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If you are emotional about photography and film, you probably know that they are competitive areas that reward hard work and innovation. If you want to succeed in these creative career areas, then you need to be strategic about how you contact for your career.
There are two main options to work in these industries: a job with a studio or striking on its own as a freelancer. With anything in life, there are professionals and opposition for each option. Although the scenario of photography and film career is always changing, it is important to think where you see yourself within this ecosystem.
So, how to choose which path is right for you? Consider the ups and downs before taking a decision.
Photography and freelancing in film
Freelancers are self-employed individuals who are responsible for achieving their projects, ensuring that the work is done, and billing for their services. They run their own business and work for customers or get financing to produce their projects.
Being a freelancer has many advantages. There is more flexibility in terms of work schedule and freelancers get the option to pursue projects that they are interested and do not pass to work. There is also a lot of creative freedom that can come with being a freelancer because independent workers do not have to worry about the preferences and mandals of the employers.
Freelancing means high income for those who are successful in running their freelance business. However, it can also be a “feast or famine” lifestyle, as income can be inconsistent, especially in the beginning.
The biggest negative side of freelancing is lack of stability and the couple administrative work goes with freedom. Freelancers will have to do all their own propagation, marketing and administrative functions until they pay to outsource these activities. They do not even get payment time and they will have to pay for their equipment.
Working in a studio
Working as an employee in a film or photography studio is the simplest way to start in the industry. Those who choose this path do not need to worry about the administrative side of running the business and are not responsible for finding projects and/or customers.
The benefits of the studio work include a stable salary and total low risk. There may also be less mental stress since there is low pressure on the person. Many people also enjoy the associate nature of the work of the studio- they are always colleagues to throw ideas.
Another advantage of studio work is that the company owns and maintains the employees that use employees. There is no need to use Pachek earned in a studio job to buy equipment for business use.
Additionally, the studio will own more sophisticated equipment than a freelancer. A company will also have to maintain a certain level of industrial hygiene and is responsible for the workplace security.
The shortcomings of the studio work are mostly with lack of autonomy. There are fixed hours and expectations. Employees have limited creative control and do not get them to choose their projects. There may also be issues with bureaucracy, management and other internal organizational complaints.
Properties of successful freelancers
There are some qualities that can make someone a good candidate to be a freelancer. Those who are interested in this route should be active-enabled to take off and complete self-inspired and self-promoted to fulfill them according to the specified budget or time limit. Time management and financial management are important.
People skills are important for freelancers. If an independent filmmaker wants to create a documentary, for example, they need to be able to impress investors. Or, if they are trying to work more customers, they need to be able to prove that they are the best person for the job. Some business skills and network capacity is extremely important for those who go single.
Freelancers should also be talented, of course. As a freelancer, one’s portfolio and reliability are top concerns for potential customers and investors.
Studio Career Path: Education and Preparation
Those who want to do full -time work in a studio have to be prepared through education and training. Getting a degree can be a good leg, but it is not all and end-end for creative businesses. Creating a strong portfolio and getting training on jobs can be far more important for potential employers.
The internship can be a good way to break into the industry. In addition to providing experience on hands, these positions also provide opportunities for networking and creating reliability within the field. The internship experience, combined with a stellar portfolio, can be the easiest way to hiring by a studio.
Choosing your path: Which option is right for you?
There is no quick and easy way to success in the film industry. Whether you choose to make your career as a freelancer, when working for a studio, or through a combination approach, you will need to continuously enhance your skills and be revealed to the right people. If you are not sure that you will enjoy freelancing or do more work for studios, it may be a good idea for the network through professional organizations and may ask questions to those who have been in industry for a long time.
When thinking about your career, it is important to consider what is most important for you. Do you want to have more creative freedom and autonomy but low stability, or do you prefer more predicated and stable work environment? There is no wrong answer, but it is important to listen to your internal voice and choose the option that you like best.
