Is It Too Late To Start a Video Production Company in 2022

Is it too late to start a video production company? I started mine 8 years ago and I thought the same way back then.
Going back 15 years though, when I graduated from film school, the market was not very saturated. The cost of entry back then was still pretty high. You can do events and maybe some corporate projects, but commercial work was going to the big production companies.

But around 2010, when the DSLR really took over the market and YouTube education was getting pretty good, more people learned filmmaking and got into the market. And then, a new film school would pop up every single week.

So all of a sudden, everyone in their 20s started a video production company. But here’s why I think it’s still plenty of room in the world of video production.

First of all, video is growing exponentially. Far more than people learning how to make good videos.
So the jobs in video production are going to continue to grow for at least the next decade. Platforms like Instagram are moving away from photo sharing to becoming video platforms. The short format is exploding with TikTok and YouTube shorts and brands and businesses have no idea how to utilize these platforms.

Second, let me just break down the numbers for you. In the US, there are roughly 6000 video production companies. That covers film, TV, commercial and corporate events.

If we just look at commercial and corporate needs, let’s look at how many small businesses there are in the US.

There are roughly 31 million. Let’s just say only 10% could use or afford a video to market their business.

3.1 million divided by 6000 is 516. No one could handle 516 video clients. The goal is to get a dozen or so repeating clients. Land a couple of ad agencies and a couple of Fortune 500 companies, and you will have a bigger video company than most.

Just based on those numbers, there is a huge amount of growth.

Learn the exact blueprint I used to go from a struggling videographer, to running a profitable video production business, in this one-hour free training.

[MARZILLI]

It will never be to late for “storytellers”
There are TO MANY PEOPLE WITH CAMERAS and NOT ENOUGH PEOPLE WITH SKILL.

[alexpintado]

Hi there....
I'm a 50 yr old who since childhood had a passion for film/ video, but could never afford the grar or film school. Now that everything is so accessible and everywhere, I thought....I missed the boat!! Just as you said. Actually, just a few weeks ago I mentioned to my wife that I thought I was too old for this.
That this is a young persons game/time. I am completely new to this industry. Not even one video, but my passion for it is now more alive then ever before and my mind doesn't seem to stop dreaming and coming up with ideas. But the sad part is, I don't know where or how to start.
Today I came across your video, and what you said made a lot of sense to me. It also gave me hope! I'm not looking to make millions or to be world famous.
I'd just like to have steady work and live confortable doing something that I love.
Thanks for your insight and for sharing. I look forward to seeing more of your videos. Happy 2022!
Ps; any thoughts?

[florentdevier]

I have my production company too and indeed, the high end clients (for now) will spend money to have someone they can trust. I think the fact the freelance market is overly saturated is actually very good for small agencies. Cause clients know that taking a random freelancer is rolling the dice. And ironically you can't afford a "cheap" video when you want your company to succeed.

[JonackFilm]

I think for many people it is too early. It takes more than just 4k 120fps and 10 Bit to be a decent filmmaker. If you can Shoot something amazing in 1080p 25fps without a Gimbal or IBIS. Then you can talk about Filmmaking. I started my carrer with a old Canos EOS 6D in Germany. Like 5 years ago. Now I work for International Companys from Mexiko to Saudi Arabia :) I Like your Videos 👍 I think you should share more from your Storys. Many people can learn a lot from this I think. Greetings from Berlin Germany

[ingarzonmediagroup]

I love your videos! Your words are so encouraging! Thank you for taking the time to do these videos ❤️

[filipmichalsaffray]

Great videos like always very clear and clever.Bravo!!!I am a big fan of your business videos.
I think another things is how to use your skills and adapt it to the market.
Coming from Audio
I am a classical musician and Audio Ingénieur...because imho the audio classical market is dead for CD and audio...I was forced to go into high quality Multicam 4k Classical music production because every orchestra, quartet need that footage so I needed to skill up my skills for it. Bought a bunch of used gears...and record now high res multichannel audio with Schoeps and co and Blackmagic 4k, GH5, GH5s and use Resolve to match color grade edit.Starting even some narrative for music clips...
So I don't regret doing more video now but sometimes I miss some of the music production stuff Wich I still have and make combo projects with live video recording which will eventuelly get published just audio as well...probably not enough to start a video company I agree but at least some producing...First I did the transition from audio to video with my projects and for some friends because we were disappointed with the work of so called "professional" compagnies...bad sync bad cut bad editing. They did not understand that editing orchestra, classical concert, live stream, broadcast or producing is not so easy and it has to make sense with the music score and they could not read it and understand what I was talking about.
Well probably niche market I know but still I can continue doing audio quality recordings but with Multicam added on.
All is a question of proportion and point of vue...
Merry Christmas from Switzerland
Fil

[BildfabrikTV]

I started around the same time with a Canon T2i and later the 7D. Those were crazy times!!! But few of those who tried are still around today.

[adnan_velic]

Great video! I myself have stopped doing entry level work. I would rather do videos for myself and become better. I have to agree clients cannot make their own videos like we can for them. I cannot tell you how many high end businesses I see locally make a fool of themselves using an iPhone to do their campaigns, it’s awful to watch and makes the overall brand look cheap.

[superinfinityfilms]

im actually loving vertical format visually.

[SimpleAndCo]

Hey Saj. Awesome content. It's been couple of days and I've been going through all of your videos.
I had a query though. How to market it right for video requests to make reels, many of these enquiries are to shoot it on the phone itself! And because the prospects expect it to shoot it on the phone, expect a lower pricing too. But anyway, these contents are more of keeping their social presence active more than having a proper promotional video.

[MrKubalaa]

I really hate the price competition nowadays.

[puertadlm]

Any advice for someone who's never gotten his first freelance gig. Or how to get one in general.

[denizbonck]

A friend an i are currently thinking about opening a VPC we are both 20 yrs old. Him & i recently took a 9/5 job. we save all our money which should be roughly 10-12k€ or so. I am a video editor who can basically do everything. Im also Good at sound Design and VFX is a 50/50 thing. So my question is, will 10k or 12k be enough to start a VPC we thought about getting the Red Komodo camera with 1 or 2 sirui anamorphic lenses. each is about 1k. We probably need a third guy in our team to do the lighting etc since my friend needs to be the focus puller. free lancing can be a chaos sometimes. And it doesent make me that happy tbh. Idk man maybe u comment on this or not. I’m just someone who’s trying to make something out of his life. I don’t want to end up working for someone. I want to be my own boss. 🙃

[JustinBishop]

Do some videos on ads. I want to offer that service to my clients!