After over ten years working as a freelance video producer, here are five habits I try and work by.
- You are only as good as your last project. You’ll find this saying throughout the creative world, so what does it mean for the video producer?
It means you can’t sit on your laurels and say (to yourself) that because you have been shooting for five or ten years, you’ve ‘got it covered’. You always need to approach your next project as if it is your first. That means devoting as much time to preparation as you need. (see this post) - Preparation is Essential. Always allow time for preparation. Whether that’s in meeting with your client, looking at the proposed shooting location or checking and packing your gear good preparation is key.
- Know what you’re going to shoot. You need to have a good idea of what you plan to shoot at each location. This previous post is how I explain this process.
- Everything will change. Even though you’ve done all the preparation, the odds are that once you get on location, you’ll have a different scenario. Be prepared to adapt
- Never think ‘you’ve got this’. Relaxing on a shoot is a sure sign you’ve forgotten something. Check, check and re-check.
