Every industry or business sector has a brand image to uphold.
Recent news of the BP Oil spill has caused a huge public relations nightmare for BP, and rightfully so. This single event will have catastrophic consequences to the environment and local commerce for years to come, and while BP’s stock is plummeting, the brand image of the offshore drilling industry is taking a hit across the board.
Investment bankers, hedge fund managers, and mortgage lenders are in a state of trying to rebuild and re-brand their own industry after their indiscretions in recent years has led to financial disaster for so many. The invisible hand of the marketplace is communicating strongly to them.
So what does all of this have to do with Event Filmmaking?
Our industry as a whole is a “Brand.” Each of our studios contributes positively and negatively to the Industry Brand (IB). From the moment we answer the telephone or respond to an e-mail, we reflect not only on our own studios, but also on the event filmmaking industry at large.
The IB is dependent upon the combined quality within a specific industry. In the last 5 years, our industry has taken some huge steps in raising the level of expectations among ourselves and our potential clients. There are many workshops surfacing that provide new filmmakers and seasoned filmmakers with an opportunity to improve themselves. Still Motion has their Evolution workshop and the bus tour, Canon Filmmakers workshop is out with the east coast boyz and girlz, and the first ever all female workshop event (POSH) is coming soon in an effort to get more females involved in our industry.
But we have to look deeper than just our technical skills. Even though we are in a creative line of work that is heavily weighted toward the visuals, our films must go deeper than the visual surface. Ask yourself these questions: What do I personally think about my occupation as a filmmaker? What is it I like about a certain clientele? What is it that gives me the most satisfaction as a filmmaker, other than money? Do I have a sense of purpose? What don’t I like about my brand? My work? What don’t I like about our industry?
An overall improved IB will have a huge impact on each of our studios. Every thing we do and say reflects on our studio and the IB. Everyone with whom we interact: clients, potential clients, other vendors, has an effect on the IB.
Below is a list of things I believe are important in the quest for going for the upper level of your personal brand, studio brand and IB. I will continue with issues relating to your personal brand and studio branding in later posts.
Some thoughts to improve IB and Your Brand
Believe in your sense of purpose.
Embrace your own story.
Put some thought in your logo design (Hire a Designer)
Top notch website design (Hire a Designer)
Visually appealing logo, website, biz cards, etc
Solicit honest input from others regarding design.
Continue to invest in yourself.
Know your equipment.
Know your limitations.
Keep your work evolving.
Promptly respond to e-mails and phone calls.
Know your target market.
Be polite and respectful at all events. Everyone remembers the obnoxious videographer.
Take the high road.
Contribute to your local videographer’s association if you have one.
Contribute to forums
Network with other industry vendors.
Attend at least one educational event per year.
HIRE A DESIGNER
John Moon
