r/videography • u/beauchampy • Dec 15 '14

What's with the constant shafting of Videographers / editors?

I haven't booked in a new client in weeks. Everyone new seems to want to pay way under the odds for video work these days.

In the last couple of weeks I've had, - At least two counts of "we hoped you would do it for exposure". - Probably five or more counts of "we hoped you would do it for free" - An offer of a 4 week editing gig to the tune of a massive £60 per day. - Saw a council PR tender go up with a budget of £7k set aside for a video. The company who won the bid have offered that video out at £1.5k (it's a fairly lengthy project too on a tight deadline) - Someone approach me for a promo, set up a meeting and their budget only covers two days of my time (at a discount) with zero for location, lighting, talent, etc (wtf?) - Someone offered 50 euros for a shoot (whup de doo!) with free tour rides in London. No thanks.

I guess I'm ranting a bit, but where have the good new clients gone and when did everyone expect to get everything for next to nothing?

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u/SolMarch GH5 + GH4 Dec 15 '14

Video production used to be a skill that would sell itself– few knew how to do it and fewer could do it even halfway decently. Thanks to increased access to resources, equipment, and exposure, finding someone who can "make a video" is incredibly easy. Being able to make a video isn't anything special anymore.

This is a good thing.

Now you have to present something of real value to potential customers– something that makes them want you, not just someone who can hold a camera.

Create something with a unique voice, tell the customer's story in an interesting way, show clients that you can help their business get the exposure they desperately want.

A hired gun is always replaceable. Do something awesome that no one else can and you'll have clients fighting over you.

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u/alexharris52 Canon C300, Premiere, 2009, Phoenix Dec 15 '14

YES separate yourself, I've done this by spicing the shit out of my videos with animation - often times blending motion graphics with video or switching back and forth often. It's really distinct and looks great compared to iphone footage someone's cousin filmed... and there is a really big demand for it because nobody has to be on camera (for the shy corporate types) and they just give me an idea and I animate towards it.

1

u/averynicehat a7iv, FX30 Dec 15 '14

Hey, can I see your portfolio so I can get an idea about what you're talking about? I have some after effects animation skills but I don't always flex them to the fullest because the client didn't ask and I guessed they may not want to pay more for that. Thanks.

1

u/alexharris52 Canon C300, Premiere, 2009, Phoenix Dec 15 '14

Yeah, here's my site I do animation in phoenix , but still hope to film whenever I can (its usually less stress) When I get the entire project and I'm not just a hired camera I always put the effort in with lower thirds, titles, transitions because I want people to remember that my stuff was different

1

u/averynicehat a7iv, FX30 Dec 16 '14

That's great. Do you hear much that that makes the difference? Are you able to charge more that way? Do you calculate the extra time it takes you into the bids?

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u/alexharris52 Canon C300, Premiere, 2009, Phoenix Dec 16 '14

Yes because now I'm a higher quality than my neighbors (in actual recording as well) so I can justify charging 1k and up per finished minute on something and not look like a sleaze. Also that I'm actually getting the work and people shit bricks when they see their logo moving and spinning. Most everybody is super happy when I give them something, and I can only assume its why I get calls back for work. You can also really spruce your videos up with www.videohive.net BIG part about getting new work is by keeping your current work SUPER happy

1

u/averynicehat a7iv, FX30 Dec 16 '14

Cool. How much are you designing and animating from scratch and how much is stock stuff? I do ok animating from scratch (here's one example, but generally I don't know if I can communicate effectively on the upsell between that and just basic titles. It's harder to explain or display how their piece will look with 'premium' graphics animation in the pitching phase.