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Hey there, aspiring creators! I'm Alex, an Emmy-winning filmmaker with over 20 years in the biz. I've been through the ringer starting my own production company, and let me tell you, it's been one heck of a ride. But you know what? I wouldn't trade it for anything. So, grab a cup of coffee (or maybe something stronger), and let's dive into how you can start your own video production company in 2024.
When I first started out, I thought I could do it all. Commercials, digital series, corporate videos, artsy short films - you name it, I wanted to shoot it. Big mistake. I spread myself too thin and ended up stressed out and unfocused. Don't be like rookie Alex!
Instead, take some time to really think about what lights your fire. For me, it was branded content and feature films. Once I narrowed that down, everything else started falling into place.
Here's what you need to do:
For the gear heads, this is where it gets fun. For everyone else, let me tell you a little secret - you don't need the fanciest, most expensive equipment to start out. When I first began, I was shooting on a DSLR and editing on a laptop that sounded like a jet engine every time I opened Premiere.
Here's what you actually need:
And here's a pro tip - rent the fancy stuff when you need it. No need to drop $50K on a RED camera or grip truck when you're just starting out.
This is where the rubber meets the road. You need to show people what you can do. But here's the catch-22 - how do you get work without a portfolio, and how do you build a portfolio without work?
Well, when I was starting out, I did what any desperate filmmaker would do - I hopped on any project I possibly could, even if it meant working for free. Was it glamorous? Nope. Did it pay the bills? Also nope. But it gave me material to work with.
Here's what you should do:
I'm full of secrets today. Here's another one - in this business, perception is everything. You might be working out of your mom's basement (no judgment, we've all been there), but your brand should look like you're operating out of a fancy downtown studio.
When I first started my company, I made the mistake of thinking my work would speak for itself. Spoiler alert: it didn't. I had to learn the hard way that branding matters.
So, here's what you need to do:
Okay, you've got your gear, you've got your brand, now you need clients. And let me tell you, they're not going to just fall into your lap (unless you're really, really lucky).
When I was starting out, I was so shy about putting myself out there. I thought my work would magically attract clients. Spoiler alert: it didn't. I had to learn to network, and it was painful at first. I hate networking.
Here's what worked for me:
Ugh, the boring stuff. But trust me, this is important. You don't want to end up in legal hot water because you didn't dot your i's and cross your t's.
When I first started, I thought I could handle all this myself. Big mistake. I ended up with a tax nightmare that took months to sort out. Now, I have a book keeper and tax accountant to handle all that stuff for me.
Here's what you need to do:
Now, let's talk about growth. The video production world is always changing, and you need to change with it.
I remember when the first RED One came out. I thought no one in their right mind would use such a huge, heavy, clunky, expensive piece of metal. But I quickly realized I needed to adapt or get left behind. (And yes, I even shot a few things on the RED One...)
So, here's how to stay on top of your game:
Starting a video production company isn't easy, but man, is it rewarding. There's nothing quite like seeing your vision come to life on screen. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start creating! And hey, if you need any advice along the way, just give me a shout. We creatives have to stick together, right?
A: The cost can vary widely, but you can start with as little as $5,000 to $10,000 for basic equipment. However, a more professional setup might require $20,000 to $50,000 or more. Remember, you can always start small and upgrade as you grow.
P.S. You could even start with just a few hundred dollars to get your business in order and outsource everything.
A: No. I have one, and no one has ever mentioned it or asked about it. Though, a degree in film, media studies, or a related field can be helpful for knowledge, network, and experience, it's not absolutely necessary. What's more important is your skills, experience, and portfolio. Many successful video producers are self-taught or have learned through hands-on experience.
A: Corporate videos, commercials, wedding videos, and social media content are often in high demand and never seem to go out of style. However, the most lucrative niche can depend on your local market and target audience.
A: It varies, but most businesses take 1-3 years to become consistently profitable. Your timeline will depend on factors like your skills, network, marketing efforts, and local competition. I was able to generate nearly 7-figures of revenue and 6-figures of profit in my first year, but I don't know how typical those results are. And I had about 15 years of industry experience when I started my current company.
A: There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but many professionals start with DSLR or mirrorless cameras that offer 4K video. Popular choices include the Sony A7 series, Canon EOS R series, or Panasonic Lumix GH series. You can check out my post on The Best Video Production Equipment for Small Businesses to see some ideas.
A: Consider factors like your experience, the complexity of the project, equipment costs, and time involved. Many beginners start around $500-$1000 per day, while established professionals might charge $1500-$5000 or more per day. Once you start thinking like a business rather than a freelancer, that number can jump up to 5 or 6 figures per project.
A: I'm not a lawyer, and this isn't an exhaustive list, but you'll typically need to register your business, obtain any required local business licenses, and consider forming an LLC or corporation. It's also wise to have insurance and use contracts for all client work.
A: Networking, social media marketing, creating a strong online portfolio, offering competitive rates, and partnering with other creative professionals are all effective ways to find your first clients.
A: Popular choices include Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X, DaVinci Resolve, and Avid Media Composer. Many professionals use the Adobe Creative Suite for its comprehensive tools.
A: Absolutely! Many successful video production companies start as side projects (including mine). Just be prepared to put in extra hours and potentially sacrifice some weekends as you build your business.
Alex Darke is an Emmy-winning filmmaker and founder of the production company Momentous.
A Momentous Company © Alex Darke, All Rights Reserved. Here's my cookie policy page with all sorts of fun stuff. You know, privacy policy, disclaimer, and terms kind of stuff. Go back to the homepage or check out my podcasts and subscribe to my YouTube channel. You can also see our anti-SPAM policy, DCMA notice, earnings disclaimer, and affiliate disclosure.
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