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Home: Video University Forums: Wedding & Event Videography:
Starting a business!

 

 


X-Ram
Imported Account

Apr 26, 2003, 11:50 PM

Post #1 of 7 (890 views)
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Starting a business! Can't Post

Hi folks:
Ok... this is the situation! I have basic knowledge in NLE (Adobe Premiere to be exact) and have some basic knowledge in videographing! I have worked on making a music video album with local talents! I with the equipemt that I have (Canon GL-1 DV Camera and an NLE system with adobe Premiere), I'm looking to start a small wedding/Co-operate videographing company consist of me and couple of other friends. Now can anyone please give me some opinion / advice on this... and what r the things I need to know and do before starting a business. Also do I need to take any kind of videographing course or certificate before doing this? I u think I should then can u recommand any perticualr courses? I'm a full time electrical engineer... therefore I'm looking to do this as a part time business (at least at the beginning) to compliment my income. Any kind of help/advice from u this much appreciated! Also I seems to thing that there is a decent amount of money can be made from this business... how accurate is my thinking? Is Canon GL-1 a good camera to use for weeding/co-operate videography? I know that I'm throwing a tones of question at u... that's cuz I'm a rookie... help me out!


X-Gregory_Lee
Imported Account

Apr 27, 2003, 1:20 AM

Post #2 of 7 (890 views)
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Re: Starting a business! Can't Post

Have you purchased the "Video Guide to Wedding Videography" by Mitch Lang, and "Wedding for Profit" book?
I have the video, but not the book. The video was okay, but I think most of the demos on the video were taped back in the '80s with one camera setup, so I wasn't overly impressed.
I don't have the book, but I'm tempted to get it; It seems a little pricey though, at over $60. What do others think of "Wedding for Profit"?

: Hi folks:
: Ok... this is the situation! I have basic knowledge in NLE (Adobe Premiere to be exact) and have some basic knowledge in videographing! I have worked on making a music video album with local talents! I with the equipemt that I have (Canon GL-1 DV Camera and an NLE system with adobe Premiere), I'm looking to start a small wedding/Co-operate videographing company consist of me and couple of other friends. Now can anyone please give me some opinion / advice on this... and what r the things I need to know and do before starting a business. Also do I need to take any kind of videographing course or certificate before doing this? I u think I should then can u recommand any perticualr courses? I'm a full time electrical engineer... therefore I'm looking to do this as a part time business (at least at the beginning) to compliment my income. Any kind of help/advice from u this much appreciated! Also I seems to thing that there is a decent amount of money can be made from this business... how accurate is my thinking? Is Canon GL-1 a good camera to use for weeding/co-operate videography? I know that I'm throwing a tones of question at u... that's cuz I'm a rookie... help me out!


X-Arkadiusz
Imported Account

Apr 27, 2003, 1:33 AM

Post #3 of 7 (890 views)
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Re: Starting a business! [In reply to] Can't Post

Hey
I got both the video and the book... like you said, I wasn't too impressed with the video... I love the book tho.
It covers everything from marketing to bridal shows and many more. It has few samples of letters to mail out. The book is a great help and i think its definately worth the money... especially when your a newbie.
Arkadiusz
: Have you purchased the "Video Guide to Wedding Videography" by Mitch Lang, and "Wedding for Profit" book?
: I have the video, but not the book. The video was okay, but I think most of the demos on the video were taped back in the '80s with one camera setup, so I wasn't overly impressed.
: I don't have the book, but I'm tempted to get it; It seems a little pricey though, at over $60. What do others think of "Wedding for Profit"?
:
: : Hi folks:
: : Ok... this is the situation! I have basic knowledge in NLE (Adobe Premiere to be exact) and have some basic knowledge in videographing! I have worked on making a music video album with local talents! I with the equipemt that I have (Canon GL-1 DV Camera and an NLE system with adobe Premiere), I'm looking to start a small wedding/Co-operate videographing company consist of me and couple of other friends. Now can anyone please give me some opinion / advice on this... and what r the things I need to know and do before starting a business. Also do I need to take any kind of videographing course or certificate before doing this? I u think I should then can u recommand any perticualr courses? I'm a full time electrical engineer... therefore I'm looking to do this as a part time business (at least at the beginning) to compliment my income. Any kind of help/advice from u this much appreciated! Also I seems to thing that there is a decent amount of money can be made from this business... how accurate is my thinking? Is Canon GL-1 a good camera to use for weeding/co-operate videography? I know that I'm throwing a tones of question at u... that's cuz I'm a rookie... help me out!


X-Tammy
Imported Account

Apr 27, 2003, 1:51 AM

Post #4 of 7 (889 views)
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Get the book! [In reply to] Can't Post

Get the "Wedding for Profit" book. It's worth the fee in the time it will save by having so much valuable information in one place. Sample contract, various letters, sample brochure, tips on marketing, bridal shows etc.
Best of luck to you!
Tammy
True Blu Productions

: Have you purchased the "Video Guide to Wedding Videography" by Mitch Lang, and "Wedding for Profit" book?
: I have the video, but not the book. The video was okay, but I think most of the demos on the video were taped back in the '80s with one camera setup, so I wasn't overly impressed.
: I don't have the book, but I'm tempted to get it; It seems a little pricey though, at over $60. What do others think of "Wedding for Profit"?
:
: : Hi folks:
: : Ok... this is the situation! I have basic knowledge in NLE (Adobe Premiere to be exact) and have some basic knowledge in videographing! I have worked on making a music video album with local talents! I with the equipemt that I have (Canon GL-1 DV Camera and an NLE system with adobe Premiere), I'm looking to start a small wedding/Co-operate videographing company consist of me and couple of other friends. Now can anyone please give me some opinion / advice on this... and what r the things I need to know and do before starting a business. Also do I need to take any kind of videographing course or certificate before doing this? I u think I should then can u recommand any perticualr courses? I'm a full time electrical engineer... therefore I'm looking to do this as a part time business (at least at the beginning) to compliment my income. Any kind of help/advice from u this much appreciated! Also I seems to thing that there is a decent amount of money can be made from this business... how accurate is my thinking? Is Canon GL-1 a good camera to use for weeding/co-operate videography? I know that I'm throwing a tones of question at u... that's cuz I'm a rookie... help me out!


X-Mark_Coates
Imported Account

Apr 27, 2003, 2:03 AM

Post #5 of 7 (890 views)
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Re: Starting a business! [In reply to] Can't Post

I agree, the video wasn't that great but the book was well worth it. This forum will be one of the biggest sources of information for you. You will have videographers from all around the world that range from newbies to seasoned veterans that will give you great advice. Check with some of the people here. They might have a used book they will be able to pass onto you that will save some cost. Word of advice....don't scrimp on equipment. Get a second camera that will match the quality of your existing camera. If you can afford it...an XL1S will work well. I would advise against mixing camera brands because they have different picture quality/colour balance. If you have a Canon now...stick with Canon. Also, audio quality is just as important as video quality. You will want to invest in a good quality UHF wireless microphone or a minidisc recorder. There are two trains of thought. Some people swear by minidisc, some by wireless mics. I use a Sennheiser wireless mic and haven't had any problems. I also use a minidisc as a secondary audio source. If you are on a limited budget, minidisc is the way to go. The downside is, you can't monitor or adjust the sound live, also...it adds time to editing because you have to capture the audio source separately and synch it during editing.
I learned a lot from my parents who had a very successful restaurant. Whether you are in a restaurant or video business...the basics are still the same. Provide a high quality product, focus on integrity and customer service. When people like your product,delivery and feel they can trust you...they will tell their friends. Client based referral is the best type of customer. It will take time though. I am still in the early stages and growing...but I believe that it will come.
Good Luck!
Mark Coates
Mark-It Creations

: Hey
: I got both the video and the book... like you said, I wasn't too impressed with the video... I love the book tho.
: It covers everything from marketing to bridal shows and many more. It has few samples of letters to mail out. The book is a great help and i think its definately worth the money... especially when your a newbie.
: Arkadiusz
: : Have you purchased the "Video Guide to Wedding Videography" by Mitch Lang, and "Wedding for Profit" book?
: : I have the video, but not the book. The video was okay, but I think most of the demos on the video were taped back in the '80s with one camera setup, so I wasn't overly impressed.
: : I don't have the book, but I'm tempted to get it; It seems a little pricey though, at over $60. What do others think of "Wedding for Profit"?
: :
: : : Hi folks:
: : : Ok... this is the situation! I have basic knowledge in NLE (Adobe Premiere to be exact) and have some basic knowledge in videographing! I have worked on making a music video album with local talents! I with the equipemt that I have (Canon GL-1 DV Camera and an NLE system with adobe Premiere), I'm looking to start a small wedding/Co-operate videographing company consist of me and couple of other friends. Now can anyone please give me some opinion / advice on this... and what r the things I need to know and do before starting a business. Also do I need to take any kind of videographing course or certificate before doing this? I u think I should then can u recommand any perticualr courses? I'm a full time electrical engineer... therefore I'm looking to do this as a part time business (at least at the beginning) to compliment my income. Any kind of help/advice from u this much appreciated! Also I seems to thing that there is a decent amount of money can be made from this business... how accurate is my thinking? Is Canon GL-1 a good camera to use for weeding/co-operate videography? I know that I'm throwing a tones of question at u... that's cuz I'm a rookie... help me out!


X-Ram
Imported Account

Apr 27, 2003, 10:13 AM

Post #6 of 7 (889 views)
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Thanks a lot guys! [In reply to] Can't Post

Wow...
It has been less than 24 hours I post this message and I already good some great positive response from u. Thanks a lot guys! I think that I have found a great site!
As much as I wanna go into this wedding videography business the only thing that is pulling me back the integrity and the responsibility in this business. As v all know wedding is arguablly the most important day in one's life. And as video graphers v have a great responsibility of catching their great moments on tape. What is something goes wrong? Can v leagally protect our self from any possible lawsuite that v may face due to our technical screw ups? Have any professinals in here had experiance of that kind? Again this is jsut a concern of a rookie! Thanks for ur help!
Also it would be appreciated if anyone can sell me that "wedding for Profit" book for a less prize!




X-Jinx
Imported Account

Apr 27, 2003, 12:16 PM

Post #7 of 7 (889 views)
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Re: Thanks a lot guys! [In reply to] Can't Post

: As v all know wedding is arguablly the most important day in one's life. And as video graphers v have a great responsibility of catching their great moments on tape. What is something goes wrong?
If something goes wrong than you just have to deal with it. It doesn't make any difference whether you've been in business for 10 months or 10 years. You do what you have to, to make it right.

:Can v leagally protect our self from any possible lawsuite that v may face due to our technical screw ups?
Anyone can sue for any reason ... there's no protection from that happening. However it is possible to purchase errors and omissions insurance.

: Also it would be appreciated if anyone can sell me that "wedding for Profit" book for a less prize!
Buy the book from Hal. It's not that expensive and he's providing this site that you've already acknowledged has been a benefit.
Best of luck