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Starting a Special Occasion Film Service

By: Gary Saunders

For those who are hoping to start a special occasion film service, the good news is that you don't have to be an Otto Preminger to produce a film that will entertain as well as become a cherished memory of any important celebration. Your basic supplies for a finished fifteen to twenty minute movie will be your digital video camera, a still camera, and perhaps some lighting. You will also want to get an inexpensive film editing software suite.

Begin by writing a simple film script before you actually start shooting. If you are producing a film of someone's wedding, for instance, make sure you list all of the scenes you want to capture on film, such as the bride before the ceremony, the maid of honor and ushers preparing for the wedding, the actual ceremony, the tossing of rice, and the party afterward. Just be sure you include as many people as possible in the film, especially the family of the bride and groom.

You might also prepare carefully lettered titles to lead into the film, which will add a sophisticated touch to your production. Your actual costs to produce a twenty minute film will be your time spent filming and editing, as well as any travel costs. You should charge anywhere from $200 to $300 for this film, which will compare favorably with professional still photographs the hosts might have contracted for, yet will provide a much more enjoyable memento of the occasion.

To solicit customers for this unique service, check through your local newspapers for engagement announcements in particular. You should also run a small classified ad that says something to the effect of: "Now capture in movies every moment of your most cherished celebrations." Telephone those people whose engagements have been announced, and set up a personal meeting to discuss the service you can offer.

Be flexible enough to make a shorter or longer film, depending on the needs of your client. This is one kind of business in which word-of-mouth advertising will play a more important role than printed advertising. Get your basic film and developing from a professional photo supply house if possible. Emphasize that you are a professional and will be a regular customer for this supply house.

As a sideline to this film production business you might even be in a position to sell movie projectors and screens to your clients at reduced prices. Once you have contracted for your first job, have a duplicate print made of your film so that you can show this feature as a sample of your work. It will be your most powerful selling tool.

Article Source: http://www.e-tmt.net

To find more great articles from Gary Saunders, check out some of his other topics such as burt hendricks and common illnesses.

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