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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Obtaining New Clients

Tim Morris said:
@ Josh Wilkinson

I recently found out about Thumbtack and I have been using it for about a month. I must say.....I have had numerous leads sent my way that I otherwise would not have gotten. I am curious to see who else uses this platform.
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I used it as a starting platform for lower paying work before moving up a bit. It was just stressful because of how quick you need to respond to those emails (often 2-5 minutes for non-wedding work, so have forms prepared), so I stopped using it this year. Might go back only to quote for commercial work in the future but I haven't thought that far ahead yet.
 
Mostly word of mouth and warm market. It's tough to get into cold market but you can hit events, network, social media, etc. Social media is a huge part of it and also having a great website and overall presentation so if someone you meet or interact with online looks you up they see an amazing reel and such are more likely to reach out to you for work.

But overall it's just a long process of building a network of people internally and gathering all the people you know and coming together to connect with people they know. Being a person with outstanding character that people remember you by always helps too as they will spread your name around to others so reputation is key as well. But starting out you'll need to target the cold market and build a resume if you don't already have one. Along the way you'll build a network of people and from there it all falls into place as long as you stay busy and interact.
 
What's your ratio between quotes sent and hired? I've had Thumbtack for a few months now and haven't gotten anything from it. I've gotten a lot of people who say their budget is one thing, but then when I actually speak to them, it's considerably less (ex: 1 potential client put $5K for his budget for a short film and then when I got him on the phone, he said it was only $100. That's happened more than once, just with different numbers). Have you had that experience too?
 
So, basically you’re saying it’s not worth the effort? I was hoping that changing cities (from Orlando to Atlanta) would help, but it doesn’t seem that way. Is there a site that you recommend? Need to get on that client train again.
 
I have gotten a few gigs off of Thumbtack and a couple of those are now repeat clients. The last few months though has been a bunch of crap at least in my market, your mileage may vary.
 
Darius Lyles said:
Thumbtack has quickly turned into a paid craigslist.
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I've mostly stopped pursuing Thumbtack leads lately because the listed budgets are so low, it didn't seem worth pursuing them. I've gotten better leads through Craigslist, honestly. And I've even gotten one or two decent leads through Staffmeup.
 
Good to go. Thanks for that info too. I’ve not had much success with Craigslist or StaffMeUp. I’m beginning to think it might be my reel itself. What do you think: www.LightHawk.studio.

Obviously, I need to shoot more, but I’m not starting from scratch either, so...
 
Tim Morris said:
@ Josh Wilkinson

I recently found out about Thumbtack and I have been using it for about a month. I must say.....I have had numerous leads sent my way that I otherwise would not have gotten. I am curious to see who else uses this platform.
Click to expand...

I've used Thumbtack for about a year and didn't land a single job from it. (This was for a photography business) I was really excited when Thumbtack instituted the policy of returning credits when the potential clients flaked out on you. I started using it less because I'd do up a full post for a potential client, give them a quote, etc. and then they'd look at it (which would take my credit since they "viewed" it) and never respond. It became a money sink with no return investment. Though they did change the policy, which is much better now, I've still never landed a client from Thumbtack. I'm glad to hear it is working for others though!
 
Yeah, that’s what it has turned into for me too. A money sink. I had same thing happen just recently (as in earlier this week). Put in a bid for something I know I’m more than qualified to do, dude viewed my quote, and then never responded to anything I sent afterwards.
 
Ty Hunt said:
Yeah, that’s what it has turned into for me too. A money sink. I had same thing happen just recently (as in earlier this week). Put in a bid for something I know I’m more than qualified to do, dude viewed my quote, and then never responded to anything I sent afterwards.
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I have a small percentage of suspicion that requests are bogus - I've had dozens so far, and yeah, same thing. Lots of views, no other people the person has contacted, and they view the quote then say nothing. It's expensive as hell to bid on Thumbtack, especially for such little info the potential client can provide beforehand.
 
Mat_G said:
If your a camera operator and don't mind working under a DP, look up Representation companies like Gersh. Reach out to the DPs.

Repeat above if your a really good DP and look for the Director Representation companies sites and reach out the Directors.
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Right on. Thanks for that info.
 
BrendanLeahy said:
I have a small percentage of suspicion that requests are bogus - I've had dozens so far, and yeah, same thing. Lots of views, no other people the person has contacted, and they view the quote then say nothing. It's expensive as hell to bid on Thumbtack, especially for such little info the potential client can provide beforehand.
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Agreed.
 
If you have no contacts yust showreel the hell out of your footage and promote yourself and what you are capable of ! Thats what helps the most alongside getting new contacts and connections in the buisness I think.
 
Alexander_Klose said:
If you have no contacts yust showreel the hell out of your footage and promote yourself and what you are capable of ! Thats what helps the most alongside getting new contacts and connections in the buisness I think.
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Good to go. I’ll continue doing that. I’m sure it’s a matter of patience and perseverance for me.

PS. I deleted my account at Thumbtack. I sent too many quotes (around $200 worth), and didn’t get a single client from it. It’s a shame too b/c it was always exciting to see a new lead pop up.
 
Alexander_Klose said:
If you have no contacts yust showreel the hell out of your footage and promote yourself and what you are capable of ! Thats what helps the most alongside getting new contacts and connections in the buisness I think.
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Networking has been my main source of work so far; I got a feature film gig because a film I'd shot was screening in a tiny local film sharing gathering, and the director was looking for a cinematographer at the time.

I'm also working with an editor on building a new reel, because it's going to be a while until that director is able to fund another film.
 
Ty Hunt said:
PS. I deleted my account at Thumbtack. I sent too many quotes (around $200 worth), and didn’t get a single client from it. It’s a shame too b/c it was always exciting to see a new lead pop up.
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I know that feeling all too well :(
 
Quick question for all; when clients request Red equipment are they specifying DSMC/DSMC2, do they want the latest camera with the highest rez?
 
Most of the time, they're using the buzzwords, but don't really know what they're asking for. Never once have I had a client specify which version of the camera they need. They usually say, "I don't know. What do I need?"
 
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