Business

The Director Needs to be Confident

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Clients look for a confident vendor who can get the job done. Crews look for a leader to provide the artistic vision. While you may be “inside your head” mulling the creative vision or finding the shot… that won’t work in many video situations. You need to be assertive and confident… otherwise your shoot will spin away from you quickly. Video may be a team sport, but the team needs a captain.

I can’t tell you how many times I am faced with new challenges. Nearly every project brings up new technical and creative challenges that I’ve never faced. This is the truly exciting part about working in video. Rarely do I have every answer (but I do know where to look and how to solve the problem). No client wants to hear ‘I don’t know.’ What they are looking for is ‘I will figure it out.’

When presented with a challenge in a project, I exude confidence (but not arrogance). I know that showing confidence to my team as well as my clients is inspirational. A clear study of the challenge ahead will lead to solutions. Then I’ll leverage my networks. I have a collection of peers I trust to ask questions of. I can turn to online forums like Creative COW. I can ping my social network through Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. All of these play a part in finding answers.

Everything I learned in college about video is technologically obsolete. What I learned was how to tell stories and how to solve problems. Every tape format has changed; every software application has upgraded ten or more times. Heck, web browsers didn’t even exist. But I know that I can learn. And because of that I am confident that I can solve any challenge I face and devise a solution that is an effective compromise between the budget-in-hand and the schedule I have. With a little practice, you can see the world this way too.

You can download the free eBook "From Still to Motion – The Business Manifesto" to get practical advice for professionals working in video and new media


It’s All About Project Management

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iStockphoto/kemalbas

  • Video is a multi-headed beast that’s constantly screaming to be fed and nourished. You’ve got people in front of the lens, people behind the cameras, and even more behind the scenes. Video projects are complex with multiple stages of approval along the way. You need to control things and have a plan (and even another plan for when that one fails).

  • Project Management is not unique to video, but it is a critical skill due to the complex interconnected nature of video projects. Chances are that you may have some project management skills… but I want you to go deeper and actually study the formal business practices of project management.

  • The best decision I made in my professional career as a video producer was to formally study Project Management. I chose to get a master’s degree in it, and it saves me nearly every day. Many schools offer consolidated courses and workshops; you can pursue an educational certificate, or even just start your own independent study.

    While I’ll emphasize project management, I mean the business practices. It is important to learn how to balance the scope of the project, track your resources, and maintain budget and quality. Simply buying a project management software package will make you no better a business pro than owning Photoshop will make you a photographer. Software is a tool, not the foundation of a professional career.

    We use project management principles to clearly describe the work to be undertaken. We measure progress and track changes so the end budget reflects the work performed. We closely monitor the budget and schedule (as these are often more important or easier for the end client to measure). Quality video is awesome... and the world is filled with talented folks who can make it. Fortunately (for true business professionals) it takes more than just creative talent to make it in the world of video. Business acumen and client management are just as important.

You can download the free eBook "From Still to Motion – The Business Manifesto" to get practical advice for professionals working in video and new media


Carry It… Check It… Rent It…

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Photo courtesy iStockphoto/Mathieu

While I’m not a road warrior, I easily log 50 flights a year for my job. I’ve had to travel with equipment all over the world for both photo and video projects.  Traveling just gets more and more expensive these days.  Here are a few rules that I apply to getting there safely with my sanity and equipment intact.

Carry It

I always carry these things onto the plane.

  • A roll-on bag with all my lenses and camera bodies. I have had luggage stolen, the thieves know what gear bags look like.
  • A laptop shoulder bag. With laptop, power supply, 2 TB of portable storage, and spare cables for all items.
  • The Internet. I have an iPad, an iPhone, and a Wireless Modem. Why do I have 3 internet connections at all times? Because its cheaper than paying for WIFI at the airport and hotel.  Plus its much more reliable than counting on clients and coffee shops.
  • A change of clothes. Because your bag will get lost at the worst time

Check It

When it comes to checked luggage, here are some tips to try to stretch your budget.

  • Weigh your bags. Weigh your bags before you fly.  A simple bathroom scale is worth keeping near your gear.
  • Prepay. Some airlines offer annual passes for baggage, while others give you a free bag with their branded credit card.
  • Choose wisely. One of my favorite airlines is Virgin America.  Not just for their lovely service and planes (with Internet), but for their $25 per bag and up to 10 bags policy.
  • Pack a bag. Overweight bags are more expensive than checking another bag.  I carry a very lightweight bag inside my suitcase for “overflow.”
  • Skycaps are your friend. Those great folks out front of their airport are often nicer than the folks inside.  Just walk up and hand them a five or ten dollar bill with your driver’s license.

Rent It

Don’t feel you have to lug all your gear with you.  All those bags can sure add up.

  • Hire local. Find a local crew person or assistant for the market you’re traveling to. These can be a lighting assistant or someone to help with gear on the shoot.
  • Find a peer. Use the ASMP Find a Photographer app or site to find a photographer to rent gear from. For video crews try the Creative COW services directory.
  • Look for a grip house. We typically rent lighting equipment and support gear. from a grip house, which are used by the video and motion picture industries.

Why all this hubbub?  These days every dollar counts.  Clients don’t really look at your rate plus expenses, they just see the bottom line.  In my experience, the better a traveler I am, the more money left over to go in my pocket.

Age is Just a Number

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I have seen myself go from being an upstart kid to a balding professional. But I have learned this... age is just a number. I have worked with wonderfully talented “kids” throughout my career. I have also chosen to surround myself with those who are more experienced than me. Both parties have added to my understanding of this medium and its creative applications.

While the guild system of old is all but destroyed, you can still preserve its spirit. Seek out others who you want to work with. Ignore their age and instead look at what they have to offer to the creative process. An open mind goes a long way. I continuously learn things from even the youngest employee or crew member. I also have learned to listen when someone else has something to say.

Video is a collaborative medium and one that has undergone a century worth of change in the last ten years. Bluntly... shut up and listen. Put any preconceived notions you may have about age or experience aside and open yourself to opportunity.
You can download the free eBook "From Still to Motion – The Business Manifesto" to get practical advice for professionals working in video and new media


You Can’t Be Good at Everything

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iStockphoto/FPM


Those who “know” me are likely thinking this is a hypocritical statement. But the truth is that you cannot be good at everything. It takes a keen awareness of your personal strengths and weaknesses in order to survive in the world of video.

Truly professional productions require a myriad of source elements. Video is much more than just moving pictures. You’ll need high-quality sound, compelling music, a well-written script, compelling graphics, art direction, and more.

I recommend a triage approach to developing a skills inventory:

  • Marketable Services – These are skills that you feel confident in selling to others. You should aim to keep this list below ten items (after all there’s a reason you have ten fingers). Be sure to develop these skills continuously through exercise (practical use) and training (conferences, books, online learning, and social media).
  • Potential Services – This category houses skills that you both want to offer and show potential aptitude. Look for opportunities to develop through personal projects and volunteering your time. Look for a mentor that you can serve under and log additional practice time.
  • Outsourced Services – There will be lots of services you need to make a video project. You can’t be good at all of them. Learn enough so you understand what’s involved, then build a good pool of talent that you can hire. There is no shame in hiring other professionals. In fact it is critical to the success of the industry. Through the mixing of creative professionals, new ideas are born.



You can download the free eBook "From Still to Motion – The Business Manifesto" to get practical advice for professionals working in video and new media

Finding and Hiring Contractors

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iStockphoto/belterzview

Find other professionals to work with can seem quite daunting at first. This is especially true if you are changing markets or professional focus. It’s important to realize that the film and video community is well established with its own professional groups and even unions. Finding qualified video crew is not difficult (if you know where to look).

  • Craigslist is Not Your Friend – Before we tackle where to look, lets get where not to look out of the way. I find that Craigslist (and others like it) are filled with ads looking for crews. Nearly all offer no pay (just experience). As such, most professionals don’t even bother looking here for work. It’s hard to find true talent when you’re surrounded by wannabes looking for a handout.

  • Professional Groups – There are numerous professional groups in most markets. A simple web search may turn up user groups for specific technology like tools from Apple or Adobe. You can also find groups that maintain directories and member programming such as MCA-I, Women in Film, and others.

  • Grip and Rental Houses – Many markets have grip and rental houses that rent lighting and support equipment used in the production of film and television projects. These places also rent to other video professionals and usually maintain or even staff crews that can be hired. These are great places to start when you need to hire in a different market.

  • Teaming – Chances are some of your colleagues are also getting into video production. Work with those you know. I have found that collaboration with colleagues works far better than viewing everyone as your competition. Work openly with those you trust and respect and go out of your way to work together. Those who are worth working with will certainly return the favor in some way.


You can download the free eBook "From Still to Motion – The Business Manifesto" to get practical advice for professionals working in video and new media


This post is sponsored by iStockphoto – www.istockphoto.com/richardharrington.php

My Favorite Browser Bookmarks and Why

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Photo by iStockphoto/JuSunview

Clientcopia – www.clientcopia.com
This site lets me know that everyone has crazy clients. Good for a laugh and a pick me up.

Basecamp HQ – www.basecamphq.com
I use this online project management tool for both my companies. This keeps me organized and ensures open communication with my clients.

Apple Trailers – www.apple.com/trailers
I’m a movie junkie. Plus this is an excellent way to see the best lit, best composed shots in the whole movie.

Rafael Concepcion – www.aboutrc.com/blog
RC is a helpful author and podcaster who shares his discoveries in great posts. He’s a natural storyteller and very passionate.

Twitter – www.twitter.com
I follow a great group of photographers and media pros. This is the water cooler/bar for the digital age. I get news, gossip, and strong opinions. Feel free to follow @rhedpixel and share any news you have with me as well.

Photo Focus – www.PhotoFocus.com
This site is an extensive collection of articles and resources. There are daily posts and I truly enjoy the breadth of coverage.

Screenr – www.Screenr.com
If I need to record a quick tutorial or show a colleague a technique, Screenr is great.

Creative COW – www.creativecow.net
This is where I go to get all of my video questions answered. You’ll find active forums and extensive selection of tutorials and podcasts.

Kelby Training – www.kelbytraining.com
This site offers a large selection of classes and tutorials by some of the top photographers and photoshop users in the world.

Mac Rumors – www.macrumors.com
I’m an Apple enthusiast. I like to know what’s going on as well as what might be going on in the Apple ecosystem.

Photoshop Disasters – www.psdisasters.com
This is another site that’s good for a laugh. It’s also educational as you can learn from other’s mistakes.

Triple Exposure – www.3exposure.com
This one is a blog I share ... but that doesn’t mean I don’t read it every day. There are great comments and resources all about my three favorite styes of photography – panoramic, HDR, and time-lapse.

How about you? What are your must read sites? I’m always looking for more.

This post is sponsored by iStockphoto

Free eBook – From Still to Motion–The Business Manifesto

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From Still to Motion–The Business Manifesto

Practical advice for professionals working in video and new media

Get it here

Final Cut Studio Goes Back On Sale

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I just got off the phone with a lovely woman at 1-800-MY-APPLE.

Here are the highlights of the call.

  • Final Cut Studio 3 is back on sale. In fact it’s been available for 4 days.
  • The studio costs $999 (just like it used to).
  • If you're a student, that’s $899 (just like it used to).
  • There are NO other discounts or upgrades that the representative could find.


This product is not on the consumer Apple website. You have to call 1-800-MY-APPLE. According to the representative… she says that there’s been A LOT of calls asking for it to go back on sale… so she was glad to be able to sell it again (instead of telling people no).

So there you have it…. Those of you sitting on older versions of Final Cut Pro can step up (but not upgrade). You’re now set if you needed new licenses to go with that new Mac Pro (oh wait, still waiting for that…).

Here’s another story on the re-release, if that helps.

I’ve updated my chart on where things stand for Final Cut Pro X (which still seems stuck in the middle).

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Need a Royalty-Free Audio Track (For Free)

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If you need to put together a new video or slideshow, I'd highly recommend checking out the Audio section of the iStockphoto website.

They have thousands of royalty-free audio tracks that are truly fully cleared. Buy the track and you can use it for just about anything with no additional rights to by or legal worries.

A lot of folks think they can use ANY track for "personal" use.

Nope. You cannot post to the web, show as your portfolio, use less than 30 seconds, etc. BE LEGAL and buy your music.

Except, I'll make it even easier on you to get started. I'll give you a track for free!

http://www.istockphoto.com/freeaudio

Photo by iStockphoto/chrisgramly