A recent study found that more than a quarter of people watch a minimum of 10 hours of online video each week and over a third watch at least four hours per week. Brands have quickly seized opportunities for video across multiple platforms, including mobile devices, social media platforms, and video hosting platforms like YouTube.
With the increasing popularity of video, the opportunities for freelance videographers continue to multiply. Freelancers interested in this line of work should prepare themselves so that they know how to achieve success. We’ll walk you through what freelance video production involves and how to be successful as a freelance videographer.
Freelance video production: Opportunities for independent videographers
If you’re interested in freelancing as a video professional, you can hold various creative roles and help clients with many filmmaking needs. It’s important to have a passion for videography and an understanding of how to make stories come alive through film production.
A good videographer knows how to draw the audience into the film, engage them, and encourage them to keep watching. However, whether working for a company making corporate videos or private clients interested in a video of their child’s birthday party, no one wants to watch a boring video.
You should have good communication skills and the ability to work well on a team. Businesses may want to hire freelancers like you to help them fill their internal creative team for special projects. You might also work with a cinematographer who handles the more technical aspects of film work, a photographer, and other film crew professionals on any given job.
Here are some different functions that this freelance work might entail:
- Recording key or milestone events: Many clients want to have a video record of important milestones or other significant events related to their businesses. This might mean recording opening ceremonies or conferences.
- Creating video training resources: Corporations have realized that training videos can help them better engage with their employees and teach them. You can help them capture the material on film and find ways to interest the audience.
- Assisting in documentary filming: Documentary filmmaking can offer filming opportunities across nearly any topic of interest. You can help professionals capture footage and create an excellent product that might even appear in film festivals, further building your reputation and experience in the film industry.
- Producing marketing video content: Video also helps businesses reach their customers and let them know about key updates, from upcoming events to product releases. You can help them capture and communicate this information.
How to find success as a freelance videographer
Entering the world of freelance videography will provide several opportunities. However, to set yourself apart in the industry and develop a client database that will help you experience success, you’ll need to take a few steps to build your portfolio and set yourself on the path forward.
Here are six steps for those interested in becoming freelance videographers to consider:
1. Invest in the tools you need
Videography requires some important tools that independent professionals need to do their jobs well. Consider the various supplies that will enhance your ability to provide clients with quality video. For example, think about cameras, equipment, and the software to edit and finalize the videos.
Keep in mind that you don’t need to have every piece of equipment right away. Create a list of what you need to get started and what you would like to invest in as you bring in more income.
2. Learn valuable associated skills, such as video editing
Potential clients might also look for freelance videography professionals who bring additional skills to the work, including post-production as a video editor. If you don’t know how to do some of these things, look for opportunities to train yourself. This can help you move beyond only functioning as a camera operator and into the exciting world of film production.
You might find it challenging to find training opportunities, particularly if you have a tight budget as a freelance professional. However, there are free tutorials through platforms like YouTube that you can use to get started. As you begin bringing in clients, invest in your skill set with additional courses.
3. Determine if you want to specialize
To build your business, consider the type of videography you’d like to do. Some professionals prefer to diversify. They may shoot everything from birthday parties to corporate events.
Others find it helpful to specialize, such as a wedding videographer. Consider your interests and expertise. If you have previous experience in production jobs or with a production company, consider how this impacts your portfolio and the areas where you’ll perform best.
4. Build a portfolio
You also want to dedicate time to building a portfolio. Your portfolio should consist of several different professional videos you have shot—with permission from the client or subject. The portfolio should help to showcase your skill to potential clients and what you can offer them if they hire you as a freelance professional.
5. Develop your brand
Since freelance videography is such a rapidly growing field, competition can be fierce. The key to success within any competitive field lies in learning how to make yourself stand out from the rest. Ask yourself:
- What is different about how I shoot my videos?
- Do I have a particular background experience or specialization that equips me more than the competition?
- What can I offer clients that others can’t?
Part of your branding will come from your decision to diversify or specialize and the videos you select for your portfolio. Focus on developing what will help set you apart as the videographer the client wants.
6. Look for opportunities to market yourself and grow
Particularly for new videographers, one of the first hurdles to overcome is finding new clients. It can feel like a full-time job just looking for work. Therefore, you don’t want to waste opportunities to market yourself and grow professionally.
- Consider small video projects that you can use to build your experience and skills. Filming a school play for your niece or nephew will likely be less stressful than creating a promotional video for a theater, but it will still give you experience with the setup and filming process. You might also get a piece to add to your portfolio.
- Look for opportunities to market yourself. Upwork makes it easy for independent professionals to upload their portfolios, bid on jobs, and communicate with potential clients. Read through job postings on the platform and find small production jobs and part-time or full-time work.
- Complement your Upwork profile with social media pages. This can include LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
Focus your time and energy on building your skills. Leverage technology and word-of-mouth recommendations to get there. Whether it’s a short film, a feature film, or an indie production, seize the opportunity when it appears.
Accelerate your video production career
Freelance videography offers an exciting career for professionals with strength and skills in video production. Consider the benefits the field can offer you and the steps you can take to strengthen your appeal as an independent contractor.
