Over 1000 files online at P5; What I've Learned So Far
RedMoonRisingStudios
28 Jul 2014 13:20
I'm currently at 1008 files online and wanted to share a few things I've learned in my 1 year, 9 months of uploading on the site. I'm 98% a stock video footage producer but have also uploaded a few sound effects (34 I think) and a handful of photos (I don't bother with these anymore)
1. price your files based on your worth & value. take into consideration time, expenses, mileage, travel, equipment, software, upgrades, quality, uniqueness, and most importantly PROFIT!
2. upgrade equipment as you can afford to. One of the biggest jumps in income for me was after I went from my primary videocamera- Canon HF G10 (HD 1080P) to my DSLR, a Canon Rebel T5i. I definitely increased my sales after switching to the DSLR as a primary camera.
3. get a waterproof camera or housing for one. I have a GoPro Hero 3 Black edition. I probably only have 15% of my portfolio shots from this camera but it's a BLAST to film with and I think as I build up a bigger library with it I will have more sales. Also, thinking of buying a boat soon and can't wait to film from on the water instead of the shore =)
4. Read, learn, & study as much as you can. I go to YouTube a ton to watch videos on DSLR filmmaking, tools etc. I study commericals, films etc now with an eye for stock. you can really learn a lot & be inspired. I also started reading blogs & going to the library to read books on growing a business, becoming an entrepreneur etc.
5. NEVER discount filming something because you don't think it's unique enough or anyone will buy. I'm consistently surprised by the shots that sell (and the ones that don't for that matter!)
6. Treat this as a business and you will start to make profit like it is one. I changed my mindset a few months back and started to take this whole stock footage thing as a business versus just a hobby that brought in a few bucks here and there. I took it seriously & can say that I devote time to it almost every single day since I changed my mindset about it. Whether it's a few minutes spent uploading & tagging or a few hours out filming, editing etc. EVERY day commitment is necessary (in my opinion). I have thus seen a significant change. To give you an example: I went from having inconsistent sales (maybe 1-2 every other month) to selling at least 1 a month every month, and then to selling multiple clips every month (both here & SS). And this all started taking place after I devoted myself to it and the span was from Jan 2014 to now. So only 6 months time.
Hope this was interesting to read & maybe helped some of the newer submitters out there. Feel free to ask me any questions!
1. price your files based on your worth & value. take into consideration time, expenses, mileage, travel, equipment, software, upgrades, quality, uniqueness, and most importantly PROFIT!
2. upgrade equipment as you can afford to. One of the biggest jumps in income for me was after I went from my primary videocamera- Canon HF G10 (HD 1080P) to my DSLR, a Canon Rebel T5i. I definitely increased my sales after switching to the DSLR as a primary camera.
3. get a waterproof camera or housing for one. I have a GoPro Hero 3 Black edition. I probably only have 15% of my portfolio shots from this camera but it's a BLAST to film with and I think as I build up a bigger library with it I will have more sales. Also, thinking of buying a boat soon and can't wait to film from on the water instead of the shore =)
4. Read, learn, & study as much as you can. I go to YouTube a ton to watch videos on DSLR filmmaking, tools etc. I study commericals, films etc now with an eye for stock. you can really learn a lot & be inspired. I also started reading blogs & going to the library to read books on growing a business, becoming an entrepreneur etc.
5. NEVER discount filming something because you don't think it's unique enough or anyone will buy. I'm consistently surprised by the shots that sell (and the ones that don't for that matter!)
6. Treat this as a business and you will start to make profit like it is one. I changed my mindset a few months back and started to take this whole stock footage thing as a business versus just a hobby that brought in a few bucks here and there. I took it seriously & can say that I devote time to it almost every single day since I changed my mindset about it. Whether it's a few minutes spent uploading & tagging or a few hours out filming, editing etc. EVERY day commitment is necessary (in my opinion). I have thus seen a significant change. To give you an example: I went from having inconsistent sales (maybe 1-2 every other month) to selling at least 1 a month every month, and then to selling multiple clips every month (both here & SS). And this all started taking place after I devoted myself to it and the span was from Jan 2014 to now. So only 6 months time.
Hope this was interesting to read & maybe helped some of the newer submitters out there. Feel free to ask me any questions!
vadervideo
28 Jul 2014 17:54
So glad to see you having a blast along with and most of all success! Keep on shooting, or as I like to say; "Shut Up and Shoot!" :)
RedMoonRisingStudios
28 Jul 2014 19:48
Thanks Vader, and I'm going to plug your ebook here "Shut Up and Shoot" http://www.stockmediaartist.com
This was a VERY helpful ebook and easy to read. I think Vader has fantastic information on becoming successful in the industry and it is written in a very humorous and engaging way. Vader was one of the big influences on me to raising my prices (also artist: Jason, thanks!) It has definitely helped me tremendously as buyers start to see what you value yourself at and buy accordingly. Remember the saying "you get what you pay for". People will pay more for VALUE. So don't forget to believe in yourself and your own value.
This was a VERY helpful ebook and easy to read. I think Vader has fantastic information on becoming successful in the industry and it is written in a very humorous and engaging way. Vader was one of the big influences on me to raising my prices (also artist: Jason, thanks!) It has definitely helped me tremendously as buyers start to see what you value yourself at and buy accordingly. Remember the saying "you get what you pay for". People will pay more for VALUE. So don't forget to believe in yourself and your own value.