Guide to Starting a Business - Videographer

Description of Job

• Videotape weddings, amateur sports events and competitions, parties, and celebrations.
• Record meetings, public events, and speeches for business clients.
• Edit tapes into a professional presentation.
• Produce copies on videotape, CD, or DVD.

The Need

We live in a visual age; we are used to having photos, movies, and television to record nearly every moment. Modern families and businesses have VCRs,

DVDs, video cameras, digital cameras, cell phones with built-in cameras, and increasingly antiquated film-based cameras.

However, it is obvious to most of us that a great gap exists between an amateur point-and-shoot effort and a polished, edited production by a trained expert using professional-quality equipment. It may be acceptable to shoot your own video of your son’s debut in the school play or your daughter’s game-winning goal in a lacrosse game. However, when it comes to what we expect to be once-in-a-lifetime events—a wedding, an award presentation, or a keynote address—it makes a lot of sense to hire a professional freelance videographer.

Challenges

You have to know what you’re doing, and you have to have reliable, professionalquality video, audio, and lighting equipment. You’ll be shooting live events, with no second chance in case of a technical problem.

It may be possible to take on some jobs by yourself, but most productions will require assistants to help with setup and to stand by to help during the work itself; some events will need multiple cameras and audio pickups.

Know the Territory

Make sure you fully understand your client’s needs and wants, and be very careful about what you promise. In most cases you should not take on a job without visiting the location to make sure you will be able to function properly there.

Not every location permits installation of bright video lights and microphones, and some may have limited electrical outlets. Modern equipment can usually be run from battery-powered sources.

Some churches and other religious institutions may not permit any intrusion on their ceremonies, and you should carefully look into any request for taping of a theatrical performance to make sure you are not violating the rights of the copyright holder.

At some hotels and convention centers, you may be required to work with unionized employees. Any extra costs should be passed along to your client. If permitted, videotape a dress rehearsal of the event. This will allow you to confirm that all your equipment is functioning properly, help you determine the proper placement of cameras and microphones, and acquaint clients and guests with your style of operation.

Some of the dress rehearsal tape may be of use in the final video you prepare for the client.

How to Get Started

Contact area party and wedding planners, banquet halls, community centers, and schools to make them aware of your availability. Post flyers and ads on area bulletin boards and advertise in newspapers and shopping guides.

Obtain permission from your clients to use portions of their events in creating a sample tape or DVD to show prospective customers. Offer a bonus or discount to satisfied customers who refer new clients to you.

Up-front Expenses

You’ll need at least one professional-grade video camera, plus external wired and wireless microphones, an audio mixing board, and a set of video lights. A basic setup could cost from $1,500 to $5,000.

Some equipment, including additional cameras, lighting, and audio devices can be rented from professional supply houses. (Be sure to carefully test any rented equipment before using it on a job.)

Once the video has been shot, you’ll need editing equipment. These can be special-purpose video editing controllers and rerecorders, or you can use video capture and editing systems for use with high-end personal computers. Plan on spending between $3,000 and $5,000 for editing equipment and computers.

You’ll need video libraries of images, fades, dissolves, and special effects to liven up the edited tape. Other helpful software includes audio editors and a library of copyright-free music.

Finally, you’ll need a way to produce multiple copies of the final video. This can be done on a professional-grade video recorder or with a CD or DVD burner that is part of your PC.

You’ll need a van or large vehicle to transport your equipment to jobs; make sure it can be made secure to protect valuable gear.

How Much to Charge

For most jobs you can charge a set price for videotaping, editing, and producing the final version of the video. Include in your price the time required to visit the location, tape a dress rehearsal, return for the actual event, and edit video. Add the expense of any special requests by the client and for multiple copies of the finished video