Wedding Videography in the Philippines (part 2)
weddings May 8th, 2006Okay so the photographers charge more than us, clients almost always book us last and the general public still think that the “wonder woman” shot is still part of our repertoire. Makes you just want to become a makeup artist eh? But there is hope…
First, we better be good at what we do. Not just good - good, but crazy-a** m*ther-frackin’ GOOD! We gotta show the photogs, the clients and the rest of the country that we’re no pushovers. We got to spread the word that wedding videos have evolved and in no way resembles our parents’ videos. That it is no longer “baduy” or cheesy to get a wedding videographer. That video is a totally separate creative medium by which to preserve memories.
It’s the best time to create and deliver beautiful wedding videos if you want your videography business to last. The same couples we are delivering to right now will be the same parents who will have kids getting married the next time around. If they had a spectacular video now, they would insist the same for their kids when the time comes - guaranteed. I don’t know about you but what I do is no hobby nor past time. I would want this business to run far longer than my lifetime.
Next, we have to learn how to value our time. Plain and simple math - no. of hours shooting + no. of hours capturing + no. of hours editing and dvd authoring divided by how much you charge equals the rate you pay yourself per hour. So, is it worth it? Equipment and overhead costs aren’t even included yet. The easiest advice to give is raise your prices. But I can understand the apprehension in making such a “bold” move. I’ve been there, I’ve done that. It’s scary yes, but if you have a product born out of passion and you know in your gut deserves more than what you’re charging, it’s time.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to go head to head with the big studios. If they are charging X amount for their wedding videos. Don’t be afraid to charge higher for a much better product. The substandard quality and low price range was the norm before. It shouldn’t be the case now.
October 18th, 2006 at 12:15 pm
u said a lot i hope Sir Jason someday u build up an association of all Pinoy Videomaker
May 28th, 2007 at 6:38 pm
Here here, Jason! I love everything about what you wrote and agree to all your points whole-heartedly. I think you’ve done an amazing job in raising the standard in the Phils and in getting people to appreciate the wedding video in a big, beautiful way. There is still more work to be done there and around the world, but congrats– it is unbelievable how you’ve accomplished so much in such a short space of time