14-Mar-2011
Getting your foot in the Music Video Production Industry
Building a career in the music video industry is no easy task; there are thousands of people out there looking for the same work. The good news is that the most persistent ones are generally the ones that get the work, not necessary the best for the job.
It’s not so much about having a degree or the 5 years studying you might have done, but more the people you know and your ability to prove your self worth. Are you punctual? Do you go above and beyond? Are you a pleasure to work with? These are the things that will get you hired again and again. Of course your standard of work has to be good, but I’m taking that as a given.
Here’s my top ten tips on getting your foot in and keeping it there:
1. Be willing to work for free (in the beginning)
It’s quicker to get yourself in and amongst the right people by offering your services for free or a very low wage. It’s the best way to get in, make contacts and learn on the job. Just keep in mind you can’t do that forever and need to support yourself financially. These days if someone wants us to work for a low rate, we find contra deals or consider the exposure before agreeing to anything.
2. Leave the ego at home.
The music video production world is full of egos and it doesn’t need one more. If you learn to leave your ego at home people will become more receptive to you and offer you more responsibility. When I’m producing a music video I make a point of helping the runners as much as I can during the shoot, this should send a message to the rest of the crew to help each other, which unifies us and improves our work rate.
3. Have Patience.
Consider the first few years in the business as your education but there’s no student union, long holidays or graduation ceremony. However you will be more than ready to take on the video industry. There might be moments when you think you know everything, but please remember the cleverest man in the room knows he knows nothing.
4. Be Persistent.
This is absolutely key and every single day (including Saturday and Sunday) you should be doing something to move towards your goals. If your standing still the competition will over take you and effectively you will be moving backwards. So do whatever it takes to move forward, make calls, meet people, send emails, find the people that are active in the industry and establish a connection with them.
5. Be Respectful.
Your going to meet dozens if not hundreds of people within the music video production industry and it is a small place. Always be polite and respectful no matter whom you’re dealing with and even if someone else is being unreasonable. Reputations travel fast, so make sure people only have good things to say about you.
6. Create Opportunities.
Many of the jobs you will do coming up in video production will be less than glamorous, but there is an opportunity in everything you do. If you’re asked to copy scripts, make a copy for yourself. If your asked to make calls by your boss, this is a chance to learn by listening on the conversation. You have to find the opportunities as they come up and grab them with four hands!
7. Always be Learning.
You should be learning as much as possible as often as possible. Learn what each production department does, or each crew member on set. What does each music video production executive do? What information do they deem valuable. Learn about the business and why people do what they do.
8. Know where to look for work.
If your looking through classified ads in newspapers or at recruitment sites like Monster.com, you probably won’t have much luck. Most production jobs aren’t advertised and most people are hired through word of mouth or established relationships. So remember its a lot to do with who you know, so get to know as many people as you can.
9. Get Out There.
If you think a job in the music video business is going to fall in your lap, you’re probably mistaken. There are so many people in the business that complain about not getting a break but they aren’t making any steps to actually break in! Getting a job in music video production is not impossible, but it’s not easy. Becoming a great Director, DP, Producer, Make Up Artist, Gaffer etc, all starts by getting out there. Meet new people, take low paid jobs, and broaden your network.
10. Be Fearless.
Always remember that the big wigs on top didn’t start there. Very rarely do you have a prodigy that can walk in at the top with naturally gifted talents. 95% of the big guns started at the bottom, making tea, carrying kit, and taking food orders. You have to be fearless when going after what you want. Have strong convictions and the talent to back it up. Don’t let fear rule you, let you rule you.
Comments
(08 Jan 2012):
(11 Jan 2012):
(11 Jan 2012):
(08 Jan 2012):