How I Get Consistent Freelance Work

[@DustinHarrelson]

What kind of projects have y’all been working on?

[@ibelikeword]

Great video with great tips. I just subscribed to your channel👏 I just did my first P.a Job last week. I'm beginning to transition into freelancing full time.

[@DustinHarrelson]

Ayyy thank you so much! That’s dope!How was your first PA job?

[@ibelikeword]

@@DustinHarrelson No problem! It was actually pretty chill. It's dope being able to be so close to the action and being able to eavesdrop on the Dp and Director and see how they go about shots and solving problems

[@vedvijayneog1862]

I've started covering music fests and concerts and it's been going good so far. I get to meet really great people and also get to travel around the country!

[@adri.progression]

Great Video! I just subscribed to your channel. I really appreciate the pacing and positive tone you held throughout the video and how applicable the advice is across Creative work. 3 weeks ago I made 3D animated renders for a client's performance at a music festival in Philly. I learned a lot about incorporating 3D assets from online kits, built my workflow from custom typography in Adobe Illustrator and importing the .svg files into Blender, and Lighting, Shading, and Animation. This 10 day gig really taught me the importance of only promising what I'm fully comfortable with: I don't know how to model people in 3D yet, and any attempts were too 'Uncanny Valley' so I pivoted to what was attainable in the time frame. But the gig itself developed a really good relationship with the Client and the Creative Director, and all of us showing ourselves what we can achieve if we Execute and Adapt and our willingness to meet each other where we're at and continue to build the relationships as our skillsets evolve. I got the gig through the small creative consulting studio I'm a part of, and since I'm back home in National City, California and the nature of 3D work and Graphic Design is remote-friendly, the other 3 members of the creative consulting studio have been sending me gigs and projects to work on since they are born and raised in Philly and already tapped into the different scenes and up-and-coming artists out there. This video is perfect for where I'm at right now, because I return to university in March 2023 to take the last class I need to graduate, and in this pre-uni-return pocket of my life I'm developing the skills for how to manage my disability (recently diagnosed ADHD which explains a lot) and really develop a solid body of work for my portfolio and build Community + Professional Network. As I'm gearing up to become more involved with Freelance work and the gigs the small creative consulting studio sends me, I've been really glad to listen and learn from people like you who are honest and willing to share what they've learned along their journey and the importance of cultivating solid relationships. thanks :)

[@FinleyLava]

Thanks for all the tips. One more from me: Try to participate in programs/workshops/meetups for small business owners. I don't mean network with other media people, I mean workshops about "how to do your taxes" "how to decide your hourly rates", "how to plan budget" etc, where people from all branches go that just started small businesses. When I started being self-employed, I was part of a program where about 80 small businesses and self-employed people would get some support to kick off their plans, to strengthen the rural area or whatever. No one else there did anything related to videography - but I got to learn a lot of people that potentially will want a video about their product/business in the next few years ^^ (And also the program was just good overall xD) I come from Germany, so I don't know about other countries, but at least in Germany there is always some kind of support structure for your city, your broader area or your Bundesland that you can apply to.

[@robinbaldrian3352]

Guter Rat. So ist es... Mega wichtig.

[@lukeketteringham2409]

I'm just starting my freelance journey, been filming for a few years and in my second year of film school. I have "a guy"/mentor who's called Aaron (not a joke😂) helping me get experience & networking. This video really hit home for me about prioritising community & friendships over jobs & money, a lesson I'm learning now, to be content and let the journey unfold itself rather than hustling for the next job. Thanks you for a grounding reminder, I hope to be where you are in a couple years :)

[@DustinHarrelson]

Hahah dude there are just a lot of film people named Aaron I guess😂 I’m really glad that part resonated with you fr, I almost edited it out just to save time but I really liked it so left it in. Of course man, appreciate you commenting. I’m sure you’re gonna kill it!!

[@JoshuaMaclin]

Really useful information here Dustin. I was just in Birmingham for the first time shooting a doc style commercial. That city really surprised me! Pizitz gave me Williamsburg Brooklyn vibes. Two huge things you touched on that I think are huge community and to always keep learning. I started my journey back in 2012 with a Sony handy cam. It was a whole different world. I can not agree with you more on how important building genuine relationships with people has been for my career. Getting to know people, being there for them even if there’s no direct monetary gain. It has taken me so far. The power of word of mouth in this industry needs to be talked about more. Booking big jobs requires trust and that’s something no Facebook ad, LinkedIn or cold call can build. Being a good person and connecting with people is the slow grind but in my opinion the most sustainable. Lastly, to your point of continuing education. This is HUGE. We have to remain relevant at all times. Keep the style we mastered 2 years ago does nothing for the raw UGC content brands want today. As we continue to work it’s easy to keep your head down and go for what you know. However I agree, keep learning, keep some young vibrant talent around you. As much as they learn from you, you’ll learn from them. And never ever believe that you’ve got it all figured out. Great vid.

[@ben_jamina]

Fellow freelancer as well. I agree with exactly what you said. The best way to "move up" and get called back or have reoccurring clients is by being kind, doing a good job and creating a product that solves the client's initial problem. And everyone starts with that eager passion to make stuff in the beginning, but you quickly realize, passion and cool work does not pay the bills. However it's good to have some sort of personal creative outlet to still explore and have fun with the thing that first got us excited to do all this. For me, I realized I reached a point in my career where I was only shooting or editing content for others. Even though I had "full-time" work as a freelancer, I was unsatisfied because I just wasn't creating anything that came from myself. If I could go back in time or encourage anyone just getting started, I'd say don't focus on filling your plate so quickly, rather build your craft to a point where you can take on fewer projects and charge a higher price to allow time to work on anything you might want to do creatively.

[@keith-knittel]

The people who are a pleasure to work with are the people I like working with. Even if they aren't the absolute best, they make the experience so much better than a smug person who knows it all, but wont help you when you need help. Awesome video man!

[@DustinHarrelson]

Exactly!! I completely agree. Thanks Keith!

[@dpayneshots]

Hey Dustin, I am glad your page came up on my suggested page. I am 22 years old and have been passionate about videos since I was a Junior in High School. About two months ago, I decided to plan my escape to be a full time videographer. It is funny because I feel like I am currently at your starting position in 2018 (I watch those same youtubers lol). I am looking to do car, wedding, music, travel, and advertisement videos and this is super inspiring for me as I start this journey. Thank you for this video! Very helpful and hope that we will cross paths one day.

[@DustinHarrelson]

Hey Dylan, so glad you came across my video! Hahah it sounds like we have a similar path for sure. That’s dope, I’m sure you’re gonna do great. If you have any specific question hit me up! Hahah I hate to do the KZbin thing, but check out my “I Quit My Job” video if you want, I kind of talk about my journey more in that one.

[@dylanyanes]

wow this video got randomly recommended, algorithm did its thing. hearing your story was like listening to a mirrored reality with small changes, very relatable.

[@DustinHarrelson]

Ayyy I’m glad you came across this video, that’s awesome man!

[@osivisuals]

just starting out my freelancing in video.. been struggling. but this video give me hope I appreciate this.

[@DustinHarrelson]

Sometimes it hardest at the start, but definitely worth it in my opinion! I’m really glad this video gave you hope.

[@EliGreiss]

Love it! Nice to see other freelancers being open about the business aspect. It was the hardest part for me when I first started out

[@DustinHarrelson]

Thank you! I'd love to talk more about it fr. There's always so much mystery around this side of it compared to like video skills and gear. Definitely the hardest part for me when I started as well.

[@earnieboy54]

I always say being a PA is like being an Eevee from Pokemon. You get to learn the other positions and departments and choose your evolution path. Be like Eevee.

[@DustinHarrelson]

Yes, I love that!

[@JordanTheVisionary]

Big facts I work in the live production industry setting up for all corporate companies in Las Vegas, and honestly if you show up to the job with a good attitude and do your job and if you don’t know to not be afraid to ask or receive tips or help. You’ll go far I’m sure the studio and filming side of things is similar

[@Brice.]

This video gives such a human perspective on growing as a filmmaker

[@DustinHarrelson]

Ayyy I love that you feel that way! I try my best to be real and genuine so that really means a lot

[@ParablMedia]

You Killed this video!! I'm an "amateur" too and figuring freelancing out as I go, and this video definitely applied to me. I really like your points on humility. I appreciate it man!

[@DustinHarrelson]

Ayyy thanks so much! I hope your freelance journey is going well!

[@phamwoaw]

excited to share your journey

[@DustinHarrelson]

I’m glad you’re here!

[@Bozalabozu]

🎉stunning video I’m a freelance make up artist and I really enjoyed your video. These tips apply to me as well and I have seen that these tips really do work especially the humility tip and having a network of people who have literally referred me to a whole bunch of ppl and that truly does go a long way in getting consistent work .

[@KingDarius266]

Ugh I'm hooked. This is just too relatable. I'm subscribing. 👍🏾

[@DustinHarrelson]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you related!

[@MarkusGjengaar]

Started freelancing last year and yes, the best way to get jobs is just to find a production company or an agency that are already doing that hard work of finding clients.

[@DustinHarrelson]

Exactly! Hope that its going well!

[@adamparay]

So much amazing advice here. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@DustinHarrelson]

Thank you for watching, glad you found it valuable fr!

[@atulpinheiro]

I've been at this game for the last 5 years and these were really good reminders. Such a good video!

[@DustinHarrelson]

So glad to hear that from someone who's been doing this for a while! Thank you!

[@AaronWilhite]

Proud of you my man. You have absolutely killed it and it hasn't even been a year. Keep going!

[@DustinHarrelson]

Appreciate you man! It's easy when I have y'all around to show me how its done.

[@petersarellas]

Awesome stuff Dustin! This video was a pleasure to watch. Good vibes all around 🙌

[@DustinHarrelson]

Ayyy thanks Peter! I appreciate the support fr!

[@VolareMedia]

Amazing! I am on a similar journey right now. Did a bit of 2nd AC work recently and learned SOOO much. I have since spoken to other directors and DOPs. Said I would help with anything at all, PA or anything else, don’t care. Just want to learn it all. Love this video and how you explained it all, thanks for putting in the time 🙏

[@DustinHarrelson]

That's sick! Hahah it's so cool to see how much there is to learn and jump into it right? This is exactly what I'm talking about, I hope it all goes well for you! Thank you so much, I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment!

[@thetravelingbubby]

Awesome my dude. Love from Huntsville

[@DustinHarrelson]

Ayyy I lived in Huntsville for a bit! Appreciate it Lance!

[@DaelyteMediaConcepts]

Great video, I;m in Birmingham as well trying to do more commercial work.

[@DustinHarrelson]

Thank you! That's dope, maybe we'll link up at some point!

[@TMVVisualMedia]

I enjoyed this whole video! My favorite part was the humility portion of the content. Awesome stuff!

[@DustinHarrelson]

Ayyy I’m glad you enjoyed it! That part is so crucial in my opinion, especially since I’ve been bad about not being humble and thinking I know everything in the past😅

[@FILMSCHOOLCINEMATOGRAPHY]

Good video sharing!!!!

[@DustinHarrelson]

Thank you so much!

[@desertedsandbox]

Really enjoyed this video man keep up the great work.

[@DustinHarrelson]

I appreciate it fr Curtis!!

[@Irzaki333]

This is so inspirational! Just found your KZbin channel and it’s a total gem, learning a lot from you! I just started taking videography seriously this year and tomorrow is my first day in a local agency. I’m not really good but I’m tryna learn and one day become like you! 🙌🏻

[@ThatYoungMoose]

love this. thank you for taking the time to talk about your experience as a freelancer!

[@DustinHarrelson]

ayyy thank you!

[@ThatYoungMoose]

@@DustinHarrelson no problem my dude!

[@ajayjosemedia]

thanks! Glad to hear your story!

[@DustinHarrelson]

Thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@mathiasridonat]

Hey man! Very cool video thank you for that, I totally agree with you about the "take your time" part as I've also been building my own freelance business these couple of years. As I like to say, it's not a sprint but a marathon, and it's okay if you're slower than other people because everything will come to you at the right time :)

[@DustinHarrelson]

This is so good! Everyone is going at their own pace and that's so okay, coming to be okay with that has helped me out a lot lately.

[@walterlyle6323]

hey Birmingham! grew up there and all my family is still there. loved this video, very informative as someone who's been doing photo/video work as a career for about 5 years now. subscribing now

[@DustinHarrelson]

Ayyy that’s awesome! I’ve been here for about 6 years and it’s definitely home now, love it here. I really appreciate the support especially from someone that’s been in the industry for while, means a lot man!

[@noahwoolleyfilms7037]

Loved the video as always!!

[@DustinHarrelson]

Ayyy thank you so much!

[@DanielBasulto]

Love this video, very relatable. It's all about relationships and your craft. You hit it on the nail my guy! Everyone keep growing your craft and network!

[@JuliusConway]

This video was inspiring on a lot of levels.🙏🏾 i to am a freelance cinematographer and it’s nice to learn from others who are in the same field.

[@DustinHarrelson]

I’m so glad it was inspiring! Always happy to share what little knowledge I have hahaha. Thanks for watching Julius!

[@glmstudiogh]

I've been a filmmaker since 2014 and I must say, there're days I don't feel creative even when there's a project to edit. O I usually just take a walk or watch videos on KZbin about breakdowns and cinemas, then I'm back on track

[@andrewsilverman3243]

Hey Dustin, I really resonate with your videos. We have a similar history and path. I've recently dived into being a fulltime freelancer. I have some questions. How did you build up gear to be able to freelance full-time? Did you open up an LLC? How do you market yourself/your website? (google ads?) Thanks so much for your thoughtful videos

[@wetellstories9740]

I am just starting my career, thank you for making this video, it really gives me the confidence I needed.

[@DustinHarrelson]

Hey that’s awesome! I’m glad it was helpful.

[@wetellstories9740]

@@DustinHarrelson I love your work Dustin , please keep it up .

[@Freddyreiter]

really cool tips man, definitely helpful for many people! love the PA tip, maybe I should try it out :P

[@miguelquezada1916]

Dope journey, thank you for sharing

[@DustinHarrelson]

Thanks Miguel! Appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment.

[@MODESTYXO205]

Great content. Would you recommend the fx3 over the canon r5? Great content. I'm from Birmingham as well.

[@DustinHarrelson]

Appreciate it man! Love hearing from local creators. I personally would buy the FX3 over the R5 but I’ve been a Sony guy for a while. I’d say the R5 definitely wins out if you’re doing photo and video work. But since I only do video work and am already use to the Sony system, I would go FX3.

[@hellaclose]

Great points and awesome video bro. I’m 4 months into freelance and came from an agency too. Keep it up!

[@DustinHarrelson]

Appreciate it man! That’s dope, I hope it’s going well for you!

[@mind.of.bennett4860]

Thank you for being you man! Love this video! In 4 years, what did you do to get better at visual storytelling and working with people?

[@phillipconleyjr8525]

Great vid! Useful/practical info. Thanks man!

[@DustinHarrelson]

Thanks Phillip!

[@filmmakerdimi]

You gained a subscriber from this video, thankyou for this valuable content

[@DustinHarrelson]

Ayyy thank you so much!

[@filmmakerdimi]

@@DustinHarrelson Your welcome man! i'm pretty much in the position you were at a few years ago so to see what progress could potentially be ahead of me if I follow your path is inspiring!

[@sombrerocrew]

damnnnn man, i really like your flow. Cheers from Greece!

[@DustinHarrelson]

Ayyy appreciate that! Thanks for watching!

[@thesh_mikey]

Hey Dustin, just wanted to reach out. I come from a similar background. And agree with everything you said. Keep on hustling, and if you ever need a steadicam guy in Arizona or beyond. Holler at your boy! ha Cheers!

[@CNoel]

Great video Dustin! Thanks for all the valuable information!

[@DustinHarrelson]

Thanks for watching man! I’m glad you found it valuable fr!

[@Jadesfishing]

Love the video and your humble attitude dude!! I dream of the day I can make videos full time and quite my plumbing job lol thanks!

[@DustinHarrelson]

Thank you so much, I appreciate that! Hopefully that's one day soon!

[@BlakeDavis42]

Sounds very similar to my situation! Great video!

[@DustinHarrelson]

Appreciate it Blake!

[@LoganPrescott]

Great edit, great content, great lighting! Subscribed!

[@DustinHarrelson]

Ayyy thank you so much! Appreciate those kind words and the sub!

[@armoghanayub1948]

Such a great video, absolute pleasure to watch.

[@DustinHarrelson]

Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment! Glad you enjoyed it Armoghan!

[@armoghanayub1948]

@@DustinHarrelson loved the whole non networking related concept of it, very helpful for someone like me with same goals as yours but at the very start of the journey. Great content.

[@JonasBecker]

First video of you I see, got it on my recommended page. It's so fun to see you talking about that stuff, as I also started camera as a hobby in 2018 and am now doing video production full time since marchthis year, so pretty similar timelines :D Best wishes and thanks for your insights! Would love some update vids along the way :)

[@Tvj_films8452]

Great and well thought out video.

[@DustinHarrelson]

Thank you so much!

[@Eastudios925]

Great Video on my recommended! Just wanted to know if you could talk about the steps to become a freelancer such as how you pay taxes, if you have to register your business, if you use a software for payments like quickbook, etc. Would love to see a video like that since I can’t find it anywhere on youtube. Thanks!

[@DustinHarrelson]

thanks for watching! I’d love to cover those topics, such crucial information fr. But I feel like I’m still a little too new to speak about them. Maybe sometime next year when I’ve gone through a full fiscal year and all that. I agree though, I’ve had a lot of questions about that stuff in the last year that I’ve had to ask my mentors about or just guess😅 even now I’m not sure if I’m doing that all in the perfectly correct way, just in the way that’s working for me rn.

[@Eastudios925]

@@DustinHarrelson yeah I totally understand! I would just love your perspective/take on what you wish you knew when you started. Thanks for replying!

[@gedreeves9692]

Informative video dude, appreciate it! The algorithm has been kind to me today 🙌 new subscriber

[@DustinHarrelson]

Hahah the algorithm has been kind to me showing so many cool people my video! Appreciate you watching and subbing Ged!

[@dennysell]

Really loved this video and concept on how to get freelance work!! What software or program do you use for pre-production to plan out all the shots and preproduction?

[@DustinHarrelson]

Appreciate it Denny! I mostly use Milanote (Danny Gevirtz has some great videos breaking down how to use it for pre-pro) and then for bigger paid projects I like to use Studiobinder.

[@adamdrakestudio]

Who else really dislikes the overly businessy types in networking etc., as mentioned in the video?

[@Bexgotthebounce]

Dope video. I’m down in mobile Alabama. Shooting with the a7s iii.

[@DustinHarrelson]

Oh sick! I’m actually originally from Bay Minette, small world!

[@AlexTene]

First video I watched on your channel because KZbin thought I might like it - and guess what - I watched the whole 15 minutes. I love the transparency you offer and I am pretty much on the same journey and am trying to make it as a full time freelancer (I have been doing freelance jobs in the same niche for about 7-8 years but I always had a full time or part time job on the side). I'll stick around Dustin :)

[@swervinirvin4574]

Honestly good vid man! Very informative you did great.

[@DustinHarrelson]

Ayyy thank you Irvin! The support means a lot fr.

[@cshunnaradesign]

Love seeing your new work man! 💪🏽

[@DustinHarrelson]

Thanks man!! Hopefully I’ll post some of the full pieces soon

[@Itielbryce]

Really nice video, just subscribed. This is extremely motivational for me

[@DustinHarrelson]

Thank you for subscribing, I’m glad you found it encouraging!

[@coscorrodrift]

This is very interesting. Regarding what you said of "tell me what you want me to talk about", I'd appreciate it if you did a video (or on a message anywhere) spoke a bit about numbers. Like going from the first $75 doing some cutting on stolen vids to the agency job, to your first rates, to your current rates now. Always with context in mind, you're in Alabama, you're working with XYZ brands, etc. I've seen a couple of videos like that and they seem to do well, and even though they may attract a different audience (those kinda "hustle" type freelancers you talk about in the video) I think your personality and mindset could set a good example. And I personally would find the topic interesting of course. I also have another thing I'd like to ask (again, as a video idea, or as a private message/public reply/whatevs), and it'd be on what your thoughts on this industry are for the future (not only money or growth -but also very much that-, but idk just general vibes, impressions, art vs "selling out", brands) the distinctions between freelance work and "the creator economy" and its overlaps. I'm also curious about your experience on many other things, like you working on car commercials and both the stories on how that comes about but also tips that you have while recording them, about how to make a good filming team from scratch, what the "org structure" (lol) on one of those looks like depending on how the size of a project changes, and idk other more smaller things In my personal situation, right now I'm in a crossroads type situation where I really love video and that could be my main obsession, but it's so heavily tilted towards the consumption side that freelancing for that feels far away, and where i'm also in software development where even though I'm relatively early in my career I do have some professional experience to leverage there, and freelancing seems closer in timeframe (and also more lucrative?). So this video was kind of doubly interesting for me in that sense. Just for context, because I'm asking both questions as someone who's "in" (or tryna be) but also as someone who's "out" and could want help from people "within"

[@DustinHarrelson]

Okay, I've avoided responding to this comment bc I wanted to make sure I gave it the response it deserved hahah. You are amazing. There are so many good questions and video ideas just in the 2 comments you've left. Hopefully I'll be able to answer them soon, thank you for taking the time to watch and comment fr.

[@zandershouse]

great video mate

[@DustinHarrelson]

Appreciate it! Thanks for watching fr!

[@PicturesofNewYork]

Some great advice!

[@DustinHarrelson]

Thank you!!

[@clintonmcfarland4529]

I live an hour and half away from Birmingham and I had no idea it was like that. I hope to network with you in the near future then because Mississippi is the exact opposite.

[@DustinHarrelson]

It’s weird how you can’t tell how much work is going on here until you get into it. You should visit sometime!

[@ogdenharry3344]

Dear [Name], I'm excited to connect with another video enthusiast! As a language model with a passion for videography, I believe we share a love for the creative art of visual storytelling. I'm eager to learn more about your experiences and exchange ideas on how we can use video to inspire and impact others. I worked for years in news and now I'm making the switch to commercial work.

[@danieldelgado3667]

Sweet man thanks for the insight!

[@DustinHarrelson]

Of course! Appreciate you watching man!

[@matthewpateofficial]

I’m in Montgomery, AL. I’ve been doing drafting and design for way too long. Want to eventually break into the video world, definitely have no idea where to begin. BTW I think I know the Aaron you mention, maybe. lol

[@DustinHarrelson]

Oh that's awesome! I think I recognize your name from instagram. I saw you got the FX30, that's so dope! Surely we'll link up at some point. And I understand the feeling man, I'd say just stay making stuff, learning and connecting.

[@TimandLauren]

thanks for the knowledge man! What kind of deliverables do client's want the most that youve seen?

[@DustinHarrelson]

Of course! Hmmm it’s hard to say based on this year, I feel like it’s been such a mix. For the projects that I’ve led I’ve delivered a set of 3 commercial spots (all 15 seconds), a 30-60 second commercial spot for social, a long form 10 minute doc style video for an event, and a set of 5 30 second interview bites + a 2 minute interview and broll type video. For the projects I’ve assisted on, another set of 4 15-30 second commercials, 60 second commercial + 5 15 second short versions, and ALOT of internal marketing material for a large company with a lot of money in this area😂 If you can find something like that, like companies with approved marketing budgets that need to spend it, it’s great for consistency. I feel like I’m just starting to inch into that realm. I will say, typing all this out makes me realize I should go back and try to upsell clients with high volume social content, like make 5-10 social posts with all the footage I have from my bigger shoots and see if the client is interested. Sorry for the long reply😅

[@TimandLauren]

@@DustinHarrelson damn thats awesome man! That is a load of content, Do you mind if i ask what the pricing looks like for this? I relate with your story too, i worked at a marketing agency and the freelancer route your doing will make you more for sure

[@A1Bokeh]

Great video homie. I am in a weird place I think I have stopped chasing the creative side and it feels like it is not working I need to get back to learning creating etc

[@DustinHarrelson]

Thank you! I feel that man. It really is tough especially after the initial love of the craft wears off, I feel like it’s a long term rollercoaster no matter who you are or what level you’re at. I would say just chase what you enjoy as much as you can, maybe do some personal projects just for you if you have time.

[@minecraftpe89]

Thank you!

[@DustinHarrelson]

You're welcome! I appreciate you watching!

[@MouktikJoshi]

This is really helpful!

[@iamsoutherland]

YOU are a 10/10 human being

[@DustinHarrelson]

Hahaha thank you sir

[@Kevin.Oliveri]

Hey Dustin! such a good video and really good information! Thankss!! What kind of agencies would you recommend to reach out? I also read that somewhere else but I was wondering if Media agencies, marketing agencies, etc, which one would need to hire these services from a freelancer?

[@DustinHarrelson]

Hey, thanks Kevin! I would say reach out to production companies and advertising agencies. Production companies will be doing the most actual on set work and may have openings for freelance, part time or full time positions. On the other hand, you could reach out to Advertising and Marketing Agencies (I'm not super sure the distinction there tbh) but if you know they have clients who pay for video work, they're most likely freelancing that video work out. A lot of the time, ad agencies will have creative directors and producers in house and then hire contractors for the productions, so if you can connect with some of those producers you can start to meet the people in your area who are working on these sets and hopefully get hired! Sorry that's a long message hahaha.

[@jacobkrone]

Thanks for the video! What do you think about starting a production company vs. going freelance? Also, is it worth offering to volunteer on set? I'm very new to this and I have no film school background or connections and some PA positions require experience or knowledge. Thanks!

[@Irfan_Sid]

I have been doing freelancing work since 2020, and I mostly get my clients through referrals, but for the last 2-3 months I've been struggling very bad, I barely get 1-2 clients, This is the worst nightmare for freelancers, Hope this hard time will passes soon. If I can help you with some of your work then please let me, I'm a video editor/post-production. This is honestly very tough for me to get new clients.

[@DustinHarrelson]

I hope that hard time passes soon for you as well man. You’re right, that really is a freelancers fear. Unfortunately I don’t normally contract out for editing since I do it myself.

[@Wayne_Lam]

Thanks for the video! Really appreciate what you're doing here! Suscribed :D

[@DustinHarrelson]

Really appreciate you watching Wayne! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@1ABAmedia]

Professional

[@DustinHarrelson]

Thank you!!

[@heyheyhey520]

Does you commercial work usually end up on the web somewhere? I think I am in a similar size city and trying to do similar work. Getting to know lots more people, but haven’t been able to weasel my way onto a larger set.

[@ImTheBoss914]

How would you compare your free time while you free lance, do you find yourself working more, less, or about the same as compared to your salary job? Nice video btw, currently a software engineer but I love making videos and would love to one day pivot toward free lance.

[@DustinHarrelson]

Love this question! I would say I have more free time now then before, sadly self discipline and scheduling aren’t my strongest skills😅 so I know I could utilize my time better and get more work done quicker. But I also value free time a lot as an artist and just a person. So for now thankfully things are all working out! I will say, as you’ve probably heard, working for yourself means you’re never really off. Especially if you do editing, there’s always something to be done and those things don’t always get done in a normal 9-5 timeframe. I hope that’s helpful! That’s awesome tho! I hope things go well for you as you work on making that happen.

[@ImTheBoss914]

@@DustinHarrelson I appreciate you for your in depth response, have a kick ass day man.

[@travisstanley]

Hey man, totally random but did you work at BIG in Birmingham? I ask because I formally worked with people who also worked there. Anyway, cool content!

[@DustinHarrelson]

Hey! I didn’t but I have some friends that work/have worked there. Appreciate you watching man!

[@joshmchin]

Subbed! ❤

[@DustinHarrelson]

Thanks Josh!

[@Dominic_]

What did you go to school for?

[@DustinHarrelson]

I spent 3 years working on a Biomedical Sciences degree, but at the end I decided I wanted to go into video so I just graduated with a General Studies degree. I talk about it some in my “I quit my Job” video!

[@TheRaginghalfasian]

step one, find a friend to hire me consistently...ill come back after i finish step one

[@post-monk671]

do a good job, be a pleasure to work with.

[@DonnieGQX]

Now after working for these few months how do you feel your position would be if applying to a new marketing agency job. What’s the best route reaching out to them.

[@DustinHarrelson]

That’s a good question! Since I’ve been working with more agencies in the area or with people connected to agencies in the area, I think it would be easier to get on at one of them. Either bc I have a contact at the agency who I can ask for guidance on working there, or bc more people know my name and my work. Not saying it would be super easy to get hired, but I think I’d have a better chance now. I’ll also say I have a friend who built her network extremely fast by just reaching out to agencies and production companies on Instagram, LinkedIn, etc. She would set up meetings just to talk about their needs, what they’re working on, or just to get to know them. Now most everyone in the city knows her name and she’s working at arguably the best agency in town.

[@jakeshootsstuff8187]

I'm on my first year, and I'm drowning.

[@DustinHarrelson]

I hate to hear that man.. I hope things start looking up soon. What kind of work are you wanting to do?

[@mcfrisko834]

Just KEEP GOING Jake! You'll resurface and start swimming very well real soon!

[@FAIZ-cj9tr]

🌚🌚❤

[@DustinHarrelson]

Thank you for watching!

[@deanhome1]

Great video thanks it is very hard I struggle with trying to get of of what I am doing now can't even find awork to do for free to build a portfolio , but i will keep pushing because I love it and it does'nt feel like work just feel like being creative. thangs again would love to chat

[@SamMcGhee]

“Making videos was my whole identity.” That phase was intense in my life 🫣

[@jcalene2120]

ρ尺ｏΜ𝐎ᔕᗰ