Charles Biddle
Forum Replies Created
-
The man that wrote the last post “Zvi” is now heading in a much better direction than on the original post. Now that you have explained yourself you seem to be much more competent and capable than previously noted. The last post should have been your first. I’ll leave it to that and hope that future we can help you as a fellow videograper/editor/director of photography/stage hand/camera operator/manager/owner/CEO/CFO/Assistant Director/Scenic Artist/Sound Mixer/Purchasing Agent/ Inventory Specialist/Field Producer/and artistic visionary I welcome you. You did say you were starting your own video business, right 😉
-
I apologize if I sounded sarcastic. I actually tried to point out that do to cultural differences, which is a safe assumption if your based in Israel just like if I tried to base my business on California market conditions. Thats a matter of states not countries. The only thing you also said about a business plan was “all night”. Nothing about having developed your plan to include direction, marketing, or sales approach. If you would have stated that you had a 35 page plan, well thought out, researched your competition, and evaluated your market and your own abilities your entire thread would have read different. Stating you simply can’t fail because your a 35 year old male with 5 children is laughable. A business with wit and heart is a great start and I commend you.
One question is if you have found other videograpers or editors to work with you. I do not believe a one man show can create a truly successful business. It’s not a question of intent, but rather how thin can you spread yourself and who doesn’t need a helping hand when filming, lighting, setting up, monitoring audio and video levels, post-production, and the other components of a video business. I’d love for you to succeed. Having adequate, no more than adequate, capital, equipment, and man power resources is necessary to start a business.
Also, what is the model of the $400 sony hi-def camera? The prices between here and Israel are 2-10 fold depending on if your referrencing an inexpensive consumer model (HC1) or a prosumer model (Z1U). The three cameras I purchased where $4k each and while better than most of my competitors are still of lower quality than some of the competitions. Software and effects suites cost me upwards of $15k with additions being made every 2-4 weeks. Computers are an entirely different story from a PC to even a minimal editing station. You need dual monitors, tons of harddrive storage (I have almsot 2TB), 2-4GB of Ram, and the newer the processor the better. It just adds up to a great deal more than the $7k. I respect that you only want help with the deal and that is one of the reasons I still strongly believe that you should get your advice from local sources. That’s my biggest point plain and simple. Like I said “Zvi, if you need advice on equipment and software this is the place for you.” Good luck to you and your business.
Oh yeah, what is the name of your business? Don’t forget to cover the bases with logo design, marketing, brochures, website (if needed), and trade shows. Good Luck. -
Another option might be making it a quicktime file, resize to whatever you need (ex. 240X180), use the sorenson squeeze 3 option under configure in video, reduce the sound sampling rate to a minimum ( I frequently use 24-34khz) and be sure to make the audio mono. I just compressed a 132MB file down to 5.4Mbps using this method.
-
As of march 31st 2007 I am in a similiar, hopefully better prepared, situation as Zvi. I just started my own event recording company and was suprised at the attitude of Zvi towards what was needed to start a business. I then realized that it’s a location and culture issue. The way we promote success in the US is through planning, preperation, and working for other people. Zvi worked “all night” on his business plan. I worked 6 weeks and make revisions and additions on a monthly basis. He also pointed out that the market is very open there and then later stated he knows several videographers. Big or small market? I can’t tell. My company, ICVideo, has reached into my pockets by about $40,000 and I am always left wondering if I have everything I need as far as equipment and software. Without knowledge of the market he is in, maybe a old Canon GL1 is a nice camera for the area. Maybe customers have no desire for 12″, Digital Juice, or Digial Hotcakes being added to their recordings. Zvi, if you need advice on equipment and software this is the place for you. If it’s business advice I would use local resources that understand where your coming from better. Case in point I charge $1600 US for 5hrs coverage of a wedding. Other events, for 3 Hi-Def Canon XH-A1 camcorders, go for $175hr plus editing. What are the comparable prices in your market?