IBL STUDIOS

Wedding film making is a craft that requires a great deal of skill, artistry and experience. It takes an expert in the field to capture and present the magic of a couple’s special day in a way that they will treasure for years to come. However, as a wedding filmmaker, it is not always easy to find a steady roster of clients who are willing to pay for your services, especially when you’re first starting out in the industry.

4 years ago, I was still building a portfolio. I quickly learned that working for free, or extremely cheap was not going to keep us in business for long. I was looking for some way to my access to couples who were looking for a videographer. I called wedding wire/the knot and learned just how expensive it is to get leads. So, I took the couple hundred dollars I made shooting weddings and signed into Thumbtack pro. They charge you a certain amount per lead.(usually around 25.00 usd) Meaning…they give you the contact information of people who are looking for a videographer. Closing on the job is up to you. I’m not a great salesman…so I was turning over about 1 of 10 leads. (not good enough for me)

This is where subcontracting work from larger companies can be a huge advantage. One major reason for this is that subcontracting allows a wedding filmmaker to focus solely on their craft, namely capturing and shooting footage of the wedding, without any distractions. The editing and post-production elements of the film can then be taken care of by other professionals, which frees up the filmmaker’s time to work on new projects or focus on other aspects of their business. 

Another advantage of subcontracting work from larger companies is that you don’t need to go through the process of selling your services and capturing leads for yourself. Large companies already have a reliable customer base and a consistent flow of job orders. As such, subcontracting for these companies can be a great way to gain exposure, build up your portfolio, and establish yourself as an expert in the field.

Subcontracting work also allows a filmmaker to build up a network of contacts and allies within the industry. This can be incredibly valuable when it comes to securing future gigs or collaborations and can increase one’s reputation as a professional and reliable service provider.

Overall, contracting work from larger companies can provide wedding filmmakers with a range of benefits and should be seriously considered as a viable option for those looking to break into the industry or grow an existing business.

This is a positive post…so I’ll give you the names of a couple of companies that I’ve had good experiences with. First, Orion Photo Group is a great company that has so many networking and training opportunities. If you are looking to sharpen your skills a Videographer and Cinematographer. Apply here. The Pay is …OK.

Second, for a significantly higher pay rate, but a few less perks…go for Embark Wedding Films. If you know what you are doing…and you just want to show up…film…deliver to the editor…and get paid. This is the place for you.

However, if you decide to handle advertising and new client acquisition, just make sure you can handle what you take on. The last thing you need is to experience burnout…before you experience the fruitage of a successful wedding season! Enjoy this year and keep growing. Cheers!

*Side note: My beautiful wife here not only is part of my Creation Team, but she also has her own Beauty business called Pinkshugar Beauty Concierge, providing on-location hair and makeup services for special events. Look her up!