Top Tips on How to Pursue a Career in Video Production
If a picture is worth a thousand words, what is a video worth? Yes, it’s hard to imagine a more powerful tool for reaching people, (for whatever it is you are trying to reach them for) than video. After all, video production is really all about bringing ideas to life with the power of images. And one good video can change the world. But the world of video production is also fiercely competitive. So, check out our top tips on how to pursue a career in video production.
1. Research the companies you might want to work with
Careers in video production are not created equally. You might find opportunities working directly for video production companies, but you can also seek out marketing agencies, entertainment brands or even companies who have a need for in-house video production. The point is to create a comprehensive list of potential employers you can target once you’re ready.
2. Show us what you got
In other words, develop your portfolio. Companies looking to fill a video production position are definitely going to be interested in actually seeing what you can do, by seeing what you have already done. Start building a portfolio of your work no matter what stage your expertise is in. Once you’ve assembled enough relevant work, you can easily narrow down what makes the cut for a strong portfolio. Keep in mind the more diverse your work is, the more likely you are to find a company looking for what you have to offer.
3. Reach out and be persistent
When you’re ready, reach out to the companies on the list you’ve compiled. Try and find out who the hiring manager is and offer to do a project for free. What better way to get your foot in the door? But there’s a fine line between being persistent and being a pushy pest. Keep it to a weekly call or email and keep it friendly and professional. Don’t give up unless you 1. Get told to go away 2. They agree to give you a shot. Do your homework on the companies you’re targeting to find something you might be able to engage them on. Does their online video put you to sleep? Do they not have a video on their website? Offer simple, polite suggestions and make it about what you can do for them. Not what they can do for you.
4. Work for free
Otherwise known as pro-bono work. You may be wondering exactly how you get enough experience to build the strong portfolio you’ll need to land your dream job without, well, experience. It can be a tough sell to get someone to hire you without it. That’s where pro-bono comes in. Seek out strategic opportunities to volunteer your time and services that will help you not just gain experience; but will also help you make valuable connections.
5. Transform your portfolio into your own personal brand
What better way to showcase your portfolio of video excellence than via your own website? Build it around you by buying a domain name of your own name and creating a website that highlights your best work. Describe the projects you’ve chosen to upload and craft an engaging bio about who you are and what you’re all about. Link your other social pages to your website and if you haven’t already, create a LinkedIn profile with a business page for your work. Branding is not a one-dimensional thing. Take a broad view and try to encapsulate your brand over a variety of mediums.
6. Start with the right foundation
This might be the most important tip of all. But coming to the table with the skills and training that employers are looking for is going to give you a head start at landing your dream gig. And even though it seems like anyone with a smart phone can create a viral video, the kind of long-lasting career you’re looking for is built on the firm foundation of an education in video production.
If you’re looking for a place to start building that foundation, these top tips on how to pursue a career in video production and the Video Production / Recording Audio Engineering Program at International College of Broadcasting (ICB) is a great place to start. The program features hands-on, in-studio experience that prepares students for the real world of video production and audio engineering, concentrating on audio art as it relates to the traditional music recording industry and its new partnership with video. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation with our admissions department.