It absolutely is! I'm right in the thick of putting myself through a rebranding exercise and recutting work that I've done over the last year and a half since moving away from my corporate design job in tech. I was originally position my LLC as a multi-disciplined agency that focused more on commercial work, but I am going to narrow my focus in how I present myself and my work. I was getting work, but sacrificing too much creative control and creating things that I wasn't so passionate about. PS. Someone suggest that I read "Share Your Work!" by Austin Klein and it's helped me reframe self-promotion as just another to-do list item in the workflow.
Yeah, building a network and portfolio are the two most important things to do. I'm still brand new to this so I've done a few different things: I called every wedding videographer in my area and asked if they needed help editing (this led to two shooting jobs), I contacted charities and non-profits, and volunteered as a PA for a short film (met a lot of really cool and interesting people). This video came at the perfect time because I just made a list of more people I want to contact. Some ideas I have: calling photographers who shoot weddings/family/etc. and ask if they want to use video to upsell their service, contact digital marketers to sell commercial services, and contact more registered charities and non-profits. I'm struggling to find a focus as I sort of like to do it all. I wish I could just go down a straight path of cinematographer, but I have a big interest in writing, editing, and directing as well. What are some other ideas you guys have for networking opportunities?
Hello! I just found your channel! very inspiring! tanks a lot for your work. I am a filmaker from Mexico City and I would like to whatch the work you made about the earthquake.
Hey Luc.. If I was to show up and network as a Doc DP for hire do you recommend going FX9 or FX6? It seems like the type of camera is a major factor for larger doc productions. right now I own the FS5m2 with audio and lighting for docs. I'll soon be getting the FX3. Thanks!
Hey Tim, common question and I actually wrote out a long answer in my monthly newsletter (which sends out tomorrow if you want the long version filmschool.lucforsyth.com/newsletter). In short, the fx9 is probably a better bet for bigger productions and if you plan to rent it out to big shoots. It looks a little better and has better ergonomics for shoulder shooting. Production companies tend to prefer it at the higher levels, and the codec is better for editing. It's the best choice for me personally. For smaller productions and for run and gun indy stuff, the fx6 is great. There's no 'right' answer, and I think you could be happy with either. Comes down to what you're going to use it for.
This is a big question, but would make a great topic for a video down the road. The very basic version is that I'd get some sort of camera with some level of audio capabilities (ideally a shotgun and lav), then shoot 3 short films about your friends/family/or co-workers. Something you have easy access to. Try and tell a story about them, one with a beginning, middle and end. Then use those 3 shorts to build out a reel, which you use to start networking. Then make more stuff and repeat!
Love it! I'm still in a state of referrals for most of my business, but I've been getting some traction with networking - both cold and warm. One tip I've found useful to catch the eye in warmer networking is to research the company, the owner, and their website. Find common ground, and use it as the subject line in your email. I.e. If you're uncle told you to contact someone that could use your video services, put your uncle's name as the subject line (John Doe - Referral). Subject line is key...lean into the referral! In cold networking emails I research the company's website, find out what aspects of video/photography they are lacking in their online presence, and offer up an overview of how I can help solve that problem and boost the optics of their online presence. I would rather send 10 personalized well researched emails that identify problems and solutions rather than 25 templated emails just with a cold lifeless pitch of what I do. Keep up the good videos like these Luc!
Thank you so much for putting this together. I've been spending the past year networking like crazy in my city, but a lot of the jobs I've gotten as a result are not exactly things I'm passionate about. I really like your approach of identifying key players in an area and going directly to them,
I do! I think you need to be able to show people the kind of work you want to get, but once you've got those examples the portfolio gives diminishing returns
Stellar advice as always Luc and that guide is a GEM! I needed to hear both that networking is a numbers game, and that it's really about making friends. Can't wait to get back out of my cave and put that template into practice!
Some really good tips on how to create/grow as a filmmaker ! Thank you Luc ! It's kinda refreshing earring something that is not the classic gear-related-rabbit-hole topic.. and I think that networking might be the core thing where most of us (filmmakers) struggle the most in the end ! Really digging your content, looking forward to seeing your next projects. Cheers from France,
Wow, this is the best guide to networking I have seen. It's detailed yet succinct and most importantly it's actionable. Thank you so much for creating this Luc!
I’m curious on this one: do you think networking is as important as I do? How have you grown your filmmaking networks in your own career?
It absolutely is! I'm right in the thick of putting myself through a rebranding exercise and recutting work that I've done over the last year and a half since moving away from my corporate design job in tech. I was originally position my LLC as a multi-disciplined agency that focused more on commercial work, but I am going to narrow my focus in how I present myself and my work. I was getting work, but sacrificing too much creative control and creating things that I wasn't so passionate about.
PS. Someone suggest that I read "Share Your Work!" by Austin Klein and it's helped me reframe self-promotion as just another to-do list item in the workflow.
Thanks for sharing! Austin Kleon's great, he's got a couple gems that have helped me at different times
Yeah, building a network and portfolio are the two most important things to do. I'm still brand new to this so I've done a few different things: I called every wedding videographer in my area and asked if they needed help editing (this led to two shooting jobs), I contacted charities and non-profits, and volunteered as a PA for a short film (met a lot of really cool and interesting people). This video came at the perfect time because I just made a list of more people I want to contact. Some ideas I have: calling photographers who shoot weddings/family/etc. and ask if they want to use video to upsell their service, contact digital marketers to sell commercial services, and contact more registered charities and non-profits. I'm struggling to find a focus as I sort of like to do it all. I wish I could just go down a straight path of cinematographer, but I have a big interest in writing, editing, and directing as well. What are some other ideas you guys have for networking opportunities?
Made some great contacts volunteering to assist shooting at a local music festival. Got some reel content also.
Solid video as always. Yes, networking is pretty essential. Also could I know what lens or focal length/apreture you're using here? 50mm and f/2.8?
Yep… That’s the video I needed to watch. Thanks a lot Luc, your channel is pure gold !!
Thanks man, appreciate that
networking is tricky, keen to do more docs, the who is quite tricky (scale wise) informative and useful 12mins + free download.
The who is definitely very tough!
Thank you so much. I needed to see this video.
You're very welcome! Glad it helped
Hello! I just found your channel! very inspiring! tanks a lot for your work. I am a filmaker from Mexico City and I would like to whatch the work you made about the earthquake.
jeez never did that, never trully wanted to specially because i've seen people mainly doing networking to compensate more pragmatical aspects
Another nugget of gold from this channel.
‘People like to work with their friends’ cut to cartoon of dogs doing things colleagues shouldn’t! 😂
haha, glad you liked it!
All very helpful tips Luc. Thank you
But what if YOU want to be the director yourself?
seasonal networking.
haha, yes! Though other than holidays, it's always networking season...
Good advice, been working on putting some time into this myself. Thanks for taking the time!
You're very welcome!
Thanks for the tips, this was really helpful! I can't afford to fly to Vancouver but if you are ever in the Toronto area I will buy you dinner.
Sounds good! Half my family is there, so it's not impossible!
Hey Luc.. If I was to show up and network as a Doc DP for hire do you recommend going FX9 or FX6? It seems like the type of camera is a major factor for larger doc productions. right now I own the FS5m2 with audio and lighting for docs. I'll soon be getting the FX3. Thanks!
Hey Tim, common question and I actually wrote out a long answer in my monthly newsletter (which sends out tomorrow if you want the long version filmschool.lucforsyth.com/newsletter). In short, the fx9 is probably a better bet for bigger productions and if you plan to rent it out to big shoots. It looks a little better and has better ergonomics for shoulder shooting. Production companies tend to prefer it at the higher levels, and the codec is better for editing. It's the best choice for me personally. For smaller productions and for run and gun indy stuff, the fx6 is great. There's no 'right' answer, and I think you could be happy with either. Comes down to what you're going to use it for.
I agree with you 100%. Nothing builds and improves your career like networking. More people = more knowledge = more fun = more work 😬
This is the way!
Great advice, Luc, thanks!
You’re very welcome!
could you speak more slowly please?? just calm down :D we are not in a hurry, we just want to hear the chat.
haha, noted! I'll try and slow it down!
competition is another factor, very good useful PDF
Thanks!
My brother in law; a head honcho at a very large global media company told me to apply to Getty for PJ work
Good idea! I used to be a stringer for Getty back in the day
What if you are just starting out and have little or non relevant work or no work at all, how would you do it?
This is a big question, but would make a great topic for a video down the road. The very basic version is that I'd get some sort of camera with some level of audio capabilities (ideally a shotgun and lav), then shoot 3 short films about your friends/family/or co-workers. Something you have easy access to. Try and tell a story about them, one with a beginning, middle and end. Then use those 3 shorts to build out a reel, which you use to start networking. Then make more stuff and repeat!
Brilliant content. This is what film school should teach. Some of my best jobs have come through cold calls and emails to companies just saying hi 🙌
mine too!
Love it! I'm still in a state of referrals for most of my business, but I've been getting some traction with networking - both cold and warm. One tip I've found useful to catch the eye in warmer networking is to research the company, the owner, and their website. Find common ground, and use it as the subject line in your email. I.e. If you're uncle told you to contact someone that could use your video services, put your uncle's name as the subject line (John Doe - Referral). Subject line is key...lean into the referral! In cold networking emails I research the company's website, find out what aspects of video/photography they are lacking in their online presence, and offer up an overview of how I can help solve that problem and boost the optics of their online presence. I would rather send 10 personalized well researched emails that identify problems and solutions rather than 25 templated emails just with a cold lifeless pitch of what I do. Keep up the good videos like these Luc!
Figure out how how you can solve their problems - this is great advice!
Thank you so much for putting this together. I've been spending the past year networking like crazy in my city, but a lot of the jobs I've gotten as a result are not exactly things I'm passionate about. I really like your approach of identifying key players in an area and going directly to them,
Yeah, it’s the only way to make sure you’re focusing your energy in the right place
Do you feel like having an established portfolio in photographic and video is necessary in this day and age?
I do! I think you need to be able to show people the kind of work you want to get, but once you've got those examples the portfolio gives diminishing returns
Network is key ! And good character with ur clients
Agree, 💯
Stellar advice as always Luc and that guide is a GEM! I needed to hear both that networking is a numbers game, and that it's really about making friends. Can't wait to get back out of my cave and put that template into practice!
haha, there is a time and place for cave living too! But thanks, glad it's helpful!
Some really good tips on how to create/grow as a filmmaker ! Thank you Luc !
It's kinda refreshing earring something that is not the classic gear-related-rabbit-hole topic.. and I think that networking might be the core thing where most of us (filmmakers) struggle the most in the end !
Really digging your content, looking forward to seeing your next projects.
Cheers from France,
Thanks man, appreciate that. And I agree - networking really is more helpful than new gear when it comes to long term growth.
Salut Corentin, regarde le module Create and Earn de AOD (Art of Documentary) si la question du développement t’intéresse!
Wow, this is the best guide to networking I have seen. It's detailed yet succinct and most importantly it's actionable. Thank you so much for creating this Luc!
You're very welcome, glad to hear that!
Thanks for this! Always been terrified of networking, this was the kick in the pants that I needed
It's always terrifying, but honestly it's huge. Getting started is the worst part.
hahahahah you got me, just put the pavotubes in the cart while watching the video
Hahahaha - we’ve all been there!
Very helpful, thank you Luc!
You're very welcome!
Yes, great topic ❤
The best topic that no one actually likes doing!