[Marshall Thompson]

As a pro producer with more than 20 years’ experience I have had my share of dry spells. Surprisingly, this year I am doing great I am happy to report. With the advent of FCP and cheap DV cameras, everyone is a producer. Thus, one has to market all the time to differentiate yourself from the 10,000 other hungry producers. Do you have a website? How about a group of your projects on YouTube prospective clients can look at? A race to the bottom of rates as a competitive strategy works for no one. That said, I do a fair amount of pro-bono work – always have – and have developed a niche practice in several areas, something you might consider. Mine include healthcare, energy both fossil fuels and alternative, aviation, education and government. Once you are established you will get referrals and repeat business. How do you present yourself? Do you look like a homeless bum or do you dress and present yourself as a professional. Do you smoke? This is a big turn off to many clients. How’s the quality of your language? Do you write for your clients? Writing is a very important skill, absolutely essential. It is NOT all about the technology, it is all about telling stories. Forget about technology groups (sorry COW!), learn something about business and marketing. Marketing is the single most important aspect of your work, far more important than learning how to shoot and edit because, as you have learned, any bum will whore themselves out for $200.00 or $300.00 a day with gear.