

[mrbrycel]

sorry if this is in the wrong forum, I almost put it in "jobs" but I didn't think that would be the right forum either. I've been saving my money and am planning to get either an HVX200a or an HPX170 soon. I really want to quit my $12,000 a year "recreation" job and start working in this industry. It's what I love to work for a company, and have a consistant salary, but if I must work freelance, I'm willing to do that. I've heard a lot of people say that their HVX has gotten them a lot of work, but how would one go about getting started? I have experience shooting SD for skate videos, and a short Documentary, but other than that, I don't have all that much work to show. I'm attending the art institute for video production, an the rest of my time is spent working so I can barely pay bills and living expenses. I wish I had more time to do my own video projects, but unfortunately right now, I can't afford to use any free time to do anything that doesn't earn more money. So I guess my questions are: will I be able to male more than $12,00 a year with my HVX, and how do I go about getting started in this industry? Thanks ahead of time for the help!

[wgzn]

the best advice i could give you is to go to all the local video production houses and get an entry level assistant job. im sure they will pay more than $12k a year.

also, i have hired interns from our local art institute and the deal i made for them was $10 just to be there and be assistant and $20 for anything directly billable.

as long as youre bathed, and reasonably personable, it shouldnt be hard for you to get some kinda entry level gig.

but i would NOT suggest you running out and buying a $5000 camera this early in your career.

[Steve Laramie]

im sure this isnt the answer your looking for but special paint brushes never got picaso any work. Dont think that once you get an HVX it will be smooth sailing. Spend your time marketing and finding customers and wedding gigs. By the way are you at the art institute in Philly?

[mrbrycel]

I completely agree it's not the tool, it's the artist. I've seen terrible work done on HVXs, and great work done on GL2s. However, I'm reaching a point where my vx1000 footage is getting turned down because it's neither HD or progressive. Before my footage would have been in demand by skate companies. Also, when looking for freelance gigs, I constantly see "must have own gear" and "must shoot HD".

What's the best way to find these video production houses? I live in Long Beach, CA and go to AI in Santa Monica. I'd like to find one close, in the LA/Hollywood/long beach area.

[Steve Laramie]

well your deffinetly in the right area but you cant just start from nothing. Do as much free work as you can on big movies (big as in bigger then you currently are) This is the best way to network and even though your not making money yet your making connections which are priceless. Dont buy any gear yet. You will have no problem finding and producing freelance gigs (like weddings and parties) with a vx1000 id actually prefer a vx over an hvx for low light events like wedding receptions and stuff like that. I can tell you dont want to freelance you want to be working big. Well big people dont own equipment they work with people who own equipment. Id hate for you to buy an HVX and loose 5000$ and have to continue working a crap job instead of saving your money and spending it on networking with others. get yourself a business card and a website and you are off to a good start.

[wgzn]

get yourself a business card and a website and you are off to a good start.wow! that sounds like an episode of always sunny in philadelphia. "let's start a band!"

a website and biz card wont do anything for you if you don't have much real world experience. and a resume also means crap if you haven't done anything.

ok, a business card never hurts - it at least shows that you spent some time getting your poop in a group and its something that they will have on hand to contact you. but be careful trying to look like you are more than you are. dont try to call your self a videographer or dp, or even camera assistant. just say something like production assistant or be cheeky like "video jedi in training" or "young cat who does stuff" be memorable!

google search for video production in your town. for example "video production long beach" and go to each website and familiarize yourself with what they do. then if you find one that feels right. call or just go in and say, here's who i am. here's what i've done and i'm willing to work as an assistant for little or nothing to get more experience.

another angle is to go to your local pro, pro-sumer video gear shop and ask them. they should know of just about all the local production studios. tell them what you're looking for and they will almost certainly know of studios looking for help.

but dont buy a new $5000+ camera. thats crazy if you dont already have even a vague idea of how to sell the work...

[Shooter]

I agree with all wgzn has said in this regard.

Lairhair..you are smart for a young dude. (dig your ambition and passion and I think you will make it)

mrbrycel: "the froth always gets to the the top" . Time , effort, application (no shortcuts) ...go hard.

[John Caballero]

Well, depending where you live, ability to market yourself, who you know and actual knowledge of the craft, it should take you between a few years and a lot of years to get established. There is no magic to any business including professional image making; you need knowledge, equipment, money, hard work and a heck of a lot of luck. The "glamour" of movie making is attracting a lot of people to the business only to find out it ain't that magical after all.

[manglerBMX]

its risky but sometimes you can get some good gigs of craigslist. thats a good way to get your feet wet. do a couple of cheap/free gigs to get your reel built up a bit.

[ProfessorU]

its risky but sometimes you can get some good gigs of craigslist. thats a good way to get your feet wet. do a couple of cheap/free gigs to get your reel built up a bit.

Don't take the stuff that's too cheap... you'll only hurt yourself and the others in the business. If you do work for free, do it for projects you believe in or for people you know are good for a favor on your own projects later.

[ddh]

sorry if this is in the wrong forum, I almost put it in "jobs" but I didn't think that would be the right forum either. I've been saving my money and am planning to get either an HVX200a or an HPX170 soon. I really want to quit my $12,000 a year "recreation" job and start working in this industry. It's what I love to work for a company, and have a consistant salary, but if I must work freelance, I'm willing to do that. I've heard a lot of people say that their HVX has gotten them a lot of work, but how would one go about getting started? I have experience shooting SD for skate videos, and a short Documentary, but other than that, I don't have all that much work to show. I'm attending the art institute for video production, an the rest of my time is spent working so I can barely pay bills and living expenses. I wish I had more time to do my own video projects, but unfortunately right now, I can't afford to use any free time to do anything that doesn't earn more money. So I guess my questions are: will I be able to male more than $12,00 a year with my HVX, and how do I go about getting started in this industry? Thanks ahead of time for the help!

You are in the right area and studying film at an institute ~ these things are basic and will get you access into a production company. Get together with people in you school and make some small films. That'll go a long way in convincing a producer that you are serious.
Good luck!!!

[cheezweezl]

i don't know where you live but here in la i do quite well freelancing. i get a lot of repeat and word of mouth biz mostly and i hit up craigslist to fill the gaps. i'm sure you could replace your $12k/year without even trying very hard. i make at least that annually in gear rentals alone.

[Steve Laramie]

no doubt you can replace that 12k but it wont happen soon it might take you a year or two before you are fully set to get gigs.

[cheezweezl]

$12k a year = $230.77 per week.

if you own an hvx and rent it out twice a week for $150 a pop you surpass $12k.

tons of $100/day craigslist gigs out there. those guys aren't looking for a whole lot of experience (or at least they shouldn't be at that rate).

$12k is easy.