How to Start a Home Video Editing Business
Your video editing business might play a variety of roles. You could start by recording and editing small to mid-size parties throughout your community. Alternatively, you might focus on editing existing tapes--for instance, by adding sound effects, mixing scenes, or including titles and transitions. Designate enough time to complete projects, particularly if you begin the business on a part-time basis.
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Instructions
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Decide what type of editing business you want to establish. Video editors usually evaluate and sort scenes, while sound effect editors enhance films by recording necessary sounds or getting existing sounds from appropriate sources. Music editors improve background music, such as by synchronizing music tracks with the film.
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Purchase appropriate equipment and software like Adobe's Premiere Pro CS4, which supports many cutting-edge effects. Free video editing programs exist, such as VideoSpin, Microsoft's Movie Maker, or Apple's IMovie, if your budget is limited initially.
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Price your services reasonably by researching what your local market currently supports. Decide whether you will charge a flat fee of, say, $250, or an hourly rate of maybe $50. You might give free consultations and determine separate prices for each project.
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Advertise continuously by creating business cards and fliers and placing them at strategic locations. Always carry a set of business cards so that you can quickly provide information to potential clients. Establish a basic website that identifies your services and includes a few examples of your specialties.
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Designate a location in your home to support all of your equipment. Use a space consistently, like a spare room or a garage, as your office. Carefully organize business-related revenues and expenses, which you likely will have to report on your federal tax return.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider developing a simple design to place on vehicles such as the designated business van, or even a family member's personal vehicle. Make sure that the design clearly states your contact information, especially your phone number and website.
While free programs might seem to be a great deal, they often do not have great quality. Initially practice using free software, and gradually buy better products to upgrade to cutting-edge technology.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit music book. manuscript. music score image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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That is great advice.
