Blog #4 Main and Side Hustles for Filmmakers
In this post, I’m going to talk about my top hustles for filmmakers. Some will be obvious, some might cause you to think differently about the opportunities out there. One thing is clear, as a freelance filmmaker you will have to be creative and think outside the box when it comes to making a living. It’s a tough world out there and for most of us, one stream of income isn’t enough to sustain our needs. I’m going to talk about some of them with experience (having done them) and others without experience but seeing them as useful streams of income. Here we go!
Weddings and events. As long as there are people, there will be weddings. Weddings can pay thousands to a videographer if the buyer is willing and for some professional videographers, make up their only source of income - specialising in people’s special day. Events are an option too, with videographers providing promotional material or just coverage. Coverage can be events like talks, webinars and information events.
Video advertising. Advertising doesn’t need to be for big brands only. Small brands may want to promote through video also, such as physical products like bikes or recruitment videos for the military or private firms. These will be a step up from small businesses that will pick up their iPhone and DIY it (think your local gym showing off a new treadmill to a licensed pop song on Facebook, if it works it works). They may be 30 second to 1 minute videos showing off key features of a product and casting it in a favourable light. They are usually shown online, as opposed to bigger TV spots.
Instruction and Education. This one is big. Many videographers will do instructional courses or programs. This can be a one-day event through a local enterprise office (there are tons of courses teaching people how to take short videos for social media), or it can take a different form. It could be through a government film body, i.e. upskilling people on writing, camera, etc. or it could be online. Some filmmakers have taken to Udemy to offer courses in lighting, editing and writing. The price is usually pretty cheap but they can sell thousands (or more) of them, representing a worthwhile investment in their time developing the course.
Neil Oseman’s Cinematic Lighting Course
4. Stock footage. I made a post recently on the perils of online freelance sites, where I advised against them. Stock footage is online freelancing but without the scammers. You simply upload footage you own and get paid if someone buys. People are interested in business, environment and city footage in particular. It is a competitive market, one I’ve tried out recently. The only site that would accept my footage was the Adobe platform. I tried Shutterstock and Pond5 but the sites wouldn’t accept my footage. I tried playing around with codecs and I believed that I matched every requirement but the clips wouldn’t upload. Not all your footage will upload on Adobe either, not because of codec issues but because of quality standards. Adobe won’t accept footage that is shaky, poorly exposed, etc. Overall, stock footage has been a disappointing avenue for myself and seems to be a grind, with no guarantee you’ll ever get a return. Getty images also accepts stock footage but requires a test This of your best 3 to 6 images before accepting you on their site. Sort of an entrance exam. I haven’t tried that yet, mainly because I’m just not big into photos, more so video.
5. The government. I wouldn’t be doing this right if I didn’t include the government. Every so often, a government body, such as the Arts council will ask for proposals for a video contract. It could be educational, promotional or something entirely else. The pay is competitive and the government is a reliable payer of funds, unlike some other avenues. Like the other options, you will face competition, so it’s important to tick all their boxes (experience, insurance, tax clearance and more) to give yourself a chance at getting the contract.
6. Blogging. Blogging can be a good marketing tool for your video business, as well as a place to grow. There are plenty of podcasts, video channels as well as websites sharing information and entertainment from filmmakers. You can make money through sponsored content or ad revenue if you have a sizeable following.
7. Something completely outside of filmmaking. The filmmaking economy is a small one and there isn’t ever enough work for everyone. That’s why most people in the industry will work “day jobs“, such as retail, manufacturing or design. It’s perfectly acceptable to ground yourself in a living, even if it feels like you’re putting your hopes on hold. That’s just the reality of paying bills and putting bread on the table.
8. Working on films and series. This is the dream most people strive for and can be a reality too. Networking and signing up for local crew databases helps, as well as experience and good contacts. This can pay competitively, with better pay the higher up you go. If you’re already doing this, then why are you reading this list?!
That’s all the hustles I have to share. I’m sure you have many more you can think of, inside and outside of video. Whatever they are, the important factors are reliable pay and quality of work. Good luck out there!
-D.C.