It wasn’t until the year 2002, when George Lucas shot Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, that an entire major motion picture was shot using nothing but a digital camera.  In 2009, Slumdog Millionaire became the first movie shot mainly with digital technology to be awarded the Academy Award for Best Cinematography. 

These are just some examples of how the video production industry is shifting and how heeding these changes can make for successful video productions.

There is a lot to be said about the changing nature of video production and recent Baltimore video production graduates should know and understand how to handle these changes in order to make a successful career for themselves.

Today, we will take a look at what the future of video production looks like so that graduates, such as yourself, can keep up and remain competitive.

 

 

Things Are Changing in Video Production

It used to be that video production companies were a specialty item that would cost a customer thousands of dollars to produce even the shortest video commercial.  It also used to be that the art of video production would take years to master and only the very best could make the claim that they were experts. 

Today, learning the technical skills of using a camera and mastering the editing process is something that anyone with a little passion and ambition can learn, especially when done at a reputable video production school, such as The Sheffield Institute for the Recording Arts. 

However, the truth is it doesn’t take a video production education to slap the title ‘Video Producer’ on oneself and charge for video production.  This means that those who were serious about their education, who invested time and money into video editing courses to become experts in their field, may face competition from the average person producing videos at bargain prices.  This fact, in addition to the changes in the video production industry, are proving to be challenges that recent graduates must overcome. 

 

Equipment and Software

Video production equipment ranges in price from extremely inexpensive (think your iPhone) to out of this world expensive (think the Hasselblad H4D-60 digital camera - $42,000!).  The point is, those with money that can afford the expensive equipment will continue to do so, and good for them.  But for those just starting out, and even those without an education, there is somewhat comparable equipment that doesn’t have the huge price tag. 

In addition, you can find almost any video editing software for virtually free.  Specialized editing suites used to cost upwards of $3,000 whereas nowadays you can find free online tools or inexpensive software for a small monthly fee and they produce the same great results.

It used to be that your equipment defined the position you held in the video production industry.  Luckily, those just starting out now have a chance to make it with the big dogs.  However, those without a proper education also have the same opportunities. 

 

New Equipment Trends

That being said, all graduates should know about new equipment trends that are hitting the video production market hard.  And luckily for you, the average person cannot perform these tasks, leaving more room for you to make your mark as an expert.

4K Cameras

While currently most videos are filmed in HD, the rise of 4K video is gaining steam as it provides viewers four times the quality of HD.  This crystal clear imagery gives video producers more control over each shot, picks up less outside noise, and makes for the clearest picture ever before seen.  It takes an expert, someone who has taken extensive video production courses, to handle the level of editing 4K filming requires.

Drone Videography

 

Also gaining momentum is the use of drones for aerial footage.  As an inexpensive option for creating unique video, drones are easy to set up and can be used both indoors and outdoors.  As a video producer with knowledge about locations, lighting, audio quality, and of course the editing process, specializing in working with drones can make you that much more competitive in the video production industry.

 

The Do-It-Yourself Mentality

In a recent study, it was determined that 92% of larger United States companies will be including video into their content marketing efforts.  With the rise of video viewing on PCs, tablets, smartphones, and even TV, businesses are rushing to meet the demands for more video content, in hopes of increasing their revenue.

The problem is, as video production becomes more integrated into businesses’ overall marketing strategies, in-house video production will continue to happen, especially for smaller companies on lower budgets. 

Unfortunately, this leaves some production companies left out of the production process.  That is, until these companies realize it takes more than some fancy equipment and some free editing software to produce a decent commercial video. 

Those with a video production education should be on standby for times such as these.  There is a lot more to video production than meets the eye.  Some want to paint the picture that video production is easy and can be done by anyone, but as a recent graduate with a solid understanding of the industry, you know better.

Understanding all things marketing when it comes to your video production skills will make you stand out.  Optimizing for SEO, using video on websites, and knowing how to reach a wider audience through popular social media outlets will boost your credibility and success, even as a newly graduated video producer.

 

Generic Video Production Won’t Make You a Success

After graduating from video production school, chances are you will have a vast amount of knowledge about everything video production related.  However, as you enter the real world and try to make a name for yourself, understand this: offering generic video production services is not going to cut it.  Anyone can offer video production services and will for a lot less than you will want to charge.

As a recent graduate solidifying your reputation in a competitive industry, it is important you provide unique perspectives, experiences, and ideas, along with your technical skills, to companies looking for quality video production. 

In the end, it will not be the fancy equipment you own that makes you successful.  It will be your ability to solve business problems using video, to provide exceptional customer service, to deliver messages to audiences, and to increase sales for a company that will make you a wanted asset in the video production industry.  These are the things that will separate the professional video producers from those who simply point and click.

 

Final Thoughts

If you have recently graduated from Maryland’s best video production school and are ready to step into the competitive world of video production, take notice of the changing nature of the industry.

Gone are the days when a select few video production experts maintain control over the entire industry.  Whether producing a commercial for a small business or working on a major motion picture, the changes occurring in the industry can and should be acknowledged, especially as a recent graduate because there are many people amateurs and experts alike competing for the same business. 

Are you in the Maryland area?  Do you want to start on your path to becoming a video producer? Check out The Sheffield Institute for the Recording Arts and start you video production education today.