6 Ways to Earn Money as a Freelance Filmmaker

In this article you will learn about 6 different ways to earn money as a freelance filmmaker.

1.) Create Wedding Videos

Wedding videos are always a steady way to earn money. The work is demanding of your weekends and Summer months, but the pay is excellent and the market is always there, as people always marry. If you have a knack for capturing all the little moments of a huge day and also have a love for people - this may be a good career for you. Most people hire videographers that have at least two cameras at work for the ceremony, so you may need to create a small team for pre-ceremonies and ceremonies. Otherwise it is a lot of solo work. Be prepared to mildly mingle with the guests and take the role of the supportive documentarian, always present but rarely acknowledged. You meet interesting photographers and djs at each new event. I would highly recommend bringing neutrally toned ear plugs for the reception as some receptions are dangerously loud - this will add a little comfort to your evening. Wedding videography is a great mode of film work for those who love intensity, new people, and long days.

2.) Sports Videography

If you have a good tripod, a good zoom lens camera, and quick reaction time, sports videography may be for you! It also helps if you have played the sport you are filming or know a great deal about it. The name of this game is anticipation. You need to be fluidly moving the camera a little bit ahead of the action, not following it. This job is a good one for those who are highly attentive and coordinated.

3.) Video Journalism

Contact your local paper to see if they need more video coverage for their website on local events. Video journalist usually do it all: produce, write, host, film, and edit. If you like the full film process and are a proactive worker - this work may be for you.

4.) Video Producer for companies such as About.com or Demand Studios

Apply for video production positions on websites such as About.com and Demand Studios. These companies offer a listing of videos to approved producers that are up for creation. The producer selects the video to be made, researches the topic, finds a host, films and edits it and submits the finished piece. If the standards are met, based on an editor’s review, the video producer is paid for that particular video. It is a good form of continued work, especially if you can work fast.

5.) Create Promotional Videos for local businesses

Local businesses are always looking for new ways to advertise and attract more customers. Oftentimes they cannot afford a major production company’s services - so that is where they may be interested in hiring an independent freelance filmmaker at a reasonable rate. It is best to have some personal contact with the business, such as visiting the shop, speaking to the manager about video opportunities, and leaving them a business card. Be sure to ask and listen to what they are looking for before you start filming. The prep work will make your post production work much easier.

6.) Sell Stock Footage

Consider selling stock footage to sites such as Pond5 or iStockphoto. If you have a HD camera and a good eye for composition, this may be a good avenue for you. The files take a great deal of time to upload, and you need to tag and list every single piece you submit, so this venture is known to be extremely time consuming. The beauty of it is that once they are online, they become an unlimited resource. You can never run out of selling this product, and therefore you have the potential to earn for years from simply one excellent shot.

What do you think is the best form of earning money as a freelance filmmaker? Please share your thoughts on this topic in the comment box.