Obtaining Clients in the UK?

[Derkoi]

I've read lots of posts regarding this topic for the US, but i cannot find anything regarding this in the UK.

Those of you who run video production businesses in the UK, how do you mainly get your clients?

I've just booked an ad in my local telephone directory (Hull Colour Pages) and i'm wondering what else would be effective.

As discussed on the US threads they mentioned phoning the company and talking about their company and not mentioning your own. I don't think that approach would work too well in the UK, people seem to be less friendly.

Any thoughts?

 

[Derkoi]

Anyone?

 

[ROne]

When we started we put a business editorial in the local newspaper (1991).

Someone from the county council took a punt on us, we produced a demo film for them - they liked it etc.

Get in with a client that has many branches - like a council - who are good payers BTW. And spread yourself around.

Take it easy with private companies at this time, as they're not wanting to spend bags of money on films. But local authorities pockets are a bit more open and guaranteed.

Then be around long enough to make a name for yourself.

We've helped loads of people do what we're doing, trade on quality first and price second. Lot's of success stories out our way.

Oh and have many strings to your bow (lighting, sound, editing) - which makes you available for other production companies.

Had a quick look at your vimeo channel, and while you show flair - you need to work out who your intended audience is - and the films that you show may not attract a paying client. Now it's difficult with showreels - because you need to be specific and general at the same time. And also I don't like showing clients footage in our reels, so the trick is to film 'on location' footage that you can included in your own films that both captures something creative and serves a purpose - while keeping everyhing short.

When it comes to actually getting work, we will often show previous similar films to future clients at a private meeting - so if you've made a sport film and you want to make more sport films then that is your demo reel rather than a 'overall' showreel.

A showreel is only a tiny part of the story really though. * website updated for you now we've had time to come up for air!

 

[Derkoi]

When we started we put a business editorial in the local newspaper (1991).

Someone from the county council took a punt on us, we produced a demo film for them - they liked it etc.

Get in with a client that has many branches - like a council - who are good payers BTW. And spread yourself around.

Take it easy with private companies at this time, as they're not wanting to spend bags of money on films. But local authorities pockets are a bit more open and guaranteed.

Then be around long enough to make a name for yourself.

We've helped loads of people do what we're doing, trade on quality first and price second. Lot's of success stories out our way.

Oh and have many strings to your bow (lighting, sound, editing) - which makes you available for other production companies.

Had a quick look at your vimeo channel, and while you show flair - you need to work out who your intended audience is - and the films that you show may not attract a paying client. Now it's difficult with showreels - because you need to be specific and general at the same time. And also I don't like showing clients footage in our reels, so the trick is to film 'on location' footage that you can included in your own films that both captures something creative and serves a purpose - while keeping everyhing short.

When it comes to actually getting work, we will often show previous similar films to future clients at a private meeting - so if you've made a sport film and you want to make more sport films then that is your demo reel rather than a 'overall' showreel.

A showreel is only a tiny part of the story really though. * website updated for you now we've had time to come up for air!

Thanks for the reply!

You said about putting a business editorial in a local newspaper, what does that entail? Does it cost alot?

My vimeo channel is not for my Sublevel Media company, it's for my film production company, for entertaining films mainly. Some of my Sublevel Media work can be found on my website www.sublevelmedia.co.uk

I've done a few corporates, music videos ect.

 

[ROne]

You can normally get an editorial for free (especially if you take out some advertising as well.)

It's an interest story about you, a bit more than just an advert.

 

[grinner]

Press releases are a great way to advertise for free.
Nowhere will you find a better sales force than happy clients though. Get a few freebies in if you have to but you need people out there talking you up for you.