Now that I have some video work experience, I truly know what it takes to make videos. Good videos don’t just happen; they take work from concept to completion. The concept is ultimately the most important part of this process. A good concept is accompanied by a script, proposal and storyboards. This is the paperwork that guides the entire process like a map. The more details are put onto paper, the better the results will be. A good concept takes time to develop. A professional can write a rough draft script in 12 weeks and may need additional months for rewrites.  An 11-minute film can take 6 weeks to produce storyboards.  A Hollywood film usually takes 2 years to complete a proposal, script, storyboards, and secure funding. Taking all of this into consideration I can be proud of my videos that were rushed in comparison to professionals.

My new rate of video production is faster than last quarter when taking every factor into consideration. I am faster, but I also do more editing and film more content to work with. My ability to pump out quick videos is improved, but they are just that (quick videos). With more time to work on one single project and have nothing else to worry about, I could truly create something great.

 My “in kind” rate for nonprofits I believe the same applies. When just going to a location to video document the events taking place, the process is much different. A plan is still needed, but the results then are dependent on equipment and teamwork. As a lone soldier without a lot of equipment, I have more work to do than if I had a team or more equipment to utilize.

Marketing ourselves as filmmakers, actors, artists, and composers is just a matter of money, time, and creativity. The right advertising design can tell the story with visual and audio appeal. Once that is created then it just needs to be posted online in a way that can reach people who want to see it.

Creativity mixed with skills can overcome any challenge and I proved that with my video work this quarter. Given the right amount of time and resources, I could do even better.