How do I get started freelancing?

M

MikeBlatt

Active member
I've been getting good at shooting and I think I want to start making some real money shooting commercials, music videos, weddings, and anything that pays well. How do I go about starting to get clients and building a reputation? I have a reel, but it doesn't really involve music videos or event coverage. Any tips on how to get my foot in the door as a freelancer? Thanks.

Also, is my reel good enough to start making money with (I'll leave a link at the bottom)

here's my reel: http://vimeo.com/28389336
 
Mike,
You have some good stuff on your reel. I would say that is you really want to start freelancing, you should shoot a few spec commercials, then use those examples to show companies what you can offer, and also think of what you can tell them of why they should choose working with you, rather than someone else. What can you offer, besides a video?

All the best mate,

Josh
 
Mike, you have a good eye.

Further to what Josh has said, Build your reel. You could take some of the skateboard & skiing stuff and make a music video out of them. Maybe take the ski factory stuff and make a corporate documentary. Work on a few shorts for free, if you have to. Get on sites like mandy.com and media-match.com and find some work in the camera department, probably as an assistant to start. Also, see if the local TV news is hiring.
 
...All of the above!

It looks as though you already have a good relationship with the ski shop, so why not approach them and just do some stuff for them for free/cost/small payment, then at least you'll have a real project under your belt.
Ask your parents friends or your friends parents who may have local businesses or contacts. You'll be surprised how receptive people are to young enthusiastic people.

Treat them well, do a good job and you'll have returning customers. Oh and never burn any bridges you never know when people will pop up again in other companies.
 
Thanks for the responses guys! Some stuff I should mention:

The ski factory shots were some of my favorite shots form a webisode I am working with them on, In return they offer me large discounts on their skis (very expensive!). I currently am working on getting into event coverage and shooting music videos. I have some work lined up, but I'm getting paid spit or nothing. Kinda looking for ways to promote myself and get some clients that will pay me reasonably.
 
Nice reel. From looking at the talents (or lack there of) in your demo, I have a feeling that you are quite young. Pay extra attention to being professional. Learn how to meet new people and gain their trust AT EVERY TOUCH POINT (your emails, your website or vimeo page, the way you talk on the phone, how you dress, etc) . Have a professional looking business card. Make sure you come across as a serious entrepreneur that people can depend upon so people don't think you are 'some kid with the Avril Lavigne camera'. Your videos on your vimeo page demonstrates that you have good skills, but eventually you might want to get rid of those trampoline videos and anything that looks like home made. Despite the fact that your vids look excellent to us, some prospects (particularly corporate) out there might judge you by your content and relegate you as an amateur / hobbyist. You don't want your good work to work against you.
 
chromeboy007 said:
eventually you might want to get rid of those trampoline videos and anything that looks like home made. Despite the fact that your vids look excellent to us, some prospects (particularly corporate) out there might judge you by your content and relegate you as an amateur / hobbyist. You don't want your good work to work against you.
Click to expand...

Excellent point.
 
chromeboy007 said:
" in your demo, I have a feeling that you are quite young. Pay extra attention to being professional. Learn how to meet new people and gain their trust AT EVERY TOUCH POINT..."
"...but eventually you might want to get rid of those trampoline videos and anything that looks like home made. Despite the fact that your vids look excellent to us, some prospects (particularly corporate) out there might judge you by your content and relegate you as an amateur / hobbyist. You don't want your good work to work against you."
Click to expand...

+1

Wish you'll understand my english, i'll try to do my best

Before considering on selling something, i think you really need some extra practice other than filming skiing sports, but most important: master some basic "cinema" rules: cutting shots to tell a story,ensure narrative continuity...
Even the best camera in the world don't have these options :) you'll have to learn by yourself.
"What is the difference between a close shot or a close-up?, what is the 180° system?" if you can't answer to this kind of question then you're not ready to sell your talents as a professional.
GO on! :)
 
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