Joel Jackson
Forum Replies Created
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Kudos Mick. I agree. I need passionate employees that have a fuel for the industry. They are out there. But they are very hard to find.
I LOVE telling the story of when clients need their story told. It’s a daily challenge and with the right peeps it can be a joy to do.
Back to my original thought, how is this really lame economy affecting our biz?
In some respects, I think it is making it better for the independent. When people don’t have money to go to the theater, to the bars, to music concerts, out for dinner, and on vacation, what do they do? They watch TV, they go on the internet, they look fore “free” forms of entertainment. That’s what we can provide, that’s where we will be strong, and that’s where our industry will progress. We are the messangers, and without us, the message is lost.
I think it’s a good time for our biz, where we can really shine and make a name for ourselves. Who knows, I could be wrong.
Peace,
JoelJoel Jackson
http://www.creativebloc.com/port.html -
Well, as I sit here after a 12 hour day of shooting and transferring my P2 footage to my hard drives at 2:03am Paris time with a 7am call, I have to agree with Nick and Chris. It basically comes down to whether or not you really want it. Do you have the passion for the craft or are you looking for a paycheck? I can’t remember the last time I only worked an 8 hour day. Oh, except snowboarding 3 weeks ago for a few hours (I live in Denver). But something’s gotta give. Plus, I took a client and a contractor with me. I must admit, however, that business was not really the subject of our ski lift conversations.
I was actually talking with my client here in Paris tonight over dinner and we discussed this very fact. It’s across all industries. She is having the same problem with her employees. She is in a hiring freeze and is terrified of firing anyone yet she is constantly dealing with sub par work and taking more on herself to fill in the gaps. Maybe that’s where this post is leading. If you have the passion and desire to work in your given industry and are willing to commit to it maybe it’s possible to survive this economic climate. I say, “maybe” because I know there are a bunch of talented, committed (yet not quite institutionalized) people who are losing their jobs right now. But, I think those with drive and the power of innovation will survive.
I sure hope so, ’cause I’m banking on it (not with AIG though).
Best,
JoelJoel Jackson
http://www.creativebloc.com/port.html -
It’s been a while since I’ve had time to be on the COW, BUT, I’ll buy the inside cover for $1500.00. Seriously, today!
What I think we will find, and it may take some time, is that there is a reason our clients “stick” with us. They can shop out cheaper alternatives and may get good results once or twice, but do their new hires really understand their brand. Can they show up on a shoot and say, “wait, isn’t that the old packaging” to the producer to save his butt on set. That is what a true client relationship is all about. Protecting and making our clients look good. We’re in the business of making people, corporations, and broadcasters look good. And more importantly FEEL good. That may sound ridiculous but it’s true. Yes, there are a million professionals out there that can shoot and cut a “blow your mind” video (and I hire these people) but without that deeper dedication to the production and brand the client will not return for future business.
Here I am in Paris shooting high fashion for L’Oreal by my own design, for my own company. These are the business principals I believe in and as always, I could be wrong.
But I stray, what economically based issue are you guys dealing with? I really want to know what our industry is facing and I can’t find answers. Should I start a forum?
Best,
JoelJoel Jackson
http://www.creativebloc.com/port.html -
“Right now, Google is looking for video producers for their Adwords content network. Video ads”
How do I become a content provider for them? I was on the Adwords website and can’t figure it out?
Peace,
Joel Jackson
http://www.creativebloc.com/port.html -
In my experience professional societies are great to meet your competitors and to get an occasional job. I’d start by targeting a certain market (probably not national TV or Film)like corporate B2B, POS marketing companies or something a bit off the radar.
Also, if your the creative type find someone that is your counterpart in sales and marketing to help sell you, generate leads, and to overall get your name out there.
Get a demo online if you don’t have one and start combing the production websites, craigslist, ad agency boards, and the like for freelance ops (be careful there area lot of vultures out there).
The reel is the most important thing and personality a close second.
Once you get the first big hit others are sure to follow.
my 2
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Steve,
I notice by your signature that you’re fairly well invested in HD. I do a ton of HD GFX that I deliver via FTP, hard drive, or DVD. However, I never get the edits because I don’t have an HD cam deck (to master HD for broadcast) I want the edits as well as the GFX but I don’t have 50-70k to put down on a deck.
What’s the solution here? Anyone?
peace,
Joel Jackson
http://www.creativebloc.com/port.html -
Attitude has a lot to do with beauty and right now 13 doesn’t alway look so pretty to me!
Joel Jackson
http://www.creativebloc.com/port.html -
yeah she’d be great if you need a 13 year old girl with braces!
Joel Jackson
http://www.creativebloc.com/port.html -
Thanks for the info. I’m trying to see where to lead this ship right now. A lot of my clients are out of state and this requires many hours on planes away from my family and the local scene. This is why the ad agency idea came up.
I like the idea of hitting up the smaller ones first. I’m gonna give it a try. Would you suggest sending them to the web to see samples of work or would it be better to try and get a meeting and bring stuff to them?
Having demo material on the web is sometimes a hindrance when all you want to do is get a meeting to sell your company in person. They may get online and say to each other, “wow great work, call our guy and see if he can do that.”
If you never get to meet them you’ll never get the work right?
By the way, I see you’re in Huntsville, my daughter lives there.
Thanks,
Joel Jackson
http://www.creativebloc.com/port.html -
good advice Mark. It’s OK to learn on the job and charge for it. Just weigh what you already know with what you spent time learning and figure out a fair amount of hours. 125 per hour is not at all unreasonable if you are good at what you do.
If I spend 3-4 hours figuring out how to achieve a look or effect that I did not know how to do before the client approached me, I may charge 1/2 (say 2) the hours for the initial discovery period.
If we stop learning the craft does not progress. Market prices and demand determine what people are willing to pay for our services. as long as it is reasonable clients have no problem paying for something new and innovative even if you it requires a learning curve
pec