Help...chicago Post-production Special Effects And Compositing

W

will1015

Member
Hey guys and gals... I need some help!

I recently moved to Chicago:thumbsup: . I do high-end post-production effects (Titling, CG Effects and Compositing) primarily for independent films and video. Prior to my move to Chicago I was in Detroit doing work there. I had a decent client base -considering within the year that I started the special effects company I had 3 well off company's- that I was doing work for. This kept me pretty busy.

Since the move to Chicago I have implemented a render farm and many other tools that enable me to better service the client.

Here's the problem: Despite the recent growth, my move has rendered me client-less! Does anyone have any suggestions/advice as to the best way I might go about gaining new clients?

::Software on machines::
3ds Max 7
Combustion 4
After Effects Pro 6.5 (all Adobe Suite apps)
FCP HD

So this isn't a matter of what I can provide the client. It's more a cry of how to get the client. :undecided

What do ya think???

p.s. I tried advertising on 2-pop with no success!
 
Hmmm... since you're very tech savvy, do you have a website designed to promote you and your work? If not, maybe you could get one built so you have a place to direct potential clients. You could compress some of your best work to WindowsMedia and QuickTime files and host them on your site. Then, you have an online demo available to any and all.

Later, you could target your contacts with cleverly designed mailers directing them to your website.
 
Yeah, I do need someone to build an affordable site for me. I was going to do it myseld but I dont have time. I had a site but I let the contract expire since I don't provide some of the services I used to ie. shooting coperate videos/ weddings and the like. Plus that contract was too expensive I went all out "bells and whistles".

Hmm... That is a good idea Terry.
 
I havent had to do this in years, but it was one of my BEST gambits for work.

I've never invested in my own Betacam/DBeta deck... thats meant that I needed
to have options lined up for uncompressed capture/output for clients that required
a 'non-desktop' format. With HD, the same opportunity presets itself.

I'd contact local 'output' sources and arrange for a barter.. I/O access in trade for
work. Every post house I've ever used for I/O has become a longterm client, starting
almost instantly from putting that deal on the table.
 
Greggl said:
I havent had to do this in years, but it was one of my BEST gambits for work.

I've never invested in my own Betacam/DBeta deck... thats meant that I needed
to have options lined up for uncompressed capture/output for clients that required
a 'non-desktop' format. With HD, the same opportunity presets itself.

I'd contact local 'output' sources and arrange for a barter.. I/O access in trade for
work. Every post house I've ever used for I/O has become a longterm client, starting
almost instantly from putting that deal on the table.
Click to expand...
How did you bring a proposition like that up in a conversation?
I take it, it's best to do that type of thing in person rather than over the wire...?
 
BTW.. I just noticed that my thread is the only one with the exclamation mark! It sticks out like a sore thumb. I thought there would be other's, but alas...I'm alone. lol.
What is the purpose for the exclamation mark (and other icons) if no one uses them. Did I use it the right way?...I'm freakin' out man!
 
Welcome to Chicago! The first thing I thought of was, how did you build a client list in Michigan? it sounds like it worked..
Theres a site somewhere that lists every production related company in chicago, I'll try to find it.
 
I'd just start calling... let em know you're a pro, you do have clients from Michigan and you need to assemble resources in preperation for your next gig. You'd love to arrange
a 'run through' and output something so that you're not scrambling under deadline.

You need their rates, but would love to show them your reel materials and would be
very interested in bartering for this output time.

Barter pieces like this end up getting used to 'juice' a project thats being done
under budget or more speculative, PSAs or pro-bono type projects. Get one of those
under your belt with em and you'll quickly end up in the rolodex.
 
Greggl said:
I'd just start calling... let em know you're a pro, you do have clients from Michigan and you need to assemble resources in preperation for your next gig. You'd love to arrange
a 'run through' and output something so that you're not scrambling under deadline.

You need their rates, but would love to show them your reel materials and would be
very interested in bartering for this output time.

Barter pieces like this end up getting used to 'juice' a project thats being done
under budget or more speculative, PSAs or pro-bono type projects. Get one of those
under your belt with em and you'll quickly end up in the rolodex.
Click to expand...
Ahh, I see. That's great advice. Thnx...
 
Post some sort of deal on this forum. Could't hurt, and it's cheap. You may get another Chicagoan or two to work with you.
 
sink said:
Welcome to Chicago! The first thing I thought of was, how did you build a client list in Michigan? it sounds like it worked..
Theres a site somewhere that lists every production related company in chicago, I'll try to find it.
Click to expand...
Thanks sink...
Ususally that is amongst the first questoins people ask when they find out I do (did) work in Michigan...Really it was just all snowballing word-of-mouth.

Due to the lack of this type of business in Michigan (and subsequent outsourcing to non-local post houses ie. Chicago/ NY) there is actually fertile ground for the right business man to "set up shop" and run the sector.

However, in such an adolescent market place, it takes a lot of trailblazing and soapbox preaching to get people to realize everything they need is in their own backyard. I dunno if its human nature, but it seems even if the end product is the same people tend to value products not locally produced. Same goes for music artists, performers etc. whom always say they never gained recognition and respect from their own home town, yet they were well received abroad.
I guess it seems more exotic.

I didn't have this problem, I was busy enough with my clients, but I've heard the complaints of friends.
 
will1015 said:
I dunno if its human nature, but it seems even if the end product is the same people tend to value products not locally produced. Same goes for music artists, performers etc. whom always say they never gained recognition and respect from their own home town, yet they were well received abroad.
I guess it seems more exotic.
Click to expand...

Expert: N. 1) Someone who lives at least 50 miles away.
 
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