Microbudgeter

Fellow video producers and microbudget filmmakers, in this video you're going to revisit some old ideas and some new ideas about how you view your education. It doesn't stop with a paltry high school diploma or even a highfalutin college degree. You must continue to seek out education, and whenare bootstrapping your business, you need every dime you can get for your business. Every single one of these tools is free and like a giant shot of vitamin K for your brain. Get started! New to selling people on your video productions? https://youtu.be/ACKuBSlfbpQNeed to put a megaphone the size of the Lincoln Memorial to your video? https://youtu.be/m-xMK3nsKWkLost in the sauce when it comes to knowing what to charge your clients? https://microbudgeter.com/shop/iqc

Video producers and budding filmmakers, when you are running your video production business, there will be a temptation to jump the gun. A temptation that might take you sometime - if left unchecked - for you to counteract. The temptation is to assume you have a deal when you don't yet truly have a deal. You can't obsess over the gig, the resources you will devote to it, the mental energy in creating a glorious video, or the price tag or anything else unless you have all of these check boxes filled in before you hit record. Don't waste your time! It is a precious, God-given, non-renewable resource! Don't be a video production chump! Avoid these mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpMcxyqmZGs&t=11s Looking to start your video production business? https://microbudgeter.com/shop/start-your-video-production-business-now Need more information about a video production contract? https://microbudgeter.com/blog/video-production-contracts-for-videographers P.s. If your little one enjoys math, I have started a Lo-Fi kids channel combining fun, play, and early childhood math. Subscribe for weekly videos! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSVGSI_-i4zq_2aX8AERHlA

Throw up your "We're Open" Shingle right now. You just need a niche and a lotta grit. With the DBA, you can launch your business for dirt cheap. Niche? What the deuce? FOCUS on one area: http://microbudgeter.com/blog/video-production-niche Next step - pitch like crazy! http://microbudgeter.com/blog/cold-pitch-video-clients LLC? Is it right for you RIGHT now? https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/perhaps-you-dont-need-shell-out-350-business-license-just-guy Starting your video production business? Here's how to right now! https://microbudgeter.com/shop/start-your-video-production-business-now

Video Guys and Girls, don't panic! Boilerplate (Investopedia Definition): "The term boilerplate or boilerplate text refers to text, or a standardized document, method, or procedure. "Boilerplating" is sometimes used disparagingly to refer to a lack of originality or sincere effort. In the field of contract law, documents containing boilerplate language, or language that is considered generic or standard in contracts." You'll run into these during the course of your video production business. In this video, you'll learn how to stay afloat when you're up against a deluge of legal jargon. Watch and get show links at https://youtu.be/sJY-wpYMhns

When you are bootstrapping your video production business, my fellow filmmaker, you're going to have to get a separate checking account. Don't do everything in the same checking account, even if you are a sole proprietor! In this video, we're going to briefly examine the classical bank and then swiftly move into the pros and cons of a credit union vs a strictly online bank. You need at least one, so choose your adventure! Here's a throwback to the 90s, readers beware, you are in for a scare! Starting your business? http://microbudgeter.com/blog/start-a-video-business Lost in the sauce and have no idea what to charge? http://microbudgeter.com/blog/instantquote ... **COMING SOON** After losing its leg, an android courier reluctantly joins forces with a dyslexic sentinel in order to escape a common machine enemy and deliver a package in less than two days - on foot. ... Follow Microbudget Filmmaker & Jake the film guy: http://instagram.com/microbudgeter http://linkedin.com/in/jakethefilmguy Disclaimer: This video and the other Microbudget Filmmaker content contain affiliate links. This means if you click them and buy something, the merchant will provide Microbudget Filmmaker a small commission, at no extra charge to you. This helps support the mission of Microbudget Filmmaker - thank you!

Why you need business cards for your video production service! Video producers! You need to have business cards! I talk about this elsewhere when starting a video production business (below), and it’s important for a myriad of reasons. First of all, Benjamin Franklin is still handing out his business card, and secondly, not everybody is into the whole QR code or clicking a hyperlink kind of thing. Even in this new world that we are adjusting to, printed products have a place in your video production business. Starting your video production business and scared like an alley cat? Never fear, you can start today! http://microbudgeter.com/blog/start-a-video-business Have no idea how to qualify a client? Don’t waste this God-given nonrenewable resource called time! microbudgeter.com/blog/video-production-dont-waste-precious-time-qualify-your-clients-first Want a good, reliable SUV when it comes to business cards? I use and recommend MOO. They make a quality card, and the name is memorable unlike the stodgy old printers at Vista Print: https://tinyurl.com/ycdjod2g ... Follow Microbudget Filmmaker & Jake the film guy: http://instagram.com/microbudgeter http://linkedin.com/in/jakethefilmguy Disclaimer: This video and the other Microbudget Filmmaker content contain affiliate links. This means if you click them and buy something, the merchant will provide Microbudget Filmmaker a small commission, at no extra charge to you. This helps support the mission of Microbudget Filmmaker - thank you!

Hola friend, With a home-based business, you can do your video production from the comfort of your own home. That means pajamas or showing up in your Air Force dress blues with polka dot boxers just like the top brass at the Pentagon surely do. It'll save your wallet a lot of heartache, and you can start today! For a video production business, it won't ruffle any feathers to throw a chair, a desk, a laptop, and a bobblehead of Erik Estrada in the corner. So what are you waiting for, my fellow budding filmmaker and video producer? Get started today! ... Keep creating with the King, Jake the film guy P.s. Got a preschooler in your life who loves counting? I'm launching a Kids YouTube channel from the ground up because EVERY child deserves math that's not boring! It's a lo-fi super side hustle, and if I can hit "publish," you can too, my fellow filmmaker/video producer. If you haven't already launched your own channel, what's holding you back?

Video producers, when I was starting out, I gave everybody under the sun a discount when they asked for it. Little did I know that you can say no as with all things in life. However, there are a few exceptions you might want to consider -- and as a bonus item not disclosed in this video, perhaps even consider First Responders/veterans regardless of their entity status. Food For Thought. ... No idea what to charge? http://microbudgeter.com/blog/instantquote

Video Producers, level up! Bring your A-game after every video with these practical ways to say THANKS! ... Watch at https://youtu.be/yGkBv2-RbiQ

Don’t get stonewalled by these common video production objections! Need more? Qualify your prospects: https://youtu.be/uOs_2FdxsHw Why a business NEEDS videos? https://microbudgeter.com/blog/the-value-of-video Help your client checkout with Paypal: http://microbudgeter.com/blog/video-production-paypal-me Found this video horrible or disinteresting? Leave a glaring comment below! ... Watch instead at https://youtu.be/ozNXQBjXKMY

1. Save $ - even $5 a month in a slush fund is better than $0 and a May deadline. 2. Make sure inner monologues and useless dialogue are cut 3. Peer review out the wazoo. 4. Spellcheck my friends. You ain't got no excuse not to do that there spellcheckin'. 5. Make sure you cover up any watermarks - look like a champ. 6. Make sure you have a logline that can fit into 100, 300, and 400 characters. You'll run into this constraint. Trust me. 7. Be prepared to describe what genres your screenplay fits into. Don't stumble here, rattle 'em off. 8. Optional: register with the WGA and/or the US Copyright Office, but there's a big one here that's worth watching, so yes, hit the play button. 9. Keep WRITING. Our first x amount of screenplays are garbage. Keep at 'em. May the Almighty bless you on your filmmaking journey with boatloads of creativity. P.s. Bonus Tip: If it’s not an ensemble piece like the Magnificent Seven, make sure everything contributes to your protagonist’s journey, even when the protagonist is not in the scene ... Watch instead at https://youtu.be/VUfGOXdYF_E

1. It doesn’t matter if you’re doing it full-time or part-time or super part-time, you don’t want to waste time getting an LLC or some other legal entity set up first. One, it costs money that you don’t have. Two, you might be really terrible at sales and have no business lined up outside your door, so until you have revenue, it’s best if you don’t splurge for the business license just yet. I’m not saying to be an illegal operation in your town and county and state. That is not at all what I’m saying. What I am saying is, without this next most critical piece in play, you are wasting your time and your dollars. And when you are starting out, every dollar has to count. 2. You need to be focusing on revenue. Which means getting clients. Which means getting a client. You can’t get to having several clients unless you’ve had a client. So, when you commit to starting a video production business, your first objective is to land a client. But even then, we are jumping the gun. What you really need to do, and step zero, is… Listen or watch for the full rundown at: https://youtu.be/wMX2dom3wpc

If you are about to watch this video, it's because you're starting out in your video production side hustle or full-time business, and you don't want to make a heap of mistakes. Take it from me, these are some lessons I wish I had known when I was wet behind the ears like in this thumbnail. Save yourself countless months of heartaches and headaches with these power tips, and keep creating with the King. We need you! ... Watch instead at

In this super overly complicated video part II, we're going to walk through, step by step, how to set up a Facebook ad via the Reach campaign. We're going to split test the audience variable (this time), and we're going to do it with mucho Pizzazz. Why? Because you might need to get your video production service or film in front of people. Don't we all?! OR... Watch at https://youtu.be/1W1PYomvQzQ

In this super overly complicated video, we're going to walk through, step by step, how to set up a Facebook ad via the Reach campaign. We're going to split test the creative variable, and we're going to do it with Pizzazz. Why? Because you might need to get your video production service or film in front of people. Don't we all? ... If gathering around the radio isn't your shtick, watch the video instead at https://youtu.be/nQD9h23NKTY.

In this third part and final part of this video series on prospecting somebody who doesn't know you from Adam or Eve, I'm going to give you a simple example which includes the reason for following up. We always want to know why, just ask your kids; they always want to know why! Give your prospect a “why” you're following up and do something memorable. Be authentic. Stand out. But more importantly, follow up at least once with the unsold person who, 5 days or 10 days ago, never heard of you. ... Not one for the ole audio? Watch the full video at https://youtu.be/OpcAvzIzjkc

In the second video, I will go through, step-by-step, how you can make that custom pitch for the prospect you found in the previous video. You may want to get the freemium service Email Hunter to assist you in this process, and you might need to say your prayers and eat your vitamins while you're at it. In less than 10 minutes, I promise you will have some new ideas on how to cold pitch a video production prospect... And some ideas on how not to. ... Watch the full video at https://youtu.be/XNoNCtZlmt0

In this talk, you’re going to walk through the steps of finding a new video production prospect. Yes, somebody in your backyard that can benefit from your skills as a video producer and budding filmmaker. Do you know how to run Google and Facebook ads? Equally powerful. After all, the big guys spend their marketing dollars to the tune of millions, sometimes more than the actual production budget of the blooming movie! Watch instead at https://youtu.be/ACKuBSlfbpQ

Promise me this, budding filmmaker, that you don’t submit your first screenplay. Not your second and not your third. I’m talking wait ‘til you have two digits worth of screenplays under your belt. This one competition is the world heavyweight champ of screenwriting competitions, so you might as well take your best story and submit it to this one. If ever there was a litmus test, it’s this bad boy. Watch instead: https://youtu.be/wF4dpHsxY2Y

In the first video, I talked about some all-purpose seasoning for your video production business and life now that this global event is going on. With the coronavirus taking the US by the thousands, it’s time to get to brass tacks when it comes to your video productions. Our landscape keeps shifting, and it may be topsy-turvy for a while, but as they say in Spanish, “Vaya con Dios.” Here are some additional strategies to implement in your work as a budding filmmaker and video producer right now. Watch instead at https://youtu.be/vUUG4Mpd_mM

I have been pitching literary managers for some time now. My fellow budding filmmakers and video producers, if you want to get stories made into feature films or TV shows or whatever format our visual stories will take on in the next 10 and 20 years, right now there are still a lot of gatekeepers surrounding the industry. The data suggest that directing your own material is the best way for a no-name like me or you to break in. Nonetheless, some of us will still want to pursue this avenue of getting an idea in front of a literary manager to be made into a film. Even JJ Abrams started off as a screenwriter and seemingly countless other filmmakers that are creating visual stories even today. Here is a list of things that you should not be doing in the course of these cold pitches. Watch instead at https://youtu.be/M9cec5Cl-Dg

Video producers and filmmakers... In this video, I'm going to walk through seven practices you need to be going through as the world around us continues to change. I can't guarantee the next several months are going to be easy. I can't guarantee you're going to have a steady flow of income. When I was self-employed in Vegas, I had great times, and I had low times. Through it all, the Almighty was always with me. I can't guarantee I'll make it with you or that any of you will make it to the other side of this, but I can promise you that God will never leave you, and His love will never run out on you. Be sure to pass some of that love on to your neighbor and fellow video producer and filmmaker. May the Lord bless and keep you and give you His peace! ... Watch instead a https://youtu.be/NnMAvKrdbu0

Film producers, storytellers, video producers, and boys and girls of all ages... I can save you the suspense and give you the quick and dirty version: the camera you already own. Gasp. Don't get obsessed with gear. Don't go into debt. Rely on creativity. This video explores WHY it is more important than throwing money at a problem. And I have two wonderful real-life examples to prove it. ... Watch instead at https://youtu.be/tSOSEIMA6zY

This episode is MUCH easier to navigate at YouTube: https://youtu.be/JLLEit52rig In this episode, I share 100 quick tips about your video production business. Every single one of these I have either experienced, some of them several times. Nothing speculative here. Just brutally honest, real-life things that you will encounter with your video production business. And there is something here for all skill levels. Whether you are just starting your video production company or you are more experienced, I guarantee I have a tip for you that you probably haven't thought through yet. Best of success and may the good Lord bless you with more clients than you can possibly handle.

Know the difference. This is a real-world example of recognizing complaints vs. objections. Yes, in this video, I provide you an illustration straight out of the Vault. And not the Mouse Ears Vault, but the Jake the film guy Vault o’ failures and missteps. As I said recently, I fail more often than I succeed, but each and every experience when I’m pitching an idea, a project, or a vision is an exercise that I need to embrace. Ditto for you. Play the long-term game in your development as a filmmaker and video producer and get a thick skin as you learn to tell the difference between an objection and a complaint. ... Watch instead at https://youtu.be/d_7HWQSxPQA

1. It builds your confidence... with your pitches 2. It makes you more resilient… next time you fail, it’s no biggie 3. It's a great teacher when it comes to mistakes 4. It forces you to develop more ideas, refining your creativity muscle 5. It keeps you humble 6. It gets you one step closer to “yes” ... Watch instead at https://youtu.be/n550FuxA5eo

By no means is this quick, and I mean like 90-second video (sans the obligatory intro/outro), a good rundown on what you need to understand about taxes when it comes to your video production business, but it'll get you started thinking about these things. My best advice is to find somebody in your community, your family, or your church who run their own business and ask to have lunches (yes, plural) with them and ask to learn wisdom from them. That's what I did way back when, and it will help you in demystifying this big fuzzy cloud known as taxes. ... Watch instead at https://youtu.be/lMyBSbTa7fs

It just makes sense. God bless you in your video production side hustle or FT gig! Need more? Mas?! How to start a video production business: http://microbudgeter.com/blog/start-a-video-business Or watch: https://youtu.be/R4ysGQ9l0Eg or https://youtu.be/WV0B-zk2h5M Start a video production business with $0: https://youtu.be/T4GvG_2gZHo Start a video production business when you have a family: https://youtu.be/aDqfcGPzIyA Do you need an LLC? https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/perhaps-you-dont-need-shell-out-350-business-license-just-guy

What the deuce do you charge as a video producer? How do you know if you are getting taken advantage of and working for rock-bottom prices? Do you have confidence in your abilities? Or do you understand your time and talent? If you are tired of taking low-paying jobs because you don't know how to effectively quote your services as a video producer, I talk about three different approaches to figuring out the age-old question of “how much to charge” in this video with Scottish and mobster accents. Want to read some more? Head on over to the blog: http://microbudgeter.com/blog/instantquote Need a tool that will instantly and accurately price your video production services? I have a worksheet - take it out for a spin for a week: https://microbudgeter.com/shop/iqc. Don't like it? No problem! Send it packing!

In part 2 of this series, let's talk about the ways a veteran will absolutely bring the best skillsets with them into the video and film world: 1. customs and courtesies 2. honoring appointments 3. follow-through 4. attention to detail These soft skills probably aren't what you're thinking about when it comes to video production. You're probably worried about what camera to use or a boatload of lenses, but I say... meh. It's the soft skills we veterans bring into the film and video world that transcend technology or background. And it's these nuances that make any veteran a wonderful addition to any set. ... Veteran? In video production? Do you know the benefits that you could be capitalizing on? Learn about some of the biggin's here (including one SUPER important resource few people are talking about): https://youtu.be/NVxf0VqUKHs

Veteran? Fantastico. I spent years combing through the dark forest of VA benefits. I still am! But you don't have to! Been out 5 years? 10? Longer? You don't need to listen to Uncle Bob rambling about storming the dark side of the moon just to discern what's available to you as a past military member. You can use several benefits in the course of your video production service and filmmaking - now. From the GI Bill to discounts to one really BIG deal (like bigger than Ron Burgundy "BIG DEAL") I share in this video, there are many ways you can utilize your resources, post-service. Starting out? You can start with $0 - no debt: https://youtu.be/T4GvG_2gZHo

In the course of your film and video productions, you’ll find that you’re making a lot of mistakes when you pitch somebody an idea. If they haven’t heard your idea before, welcome to the club. It’s a cold pitch, amigos. Without looking like a total buffoon, here are a couple of things you can do to mitigate your blunders. New to cold pitching? https://youtu.be/qau3_V5DQNo Or read at http://microbudgeter.com/blog/cold-pitch-video-clients

Video Production is easier than ever to jump into these days. The supply and demand curve of visual content suggests a great need for an army of visual storytellers, and you can jump in with nada. Nothing. You don't need a dime to your name, just some persistence, patience, and a lotta prayer goes a long way. Don't go into debt; don't be a slave to the lender like the Good Book says. Here are a few practical ways to get started NOW in video production with $0 in your wallet. ... Watch instead at https://youtu.be/T4GvG_2gZHo

Forget the naysayers. Like an amphitheater for large outdoor crowds or a stadium for 45,000 screaming fans, Facebook is a venue. It's not a 1-size-fits-all venue, but it's a venue nonetheless, and you have to respect these reasons WHY you as a video producer or filmmaker should be interacting there. I don't mean SPAM, ME, ME, ME (rinse and repeat) but actively engaging in the local (film) community you're a part of. The virtual and physical world are quickly becoming one and the same in our communications, so you can't neglect - as a visual storyteller - this 2-billion-plus-member venue just because you're not a fan of Zuck or you're a crazy conservative or an extreme liberal or a dark-side-of-the-moon resident or _________(choose-your-own-excuse)_________. Watch instead at https://youtu.be/68OoC7t1Kww

Video Production guys and gals. If you're not brand new in your service as a video producer, then this is relevant for you. You'll always find various shades of decision-makers and authority figures who think nothing of bulldozing problems, obstacles, and collateral (which can include you!), so it's on you to learn how to 1. Stand your ground 2. Control the video production sales cycle 3. Smile often Need more? Read 'em and weep 'em at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/video-production-what-do-when-prospectclient-treats-you-guy ... Weary? In need of rest? Start with the book of John. You can read it online or get a free Bible from any local church. Have a hurt, habit, or hangup that you want to be rid of and could use the help other followers of Jesus? Find a Celebrate Recovery (free, church-hosted, 12-step program) near you: https://locator.crgroups.info Veteran in a crisis? Dial 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 to talk to someone. -OR- Send a text message to 838255 to connect with a VA responder. ... Follow Microbudget Filmmaker & Jake the film guy: http://linkedin.com/in/jakethefilmguy http://instagram.com/microbudgeter

Recognize the signs when somebody is trying to (mis)use your skillsets as a video gal or guy, take advantage of the business relationship, or just plain disrespect you and your video service. Don't be fooled; God gave you a wonderful lump of organic matter inside your head that helps with the untold numbers of decisions you make every day, and He gives wisdom when you ask for it (without doubting)! Watch the video at https://youtu.be/mpMcxyqmZGs

I got a couple ideas to run by you in the video, and this idea of following up is not just to get somebody to sign on the dotted line, but to build a team, nurture a team, or even raise funds for your next film. Watch the video at https://youtu.be/j29MTzLymf4 ... Weary? In need of rest? Start with the book of John. You can read it online or get a free Bible from any local church. Have a hurt, habit, or hangup that you want to be rid of and could use the help other followers of Jesus? Find a Celebrate Recovery (free, church-hosted, 12-step program) near you: https://locator.crgroups.info Veteran in a crisis? Dial 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 to talk to someone. -OR- Send a text message to 838255 to connect with a VA responder. ... Follow Microbudget Filmmaker & Jake the film guy: http://linkedin.com/in/jakethefilmguy http://instagram.com/microbudgeter

Video producers and budding filmmakers, you need to be aware of these metrics going into the new decade. Don't just haphazardly throw a video onto Facebook. Do your homework first, amigos! TL;DW? 1. Videos beat out pics, links, and naked text. 2. Shorter is better (less than 13 sec.). 3. 80% or more of viewers are 35 and older. 4. Ladies are engaging videos at 2:1 to 3:1 than us slackers, er, guys. 5. Schedule videos from 3 to 7 pm for best practices. Now take your short film/video and share a short, promo clip to point folks to the longer video (hosted elsewhere). Note: these stats don't apply to live videos. Lo siento. Read the full post at https://microbudgeter.com/blog/facebook-video-marketing-trends-and-tips-you-need-to-know-in-2020

TL;DR? Step 1: Pick one niche, not 12. Step 2: Tell everyone you know, even Uncle Bob. Step 3: Tell everyone you meet out in the real world. Step 4: Rinse and repeat. Eat your vitamins, say a prayer, and over-deliver.

James Dean coming back from the dead? The film world was in a frenzy over the idea of James Dean “playing” a supporting role in a Vietnam War film. Do you think there is an argument to be had for using digital avatars of deceased people in cinema or do you think it crosses a line? Should we be telling stories in other mediums; has the filmgoing experience reached critical mass, and if so, are we witness to the beginning of the end? Read the full article at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/filmmakers-play-long-game-jake-the-film-guy

And why you should even consider Facebook Ads in the first place. They're still priced somewhat fairly heading in 2020, though that will change, much as it did for Google Ads per Gary Vee's intuition. But while the getting is good, get your video or short film some more eyeballs on it with this tool. All you need are a few spare coins from the couch cushions and a bolt of lightning + a flux capacitor. This podcast is not about how to start and run Facebook Video Views Ads but rather it is about what you should be on the lookout for when you set up your ad. There is a detailed walk-through on how to set up a Facebook Video Views Ad at the blog: https://microbudgeter.com/blog/how-to-set-up-a-Facebook-video-views-ad Keep creating with the King, Jake the film guy ... Weary? In need of rest? Start with the book of John. You can read it online or get a free Bible from any local church. Have a hurt, habit, or hangup that you want to be rid of and could use the help other followers of Jesus? Find a Celebrate Recovery (free, church-hosted, 12-step program) near you: https://locator.crgroups.info Veteran in a crisis? Dial 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 to talk to someone. OR, send a text message to 838255 to connect with a VA responder. ... Follow Microbudget Filmmaker & Jake the film guy: http://linkedin.com/in/jakethefilmguy http://instagram.com/microbudgeter

Fellow video producers, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that this strategy works for any type of video we create, even if it is a short film. Grant Cardone says that businesses die because of obscurity, and if you are a filmmaker or a video producer, you are definitely a part of a business. So heading into 2020, I think you can adopt this strategy for any piece of video or digital film that you create. It follows after Gary Vee's idea of taking a longer piece of content, what he calls pillar content, and then making micro content from it: splicing up that longer video into smaller segments that can then be repurposed on every social media platform. And I think you should do this to the extreme if you can wing it. If you spent a lot of time on a video or even just a little bit of time on a video, you do want to get out of obscurity.

No excuses. Get started by turning off Netflix, watching less news, soaking up more of the Word, and get to telling everyone you know the "Checkout" lane is open for customers. If reading doesn't strain your brain, get additional help at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-start-video-production-side-hustle-while-raising-family-guy

Paypal? CC? Cash? Check? So many ways to choose from. Spell it out in your contracts, mate, lest Davey Jones beat you at Liar's Dice and you spend eternity on the Black Pearl or whatever Jones' ship was called (I know it's not the Black Pearl - I think it was "Pearl Jam"). Read the full post at https://microbudgeter.com/blog/how-to-hire-microbudget-film-subcontractors