Freelance Video Jobs

Freelance Videography is a fairly easy career to break into. As a matter of fact, many wedding, sports, and event videographers, and video editors work on a freelance basis or act as sole proprietors of their own studios/businesses.

Some freelance videographers even work at post-houses, studios that consist of multiple videographers that can be hired by companies who need them for only a certain amount of time. Many freelance videographers have begun to diversify their services. Most do weddings/event videography, since they are very similar in nature and function, while others do varying degrees of corporate videography. In addition to operating one’s own studio, freelance videographers may want to consider joining a post-house. Post-houses are collaborations of videographers, producers, editors who may or may not specialize in a field of videography. Larger companies who need corporate video production, for example, hire videographers, editors and producers from post-houses on a contract basis to create video for them.

Work Environment

Freelance videography, like other videography jobs, requires that the videographer be well-versed in all phases of video production. These jobs also require videographers be adept at sales, have excellent customer service skills and be knowledgeable in the video proposal process. Running your own business is often client-based and you can expect that much of your day will consist of liaising with new and existing clients and trying to sell the benefits of your services. Depending on the nature and duration of your project, video shoots may last a few hours to several days, but you will be responsible for pre-production, camera operation and video editing.

Typical Responsibilities

• Involved with project video from conception to completion
• Work with clients and other creative individuals to produce high-quality visual content
• Attend networking functions, with potential clients and with other freelance professionals
• Consult with individual and corporate clients on budget, project, deadline, etc.
• Must be able to communicate well with customers, clients and co-workers to achieve a common goal

Skills and Qualifications

• At least three to four years of experience in video production or editing, some clients require that you have experience in both
• Must own own equipment: professional level cameras and equipment, in addition to up-to-date editing software like Apple Final Cut Pro and creative programs like Adobe’s Creative Suite
• In some cases, you will need to have your own studio to work from

Getting Started

While working as a freelance videographer does not require formal education, a few courses in video production and editing may help. More often than not, freelance videographers go through extensive on-the-job training, working as production assistants, interns or in other entry-level positions before they break out on their own as a freelance videographer.
If you want to get started down this path, the first thing you need to do is build up your demo reel. Start out by shooting video of local events or functions, do video podcasts for local companies; do them for free of charge initially. It may seem counterproductive, but when you are first starting out as a freelancer, the most important task is to build experience. Once you have learned the ins and outs of working as a freelance videographer, you can focus on networking with other videographers or for more clients to build your business. A strong demo reel and demonstrable video production and editing skills will get you high-paying customers on a consistent basis. If you have joined a videography organization or association, they usually offer training and tutorials on equipment, software updates and they usually offer advice on running a studio or a freelance videography business.