INTRODUCTION - WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE BUSINESS

• Setting up your business
  • Steps required to set up your business from recording the name to getting a license.
  • Choosing a name for your business.
  • Items you will need for your office.

• Choosing Equipment
  • Different types of video cameras on the market and which may be the best for your needs.
  • Editing systems available.
  • We’ll explain the different types of microphones and the pros & cons of each.
  • Other equipment you may need to purchase.

• Setting up your Equipment
  • How to set up the equipment.
  • Different types of connectors you’ll need to be familiar with.
  • How to hook up your microphones to your camera or mixing station.

• How to use the Equipment
  • How to use the camera from adjusting settings to composing shots.
  • How to use the other equipment for live-mixing or editing in post.

• Getting Experience
  • How to get some “hands-on” experience.
  • How to find other videographers to learn from.
  • Where to find actual events you can practice on.

• Marketing and Advertising - Getting Clients
  • Researching your market to find out what your competitors are doing.
  • Determining what services to offer.
  • How to price your services.
  • Different methods of advertising and the pros and cons of each.
  • Secrets to a creating a demo video that will bring you clients.

• Appointments
  • Are they necessary? How & where to schedule them.
  • How to “break the ice” and build rapport with potential clients.
  • Important questions to ask.
  • Determining what your customers want.
  • Writing a contract with clauses to include to protect yourself.

• Pre-production Planning
  • What you need to know to prepare for the shoot.
  • Should you attend the rehearsal?
  • How to locate additional camera operators when you need them.
  • Meeting the house manager and A/V techs and questions to ask them.
  • Figuring out where to set up your equipment.

• Day of the Performance - Setting Up for the Show/s
  • What time to arrive?
  • How to set up your equipment and making any necessary adjustments to your camera position/s.
  • Setting up and recording audio.
  • Key activities to capture.

• Taping the Show
  • How to videotape the performance.
  • Types of dances/performances.
  • Live mix or edit later?
  • How to decide what sounds to record and how to do it.
  • What to watch out for.
  • Which camera is responsible for capturing each activity and why.

• After the Performance
  • Selling copies of the video.
  • Tear down and checkout.

• Editing the Video
  • What you should leave in, what to take out, how to put everything together smoothly.
  • What kind of music to use. Laws concerning the use of music.
  • Pacing and how to incorporate interviews, when applicable.
  • Editing tips and shortcuts.

• Packaging and Delivering the Video
  • How to make the packaging for the video look professional.
  • How to design your own covers.
  • Which DVD format to use.
  • Should you use labels on your DVDs?
  • Authored vs. unauthored DVDs.
  • What about VHS copies?
  • Methods for delivering the videos to the client/s.

• Bonus Topics
  • What NOT to do in the dance video business. - The biggest “no-no’s” of the performance video business from production to conducting business.
  • Be careful of what you promise in your contracts and make sure you can deliver them.
  • Creating a professional image for your business.

• You’ll also receive
  • Camera Command Training DVD.
  • Advanced Broadcast Camera Techniques Volumes 1 & 2 DVDs.
  • Dance Recital & Stage Performance Training Manual.