Here's how you can kickstart a thriving video production business.

The industry is always changing. In the media for nearly 4 decades, I’ve learned and shared that one’s skillset must continuously evolve, keeping you relevant in an ever-changing field. Continuing Education is Key!

First step kickstarting your own video production business should be calculating your budget and expenses. Same time you should be atleast learning the basics. Noone is master at the start, that all comes with experience. Dont stress it too much, just do it!

We started with a DSLR camera and a dream. I had connections already to offer video services too and did what we could for who ever we could to get the ball rolling! Then after a year or two it became clear who we were, what we loved to do most and for who and started to niche a bit. We, (my husband and I), had the skills to make it happen. He was the storyteller, creative, videographer and editor (learning as he went of course and always getting better). Me, the producer, director, account manager, sales, marketing and promotions! We had to hire a bookkeeper and accountant because neither one of us had that skill. Go out there, have fun, you obviously have a passion for it so start and gain skills and experience and see where it leads.

Ce qui m'a le plus aidé a d'abord été la passion de l'audiovisuel et ensuite la curiosité. Pour développer son business dans ce secteur, on commencera forcement petit. Il faudra donc engranger divers competences car petite equipe signifie differents postes à gerer...être le tech video, le réalisateur, l'infographe et le technicien son en même temps. Engranger le maximum de compétences possible, pour pouvoir occuper ces postes en cas de besoin ou pour au moins pouvoir jauger le niveau de nos futures recrues.

Start small, start now! Grab the most basic equipment you can get your hands on. Make stuff for yourself. Control your budgets. Show the work to people. Deliver the best you can with your limited resources. Your greatest learnings will come from there. And when you've made 1 client happy, there will be more who come after that!

Developing skills is of utmost importance in this industry, as it is your skill-set which will define the kind of work opportunities you can get, and the kind of money you will end up making. Hence, it is essential to keep honing your skill-set, through workshops and training, and keep studying the upcoming industry trends in order to increase the relevance of your work and your art both

I am not a creator, yet I have my own video production business. I think it starts with a passion, which doesn't necessarily have to be on the production side. However, you do need a certain foundation. I mainly believe in gaining experience in the field. Understanding consumer behavior and what motivates people.

Para iniciar un negocio de producción de video exitoso, es crucial desarrollar habilidades clave, especialmente en ventas. Enfócate en mercados B2B, donde puedes aportar un valor real a marcas y compañías que dependen de contenidos audiovisuales para alcanzar sus objetivos. Aunque sean ventas B2B, no olvides que las relaciones personales son esenciales; las ventas se realizan entre personas. Trabaja en tus habilidades de comunicación, deja la timidez y adopta la mentalidad de que las ventas son fundamentales para el crecimiento del negocio. Invertir en capacitación en ventas y comunicación es vital para cualquier dueño de negocio.

One of my favorite directors, James Cameron, once said pick up a camera and shoot your film. Now you're considered a director. I picked up my first camera as a teenager but that still doesn't make me the most qualified. You have to continue to invest in your own self knowledge, and develop a system that's organized and proficient. My rule of thumb is always do great work and the work will find you.

Connections is the name of the game in any business. As the saying goes, it's not what you know but who you know. Introduce yourself to local businesses and offer to do a free video for them. (This helps you improve your skills and build a impactful relationship) If they like the video, upsell them and ask them for referrals. Another important point is to focus on the objective of the video. A beautiful video that has no clear message is worthless compared to an iPhone video that has a great hook and clear call to action. So be very clear what the goal of the video is before you ever push record!

Puedes trabajar para una empresa, ser independiente o las dos cosas. Ten en claro tu objetivo, no te sobrecargues, quemarte va a ser que pierdas el gusto. Pero debes saber que es un trabajo exigente. En mi experiencia, ser freelance no es para cualquiera, debes ser muy ordenado y tener disciplina, aprender a vender y venderte, no casarte con un cliente, diversifica, en la medida de las posibilidades. Si no tienes habilidades comerciales, consigue un "cuentas" alguien tiene que ofrecer tus servicios. Para el cliente tu puedes hacer todo, lo que no sabes lo tercerizas y listo. Crea un equipo interdisciplinario. No te autolimites, no existen los fracasos, son experiencias de las cuales crecemos.

I use a 5 step process of of identifying my ideal client, developing my brand identity, creating service packages, reaching out to potential clients, and closing the deal in order to target client. It's a simple formula that has worked for me for years.

The Business Plan can be a great way of you also identifying areas you had not thought of. Use ChatGPT to help with your plan and keep going back to it asking for improvements and areas you could exploit. Spend time telling it what your skills are and what the business landscape is like in your geographical area.

A comprehensive business plan is essential for success. Outline goals, target market, competitive analysis, marketing strategies, and financial projections. Detail your services, whether commercials, weddings, documentaries, or music videos. Understand your clients' needs. This plan guides your business's initial stages and helps secure funding if needed.

THINK ABOUT THIS! A business plan is not just a recommendation for any new venture in the video production industry. It's an absolute necessity. Identify your target market and consider your business plan as a strategic roadmap. What types of videos do you want to create? What niche are you doing videos? What type of videos do you want to create for your clients, such as animations, documentaries, and testimonials, to name a few? Think about the equipment you'll need to make your videos and some of the costs needed to purchase the tools, software or platforms needed. All of these things should be part of the big picture. As well as marketing and sales costs. Good luck with it, and keep your goals alive! 🚀

É essencial sair de casa com seu trabalho esquematizado e pronto em mente para o que você vai fazer. No entanto, é importante que você use da criatividade para mudar e inovar no meio do caminho.

Ein gut durchdachter Geschäftsplan ist essenziell für den Erfolg des Unternehmens. Wichtige Faktoren müssen im Vorhinein klar definiert werden, sodass wirklich der gewünschte Kunde angesprochen wird. Dieser Plan sollte kleinere Short-Term-Goals enthalten, aber auch große Long-Term-Goals die das Unternehmen für mehrere Jahre leiten sollen.

Tips on developing a business plan for a video production business: Price based on value, not time Explain potential customers on how you can help Pick your niche, pick your niche and...Pick your niche.

Este punto me parece vital para este o para cualquier negocio. Hay que tener muy claro que queremos hacer, con qué recursos contamos y donde queremos llegar a corto, medio y largo plazo. Tenemos que ser totalmente realistas porque la ilusión en un plan de negocio no se puede medir económicamente.

I ended up going LLC to separate my personal assets. Copyright laws were another fun challenge. I made sure to buy proper licenses for any music, footage, or graphics I used so I didn't land in hot water. Learned that the hard way with a client calling me out for using a stock video clip I didn't have rights to. Awkward. Last but not least, I got liability insurance to cover my butt in case something went wrong on a shoot like equipment getting damaged or injuries on set. All that legal prep was a grind, but essential for running a legit, protected video production operation. My advice? Get familiar with your local laws and don't cut corners!

Ensure your business is legally compliant. Register your business name, obtain necessary licenses, and consider forming an LLC or corporation to protect your personal assets. Set up a business bank account and keep your finances organized. Additionally, get adequate insurance coverage to safeguard your equipment and business operations.

Ensuring legal compliance is critical for your business. Choose a structure like a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation, and register your business. Obtain necessary permits and licenses, which vary by location and video type. Adhere to copyright laws and secure rights for music and footage. Consider liability insurance to protect against potential legal issues. Legal compliance safeguards your business and ensures smooth operations.

Basic tips on dealing with legal matters when filming -Get filming permits -Get insurance -Get familiar with the CC licenses before you do ANY work.

Lembrando que a legislação varia consoante o seu país de origem ou residência, é necessário ter em atenção esse pequeno pormenor quando for criar a sua própria empresa independentemente da área que for.

Although having quality gear in an ever growing and competitive market, it is a must a some point. It is essential to first know and understand how to use your gear. You can have the fanciest equipment and still not produced quality content. So the first step is to make sure you understand your surroundings, lighting, how to properly operate your video and photography cameras and then make the investments for the more expensive gear.

Investing in quality gear is essential for a professional video production business. This includes reliable cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, microphones, and editing software. High-end gear is costly but crucial for your business's credibility and the quality of your final product. Be strategic with purchases: start with essential items and upgrade as your business grows. Renting equipment can be a cost-effective option initially, allowing you to manage costs while delivering professional results. Proper gear investment ensures your business meets industry standards.

Investing in quality gear is NOT essential. Treating your equipment with respect is. Right, you won't ideally go shoot a safari, nor you will shoot under harsh conditions using a cheap set of lenses, yet you can still successfully complete major projects using affordable equipment. Ultimately, it is convenient learning your way up as a filmmaker dropping/breaking cheap equipment, rather than breaking a $20k Cooke optic you just bought for your new business!

Aquí vuelvo a comentar lo que dije en el segundo : todo dependerá del tipo de producción que vayamos a hacer. Está claro que con el mejor material se trabaja mucho mejor y de una forma más profesional, pero no es totalmente necesario para sacar un buen partido a un plan de negocio bien estructurado. Un buen material de trabajo nos hará la vida más fácil en la mayoría de ocasiones, pero hay que contar con la posibilidad económica, sobre todo en la fase inicial

Lo primero es disponer de una base sólida de conocimientos Lo segundo tener creatividad que te salga por los poros Lo tercero, crea crea crea y expone !

Invest in high-quality video production gear. While starting, you don't need the most expensive equipment, but ensure you have reliable cameras, lenses, microphones, lighting, and editing software. As your business grows, reinvest in upgrading your gear to maintain high production standards and meet client expectations.

You can have quality gear but if they don't stand the test of making and following a schedule, then they're all just fancy gears in the end. Or perhaps, let's agree that it's you that puts the "quality" in quality gear. In the end, the shinier your gear, the shinier the expectations - and you better deliver.

There is never the best gear, there is always only the most appropriate gear for the scenario you are filming. If your niche is interviews indoors with lights, this is very different to filming frogs in the Amazon. Understanding this is essential. Go to hire companies and talk to them. Ask to demo their suggestions based on your price point. Then you can either hire, or purchase.

To effectively market your creative services and build a solid brand presence, think beyond traditional strategies. Innovate by integrating case studies about your projects on your website, enhance your site's SEO and draw more visitors. Engage actively on less saturated social media platforms where your unique content might stand out more to potential clients. Additionally, consider hosting webinars or workshops that show your expertise and foster direct interactions. Above all, create memorable client experiences that prompt personal recommendations, truly amplifying your brand through organic, word-of-mouth marketing. These efforts will not only attract clients but also establish your reputation as a thought leader in your industry.

I knew having a killer website and social media game was crucial for attracting clients and building that brand recognition. I spent weeks perfecting my website, making sure to really showcase my best work in the portfolio section. Having galleries organized by video type - commercials, music vids, corporate stuff - helped potential clients easily see my range. I posted new projects constantly across Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn - anywhere I could get eyeballs on that content. But nothing beats good old-fashioned networking. I hit up every industry event, joined online communities, the works. Sliding into people's DMs, meeting up for coffee dates - I was hustling hard to get my name out there.

Outreach is key! Most videographers don't do outreach. Example of in person outreach I’ve shot for plenty of restaurants before, but not on retainer, until now I realized I wasn’t doing the correct outreach for restaurants If you actually go IN PERSON to meet these owners of local restaurants, your chance to land them as a client goes through the roof

Tips on marketing your videography business: -Showcase project case studies on your website and improve SEO. -Engage on less saturated social media platforms. -Host webinars/workshops to show expertise -Create memorable client experiences to encourage word-of-mouth and network marketing.

You can also start your own media and/or Channel to promote your talents and content. If it gets good traffic, it can also become a way to self generate revenues through cookie ads and affiliations.

I agree. Marketing requires boldness, especially when it comes to showcasing your work and networking. Many people including myself, landed their first job through word of mouth. "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity" -Seneca. Get out there and be bold.

Marketing is crucial to attract clients and build your brand. Create a professional website showcasing your portfolio and services. Utilize social media platforms to share your work and engage with potential clients. Consider creating content that demonstrates your expertise, such as behind-the-scenes videos, tutorials, or case studies. Networking with industry professionals and attending events can also help you gain exposure.

Hablando desde el punto de vista relacional con los clientes, en mi caso me he dado cuenta que no trato de vender sino que asesoro de una manera efectiva y siempre pensando de una forma empática, desde el punto de vista del cliente pero con mis conocimientos. A veces eso hará que no venda directamente pero sé positivamente que me llevará a una venta en el futuro, ya sea directa o cruzada. Dá lo mismo el producto o servicio que esté “vendiendo”.

REMEMBER! Always offer your clients as much value as possible. Help them achieve their goals by offering them a top-notch service. They will love you for it, and you'll build strong client relationships. Building strong client relationships is key. It fosters trust and communication, making customers feel more secure and connected with the brand. This, in turn, can lead to increased customer retention and repeat purchase rate. Obtaining new customers is more expensive than retaining current customers already investing in your brand. Think about these things in kickstarting your video production business and it will thrive!

Construir laços com seus clientes, parceiros e colegas de trabalho é fundamental para que seu trabalho seja recomendado e que você se posicione no mercado de comunicação.

Building strong relationships with clients is key to long-term success. Communicate clearly and promptly, understand their vision, and exceed their expectations. Deliver projects on time and within budget. Satisfied clients are likely to provide repeat business and referrals, which are invaluable for growth.

Creo que es crucial mantener una relación transparente y auténtica, decir sí a todo puede acarrear problemas futuros o malos entendidos. Desde mi punto de vista si un cliente tiene una idea, como especialista uno debe aportar y sumar a esa idea, no contradecir claro, pero si uno dice si a todo, pues dónde queda tu mejora, tu aporte? Es importante poder transferir nuevas ideas. Si te encuentras con un cliente totalmente cerrado, ya es tu decisión de cuál es el tipo de cliente que deseas tener.

Building strong client relationships is crucial for repeat business and referrals. Communicate clearly and professionally, set realistic timelines, and be attentive to their needs and feedback. Ensure the final product aligns with their vision. Exceeding expectations leads to satisfied clients who are more likely to recommend your services, aiding in the organic growth of your video production business.

Também é preciso ter em atenção e consideração os concorrentes pois eles também podem ser uma óptima fonte de melhoria e evolução constante, para a sua empresa colaboradores e futuras parcerias.

El cliente siempre tiene la razón. No discutas, tu cliente no tiene porque compartir tu visión o tus gustos estéticos. Es un trabajo y sobre gustos no hay nada escrito. Sí cumple con sus expectativas y si puedes sorpréndelo con algo más, por su puesto de su agrado! Si tienes que solucionar un trabajo anterior, no critiques el trabajo de otro colega, no sabes porque tuvo ese resultado y puedes terminar igual.

Building strong relationships with customers is paramount for repeat business and referrals. As a media production professional, I always communicate clearly and set realistic expectations for project timelines and deliverables. I also focus on remaining responsive to my clients' needs and feedback, making sure the final product matches their vision. Exceeding expectations creates satisfied clients who are more likely to recommend my services to others and helps grow my media business organically. This approach not only builds trust and integrity, but also gives me a good reputation in the industry.

Build proper relationships with freelancers, so you can call upon their skillsets quickly and work effectively when that client work comes in. I have worked with over 100 video production companies who all have different workflows, but the ones who got the best results from me had built a relationship with me first. Little touches like knowing how a script should be shared, how a live directed session is conducted, who should take the lead in feedback to clients - makes a HUGE difference.

There’s a fundamental flaw in the question around the idea of “kickstart.” Which implies applying a single force to take the business from stationary to being able to move rapidly. Realistically, you’ll need to apply force in a range of areas consistently to gradually get things off the ground. Initially, focus on educating yourself, getting experience (the best form of education), and building a body of work. Seek out people who have already achieved what you want to do, and establish a way of learning from them that is mutually beneficial.

Your portfolio is your shop window! It needs to showcase your versatility and the quality you bring to the table. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and project types, especially in the beginning. Additionally, staying curious and hungry to learn is key to staying ahead of the curve. This might involve keeping up with new gear and software, but it's also about understanding current marketing trends and how video fits into the larger content landscape.

No olvidarse de generar un portafolio, base en lo audiovisual para mostrar su trabajo de manera concisa. También, tener claro todos los roles que se necesitan, cada uno tiene su espacio y no por eso debe haber una persona encargada de hacer varios trabajos. Planear absolutamente todo y no dejar nada al azar. Cada producción de video será distinta, ánimo, cada una tiene un diferencial que vale la pena mostrar

A lot of people discount the power of email marketing. It still works and you can still get great business from it. Know your market and adjust your advertising to it along with your budget.

I find that doing videos to promote you own brand and educate potential customers with tricks and basic knowledge helps you understand the game on the different platforms and enables you to be a better advisor to your customers.