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Home: Video University Forums: Marketing & Business:
Just us -- or is business lousy?

X-JohnJoseph
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Oct 21, 2003, 9:31 PM

Post #1 of 7 (1465 views)
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Just us -- or is business lousy?	Can't Post

We are a diversified, full-time two-man video production outfit. In business 12 years. Average annual gross past three years, 130k. 2003 expected gross: maybe 80K.
For the first year ever, all of our markets are moribund. Dupe business (VHS) is RIP. Digital
/DVD is lukewarm to cold. Even weddings...so-so.
My own impression: we are seeing the dual impact of a slow economy and a video revolution (i.e. computer softwares that allow average Joe or Jane to do what we used to do almost exclusively for a fee.)
Any one with experience to share?

X-Ceci_Calderon
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Sep 4, 2000, 6:48 PM

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Re: The Dreaded Cold Call!!! [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm Beauty Consultant and I would like to try cold calling.
How would I go about telling the person on the other we are offering a free facial and makeover for trying our skin care line and cosmetics.

X-Catherine
Imported Account

Apr 14, 2001, 6:10 AM

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Re: copyright free music [In reply to]	Can't Post

: Clay:
: My favorite source is The Music Bakery, 800-229-0313, and their web site is:
: http://www.musicbakery.com
: I have used their music for years recommend it highly.
: Gene Varner

X-Paul_Bolden
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Oct 22, 2003, 11:36 PM

Post #4 of 7 (1464 views)
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Re: Just us -- or is business lousy?	Can't Post

We've noticed the trend for the last several years. We think that it is more tied to the falling prices of equipment and ease of functionality than it is the economy. I remember when the first NLEs came on the market...they were a configuration nightmare, huge learning curve, and not cheap by todays standards. Conversely, I picked up premiere pro last week and installed it on my laptop in less than 5 minutes. No real config needed and I was editing 2 minutes later. A couple of years ago we began to lose several big clients (banks and such). They simply couldn't resist the low prices offered by basement start-ups with a $600 capture card and a $1500 camcorder and I can't say that I necessarily blame them...pay us $5,000 or pay them $500. For $4,500 difference you'd almost have to give it a shot. A year and a half ago we re-directed our focus away from traditional markets which at this time is working well for us. Simply put, it can't be about the technology because everyone now has it!

X-Ron
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Oct 24, 2003, 10:53 PM

Post #5 of 7 (1464 views)
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Re: Just us -- or is business lousy? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Paul,
I have noticed the downturn for several years myself and I agree
that it is due to the low price of camcorders and editing and all
the low priced competition and companies having the work done in-house
by the owner or employee who now has a digital camcorder and PC/MAC.
You mentioned that you re-directed your focus away from traditional markets
and that it is working well for you. If I may ask, what are the new
markets that you are now aiming at?
Thanks in advance,
Ron
: We've noticed the trend for the last several years. We think that it is more tied to the falling prices of equipment and ease of functionality than it is the economy. I remember when the first NLEs came on the market...they were a configuration nightmare, huge learning curve, and not cheap by todays standards. Conversely, I picked up premiere pro last week and installed it on my laptop in less than 5 minutes. No real config needed and I was editing 2 minutes later. A couple of years ago we began to lose several big clients (banks and such). They simply couldn't resist the low prices offered by basement start-ups with a $600 capture card and a $1500 camcorder and I can't say that I necessarily blame them...pay us $5,000 or pay them $500. For $4,500 difference you'd almost have to give it a shot. A year and a half ago we re-directed our focus away from traditional markets which at this time is working well for us. Simply put, it can't be about the technology because everyone now has it!
:

X-John_Joseph
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Oct 25, 2003, 7:56 PM

Post #6 of 7 (1464 views)
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Re: Just us -- or is business lousy? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks, gentlemen, for confirming my suspicions. (The very dearth of responses to this question suggests one of two things: 1) The common user of this board is not full-time in our industry or 2) The common visitor to this board is broke and too depressed to say it!
JJ
\: We are a diversified, full-time two-man video production outfit. In business 12 years. Average annual gross past three years, 130k. 2003 expected gross: maybe 80K.
: For the first year ever, all of our markets are moribund. Dupe business (VHS) is RIP. Digital
: /DVD is lukewarm to cold. Even weddings...so-so.
: My own impression: we are seeing the dual impact of a slow economy and a video revolution (i.e. computer softwares that allow average Joe or Jane to do what we used to do almost exclusively for a fee.)
: Any one with experience to share?

X-Paul_Bolden
Imported Account

Oct 26, 2003, 3:30 AM

Post #7 of 7 (1464 views)
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Re: Just us -- or is business lousy? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hello Ron,
I will have to answer your question generically for obvious reasons. Here's some of what we're doing. We still offer such traditional services as corporate & event videography however we are no longer actively pursuing these markets. We have strengthened our relationships with the music industry and offer several integrated or bundled services designed to compliment our film and video capabilities while adding value for clients. We are also developing retail products. Ron, basically our idea is not to just think outside the box but to think so far outside it that when you look back you no longer see the box. What works today may not work tomorrow and what works tomorrow might not work the next day. With so many professionals and the huge ever growing number of prosumers/hobbyists trying to share the same space the keyword here is: ADAPT. Good Luck!