We’ve all been to that place where we find ourselves having so much editing and filming to do that we’re up to our eyeballs with deadlines. Yet before you realise it, projects have reached their end and you find yourself having watched one too many videos from your Facebook feed for the next 1 or 2 days as you wait for the next thing on your schedule to come.
Despite most of us having the desire to make films nonstop, there will always be a period of time when you find yourself not working on a project. The things you do on your downtime are what matters most if you’re really dead serious about making a name for yourself in this industry. So instead of spending your days watching funny cat videos on YouTube, here are some more productive things you can do to further your video production business:
Get your cash flow in order
Doing business in any industry requires that you get paid, and that you make a considerable profit to keep your operation running. During slow season, take some time to do check and balance to make sure that all your finances are in order. Are you charging enough for your services? Are you spending too much on fancy gear that you probably don’t even need? This is a great time for you to make that assessment.. And of course, make sure you have some cash saved up to get you through slow season whenever it comes.
Network with people from the industry
As great as you think you may be, as they say – no man is an island. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, you need others to help you grow and achieve your goals. Do a self-check – identify your strengths and weaknesses, then go out and find people who can either complement your skills or who can inspire or help you come up with better ideas.
Start a passion project
Practicing your craft even during downtime, is super important! Not to mention, you always need to keep getting your work out there to be seen by potential clients. Whether it be shooting timelapses of the city, or speed ramps as a way of testing your camera’s limits – just pick up your camera and get to work… Soon enough, you’ll have tons of footage to use for your next showreel.
Have a look at the first installment of our most recent passion project:
Attend workshops and social networking events.
Apart from being referred by happy clients, one of the best ways to grow your business is by just getting out there, handing out your business cards and getting the rest of the world to know exactly what it is you’re passionate about in doing.