Advice needed for advancing production work.

J

Jamaine

Active member
Ok Dear Forum Users,



Am need to get myself out of some Financial situations, where I owe some people.


Now I need to go commericial hunting, I consider myself a fairly good editor (still need to learn some other stuff though).


I don't know how to use Illustrator or Photoshop, which I think I will need to know, if am going to get commericials done and stuff like that.


I know before I get the business am going to need to study and practice more, so that I will be able to execute these jobs professionally.


So am seeking the guidance and assistance of my fellow forum users.



I also not in a financial position to purchase much books and tutorials.


Am using a Canon T3i and a Macbook pro 15.4inch 8gb ram
 
Sorry to hear your troubles.

The first thing you are going to need is to have a reel. This is your calling card when talking to potential clients. Samples of your work. Being that you are an editor, this should be easy for you.

What you have not said is: what real-world experience you have in doing commercials. Keep in mind, "doing commercials" is not something you can just have a camera and a laptop for and away you go. You need crew for a professional result. Sound, Lighting, AD's, etc. You also need some decent experience in doing commercials. A 15-30-45 second spot is not like doing a short, or a feature. The script/storyline has to be condensed so small but give the message of what the commercial is for and attract business to the client.

The best thing you can do, if you really want to start doing ad work, is study commercials. I mean really study them. Pull them apart, evaluate how they shot it. Where were the cameras? where was the lighting/bounce boards? Follow the "message" and how they introduced you to the product. Then......start your own commercial for a fake product using what you had learned.

You are chasing the same dream many forum members are here, and they will attest that it can be extremely tough for someone new in the field to make any money right away. And it takes a lot of time in order to hone your skills and get a professional result to your work. Then, when your reel has some polish to it, and you have developed a good reputation in your market area, money does start to flow in.

But thinking having a camera and a laptop is going to solve your financial problems right away is not realistic. Sorry for the bad news, but this is a tough business and you need to have every edge you can get, in order to attract clients.
 
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Thanks for the advice DOC, I have a day Job already, that is paying me. I Guess am just to anxious to do high level work. I feel am going to sit back for a few months and put myself to studying and practicing, build the reel like what u said and then try to attack this again.
 
Have you thought about hiring yourself out as a camera operator for other people's projects? Kills two birds with one stone. You get experience and some money coming in. You get to meet other crews and start networking (BIG aspect to film-making).

What area are you in?
 
Well I Live in Antigua (The Caribbean) there isn't a Large enough market for one Job Area per say, U just have to be well rounded in everything.
 
Sound like a "target-rich" environment, especially with the resorts there. What kind of competition do you have there? Are there other local film crews competing with you? These are important things to consider.

Other areas to consider........ filming people's experiences in the Carrib. Hiring yourself out to tourists to tape their bungee jump experience, their para-sailing experience..... stuff like that. Maybe even weddings.... getting your scuba cert, and an underwater housing for your t3...... Get in tight with the resorts, so they call you for events.

But first........put that reel together!!!!!!


Man, this conversation is making me want to move to the Carribean now.
 
LOL u opening up me my understanding, there is like four Advance crews or companies that I Know about, everybody else is semi-pro or amateur.
 
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