Untold Impact of Recession on Filmmakers and Videographers

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During the last major recession, I nearly lost everything. I learned some crucial lessons, and I want to share them with you, as there's a lot of talk about another big recession just months away.

Between 2008 and 2009, I was a freelance videographer, taking on various gigs from corporate and commercial to weddings. In 2008, I was doing well, making about 58k in my first full year after film school. I thought it was a lot of money and believed it would only get better.

However, in 2009, everything suddenly stopped. My two major clients, who provided almost all my freelance work, couldn't pay what they owed me, and I received no new calls. I was even willing to be a production assistant again, but I couldn't find work.

Recessions typically cause companies to pause or slow down their spending, especially in marketing and advertising, which made up most of my work. I had a few wedding clients, but I was trying to transition to commercial work and documentary filmmaking.

During several months in 2009, I couldn't cover my $700 monthly rent. By December 1st, 2009, I had only made 11k. Luckily, I had saved a significant amount from 2008 since my expenses were relatively low, which allowed me to make it through 2009.

By the end of that year, my top 3 clients had either gone bankrupt or moved on to ventures that didn't require video. Many photographers and videographers I knew went out of business or found jobs in unrelated fields.

I learned three important lessons. First, when times are good and money is flowing, don't assume it will always be that way. Save for a rainy day, as it will come. Second, don't rely on just one or two main clients, as work can dry up quickly, and it takes time to find replacements. Third, keep expenses low until you have enough revenue sources to justify expansion costs.

Now, I've diversified my income sources and clients while keeping my expenses manageable. I've been preparing for the storm ever since. If a recession is looming, now is the time to prepare: cut expenses, save what you can, and try to secure more clients and revenue sources. Though I learned my most important business lessons in 2009, I wouldn't wish that experience on anyone.

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Man these videos are so valuable, this entire channel is a hidden gem. Just turned 19, been doing video gigs for over 4 years and learnt more from 5 of your videos than I have from hundreds of camera and gear videographers. I dropped out of college a few months ago to turn my video/editing gigs into a production/marketing company. It's been hard to navigate through some of the business aspects, but this channel is really helping me out with it. I lowkey wish this channel will be a hidden gem, but I got a feeling it'll blow up soon enough. Thanks and greetings from Toronto!

noahwachnik
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Thank you so much for your advice! I am 26 and work professionally as a videographer for 3 years. I still try to build my career up even though it's hard currently. I pretty sure this video will save my life in the future!

felixpeng
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This is where having a good profit margin baked into your prices comes in.. Thanks for the reminder!

timdanyo
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Respect. Always appropriate honest stories from experiences. Subbed.

HenryOrtlip
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Everyone should take budgeting seriously and an emergancy fund like you say is a key point in budgeting.

We hold 1 year of outgoings in quick access for tough times or for a multitude of reasons!

Its funny your video lesson has turned i to an emergancy fund lesson, its a must know.

jamiekenleyuk
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Great advice Saj. Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm in the process of pursuing new clients as at this time I only have three regular ones.

danielbranam
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Man, you're like my filmmaking father😁 Keep up the work and thank you very much from a filmmaker from Kazakhstan

СеверьянЧичуа
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Maybe you should run a recession proof special on the course….😎

nohe
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Missing you uploads Saj! Hope you're upto something good!

MouktikJoshi
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I like your work hope one day I will meet you personally

Addomannell
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I’m there right now. But I keep hope. Adjust. Create content when I can to keep the website fresh and remember to save save save.

earnieboy
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From 2008-2009 starting my own law practice I earned a whopping $18k in total, so you did very well, all things considered.

jeremyleonbarlow
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Great advice, especially for the younger folks.

itstartsmedia
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Would you choose the Sony fx3 or the hs2s for documentary/vlog filmmaking great content

MODESTYXO
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Good video. I remember the recession. What are some reliable industries for video people in the upcoming recession, that might be safer bet?

jomymatthews
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curious why you haven't been posting much!?

createdbykjvideo
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Hi Saj, I've been binging your playlists the last few dsys now. And when I have the cash, I want to invest in your course! I am coming across 30k soon and want to start a production company. I have a question for you. Do you think it's wise to get a loan to start up the business where 50% of the loan is none repayable if the company does good in 2-3 years? Or should I just use my 30k and forget the loan?

Any advice you have would be awesome! Thanks, Saj!

simpleObserver
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Sorry for the question, but i’m just beginning my journey on the filmmaking industry. What is this recession referred to in this industry?

eduvivan
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Segue, lol. Well...if you ever need an remote editor, Im available. I can send a link to my work if needed.

joshdiditt
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My dream is destroy will sell all my gear

athrunkira