I have no camera,one 250w tungsten light, and only a friend that's helping me land gigs. We have had to rent/borrow cameras. The only good camera I've used is the XL2. Everything else is disappointing. Our clients aren't the picky type since they're mostly Quinceañeras.All they want is a nice memory. I'd appreciate any advice on starting up, what to buy and not to buy, how to network,pricing, starting an LLC, etc. Thanks Guys,I appreciate it.
Advice on starting a Video Business...
- Thread starter P.S.T.
- Start date
I definitely read Robstar's article. I find myself in a debacle here. I have about $1,000 to invest. Rob is suggesting not buying a camera and focusing on marketing. I definitely don't want to stick to quinceaneras for too long BUT that's been a consistent clientele. Without a camera, I feel naked. What do you guys think?
chromeboy007
Well-known member
I didn't even know what quinceaneras was until I googled it... I love Latino cultures.
Well if borrowing or renting has been working out for you, then you should keep at it for now. 1K won't get you a good camera.
You need business cards. And some official web presence, but not necessarily a website. A vimeo account where you can upload your best work is just fine.
I assume you have an adequate computer and internet access.
What kind of market do you want to go after?
Well if borrowing or renting has been working out for you, then you should keep at it for now. 1K won't get you a good camera.
You need business cards. And some official web presence, but not necessarily a website. A vimeo account where you can upload your best work is just fine.
I assume you have an adequate computer and internet access.
What kind of market do you want to go after?
Matt Gottshalk
Resident Preditor
Don't get heavily invested into gear. It changes too fast.
Invest in marketing.
Invest in marketing.
Matt Gottshalk
Resident Preditor
When you get a job or two that will pay for the gear outright.
ROCKMORE
Veteran
Says it all
Marketing, and market research. Who is your competition for the market you are going for, and what are you offering to compete, not just lowest price. Are your skills up to snuff, you don't have a camera, have you shot enough to be comfortable renting a rig and knowing how to use it.
The reason why most people own at the low end, is that there is just not enough money on low end jobs to cover the rent and hassle associated, what you have to determine what you need to serve your intended market. If you will be delivering DVD or quicktimes for YouTube, do you really need HD or even the latest. You might be able to buy used cheap from someone moving on to the latest thing. Or if you don't need the crutch of looking professional the image quality of a lot of small cameras is as good as the big ones. Many would agree that something like the HV20 in the right hands can give as good a result as the XH-A1 (There are newer models but that is my frame of reference) And you can get 3 or more consumer cams for the price of one prosumer. For events multiple cams and good coverage for the edit are most important. If you are doing events you should always have at least 2 running in case one fails on you, batteries or worse.
Almost anything better than a Flip can give better results than the old xl1. Sell the finished product, not the camera. If anyone comments about the size of your camera, ask if their cell phone has a shoulder pack transmitter. Technology gets smaller while getting better. I'm glad I don't have to lug around big cameras anymore.
Back to your market, is there a big competitor that owns the market. Maybe the have enough work that you could go ask for a job to gain experience, maybe freelance or assist until you have the experience and contacts to go out on your own. Competition doesn't have to be your enemy, if they are busy they can throw you work that they can't handle.
In the age of YouTube, everyone can produce crap video, and no value is placed on it, even fewer will value the difference in a good video. I think the days gravy event work is over. If you can produce a superior 'wedding film' you might be able to charge at the high end and take less work, but anything less and people will say I can buy my own camera for that, and they do.
The reason why most people own at the low end, is that there is just not enough money on low end jobs to cover the rent and hassle associated, what you have to determine what you need to serve your intended market. If you will be delivering DVD or quicktimes for YouTube, do you really need HD or even the latest. You might be able to buy used cheap from someone moving on to the latest thing. Or if you don't need the crutch of looking professional the image quality of a lot of small cameras is as good as the big ones. Many would agree that something like the HV20 in the right hands can give as good a result as the XH-A1 (There are newer models but that is my frame of reference) And you can get 3 or more consumer cams for the price of one prosumer. For events multiple cams and good coverage for the edit are most important. If you are doing events you should always have at least 2 running in case one fails on you, batteries or worse.
Almost anything better than a Flip can give better results than the old xl1. Sell the finished product, not the camera. If anyone comments about the size of your camera, ask if their cell phone has a shoulder pack transmitter. Technology gets smaller while getting better. I'm glad I don't have to lug around big cameras anymore.
Back to your market, is there a big competitor that owns the market. Maybe the have enough work that you could go ask for a job to gain experience, maybe freelance or assist until you have the experience and contacts to go out on your own. Competition doesn't have to be your enemy, if they are busy they can throw you work that they can't handle.
In the age of YouTube, everyone can produce crap video, and no value is placed on it, even fewer will value the difference in a good video. I think the days gravy event work is over. If you can produce a superior 'wedding film' you might be able to charge at the high end and take less work, but anything less and people will say I can buy my own camera for that, and they do.
arniepix
Well-known member
And bear in mind that there are fashions in cameras, too. Last year, Red 1 was hot. This year Canon DSLRs were hot. Next year, it could be the new Panasonic AF100 or maybe something else.
Renting the appropriate camera per job protects you from investing in a camera system that will lose it's sex appeal before it's paid off.
Renting also allows you to scale the camera choice to the budget of the project. Why settle for a DSLR if you have the budget for an Arri Alexa, for example.
And renting protects you against obsolescence. In terms of workflow/codecs & other features, the hottest, newest cameras available now will be somewhat obsolete in 3 years (though they will still make good pictures).
I would opine that having a good basic workhorse cam isn't a bad investment, it just doesn't work with your budget. Think something like a HPX170 or MHC150 when you are financially capable. That is about the minimum pro cam level. You can always rent up to a higher level.
Grant
Grant
chromeboy007
Well-known member
I believe it was shot on native 16:9 but the cut was exported under another aspect ratio. The image is squeezed in from the sides.
Nice music, I much prefer this kind of music over cheesy pop songs, but that's just me.
Beautiful bride.