In the latest episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, we sit down with Patrick Blake from Leveler Media, a Philadelphia-based video production company known for its innovative approach and successful projects. Patrick shares his journey from freelancing in product photography to co-founding Leveler Media and navigating the evolving landscape of video production. With insights on industry shifts, the challenges of maintaining client relationships, and the nuances of running a creative business, this episode is packed with valuable lessons for both aspiring and seasoned video production professionals. Tune in to hear Patrick’s story and gain a deeper understanding of the business side of creativity.
Creatives Grab Coffee is produced by Lapse Productions, a video production company based out of Toronto, Canada. Reach out to them for your video production needs.
Watch: Navigating the Video Production Landscape (ft. Leveler Media) | Creatives Grab Coffee 68
Listen: Navigating the Video Production Landscape (ft. Leveler Media) | Creatives Grab Coffee 68
Takeaways
- Takeaways
- The accessibility of video production has increased, leading to more one-man bands and freelancers in the industry.
- Clients often want to pay less for content, which can lead to challenges in delivering high-quality work within limited budgets.
- Building long-term relationships with clients is valuable, but it’s important to be aware of the potential for turnover and budget changes.
- Understanding departmental budgets within organizations can help identify clients with the resources to support larger projects.
- Being open about discussing budgets with clients can lead to more successful collaborations and realistic expectations.
- Navigating client turnover is a common occurrence in the creative industry, and it’s important to not take it personally and adapt to changing circumstances. Budget constraints can make it difficult to allocate funds to freelancers and other aspects of a project.
- Finding the right music track is crucial for creating a successful video.
- Editing can be a challenging and time-consuming process.
- Pitching requires research and tailoring the pitch to the client’s industry and needs.
- Showing examples of successful work can help build trust with clients.
- Researching competitors can provide insights and ideas for pitching. The video production industry can be challenging and unpredictable, but also rewarding.
- The pandemic had a significant impact on the video production business, leading to layoffs and a decrease in projects.
- Staying hungry and being adaptable are important qualities for success in the industry.
- Securing funding during the pandemic was a difficult process for many businesses.
- Tech regrets, such as choosing a less desirable email address, can have unexpected consequences.
- Email security is crucial, and organizations should take steps to prevent security breaches.
Chapters
- Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction and Background
- 02:56 The Accessibility and Rise of Video Production
- 06:08 Challenges of Being a One-Man Band
- 08:26 Navigating Budget Constraints and Client Expectations
- 11:15 Building Long-Term Relationships with Clients
- 21:14 Client Turnover and Adapting to Changing Circumstances
- 26:21 Navigating Budget Constraints
- 28:46 The Challenges of Editing
- 30:37 The Importance of the Right Music Track
- 36:01 Strategies for Effective Pitching
- 41:23 Building Trust Through Successful Examples
- 44:46 Researching Competitors for Tailored Pitches
- 47:39 Challenges and Rewards of the Video Production Industry
- 48:03 The Impact of the Pandemic on the Video Production Business
- 49:00 The Unpredictability of the Video Production Industry
- 49:38 The Excitement of Not Knowing What the Next Project Will Be
- 50:06 Securing Funding During the Pandemic
- 52:15 Tech Regrets and Email Security
