Do Filmmakers Need a Niche to Succeed in 2024?

Do filmmakers need to niche down to succeed in 2024, or are they better off as a jack of all trades? #filmmaking #documentary

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CHAPTERS

0:00 - Intro
0:37 - Niche definition
2:02 - To start, a real world example
4:31 - How can you relate to this example
5:54 - How to find your niche
8:07 - Why you should niche down as soon as possible
9:52 - Will niche down hurt your chances to get hire?
11:31 - Final thoughts

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[liamjoseph]

This video in particular really hit me; I’m 21 years old, fresh college grad wanting to become a filmmaker— but naturally, I don’t have my niche as of now. It was refreshing to hear that it’s okay not to yet, that it’ll come with time. Thanks Luc!

[Brian-Hansen]

Thanks Luc! What I’ve learned at the ripe young age of 46 is that no matter how much you think you can, you can’t do everything. So you won’t be at the top of the game in shooting, lighting, audio, grip, directing, producing. You’re going to fall into a couple that you are very good at. For me my sweet spot is editing, location audio, and producing. And of course I’m good at doing the other things, but I’m the best at those three things. The more I dug into that, the more work I have booked. It’s crazy how it works, and even crazier at how long it takes to grow into these things. This career is long, and it takes a decade or more to figure it out.

[DANAMIONLINE]

Good job, Luc, on relating this topic to filmmakers.

At the core of this topic is marketing and communications. It's marketing yourself to a specific audience who aligns with you.

[FilmedByHendrix]

For me, niching down was equally about how I present myself but also not taking the gigs I don't want to do. I feel that a "generalist" will be more likely to take whatever is thrown at them, regardless of if it sparks passion. What I present on my site and social is the work I want to do. This was a huge step in my career and my happiness, even if it meant less money at first.

[cannibalculture]

This channel has become an invaluable resource for a 'one man band' like myself without any formal training.

As an older guy who only first picked up a camera a few years ago, I really needed this video right now. I can definitely see the trap of low paid generalization on my horizon. Visualizing how I should be aiming to get from A to B as directly as possible is a bit of an epiphany and has really helped me focus on my next steps.

Thanks Luc.

[JJKoester]

This is on my mind a lot as we do frequent hiring for gigs. When you are trying to get a job, reduce the cognitive load on the hiring manager as much as possible. If they're looking for a music video gaffer, be a music video gaffer for the application. We're just trying to narrow the pool when we invite applications as so many flood in. Anything (and I mean ANYTHING) that can get your resume or cover letter off our desk will immediately get it off our desk.

The other side of that coin is that if we've worked together once and you're a good fit for our team, we'll find a way to bring you on shoots even if it isn't your specialty. It's a billion times easier to stay in the building than it is to get in the building.

[billmakesmovies]

10-15 years ago being an everyman that can do camera, lights, and sound for Live/Multicam, Narrative, and everything in between hindered me more than it helped. I took a few years off from the industry, but finally fell back into it enough to pay attention. Now it seems they want a guy who can show up with all the things and make any kind of video on the spot. Interesting how things have gone that way.

I do know that the people I came up with that picked a role within a department and stuck to it have been very successful though. I’m certain there are plenty of ACs and Grips and especially sound guys making more money in the long run than a lot the of DPs and Directors, at the local market level anyway.

[dancethroughglass]

Good topic, Luc! Reinforces what I thought to be true. Though it does have me considering creating two different and opposite niches… But I can hear you saying - start with one! Haha Thanks!

[pizzazemle]

Thank you so much for such knowledge. You are, I believe, the only film guy on youtube, that really speaks into my soul.
I wish you the best :)

[benjamin.kelley]

I feel like it really takes a few years to understand how you like to approach filmmaking to figure out niche you want to go into. I figured out that I like filming weddings, and one of the big reasons I got into video is because of running documentaries, and I'm currently on my way back from a 4-Hour Drive to West Virginia to film an ultra marathon.

[BryonBlack]

This topic is right on point with where I'm at in my career. Like most photo/video shooters, I have found myself in a "jack of all trades" role as I've grown my biz over the last 15+ years. I've selectively removed many things from my portfolio and marketing, but I'm still far too broad and need to pull that scope in tighter.

Great video; thanks for sharing!

[jf_blanco]

I agree with your reasoning but if we take into account a wide radio of action. If you are like me at my age and don't want to move, travel and trip. Or if you live in a not so populated or rich area. You simply are forced by reality to widen your skyllset and do it all related with AV.

[TheOneThreeFour]

Hey Luc! I've emailed you about this bit on your LinkedIn, didn't realize its also on your website: 1:05

The first sentence of that last paragraph of your ABOUT ME is a little awkward, may want to revisit that

[InventiveImagery]

@9:10 - that cat placement killed me. Haha just peeking over

[MindfulGrinds]

All great points! As always, Luc made another banger info video!

[brianmengini]

Awesome as always! I am actually looking to get into the sports doc/media space.

[DiodeFilms]

Niches can also be something that happen to you rather than a choice. People notice you might be good at a particular thing and you get more of that work, then you notice most of your portfolio is that. How many times have you heard some variation of "help! I've accidentally become a but I hate it!"

Also, anyone implying "nitch" is an acceptable pronunciation of niche, is spreading highly dangerous misinformation.

[inframe-brooklyn]

This is so true. When I started out back in 97 my one desire was to be an Indie narrative filmmaker. Doc filmmaking happened pretty much by accident in 2011 and fast forward almost fifteen yers later I am on my fourth doc, I have found my "documentary voice" and this project is shaping up to be the biggest of my career because of the three I did before this one. . Twenty years ago if you told me I would be a documentary filmmaker I would have laughed. It's definitely a journey, these things don't happen over night. Folks just starting out should figure out what moves them, and shoot that. That's how you find your "Niche". Good one Luc!!!!

[johnclay]

informative topic informative video thanks Luc.

[cameragod]

There is over specialization though. I worked with a guy at the BBC who did nothing but helicopter work for 12 years. I hated working with him because he really didn't understand the shots I needed. He couldn't tell a story because he only knew choppers.