This is Part 3 in the 3 part series on One-Man Bands. Part 1 | Part 2

Now that we have covered "why" to go solo, what it means to be a one-man-band and covered the equipment and software you need, let us now cover the next step: How to get work. Having all this new fancy equipment and skill needs to be put to use, whether that's putting money in your pocket or creating your own stories, it's time to get busy.

The market is crowded, but thankfully in my experience, there are plenty of people who need video services. If you keep plugging at the ones listed below you will find some work, and of course, you should always be creating content for yourself. Let's dive into to some of the ways I have gained paying gigs.

How to Get Work

Build a Website

The internet is embedded in every aspect of most people's lives and if you don’t have a website it can make others think you aren’t professional or worse, serious about your career. Hiring a web designer can be pricey, but the end results can be worth the cost. These professionals know how to build you the perfect site to reflect your brand and allow you to focus on your craft.

If money is tight, building your own website is easier than it’s every been. WordPress is easy to understand and navigate. I built my site over a few months and all it cost me was some time. Make sure you study website layouts and what will best fit your brand. And remember if you do go this route it won’t be a one-time project. I work on my site daily, adding content, like this blog or reworking pages for SEO.

Craigslist, Staff Me Up and More

A good way to supplement your income with some paid gigs and checking out some sites for jobs. Sometimes companies post work they need on these sites, and other times production companies are looking for specific roles to fill. I check these sites often and even if it’s just a camera operator or a PA I respond. Even if they pay is low, this gives you a chance to show off your skills, gain experience, and best of all do some networking. Be wary of scams on Craigslist. There are a lot of people looking to try and pull a fast one on people. 

Thumbtack and Other Lead Generators

Thumbtack is a lead generator site. Companies or individuals who need services post jobs on these sites looking for professionals. The process is a little odd, but once you get it done it’s fairly easy.

You set up a profile and click on categories of work you are looking for. Thumbtack sends out an email and/or a text when a job is listed in that category. You then have 24 hours to respond with a quote. Thumbtack has gotten better since I began using it in 2015 and provides additional information, most importantly what their budget it is. It is difficult to bid on something like video services without having some major questions answered like: scope, but it is helpful to get some work.

Each time you bid it costs you credits. This amount is different depending on the listing, but it’s usually under a few bucks. In my experience I always answer a job that fits my skill set immediately with their app. Thumbtack only allows 5 total responses and if you aren’t quick enough you won’t be able to submit your bid.

Video Contests

Sites like Online Video Contests, Tongal and Genero share video contests with some big payouts to aspiring filmmakers. You get the chance to make a video for some big major brands, and even can potentially get your video aired on TV. I have done a few contests and actually won 25k for a Trip Advisor ad I created. Not only did I get a good payday, but it was also aired on national TV and I got some exposure through newspapers and other media outlets.

Find a contest that suits you and learn the rules and what is expected. There, of course, is no guarantee you will win anything, but you will have a completed video to use for marketing.

Make sure you build your video to be cost effective since you will be the one to be flipping the bill. You don’t have to spend a fortune to make these videos, even though a may be for a national brand. Use your creativity and create videos within your means as I did. The Trip advisor video I made cost a few hundred bucks and this music video contest I won was less than $200.

Create Your Own Videos

If you’re a filmmaker, then write some shorts and get out there make them! Don’t spend forever trying to make the perfect film and just create. Send your completed film to festivals and get critiqued by others in the industry. I created a short film that was screened locally here in Denver, and the feedback I got was priceless.

In the commercial work, strategic giveaways are a great way to get your name out there and perhaps work with some high profile brands. Do you have a creative marketing idea that could really help a business? Don’t try to sell them on the idea, sell them on the video! Shoot the video and give it to them for FREE! If the work is great I promise you that either they will hire you, pay you after the fact (BMW did with this video we created for them) or it may just get you other work.

Best Practices and Tips

Now that you have bought the basics or a little extra if you had the funds, let's go over some Do’s and Don’ts when working solo. These are based on my experiences and yours may differ. Check forums and Facebook groups to ask questions and learn what is best for you. Always be prepared for your shoot, regardless of what it is.

• Take on jobs you can do Not every job is good for a one-man band, and if you’re working for a client remember it’s their product you're representing. There is an ideal to take whatever you can get and just “figure it out” but I have seen and personally experienced biting off more than I could chew.
• Keep It Simple- Going along with the above don’t make things complex. Jobs like interviews or capturing an event to be edited down to a highlight video later is easy solo. A commercial with actors at a studio and complex shots isn’t ideal. Remember you’re not only starting out to make a name for yourself, but hopefully building a good reel. Set yourself up for success.
• Hire Help- This may sound like I’m going against what this whole post is about, but if you can get someone to hold a mic or carry stuff it makes things much easier. Not only can you focus on just the important aspects, but things are done much quicker. There are plenty of other people out there who are starting out that would love some experience, but make sure any pay them! Even if it’s small amount they will really appreciate it. In a pinch have a friend or family member help you, but make sure you know you can work with them before asking.
• Be Prepared- Whether you are shooting a talking head video or the sci-fi masterpiece you wrote you will be working with other people. Don’t waste your talents time by not knowing what you’re doing. Not only is this unprofessional, but long hours already make people cranky, don’t give them an excuse t be more upset. These people will refer you to more business if you do your job well.
• Research- Do you see a theme here? Even when you are shooting with a crew doing your homework ensures that things will go smoothly during the shoot. Do a site visit prior to the shoot and check the lighting. Does the location provide good audio or is there an air conditioner or a busy street nearby? Knowing these things before hand can make or break a shoot. It also gives you ample time to make any changes beforehand. Also in case you may need to rent additional or special equipment, you have to time to set it up.
• Work with The Client- This is something that is important for any production regardless of the size, but I want to include it in this post also. Be upfront with your client and let them know what they will be getting. Walk them through the process and ask and answer questions. One of the worst things that can happen is delivering them a product they don’t need or like. They may be expecting a big blockbuster and in reality be receiving a small indie.
• Learn to Multi-task- Being a one-man band is multi-tasking to the Nth degree. You will not only have to be the camera operator, the director, grip, audio tech and more on set, but outside the production, you will also have many roles. A salesman or woman, an administrative assistant, location scout, editor, colorist and much more. Don’t skimp on any role as they are all equally important and help your finished product look professional and most of all make the client and yourself happy.
• Know Your Gear- Every setting, every button, and every situation, knowing how your gear works and its strength and weaknesses can make a break a shoot. There are so many great guides online on sites like No film School, filmmaker IQ and YouTube, just to name a few, that you really have no excuse to know your stuff.
• Practice Makes Perfect- The best way to get better is to do something over and over. When you aren’t shooting your masterpiece or working with a client practice your skills. This is also the perfect opportunity to try something risky or new and not screw up your production.

This by far isn’t a complete end all list to helping your one-man band, but it’s a good start. These steps above have helped me countless times through trial and error. I hope that they help you and make your shoots go a bit more smooth out of the gate.

I hoped you enjoyed this 3-part series on One-man band filmmaking. My hope is that this will help some of you get started and begin creating your own videos with some added knowledge and confidence.

Let us know in the comments if you have any thoughts or questions! Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog to get more great articles!