Friday, September 27, 2024

Beyond the One-Trick Pony: Making Real Money in the Video Business

 

Beyond the One-Trick Pony: Making Real Money in the Video Business

Hey there, aspiring filmmakers and video enthusiasts! Robert Hanley here, producer, director, editor, and founder of Home Video Studio. Let's chat about something that's been on my mind lately: the muddy waters of the video production business.

Let's face it - these days, everyone's a "videographer." With 4K-capable smartphones in millions of pockets, we've got an army of potential Spielbergs out there. But here's the million-dollar question: How do you stand out? How do you turn that passion for video into cold, hard cash?

The One-Trick Pony Dilemma

If you're trying to make a living solely by shooting video, you're what I call a "one-trick pony." And let me tell you, you're competing in a very, very noisy market.

Think about it. What are you going to shoot on? A DSLR? A smartphone? A fancy Black Magic camera? Are you going 4K or pushing into 8K territory? It's a muddy business right now.

The Home Video Studio Approach

Now, I've been in this game a long time. I've shot everything from 35mm film to corporate videos and TV commercials. But here's what I've learned: being a great shooter isn't enough. Being a great editor isn't enough. You need to know how to make money with video. You have must have a plan.

That's where Home Video Studio comes in. We're not just about teaching you how to frame a shot or set up lights (though we do that too). We're about teaching you how to run a successful video business that makes money.

Diversify or Die

Here's the secret sauce: diversification. Home Video Studio isn't a production company - it's a video production services company. That means we offer a wide variety of services, and as a Home Video Studio owner, you get to choose which ones you want to offer.

We're talking:

  • Film and tape transfers
  • Video editing
  • Sports videos
  • Photo montages
  • Slide transfer

And yes, video production too if you want that. By diversifying, you're not putting all your eggs in one basket. You're not relying solely on booking that next big shoot. (you'll go broke trying to do that). You've got to have multiple revenue streams (we call them profit centers), and trust me, that's how you survive and thrive in this business.

The Choice is Yours

At the end of the day, you've got to make a choice. Do you want to be a starving artist, or do you want to be a creative businessperson? Because let me tell you, shooting video is fun. It's exciting to be on location with lights and actors. But that excitement fades quickly if you're not making money.

So here's my advice: think beyond just being a shooter. Think about how you can offer a suite of video services. Think about how you can solve problems for people using video. That's how you stand out in this crowded market.

Remember, in the video business, it's not just about creating art. It's about creating a sustainable, profitable business that allows you to keep doing what you love.

Robert Hanley CEO & Founder
Home Video Studio
"At the end of the day, you've got to make a choice. Do you want to be a starving artist, or do you want to be a creative businessperson?" 

So, are you ready to be more than a one-trick pony? Are you ready to really make money with video? If so, maybe it's time to think about joining the Home Video Studio family. We'll teach you not just how to make great videos, but how to make a great living doing it.

May the Force (and the profits) be with you!

Robert Hanley

Producer/Director Editor CEO & Founder - Home Video Studio

317-358-5932

www.myhomevideostudio.com

www.youtube.com/c/HomeVideoStudio 


Copyright Home Video Studio Consulting, Inc 2024

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