What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I work out a customized price per each project. We take into account shoot days, editing time, producing services, casting needs, set design/ costume needs, lighting and rentals. Simple shoots that require less, such as event videography, are budgeted less. Full service creative such as brand development from concept design, script writing and storyboard development through production, post production and marketing will be quoted higher.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I ask the customer questions about the scope of the work needed, their goals for the finished project, their budget, and their timeline for completion. Based on their feedback, I come up with my recommendation on an approach to the work and a quote for that approach.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
BA in Film and Communications, 15 years experience producing video for television, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 2013 Honoree, 6 time festival award winning director, Editing: FCP, Adobe, Media 100, Sony Vegas Cameras: Red Epic, Red Dragon, Ari Alexa, Sony FS7, Canon C300, Canon C100, Canon 5DMark III
How did you get started doing this type of work?
I have always been interested in telling stories. Since I was a child I have been writing and filming stories with the family camcorder. From high school on through college I was trained in my profession and I have spent the last 15 years honing my craft with real world industry experience. I have worked for television companies such as MTV, PBS, the Outdoor Life Network and studios such as NBC Universal. I have created films that have been distributed worldwide, won awards, and been recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
What types of customers have you worked with?
We have worked with customers ranging from corporations such as Mercedes, Nissan, Continental Tires, General Tire and Merck to government agencies such as NASA. We have created video and built campaigns for hospitals, universities, small corporations and Mom & Pop businesses. We have developed visions to market the of products and services of start ups, created content to help these companies raise financing and shot both video and photography for the events of townships, bands, families, and brides. As a boutique creative firm, we facilitate the unique personal needs of your project. Every project is as important to us as it is to you.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
Craft Worx; A New Art Form. We developed commercial video and print for the launch of a line of craft products by a start up. This project took 8 weeks from concept to screen. We aided the customer in determining his target sales market and then proposed campaign ideas that would help maximize that market. We spent several weeks in script creation, submitted several drafts to the client and communicated directly with him to gain his feedback on our concepts and to ensure that our message was effectively communicating his needs of brand recognition and the ideals of his company. Once we got it 100% right, the production planning, shoot, and editing took 3 weeks in its entirety and included, securing property rentals and permits, child casting, wardrobe creation, and the set decoration of an entire house. Here is what the client said about the experience:
“It was a pleasure to work with Silent Sea from the first phone call. Very pleasant, patient and accommodating. Highly professional, on top of every detail, positive attitude. Great marketing skills and delivered what he promised in a timely manner. I was impressed with the product and the video idea. Highly recommended!” - Joel Friedman- Owner of Craftworx.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
In today's economy price is important, but quality has always been important. Silent Sea's team has proven top notch quality and flexible prices for over ten years in the industry. Whereas price concerns everyone nowadays, it's important to find vendors who will stand by their product. We at Silent Sea make every effort to work with our customers to find the best packages within every price range and we customize our product to each customer's needs.
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
Think about the goals for your project and the scope of the work. What are you looking to accomplish? What is your timeline for completion? What is your budget? Where do you plan on using this content? If this is a video, where do you want it displayed, TV, website? Think about other work that you have seen that in similar to the content you wish us to create. What videos or photos inspired you to create this project?
