What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
As many other professionals will say, everything begins with the budget. I cater to the Client's needs and work to achieve their creative goals within budget limitations.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I take a look at the Client's website, social media, and previous videos to get a sense of their style. I develop a plan to optimize my Client's budget and achieve the highest quality production value for their price.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Studied two years at Pratt MWP before transferring to The Cooper Union School of Art. I interned for artists and production companies and gained industry experience. For two years, I managed a small, but well known studio in Manhattan before freelancing as a director/producer full-time.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
I've always worked and lived in the arts, and after developing an allergy to oil paint (which was my primary focus), video and film making was the most logical next step.
What types of customers have you worked with?
I've worked with many small businesses and ambitious, independent musicians and creatives.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
I recently shot a music video for an up and coming artist. The budget was very small, but we got creative with low budget tricks that made it look pro. Within 2 weeks off the premiere, the video racked up over 40,000 views on youtube, gaining the attention of many major music industry websites that continued to feature it.
A big plus was that the artist happened to have another video ready to go right after ours, so when he released that one, it took advantage of the momentum and that video got 40k views in just two days.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Provide budget first. Video producers and directors in NYC get many requests, and providing a budget shows that you are serious about creating a high quality product. There are many moving parts to production, it's a fluid art-- it's not like buying a pre-made mass produced item at a tech shop. Videos are custom creations, and context is everything. Be up front about your needs and expectations, and you'll get the highest quality product.
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
Customers should consider what they want the audience to get out of watching their video. Is the video showing off your personal style or work? Is it a call to action for people to buy your product? Is it a political message? It's great when customers come to me with reference videos of projects and elements that speak to them. References ensure that the Client and producer are on the same page about the look and feel of the final video.
