getting into freelance?

D

dstevens

Well-known member
Hi-
I've done some short films, and I've got one in a film festival. I'm toying with the idea of sending my resume out to video production houses in my area, and suggest myself for freelance or regular work. I own my camera and editing equipment, which I would guess helps (camera is a dvx100a). However, I'm self taught and have been doing this only about a year.

Besides a nice resume and cover letter, would anyone recommend sending a demo dvd? Is this type of thing ever done, would my resume just get trashed and I would just look unprofessional?

A difficult, subjective question I realize, but anyone's 2 cents is welcome....
 
Definitely send your reel. Call each company and find out who the right person would be, get the right spelling of their name. I would then call them and ask about any immediate needs, advise them I am sending my resume and reel, and ask when it would be appropriate to follow up with them. And then follow up on that date.

Good Luck.
 
Do you have your own production gear, besides a camera and editor? I mean lights, dolly, crane, power and grip equipment, etc.?
I'm getting into producing indie films for other directors. Maybe that's an option for you? That's more of a project by project deal, not day-work for a local TV station, or production house. I like doing filmmaking, storytelling, genuine documentaries. I think if I had to shoot corporate promotionals, training DVDs, infomercials, and fundraising campaigns I would curl up into the fetal position and die.
 
I have some halogen lights, and a dolly (and a tripod, of course). Is there a minimal type of equipment? Perhaps some could be rented on as-needed basis?

You mention also doing corporate promotions, infomercials, etc. It's not high art, but I'm not above doing such things for the experience and pay. Is there a recommended/usual path to get into that sort of work?

Doing production work for indies sounds like fun, but they usually don't have any money, do they? I videotaped some plays, and I charged a small amount (as they had very little money) but I did meet some great actors to be in my films.
 
Freelancing as a production assistant on FILM sets for $150-$250/Day has been the best education I've ever received. You gotta pay your dues, or be stuck shooting weddings/events for the rest of life.
 
I had an "in" at a business that did private parties and meeting space, I just went in and pitched them a promo DVD, very simple, low cost, one day shoot, minimal crew, one camera. Their response was: "Wow, for that cost, why wouldn't we?" So I made it, and I made it really NICE! they showed the DVD to their clients and potential clients as a "video sales brochure", and I got a couple of additional jobs from those clients. I did some :30 spots for local cable, a training DVD (horribly boring). Then a lady I had done work for before saw some of this work and asked me to shoot a 1 hour sort of "documentary", in Hawaii. Sure! It was good experience, and good money (helped finance my transition to the DVX, and to the PC system I edit on now (from the Mac) But I would much rather make entertainment than that stuff. It's just where my passion is. If you want to get experience just get out there and make some videos. If you have kids, or know someone who does, ask their school if you can shoot student activities throughout the year, and provide the school with a free copy of the finished work, and if they will let you, sell copies to the parents. Ask a local school or pee-wee sports team if you can be their videographer and make them a season highlights reel. Find out if your city council meetings are videotaped and if not, can you tape them. Lots of opportunities, only limited by your imagination and your desire to beat the bushes.
 
It seems to me you need to be careful these days shooting children. Better to get releases signed by the parnets, before including them in anytihing you are selling (even thru the school). And be double careful about including it in your reel or posting on the Internet. IANAA.
 
thats a good thing to think about. i just filmed a karate black belt test for 9 students and am selling upwards of 25 dvds, i never even thought about requireing a release.
 
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