Mr. Smith, this was your life. Now pay up!
January 12, 2008 10:24 PM Subscribe
I'm looking for some information and tips on how to create and successfully run a business to create video memorials and tributes for weddings, anniversaries, funerals, parties, and other events.
Since I was in high school, I've been creating video productions for events. For those of you that may not know exactly what I'm talking about, just imagine a photo slideshow with transitions and 'Ken Burns' type zooming set to appropriate music. Sometimes these productions also include video clips. The first one I ever did was for my sister's wedding. Since then I've done several for various events including anniversaries, graduation parties, and even funerals. My parents and my clients have always been impressed with my work and compliment my 'good taste' relating to the videos. (Truth be told, it's not really a hard process if you have the right tools; the hardest part is timing.)
Anyway, I'm seriously considering a major career change and I'd really like to go into business for myself. I've always considered trying to do this as a side job, but I've never advertised or pursued it (clients have always been family or family friends).
I really enjoy doing this kind of work and the satisfaction that a completed project brings me. I heard a story on the radio a while back that talked about a pair of brothers doing this type of thing for funerals and it rekindled my thoughts about it. I've looked around and there are no other businesses int area that are currently doing anything like this. I really don't have any contacts in this field so I'm hoping some mefite somewhere has experience in the matter.
So my questions are as follows:
1. What kind of compensation should I ask for or expect for this kind of work. As I stated, the work is not exceptionally difficult, but related tasks such as scanning photos can be extremely time-consuming.
2. How busy can I expect to stay doing this? Is it viable as a full-time career?
3. Are there any other techniques, tips, or otherwise that you would offer?
I'd also be willing to hear from those of you in the general audience, as far as if you would ever seek this type of service and what you would pay for it. Everyone, thanks so much in advance.
Since I was in high school, I've been creating video productions for events. For those of you that may not know exactly what I'm talking about, just imagine a photo slideshow with transitions and 'Ken Burns' type zooming set to appropriate music. Sometimes these productions also include video clips. The first one I ever did was for my sister's wedding. Since then I've done several for various events including anniversaries, graduation parties, and even funerals. My parents and my clients have always been impressed with my work and compliment my 'good taste' relating to the videos. (Truth be told, it's not really a hard process if you have the right tools; the hardest part is timing.)
Anyway, I'm seriously considering a major career change and I'd really like to go into business for myself. I've always considered trying to do this as a side job, but I've never advertised or pursued it (clients have always been family or family friends).
I really enjoy doing this kind of work and the satisfaction that a completed project brings me. I heard a story on the radio a while back that talked about a pair of brothers doing this type of thing for funerals and it rekindled my thoughts about it. I've looked around and there are no other businesses int area that are currently doing anything like this. I really don't have any contacts in this field so I'm hoping some mefite somewhere has experience in the matter.
So my questions are as follows:
1. What kind of compensation should I ask for or expect for this kind of work. As I stated, the work is not exceptionally difficult, but related tasks such as scanning photos can be extremely time-consuming.
2. How busy can I expect to stay doing this? Is it viable as a full-time career?
3. Are there any other techniques, tips, or otherwise that you would offer?
I'd also be willing to hear from those of you in the general audience, as far as if you would ever seek this type of service and what you would pay for it. Everyone, thanks so much in advance.
All of this is the same question...and can be answered like this:
How long does it take you to put one of these together?
Now, take the amount of time it takes you, and try to figure out what you'd charge per day.
How many days do you think you can find work?
Barring that, you might want to work for someone else in the field, to learn how to market this sort of work, price it out...and how to handle it when it goes wrong (and one day, it will.)
posted by filmgeek at 2:59 AM on February 6, 2008
How long does it take you to put one of these together?
Now, take the amount of time it takes you, and try to figure out what you'd charge per day.
How many days do you think you can find work?
Barring that, you might want to work for someone else in the field, to learn how to market this sort of work, price it out...and how to handle it when it goes wrong (and one day, it will.)
posted by filmgeek at 2:59 AM on February 6, 2008
This thread is closed to new comments.
I think you're on to something that can make money. Good luck!
posted by Alison at 11:10 AM on January 13, 2008