Being a filmmaker is an immensely rewarding career. After all, connecting with people and documenting their events or journey is a great way to make everyone involved smile. Since it’s such a rewarding career, it’s not uncommon for people to gravitate toward it. If you’re just starting, you may feel overwhelmed with all the options- what gear is best? Where should you start? Is there a certain shoot you should be doing?
Take Your Time
Starting small and taking your time is a vital step that many gloss over. It can be tempting to buy the same equipment as your favorite famous filmmaker or constantly upgrade to the highest-tech gadget. But trust us; there’s no need to take out a loan to get the flashiest items! Think about your realistic budget and what types of events or documentaries you want to shoot.
- Take time to research equipment and pick the best pieces for you.
- Take your time building your inventory.
- Take time to learn your equipment and what you are comfortable with; you shouldn’t show up to a shoot not knowing how your camera operates.
- Take your time to research the videography field. You should understand the field well enough to explain it to someone without knowledge of videography.
Below are some past blogs we’ve done that can help get you started with some foundational knowledge:
The last two are especially helpful as it clues you into what your potential clients are looking for!
Be Open To Feedback
If you’re working alongside someone, be receptive to their feedback (within reason- but more on that later). If they’re sharing their knowledge, giving you insight, and gently giving you criticism, be open and thank them. Getting constructive criticism is nothing to be embarrassed about. More often than not, it means that the person giving it sees your potential and wants to help you achieve it!
Of course- if they’re being negative for no reason or showing some red flags, reconsider your working relationship!
Be Confident
Be confident in yourself and your work! While starting out, you may do certain shoots for free (or nearly free!) to get experience. As you grow, adjust your pricing to reflect that. Show potential clients your portfolio with confidence. And always remember, don’t diminish your accomplishments!
Use Your Resources
In today’s digital age, there are endless opportunities to learn new skills online, and filmmaking and business are no exception. YouTube, for instance, is a powerful platform that offers a wealth of free educational resources on these subjects. You can find channels dedicated to tutorials, industry news, and interviews with successful filmmakers and entrepreneurs. Additionally, there are several online courses and masterclasses that you can take to develop your skills and knowledge further. By taking advantage of these resources, you can gain valuable insights into the world of filmmaking and business, learn from the experts, and take steps towards achieving your goals.
If you’re looking to hire a team for your next event, look no further than us at Stengel Media! We pride ourselves on being attentive, empathetic, and creative. From commercial and corporate to documentary, we have you covered. Call us at 307-259-1867 to get started on your request today!
