Broke videographer to $250k in profit with video production

[@Filmmakingmentor]

If you want to turn your freelance business into a video production company, check out this one-hour training on my website. www.filmmakingmentor.com/Video_Production_Accelerator_Opt_In

[@francisjtuk]

I've been this for 9 years now and built a pretty great day of clients but the reality is it's always a struggle unless you have a system. Honestly the film making part is the easy bit. The sales and marketing engine is the tricky part.

[@saiyogesh2115]

Hi ,my name is yogesh ,actually i want to know which industry i can focus upon,to repetition of clients.

[@saiyogesh2115]

Can u pls help me with your experience

[@theempire00]

Whats ur profit 👀

[@andrei_sf]

Let me know if you still need help with that. I’ve helped other creative freelancers market themselves and create a personal brand, and once you get it going you will 100% see it’s worth it.

[@robinventura2192]

Jeeez dude, you hit it on the nail. Very well articulated and insanely valuable. Top video courses from videographer you tubers say nothing about this, really really great content

[@Filmmakingmentor]

Thanks so much. Happy to fill the gap

[@marteung]

Yeah! Some KZbinrs do. But as he said in the beginning, those aren't the clickbait videos.

[@MikeGorga]

I’m that guy. 68 years old and chased it for 40 years. Made good money in the 90’s but since it’s been a struggle. Small town and the last 10 years we’ve essentially multiplied the production companies by a factor of ten. I own all the gear I need but I think I got frustrated and frozen by it. Thanks for the kick in the ass. No medals for trying. You have to do the work. You just saved a bunch a lot of research time. Thanks for the boot in the backside.

[@manilamartin1001]

I try to partner with someone who is more business minded than me. I also did great in the 90s to early 2000s. But things have definitely changed.

[@bobditty]

I'm 50 and learning these hard truths now too

[@bobditty]

I'm 50 and learning these hard truths now too

[@itsjapanic]

@@bobditty I wish you luck bud!

[@itsjapanic]

Good luck Mike :)

[@andyash2120]

WAY more valuable than the non-stop consumer-driven product videos. Please keep them coming!

[@RAFA13D]

Bro, this is the truth about filmaking and not a lot of people are talking about it. As a freelancer with a Production Company I can totally see everything you mentioned. Well done.

[@kevinsjournal]

Thanks so much for sharing your story, I'm in my late 20s struggling with this right now, as a beginner film production assistant!

[@gabrielwatson2000]

This is really great. I am now starting to change to the video production mindset from freelancing and appreciate you sharing your experience in the most frank and candid way possible. This is exactly the type of content I need.

[@raybreezee]

Appreciate this man. I just spent 7k in a camera and lights to offset taxes but i am planning on opening a small studio hopefully in 2023.

[@Filmmakingmentor]

Awesome. Glad to hear it. It’s going to be a fun journey

[@darianrundallmedia1305]

I logged in just to leave a comment. Everyone needs to hear this, across creative disciplines. The is the case in music production as well. This video should have 2 million views but many people don't want to hear the truth. If you build it they will come is OVER. Great video & looking forward to checking out more of your content.

[@Filmmakingmentor]

Thanks so much. I really appreciate it. And I will keep making content around this topic!

[@eladbari]

@@Filmmakingmentor Question is, how you approach this thing practically? SEO nowadays sounds much harder to get yourself to google's first page. So, you're left with social media. What actions could one take to make your presence in the market more visible?

[@AFuller2020]

It's a little wordy.

[@oniriscope]

@@eladbari sounds like information one would have to pay for…I mean in “consulting” terms.

[@eladbari]

@@oniriscope Definitely agree. This probably will cost a consulting fee to get your SEO / Social media going. Problem is- there are SO MANY inside-the-box marketers, who usually may suit consulting for someone who sells physical products, who has a store. You know, oldschool marketers. But, I think that for photographers/ videographers- we need a different approach to marketing than what it's like for a store to market itself. We need an out-of-the-box marketers to consult with. How do you spot and find them? That's the real question here... [quick example...an oldschool marketer would advise you to upload a selfie with a client saying "another great appointment with X"....which might suit an online store owner...yet, makes us wanna barf. So many of those marketers out there...]

[@manilamartin1001]

love hearing your story. My big break was pairing up with a bank manager/cpa who got me underwritten to produce commercials. It was steep learning but got me out of being a broke line producer.

[@pdlrkpdlrk9971]

If you don't mind could you explain a little more how you did this because that's something I have been thinking about also doing but don't know where to start. I have shot 1 small digital bank advert so I have that on my portforlio but I'm not sure on how to reach out to others to do the same

[@manilamartin1001]

@@pdlrkpdlrk9971 It was 35 years ago. I was working as a directors assistant on commercials. Basically you need to get financed by a bank. They will partner up with a company that disperses the funds so that most of the paperwork isn't done by you. As a producer, my job was just to secure the money. I got East West Bank. I did it here in Philippines where it was cheap. I had a CPA that was formally a bank manager that had the relationship. I also used my house as collateral. (It was my grandmother's house).

[@skgproductions8054]

This is exactly where I'm at. Thank you for the reiteration! And thanks for sharing your story!

[@Mads_dir_dop]

WOW thank you for this! I've been working for the past year on transitioning from freelancer to business owner. I really needed to hear this today. THANK YOU!

[@JarviusParson]

I’m late to the party, but I completely relate to everything you’re saying… I’m big on branding so when I started videography I started with a brand name and produced under that name and now it’s a LLC. BUT I’m still as you say “freelancing under a different name”. And I feel stuck, not to mention I have a full time job where I work 6 days a week so my one day off I’m always shooting, I just feel it’s never enough. I want to quit and focus on videography to grow it since I’ve been doing this for 10years now(I’m 30yrs old) but it’s just frustrating. I can’t go part time because this job doesn’t provide that so idk. I’m just desperate to find answers so I can live the life I really want and stop this double life stuff. It’s exhausting! But thank you for your story, it’s really inspiring.

[@rokin1076]

As someone who is just starting out, this content is super helpful. Thank you

[@TrenchfootSalvador]

Thank you for this video

[@d1mediaprod]

Thanks for this taking the time to create this type of content. Marketing is where the money is at, not the gear we have. Learning tons from you! keep it up!

[@angeloisern]

I graduated 2014. It’s been a roller coaster. Thanks for tips hopefully this helps me and many struggling filmmakers back in track🙌🏼

[@VMXGroove]

The most long winded suggestion to learn SEO that I've ever heard in my life... He's right to a certain degree. However, I've operated a successful video production company for over 35 years. The trick is to constantly be shooting and creating content. Talk to people. Show them your work. Video production is a people business. You have to forge business relationships. Get out there and DO IT. That's the ONLY way to make it in ANY business.

[@sheldonnorton9035]

Is that to say, until you get clients shoot spec and free projects?

[@VMXGroove]

@@sheldonnorton9035 I personally, I have never worked for free. If anything, give them a big discount. Find a client that needs a video and approach them with an idea 💡 for one. Make them an offer that they can’t pass up. When you’re just starting, you need content to show. Your work is your calling card. Best wishes, keep at it. It will happen if you are persistent.

[@thecresthotel]

great advise Saj. I'm a subscriber and I've book marked your website.

[@blcsuperdave]

Awesome video, man! Very cool. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this.

[@maddogtank8425]

One thing I'm learning right now. Starting my own filmmaking business is you have to let the client choose. Because, for me, I'm starting out with no experience and I'm going up to random. Fast food trucks or small businesses offering to make an ad. And then do a documentary style interview about how they got. The business started. And one thing I've had to realize is that even if I do a bad job. And the video sucks the client still chose to let me do it. I'm not charging them anything. Currently, so I'm not taking their money. And they're the ones who are okay with it. Knowing beforehand that I had no experience, so instead of feeling super bad about wasting the time. I'm just gonna have to learn to keep on pushing and then hopefully when I do get better. I'll do another video for them until then. I can't do anything but try my best.

[@Mr_Guy_Fella]

Love your content, friend. I'm looking to start my own videography business.

[@theempire00]

So it sounds like, the technical aspects are not the issue, but rather how do you get a steady stream of work 😮

[@alibarrfilmz]

Great info! Thanks! We are building out our set products and our bidding system so that they can bring more predictable results.

[@chrisklugh]

The struggle is real. Lots of people in the same boat that creates a messy 'low ball' industry. Got to be a business man first, video/photographer second. Even then, hire them.

[@Witnesspicturesuk]

This is one of the most valuable videos on KZbin. Freelancers pay attention.

[@ItsNephite]

I am from a small town and I started filmmaking immediately after high school (2017). I work a full time job (also related to film) and do it on the side but I've started worked with some awesome big clients. I have a website but I don't rely on it other than sending my clients that way. I think this method works in big cities but idk about small rural areas. Although this is useful for when I decide to expand and move!

[@TheAmbitiousFilms]

I’m 30 and have been a videographer for so many years. I would love to check out your course

[@Filmmakingmentor]

Sure. Check out the site. Filmmakingmentor.com

[@moniquebeastie]

Thank you so much for this video. Very valuable content. Keep it coming.

[@benoneilldp]

Fantastic channel Saj! Freelance Videographer myself , information like this is priceless !

[@PolarisClubfan]

Man this was a master class!! Thank you very much for sharing your story and the useful tips

[@kernzilla]

hey Saj, I certainly appreciate the info/content you push out here. Good/relevant info, once I find the actual content in your videos. Not to be taken personally, but a frustration I have with your content is it seems like I usually have to fast-foward quite a bit to get to the relevant info. here, it wasnt until the 8:55 mark to get to the solutions you mentioned at the beginning. perhaps I'm used to different paced videos, but might be worth keeping in mind down the road for future content ...

[@Filmmakingmentor]

Thanks for the feedback. To be honest, most of what helped me find success were stories of what didn’t work and what held people back. Just giving a solution without context is almost irrelevant to most. I have found my greatest lessons from mentors that explained the process and what held them back. This video specially is only a story video and less tactical. As the title implies, it’s my story. If I just said, hey learn Seo and marketing and you can find clients, it would serve no purpose. But with context of all the pain and struggle along the way, lot of people are going to find themselves in the same position I was and listen. So I mix it up. Sometimes, I share stories and sometimes, I’m just focused on strategy.

[@kernzilla]

@@Filmmakingmentor roger that. With context here, this makes more sense. Could be the pace of content ingestion I’m used to as well! I’ve recently come across your channel, and can see where some folks may find value in anecdotal long-form videos vs tactical. Thanks for info and keep up the good work!

[@MandEFilms]

I disagree, everything he said was relevant, clear, and actually quite helpful. An often recommended KZbin video length based on "time viewed" is actually 10-13 minutes.

[@JimDavis_truckin_journey]

Good topic, there’s enough camera view videos. i just started an llc, High 5 video and drones services, got my 107 a couple months ago, been driving trucks for 7 years, that’s when i started making videos and liked that more than truck driving. Struggling making a website currently , but i just bought a travel trailer im going to live in, so i expect my content will be evolving, more videos on the video production business would interest me.

[@Filmmakingmentor]

Hey congrats on the new company. The drone angle is great. I have some other videos on making a website on my main KZbin channel, howfinity. I’ve used wix and square space. Search howfinity wix and it should come up

[@Filmmakingmentor]

Also what you just explained could be a pretty cool KZbin channel, following they transition

[@boluwayosMedia]

Wow! This is awesome 💯 I'm greatly inspired. Thanks for the advice.

[@PhilMeachem]

This is a fresh take on makings a career out of the filmmaking industry. Legit good. Thanks for the knowledge 👊🏻

[@kayliathequeen9612]

Your videos are so helpful. My goal is to start my own production company to produce various film content. The business information you share is so helpful and valuable with practical business side of production. Thank you!

[@Filmmakingmentor]

Awesome. So glad you’re finding the videos helpful

[@matthewhodgkins3317]

I love this. Finally some good business advice from the video production community on KZbin!

[@Brandonfioremusic]

Valuable stuff man! What type of video work do you do? Music videos/b2b advertisements?

[@Filmmakingmentor]

Almost all b2b, commercial and corporate videos. I don’t really do music videos

[@arbolifestyle]

Great video!!! It is good to remember that it is not only to focus on new gears and close some sales, but to remember marketing and how to make business to become sustainable over time by bringing in new clients every month.

[@produceahit123]

Interesting topic, on point with your info, thank you my friend, much continued success to you, your family and business.

[@BearRara]

Yes I’d love to hear more on this ! Very nice video!

[@JustUsMusicVideos]

Thank you! This is what I needed to hear. I look forward to more.

[@PointShiftDrive]

thanks for putting this together. its very relevant to me.

[@dannydirect]

vids like these! 🔥 I feel heard! Thanks for the advice dude. Would love to see more practical vids like this 👊🙏

[@codeeye2023]

Thanks 🙏 I'm 22 and I have a music production company but this was what I was not getting right why not enough money or client or if Clint then why I'm not saving enough and then I'm also going for a video production company RESPECT +.

[@bobditty]

I'm so glad I stumbled upon your channel. Thanks for this content. I struggle as a freelance humanitarian filmmaker. Would love to interview you someday on my channel.

[@artificialartist2]

Hello, I'm a newbie at 76. I'm retired and hoping to learn video editing. I just purchased a MacBook from my son, with iMovies installed. I found one of your courses on Unemy, which I plan to take. After a little research, found and subscribed to your KZbin channel. Any advice you have for an old guy like me will be greatly appreciated! Can't wait to begin the course.

[@Filmmakingmentor]

Hi. This is the iMovie course I have on udemy www.udemy.com/course/imovie-beginner-to-advance/

[@Filmmakingmentor]

It should be a beginner friendly course. I recommend watching a few videos on how to use a Mac if you are new to the Mac before jumping in

[@crystalpulseTV]

14min video to say 'learn marketing'. Sadly I think I fell into one of your marketing pieces, description is loaded with keywords, as is the script. I didn't find it very helpful at all, but looking at your comments it's helped a lot of people so no gripes, just wasn't for me on this occasion! Glad things are going well, 250k profit is brilliant!

[@Filmmakingmentor]

Well this video was more or less my story. Not really a practical or tactical step by step guide. I’m making a lot more technical videos. The problem is 99% just refuse to understand without self promotion through marketing, they will be stuck where they are. They turn around and look for some other magic formula. It’s either that or you can get so good that you become world class in your craft and no one can complete with you and you can do very well. But I don’t know how to teach someone to become a world class filmmaker since I haven’t achieve that

[@thomaswatts9881]

I started a business and we make around 2k a week now. Not too bad for shooting real estate and weddings

[@Filmmakingmentor]

Yea that’s a great start

[@ericsbriggs]

Love this type of content! Appreciate the insights!

[@creativeguyty]

So true best advice on this topic good work

[@dovgurewicz]

brilliant video thanks for making it!!!

[@nerdynicknacksandgeekygear8682]

im a locations manager and I ALWAYS ask my PAs what departments they want to be in and if i can i try to help them. I introduce them to department heads, on the rare occasion I PM or PC i try to hire them as department specific PAs. I think you should talk about what department you want to end up in.

[@Filmmakingmentor]

yea really good point.

[@muzikayisesibeko9928]

Thank You. All the way from SOUTH AFRICA

[@lionel.mukendi]

This was insightful!

[@andresjaime9634]

Fantastic approach but really expensive course for me. You should try a less than 500 dollars basic course. Regards from Bogotá, Colombia

[@Filmmakingmentor]

yep working on a beginner friendly course at a much lower price.

[@jeremyleonbarlow]

I live in the middle of nowhere which means the opportunities are limited and the market is relatively small, but the interesting thing is no one appears to be pursuing those opportunities which do exist, so I think this might be the perfect place to start by doing old fashioned door to door sales to a few key initial clients who could provide enough income to expand my initial set of gear to the full kit I need to do bigger projects. There are also a dearth of skilled pros in the region, so doing Hollywood grade work will blow any competitor out of the water. My basic needs of roof over my head, clothes on my back, food, and transportation are already met, so I can fully reinvest everything I earn to grow the company for a while which is a good position to be in, but I've got to thank channels like this and a few in the microbudget cinema arena for giving me the kick in the pants I needed. My plan is to use client work fo fund my art films. I mean it worked for Walt Disney, so... Anyhow, I think with a little effort to create some demo projects for the first niche I intend to pursue and a little time building out a website to help market the company long term, coupled with some of that door to door selling, I should have my first clients before June.

[@zachtraverproductions]

Awesome insight, thanks a lot. Really helpful

[@DigitalDre]

long story short: use SEO to make your website visible

[@Filmmakingmentor]

That’s one way but I think lot of the value here is all the things I did wrong and the order of things I did. So people can avoid the same road

[@eladbari]

How can you improve SEO for websites that mainly have images/ videos? Not text/blog? ++ Also, how much does it cost per month? Heard it costs tons btw..

[@QuinnAden]

Agree with the overall message, been doing this for 13 years myself. SEO in a big market these days is very difficult to be competitive in because larger companies are paying SEO specialists. Social media is really hit and miss for leads unless you have 100k good followers. Paid ads aren’t cheap but I’m afraid that’s my last resort before finally conceding. I’ve been able to sustain my family but we’re not thriving and I’m tired of the grind. Never had gear buying issues, always been good with my money. Any further insight is appreciated!

[@uNhlanhlakaSithole]

U could collaborate with others. Younger creatives.

[@ekolbatx]

I grinded out gigs for free / low pay on craigslist for a couple of years before really getting an established client base...mostly do editing and motion graphics though, so a different path for sure. Appreciate your insight and inspiring story! Thanks for sharing 😊

[@j.oakley9588]

Ohhh man. I’m pretty much in the same boat. Although I’m not depending on this as a sole source of income. I have a full time job and I’ve been picking up gigs here and there for local businesses and whatnot. But instead of just scrounging up enough dough so I can buy some lens or light, I would definitely like to have ACTUAL extra walking-around money.

[@smithbakare5437]

Can you please share your method for sourcing/landing gigs as a side hustle? I'd like to learn. Much love

[@Holtenstein]

Amazing story. Subscribed.

[@gyarney]

Hey, I’m in Chicago too. Let’s get together for lunch and chat about marketing for production company.

[@GiulianoAlessandro]

Excellent content!! Thank you so much!

[@A1Bokeh]

Looking forward to watching all your videos man

[@Filmmakingmentor]

Awesome thank you!

[@pho977]

Thank you, I'm currently experiencing what you're talking about.

[@camdenspear7784]

I have been doing freelance for a 2 years now this was super helpful for me thank you for sharing your wisdom #subscribed

[@MikeBabsBC]

Loving this content, thank you so much!!! Currently in my 2nd year of being in my busienss full time and feel like I'm doing a ton of work but still making elss than minumum wage.... I feel your videos are helping! Thank you.

[@jaybillups2063]

Thank you. Very helpful. What are your thoughts on networking groups? I've tried them, but haven't had much success.

[@Filmmakingmentor]

I never had success with in-person networking. These days, I focus on cold outreach and ad campaigns

[@jaybillups2063]

@@Filmmakingmentor thanks.

[@palpafilms]

Seems obvious but it’s just a massively overlooked aspect of most if not all small businesses.

[@rolisaenz]

Saj, great advice but, can you set your camera out of autofocus ? the monitor in the back is really distracting , it shifts during all the video . cheers mate.

[@Filmmakingmentor]

Yea sure thing. Setting up a new studio too but I’ll get off auto focus

[@Filmmakingmentor]

I already have a few batch recorded but after those

[@AndyKingCo]

Great video! Thanks

[@northeasttv8352]

A video showing how we can do seo would be great

[@felixomondi6835]

Am glad i came across this page

[@tekkythai]

thanks for sharing your experience. Gives us freelancers hope! :)

[@christianlopez-balkum3437]

Thank you, I definitely did need that!

[@Filmmakingmentor]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chadillaq]

Having multiple months in receivables unpaid sounds like a management issue and not a pricing issue.

[@Filmmakingmentor]

Well come bigger companies tend to pay net 60 or even net 120. And I was sharing stories when I was starting out and didn’t collect the way I should have

[@Rolwhite]

That's for the info...this will help me!

[@GurmeetSingh-fr8uo]

Please do a comparison review on Sony A7S III vs BlackMagic Pocket 6k Pro vs Panasonic BS1H vs Panasonic GH6 vs Canon C70. Test image look and dynamic range and low light.

[@zecchinon]

Wow! Amazing content! Thanks

[@jacobzatorsky]

Omg there is so much freaking value in this video!

[@superpowerpictures]

Ugh. Dealing with exactly that's right now. I start optimizing SEO last month but haven't seen any change in business hopefully something happens

[@Filmmakingmentor]

Seo takes a while, but when it works, it’s so worth it

[@YordanStoyanovBG]

Takes time indeed, also doing it the right way. Luckily, there's tons of info if you want to learn. Going quicker will be by getting someone with more experience in digital marketing.

[@charlesedmundadams]

Thanks so much for making this video! A lot of strong insight! I recently moved to LA after graduating film school, and curious what your advice would be for someone like myself? It's obviously a very saturated market, so standing out (especially as someone new) & gaining top ranking SEO is obviously very difficult considering so many others do video production out here. Are there other routes you'd suggest which would give me exposure to clients within the saturated market? Secondly, you talk about "getting a film into Sundance... getting discovered.. then being a director." What's your suggestions to go from a video production company, working for clients, to being at a place where there's financial stability, as well as the freedom/ability to make short films/features that are my own?

[@clensmedia6514]

Very relevant video, thank you for doing this.

[@StrategikMedia]

Sounds weak, but I'm on my last thread in the video production game. Everyone wants a Hollywood 1 million production for $600. Everyone is a cameraman now....people killing it with content on their phones.

[@Filmmakingmentor]

I wanna hear more about this. What kind of client are you referring to? This has only been my experience on the lower end of the scale. Mid size and large companies still pay based or results and I haven’t seen a big change there for a long time

[@ENSOTAVES]

Brilliant! Thank you!

[@itsrelativ3967]

Well I hate to break it to you younger videographers, but corporate and sports broadcasting is where the consistent money is at. My mentor told me that the "Hollywood or Die" mindset is a big myth. It's not the 70s, 80s and 90s anymore.

[@felixeroy7]

You got me hit that subscription button because of this!

[@TravisTravels]

I am exactly in that boat. I spent all my time with referrals which does work. But it’s terribly inconstant. I can’t rely on just that and yes most of my money goes to gear. I have just realized how important it is to have a strong seo. Even Yelp, and I don’t have either. However I am a photographer and videographer. I love doing both. I don’t see that working against me but I’m curious your thoughts on that. I’ve signed up for your course. I hope I’m able to get in that massive discount. I just found you. Got my sub. Thanks man.

[@Filmmakingmentor]

I think if you enjoy both, it’s ok to continue both. But if you want to demand higher rates, at some point, you may want to prioritize one, at least in the way you market yourself or introduce yourself to new clients

[@floatingrabbit3556]

Still using the Sony a77 and 6300, the taboo camera that's grown my business far more than I ever thought. Why should I upgrade becuase some youtuber said so?

[@Filmmakingmentor]

Exactly. If the tool is working for you, no reason to upgrade

[@liamjcoleman]

Great vid

[@blialee4837]

Are you located in the chicago area? If you are i would love to sit down and chat with you. Im from WI

[@Arcen_live]

Man I simply quit videography😔 I have no computer no camera just lost

[@manlikesiz]

such a great video man thank you

[@NathanShinholt]

What is the proposal and bidding process like?

[@Filmmakingmentor]

I’ll cover that in upcoming videos. But it’s basically a formal document you send via email laying out scope of work, samples, budget and so on.

[@TaraszewskiLabel]

Thank you for your help

[@braddcannon]

Speaking the truth! Great video! Super random... Where's your hat from? I want one :P

[@Filmmakingmentor]

Lol it was a gift. I’m not sure where it’s from

[@braddcannon]

@@Filmmakingmentor Ah all good man, I'll find it somehwhere I'm sure :P

[@fraudsfighterscam]

WOW. I love ur honesty.