On your own:: Making contacts, Generating Business

[Bryan Fowler]

Hi guys,

 

I've been operating for about 3 years now, with my own rig, and I've been to a few great workshops.

 

I've also been a full time employee for a national company for about 5 years. That's where I'm at right now. I'm happy here, but it's not really how / where I want to spend my 30s.

 

Now I'm making plans to move out on my own. Since I think most people on this forum are self employed I'd love advice from anyone. I have plenty of questions, but I'll start here with just these three ideas. Tell me if i'm even on the right track.

 

1. Making contacts.

I'm in an interesting location. about 2 hours drive to Atlanta, Nashville, Knoxville, and Birmingham. I want to let production companies know that I'm available. I was planning on calling as many producers I can find, and attempting to meet with them to deliver my reel.

 

2. Bugging folks

I know people forget other people. I know I do. How often do you remind people of your existence? I thought of mixing it up some. Sending postcards, making phone calls, buying folks lunch if I'm in the area. (obviously I REALLY don't want to be a pest, but I do enjoy meeting people, and hanging out with 'em)

 

3. Places to look for contacts

Production facilities, rental houses, lighting stores, Blockbuster© Video. I just figured I'd chat with as many people as I can. But I'd rather focus my efforts. (sniper instead of bird shot....)

 

Thanks for the input.

 

Bryan "My wife supports me and I'm lucky" Fowler

 

=)

[Rob Vuona SOC]

Hi guys,

 

I've been operating for about 3 years now, with my own rig, and I've been to a few great workshops.

 

I've also been a full time employee for a national company for about 5 years. That's where I'm at right now. I'm happy here, but it's not really how / where I want to spend my 30s.

 

Now I'm making plans to move out on my own. Since I think most people on this forum are self employed I'd love advice from anyone. I have plenty of questions, but I'll start here with just these three ideas. Tell me if i'm even on the right track.

 

1. Making contacts.

I'm in an interesting location. about 2 hours drive to Atlanta, Nashville, Knoxville, and Birmingham. I want to let production companies know that I'm available. I was planning on calling as many producers I can find, and attempting to meet with them to deliver my reel.

 

2. Bugging folks

I know people forget other people. I know I do. How often do you remind people of your existence? I thought of mixing it up some. Sending postcards, making phone calls, buying folks lunch if I'm in the area. (obviously I REALLY don't want to be a pest, but I do enjoy meeting people, and hanging out with 'em)

 

3. Places to look for contacts

Production facilities, rental houses, lighting stores, Blockbuster© Video. I just figured I'd chat with as many people as I can. But I'd rather focus my efforts. (sniper instead of bird shot....)

 

Thanks for the input.

 

Bryan "My wife supports me and I'm lucky" Fowler

 

=)

--------------

Hey Bryan,

I wouldn't start with production companies and producers in the area I would start with the operators in the area and not step on any toes and start filling in on some of the gigs they can't do and work your way into the rotation that way. If they refer you then the directors and producers will listen.

 

Good luck

Fly safe

[Bryan Fowler]

Hey Bryan,

I wouldn't start with production companies and producers in the area I would start with the operators in the area and not step on any toes and start filling in on some of the gigs they can't do and work your way into the rotation that way. If they refer you then the directors and producers will listen.

 

Good luck

Fly safe

 

Hi Rob,

 

Thanks for the reply.

 

It's the producers that don't have a steadicam op that I'd like to meet with. I'm not wanting to take work away, just do as much as I can to get as much as I can. =)

 

Thanks again

 

Bfo

[Lars Erik]

Hey Bryan,

I wouldn't start with production companies and producers in the area I would start with the operators in the area and not step on any toes and start filling in on some of the gigs they can't do and work your way into the rotation that way. If they refer you then the directors and producers will listen.

 

Good luck

Fly safe

 

 

Seriously guys, we can't expect to have an exclusive in the market. It's good with competition. I would call anyone I wanted. I wouldn't take a job from an op whos job had already started, but would have no second thoughts on taking a job that hadn't been handed out yet, even though the producer had used a different op on past time projects. Part of our job is trying to sell our way into the market. That's not going to happen if we're afraid to contact a producer just because he's used another op before.

 

LE