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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 :)

Start in the Commercial/Music Video business?

Thanks! Much help!

So, you guys recommend just approaching the stores just in person? What if its run by a fanchise and for example: pizza pizza. - just giving an example. Wouldn't something like this need to be done through themain person in charge?
 
the best door-opener (other then "knowing people" [I don't like this attempt at all but yeah - things often just roll like that, like it or not]) are still good references, word-of-mouth, personal recommendations... if you have the chance to; show em your skills, your motivation, give them what they want before they already know they want it... basically; impress them. But don't overdo it (it's a thin line after all).

this will not happen from one day to another... but if you're really after it and motivated I'm sure you can make it :)

so; showing up in person asking for jobs -> why not... you can try it... but you need quite some self-confidence to actually sell yourself and to be able to give them arguments. That's why it's not really good to do this stuff in situations where you're like looking for a job since weeks/months and are kind of down/resignated. People who hire other people can usually easily tell in what psychic shape you are. So if you don't do "anything" in that field at the moment - better start a project or something, that's also stuff you can mention in the "what I currently do"-section...

but that's all more like empty words from me - it's up to you to get things started! I wish you the best luck if wou're really up to follow this path :)
 
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Okay thanks.
I know a director who I went with to school, who is amazing at what he does and the best thing is, he can convince anyone to do anything almost.

I have not worked with a better director than him thus far. So, I would like to work with him, and he wants to work with me. So, we would team up. With his skills of convincing people, it should be easier than if I were to do it :)
 
Michael Frymus said:
Okay thanks.
I know a director who I went with to school, who is amazing at what he does and the best thing is, he can convince anyone to do anything almost.

I have not worked with a better director than him thus far. So, I would like to work with him, and he wants to work with me. So, we would team up. With his skills of convincing people, it should be easier than if I were to do it :)
Click to expand...

It has been my experience that businesses who advertise on TV generally do so through an advertising agency, or have a relationship with AEs at TV stations. Cold calling businesses trying to do TV commercials for them is going to be very tough. And here is the other side of the coin.... So you convince business X to let you shoot a commercial for them. What are they then going to do with said commercial? Tailoring a commercial to deliver the message you intend is only part of the equation. The real meat, is in the air buy. Selecting the proper run schedule and media outlets is the determining factor in whether or not the commercial campaign is successful. And a successful ad campaign will likely encourage the business to keep using you, where a failed ad campaign will likely convince the business that TV advertising doesn't work, and you both loose. My thoughts.... Start by targeting advertising/marketing agencies. They will all have production companies they use for commercial production, but if you can get your foot in the door by doing overflow work, it would be a good way to put yourself on the radar of others needing your services.

Good luck!

Dave
 
Michael Frymus said:
Thanks! Much help!

So, you guys recommend just approaching the stores just in person? What if its run by a fanchise and for example: pizza pizza. - just giving an example. Wouldn't something like this need to be done through themain person in charge?
Click to expand...

United States has almost no independent businesses in many states - just chains - but your only hope is a local indy guy who needs a web ad or a TV spot. No chain will hire you at this stage of your career, as they go through an agency. You need to focus on little guys, and independent franchisees have no almost say on promotion. Your reel needs to be stronger than it is before going to any agency, at least in this market (Montreal, Toronto, New York).

I'm not saying you won't get there, but you're not there yet.

It's tough because there is no middle anymore in production, just high and low, and low is a tough place to earn any money at all.
 
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Robert Ruffo New said:
United States has almost no independent businesses in many states - just chains - but your only hope is a local indy guy who needs a web ad or a TV spot. No chain will hire you at this stage of your career, as they go through an agency. You need to focus on little guys, and independent franchisees have no almost say on promotion. Your reel needs to be stronger than it is before going to any agency, at least in this market (Montreal, Toronto, New York).

I'm not saying you won't get there, but you're not there yet.

It's tough because there is no middle anymore in production, just high and low, and low is a tough place to earn any money at all.
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Thank you..Rob..this post 100% read my mind.
Some of the advice given here has been hopelessly outdated and/or delusional.
No-one makes a living...or really..any money at all doing commercials for local pizza shops.

The owner of the shop have a neighbor..who knows a friend..who has a nephew who just
graduated college with a media degree and has a 5D who will shoot it in exchange for a couple pizzas.

Real professionally produced commercials specialize in terms of Sports..Autos..Food..Retail..
Fashion...Hair/Cosmetics...etc....So if you want to work in that field...you need to familliarize
yourself with those standards and then shoot specs that're just as good. From your reel you
are probably couple years away from there. It's great if you can get PA or production work so
you can see and learn on set. But if you can't find it...then any job that lets you make money
will help you shoot on your own and help you to your long term goals. Anyone who is making
any money at all in this field does it usually by really focusing on one thing. Specialize.
 
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Music Videos is easy. Just check out artists you like contact them and offer to do music videos for low or free.

If you look up Video Fact and factor and other government grants If you have knowledge of those you can do indie videos and still make money.


Videos is what I do
Comercials I would consider the same. Contact people who are doing it and offer your services. You will need to do low or free until you build your name and your resume.
Any other questions deathchamberzmusic@gmail.com
 
You could also approach non-profits to produce PSA's for the web.

Also watch everything you shoot and be honest about what you can improve. I edit a lot of what I shoot, which makes it easier to shoot because I know what an editor needs and sometimes doesn't get. I still sometimes still curse myself as I am a hash critic, but just not nearly as often as when I first started out so many years ago.
 
Stay away from large franchises.
Start small and very local. Like I said there are local used car dealerships, Motor homes, RV's, Boat dealers, chinese buffets, Spas, injury lawyers, dentists, chiropractors, technical schools, Appliance retailers, mattress stores, gun clubs, fishing equipment stores, wine cheese liquor stores etc always running commercials on local and regional TV.
Remember these folks only care about their company name mentioned 10 times and their phone number shown. You'll be surprised to find out theres only one or two people in your town doing them, most likely your local TV station. The local tv stations will shoot for free as long as the client is buying airtime. Approach the TV station, they'll be real glad to sub-contract the free work to you, to start out. I'm speaking from experience in three different states. but abut 12 years ago. Things haven't changed much...

Michael Frymus said:
Okay thanks.
I know a director who I went with to school, who is amazing at what he does and the best thing is, he can convince anyone to do anything almost.

I have not worked with a better director than him thus far. So, I would like to work with him, and he wants to work with me. So, we would team up. With his skills of convincing people, it should be easier than if I were to do it :)
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thats a start. Good luck. if you are determined and passionate with no plan B, you will get there. Filmmaking is a get up and shoot business, not really for day dreamers. Every sequence you shoot today will shape your career tomorrow. If you are still young, shoot everything like its your last roll of film ever
 
Peter Stelzhammer said:
the best door-opener (other then "knowing people" [I don't like this attempt at all but yeah - things often just roll like that, like it or not]) are still good references, word-of-mouth, personal recommendations... if you have the chance to; show em your skills, your motivation, give them what they want before they already know they want it... basically; impress them. But don't overdo it (it's a thin line after all).

this will not happen from one day to another... but if you're really after it and motivated I'm sure you can make it :)

so; showing up in person asking for jobs -> why not... you can try it... but you need quite some self-confidence to actually sell yourself and to be able to give them arguments. That's why it's not really good to do this stuff in situations where you're like looking for a job since weeks/months and are kind of down/resignated. People who hire other people can usually easily tell in what psychic shape you are. So if you don't do "anything" in that field at the moment - better start a project or something, that's also stuff you can mention in the "what I currently do"-section...

but that's all more like empty words from me - it's up to you to get things started! I wish you the best luck if wou're really up to follow this path :)
Click to expand...

Knowing people is all about what they know you FOR, otherwise it has no value. The waiters at the latest hip restaurant in LA "know" a lot of powerful people, but that doesn't mean they're selling them screenplays (or even getting anybody to read them, unless they're hot girls) or getting any work on these people's projects. Some may have talent (who knows) but they're seen as waitstaff.
 
Brian Pascale said:
Also watch everything you shoot and be honest about what you can improve. I edit a lot of what I shoot, which makes it easier to shoot because I know what an editor needs and sometimes doesn't get. I still sometimes still curse myself as I am a hash critic, but just not nearly as often as when I first started out so many years ago.
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I critique myself a lot and too harshly sometimes. But, it does help to realize what you did wrong and to remember it for next time.
I also watch behind the scenes of big budget films and such to learn more when I have the time, then apply what I learned in my own films.

PatrickFaith said:
If your in LA, there is the "music video festival" on May 1st-4th, I would think that would be a good oppertunity to understand the scene - which I think is a starting point for your question (I will be dropping by there for a bit).http://www.downtownindependent.com/events/los-angeles-music-video-festival-may-1st-may-4th
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Opposite end of the world...
Live fairly close to Toronto A few neighboring cities away. - About 30 minutes away
 
Michael Frymus said:
I critique myself a lot and too harshly sometimes. But, it does help to realize what you did wrong and to remember it for next time.
I also watch behind the scenes of big budget films and such to learn more when I have the time, then apply what I learned in my own films.


Opposite end of the world...
Live fairly close to Toronto A few neighboring cities away. - About 30 minutes away
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Toronto is OK, but almost everything done in that city has a doco/naturalistic slant that is different from elsewhere. If you like that style, it's a good fit, otherwise it's not. Canadians are also notoriously conservative - in that they are not that interested in breaking new talent, unlike the US which can and will take a risk a bit more often.
 
David W. Jones said:
Great business to work in?

Let me say that the climate has changed drastically in the world of shooting commercials. Many production companies have closed their doors due to the economy. TV commercial budgets have continued to shrink to ridiculously low levels. Spots that were being shot with a crew of 7 are now being shot by single or 2 man crews due to budget cuts. And the competition is cutthroat, with TV stations doing free commercial production with an air buy, and radio/television/film school grads like yourself, who will work for free just so they can put a reel together. I can't tell you how many times I have had to reinvent myself and change my business model in order to survive. Maybe somebody with a different perspective will chime in and offer you a great job in a fantastic market and start you along your way.

Good Luck!

Dave
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Its funny how many people like you complain about the economy. Where you see depletion I see opportunity. Ive made a ton of money based mainly off the reasons you describe. For years top heavy production houses have made a killing well guess what times have changed. What i will say to you Micheal is build a name for yourself and guard it with your life. People will always pay for a name that holds weight. On top of that go get the work its not gonna fall on your lap. Take it from me. I truly started from the bottom. Not to seem like a fairytale but I never went to school for this, no degree or any fancy internship. Heck I got a masters in accounting and now I make a living in media. Im no expert theres a million people on this forum that thousands of times the knowledge that I have but thats not gonna stop me from my dream of 4k raw domination! hahaha With all that I said just go hard man and never pass up an opportunity. Let the bashing begin hahahahaha.
 
Nick Pasquariello said:
I'm going to give you some advice that will be hard to swallow. But everyone I've met your age (and especially me, when I was your age) needs to hear this.

Seriously.

Ready?

You're not special. The past 20 years of your life every parent and teacher and administrator has been telling you and your peers that you're all special unique little butterflies. You're not. And especially if you were top dog in your school, you're not just a little guppy, and to feel that fall from grace HURTS.

The bigger secret, however, is that neither is anyone else. Your favorite director, DP, actor? Guarantee they started out doing shit work and shit jobs. Paying your dues isn't just a hazing period. It's literally how you learn a craft. It's how all those other guys got to where they are. Louis C.K. was in an interview recently, and was asked, basically, how only he can do the things he's done because of his specific audience and the reach of his website. And he shot back with "And how did I get there?" The reporter said Well, you put in the time. And he responded Exactly. I put in the time. No one gave me anything, I put in the time to build up those things. The only thing separating me from anyone else is time.

If the shitty jobs on Craigslist will pay the bills, start there. If there's a studio near you that you can start as a PA in, go there. I lucked into a PA job for Hasbro's internal studio, and it was sort of like grad school for me. I didn't know ANYTHING when I started (though, I thought I did at the time) and now, 3 years later, I'm out on my own, doing pretty well as a DIT, getting an occasional shooting job as well.
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HAHA You my friend are amazing and from the northeast!
 
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