How to make it in the video world – Advice to students

We’re honoured that so many students get in touch with us and ask whether they can get some experience or work with us. Unfortunately, due to the volume of requests and type of work we do, there are only a few shoots a year where we need an extra pair of hands. We’ll be sure to put out a post on our social channels when we require some extra help with filming.

In the meantime, we wanted to give something back and provide to give some tips. We hope that these are helpful in following your goal to becoming full time filmmakers or working in a video production company.

• Tip 1 – Experience

Experience is second to none. You’ll probably need to create your own projects outside of your course by approaching people you know or local charities and offer your services free. Whilst this isn’t sustainable long term, it’s a great way to learn and offer something back to people that might be able to afford video.

Skills such as client, budget and project management will prove that you understand every step of the process. Time management is a crucial part of the job, so start to estimate how long things will take and stick to your deadlines as this will be useful throughout your career.

• Tip 2 – Mistakes are ok

It’s not a matter of if, it’s when. And when you do, learn from it. There are often things we get wrong, so we’ll chat about it as a team, test things out, watch some training videos, create checklists, so that we’re constantly improving. It could be a technical mistake, a communication issue, or budget issue. Whatever it is, make sure that you learn for next time so you’re raising the bar.

• Tip 3 – Be passionate

Having a degree in filmmaking is a great step towards a career in video production, but as employers we want to see that you are truly passionate about what you do. For us, it’s often what people get up to outside of their studies that shows us what a person is truly passionate about. If you’re constantly thinking about video, and can’t put down a camera, this shows us a real dedication and passion.

• Tip 4 – Get a showreel

A showreel is incredibly important in showing the variety of work that you’ve been involved in. Make sure it’s the best of the best that you have, make it short and memorable. This is one of the most crucial bits of work that’ll grab people’s attention and make them want to work with you.

• Tip 5 – Be creative  in your approach

We get hundreds of emails every year, that can sometimes feel like it’s been copied and pasted. Our advice would be to be creative in your approach and to stand out. Add us on LinkedIn, send us a bag of coffee, Tweet us….use your creativity to grab people’s attention, it will be much more memorable than a standard email.

We hope that these tips have been useful. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us.