Solo Filming

In the beginning I think you can shoot stuff on your own, since you're in the learning stage, but it will probably come a time that you will need significant help when you're shooting something serious.

But take your time on your own for a while. As a director, you are probably better off on your own for a little if your still learning, because the crew needs to be directed, and will only get annoyed and be in the way if you don't really know what you're doing.

Still, try having like a buddy or a sincere friend tag along to help you with stuff.
 
If the reason you are going solo is so you don't cut the profits, hire someone who isn't your friend to help you out and don't tell them how much money you are making. Pay someone $15 bucks to do all the stuff you don't want to do that doesn't take much skill. If you are making $2,500 for a music video, you can afford paying someone $100-$200 out of that profit.

If it was your friend, they would beg you to find out how much money you were making and be like, "50-50, right? or uh... maybe I should take 60%... since I did the labor..."
 
honestly, if you are really just starting out, try and work under someone who really knows the ropes, that way you won't develop bad habits. if you aren't in a market with any broadcast work, you can fall back on a wedding videographer. reading books and websites helps alot, but nothing compares to working under a knowledgable shooter/producer. I have a pretty well established solo business these days, however I still cut my rates occasionally so I can grip for DPs I can sponge knowledge from.
 
From experience, I've found that directing is enough to do. You can shoot by yourself and learn how to use the camera, but even then, I'd strongly suggest having another person there because there is such a number of things that could go wrong that you might not be able to deal with by yourself.

z
 
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