Providing a detailed break-down of the skills required to establish and grow a profitable production company, Managing a Video Production Company from Focal Press enables content creators and filmmakers to navigate the commercial video production world and the needs of its clients. Drawing on professional experience in the industry as well historical examples, author Tom Vaughan-Mountford illustrates the ways in which producers can avoid common pitfalls and better manage their business, projects, and clients.
Making the corporate world accessible for filmmakers, this book covers all aspects of the video production process, equipping creatives with the tools and the mindset to offer their skills to paying clients in a reliable, repeatable, and above all profitable manner. This book is ideal for filmmakers and content creators looking to establish a successful video production business, and features an online resource pack with example production paperwork including a call sheet, and example script re-writes.
Video is booming, but it is also becoming a commodity
Chapter 2 Getting down to Business
Business formalities to implement before searching for clients
Chapter 3 Working from Anywhere
Is an office space for your production company still a vital consideration?
Chapter 4 Assembling Your Team
Attracting the best talent to form your killer production team
Chapter 5 The Startup Shopping List
What constitutes an essential business expense?
Chapter 6 Promoting Your Business
Making sure prospective clients know who you are, and what you’re about
Chapter 7 Business Networking
Talking to the people that matter while promoting yourself with integrity
Chapter 8 The Gig Economy
Finding and securing good clients in an ocean of bad briefs
Chapter 9 Public Sector Tender
The ultimate test of your patience and administrative skills
Chapter 10 Receiving Your First Brief
Reading between the lines to deduce what your client truly wants
Chapter 11 Production Budgets
Estimating the costs and profitability of your creative ideas
Chapter 12 The Creative Pitch
Getting your creative ideas into the mind of your potential client
Chapter 13 How to Write an Awesome Script
Producing interesting videos about even the most dull subjects
Chapter 14 Keeping Your Production Organised
Turning your organizational skills into a competitive advantage
Chapter 15 Coaching On-Camera Contributors
Helping your clients convey their message with clarity and energy
Chapter 16 Communicating with Your Clients
Keeping projects running smoothly by precise communication
Chapter 17 Approval and Delivery
Diplomatically managing and accommodating the input of clients
Chapter 18 Doing It by the Book
Understanding the rules of copyright, and why you must obey them
Chapter 19 Behaving like a Pro
Developing an enviable reputation for integrity and professionalism
Chapter 20 Managing Your Tech
Building a technical infrastructure that will not let you down
Chapter 21 Managing Your Finances
Getting paid for your work, forecasting ahead, and staying in business