[Andy Jackson]

Hi Guys.

I have also noticed how quiet the cow is lately but maybe its because of what I have been noticing over the past 10 years.

1. Theres no work!

2. Any work that maybe found is being either filmed for free by newbies or the customers are now doing it themselves as equipment is now sooooooo cheap.

3. If you do get a little bit of work – its for peanuts or your not sure how long it will last. Not enough to make a full time living in after paying all your taxes etc.

4. One month you are busy. When I say busy I mean one weeks work in that month then you may have nothing for three months.

5. No genuine enquiries by phone or email. Sometimes competition ringing to check if you are also still in business. May get about 1 genuine enquiry a month (this maybe the only time your phone actually rings) if your lucky but usually comes down to the cheapest price if you get the job.

4. Every video producer is now stressed wondering where their next meal ticket is coming and using all their time marketing with no success.

6. Too many new websites popping up every week and disapearing. Customers which are few and far between don`t know where to turn.

7. Lots of people have now got out of the business, gone part time or now do it as a hobby to earn a bit of tax free pin money or changed careers so they can guarantee a pay cheque.

This is the reality.

People have lost all hope and faith in the business so I`m not surprised the cow is seeing the results.

[Andy Jackson]

Hi Steve.

Im only here to give my honest opinion.
As I still have ex-collegues who keep in touch with me in the business who give me feedback I feel I should pass it on

If you read through my threads you will understand why my input is valuable.

An no I will not going back into this declining undervalued industry ever again.

28 years ago yes…. now, no way hosay!

[Andy Jackson]

Mark.

It`s not going to get any easier. I can assure you.

Sorry buts its true.

There is another problem…..GOOGLE!

Companies now go on google where they check forums like this and note that all video companies are struggling.

Type this into google “video production business is slow” or something similar and you will get the idea. Its the same with the photography business.

Try it with other professions and you won`t get the amount of results the video and photography business recieves.

Another reason budgets are dropping.

Its depressing!

[Andy Jackson]

Hello Scott.

My account also coincidentally went into permanent moderation without notice or any reason by Ron.

I mentioned in earlier posts that creativecow makes out the video production business to be a great career move only because they want to keep their advertisers/sponsors happy.
Maybe this is the reason.

Even though I have now changed careers I still keep in touch with my ex-colleagues. All still saying the business is racing to the bottom on rates.

I`ve also noticed more and more websites popping up showing some dslr Shallow DOF, shakey footage (which seems to be the norm nowadays) with post colour grading which makes me assume more and more students are taking the plunge into self employment. I wonder how many are actually being paid more than the minimum wage.

Is it still Feast or Famine? No… its Now STARVATION!!!!

Would be better off flipping burgars with a guaranteed paycheck and benefits.

[Andy Jackson]

I went one better Jacob and got out of the business to pursue another career.

My story : https://forums.creativecow.net/thread/17/876369

Hope this helps.

Cheers Andy

[Andy Jackson]

Marketing was also a big issue for me.

To much competition after the same business which led to a race to
the bottom in pricing.

Feast or Famine as they say.

Ended being mostly famine as i could not compete with the noobs doing it for free

[Andy Jackson]

Hi Mark.

I feel your pain.
This is the reason I changed careers.

Read my thread about my experience.

https://forums.creativecow.net/thread/17/876369

Hope this helps.

Cheers Andy

[Andy Jackson]

Whatever their willing to pay you.

It`s a buyers market.

[Andy Jackson]

Hi Ned.

Read my dilema before you even think of carrying on in this shark infested business.

Just my 2 cents worth.

https://forums.creativecow.net/thread/17/876369

[Andy Jackson]

Hi Tim.

Just had to check who petco were.
Think its called pets at home here in the UK.

Seems like it might be a good move.
Nice fluffy animals to look after instead of the vicious sharks eating away at you.

I moved to a blue chip I.T. company who deal with corporate and goverment installations for various sectors.

With my knowledge of building pc systems, networks and severs, for my editing needs , it got me a foot in the door.
All straight forward stuff and it brings in a regular paycheck which I have not seen for a while.

Happy days!!