Hello, Is Anyone Out There? And a Big Announcement!
Hey everyone! It's me, your friendly neighborhood videographer, back with another blog post. Sometimes I wonder if these words just float out into the ether, so if you're reading this, do me a solid and shoot me an email! You can find my contact info on the homepage. I'm genuinely curious to know your thoughts on my ramblings, and honestly, just to confirm I'm not shouting into the void.
I've always viewed this blog as a sort of digital journal – a place to dump my thoughts, challenges, and triumphs as I navigate the world of videography. While I'm still very much on the "learning" side of things and not quite a seasoned pro (yet!), I hope my experiences, mistakes, and occasional nuggets of wisdom can offer a helping hand to fellow aspiring videographers. After all, we all start somewhere, and if I can save you a headache or two, my mission is accomplished!
Big News: Need4Productions is Officially Official!
Now, for the main event! I'm absolutely thrilled to announce that as of May 1st, Need4Productions is officially an LLC! Yes, I know, it's late June, and I'm just getting around to shouting this from the digital rooftops. Blame it on the chaos of a full-time job and the general "busyness" of life, but mainly, I just got a bit lost in the whirlwind of making it all happen. My website update, including this shiny new blog post, took a backseat for a bit. My apologies for the delay – consider this my grand, albeit tardy, unveiling!
Now, some of you might be thinking, "Need4Productions? How… uniquely named." And you're not entirely wrong! It might not be the catchiest name in the world, but believe it or not, a lot of thought (and a healthy dose of indecision) went into it. For those who know me well, you're aware that my superpower is overthinking just about everything, especially big life decisions. Naming a business? That's next-level overthinking territory. I tend to get caught up in what others might think, sometimes losing sight of what I truly want.
Ultimately, I stuck with Need4Productions for a few key reasons. First, it's already the name of my YouTube channel, and let's be real, who wants to build a whole new online presence from scratch? Second, it neatly ties into my existing "sister" brands like Need4Gaming and Need4Sports. So, while it might not win any awards for originality, it's me, and it's consistent.
The Rollercoaster of Legitimacy: From Hobby to Business
Making Need4Productions official meant a lot more than just picking a name. It involved signing a mountain of paperwork, setting up a dedicated business bank account, and diving headfirst into the glorious world of finances (definitely not my strong suit, but I'm learning!). My initial, somewhat naive hope was that simply creating an LLC would unleash a flood of clients. I pictured my phone ringing off the hook, but as many new business owners quickly discover, the reality is a slow and steady climb.
Starting out, I had some serious jitters about competing with seasoned professionals who boast top-tier equipment and years of experience. Friends and mentors constantly reminded me not to let those doubts sideline me, and they were right. It's a journey, and with time, I can invest in better gear, refine my skills, and deepen my knowledge in both videography and photography.
A huge shout-out to my amazing realtor friend who gave me my first professional videography gig. That experience was invaluable! It allowed me to slowly start investing in better equipment, like a professional gimbal (game-changer for smooth real estate videos!) and a compact camera perfect for events like weddings and birthdays. I've discovered a real passion for filming houses, even with the unique challenges it presents. And my recent wedding shoot, which I'll delve into in my next blog post, taught me a ton about lighting, camera choices (and mischoices!), angles, and even the unspoken etiquette of sharing space with other photographers.
The Editing Cave and Future Horizons
One area where I've truly leveled up is editing. My old computer quickly threw in the towel trying to handle video files, so I invested in a more robust PC. It's not a top-of-the-line Mac, but it gets the job done and has significantly boosted my editing capabilities. I actually enjoy the editing process, despite it being incredibly time-consuming, and I'm even considering adding production editing as a standalone service. Just need a bit more experience under my belt there!
I'm incredibly excited for the future of Need4Productions. The Gila Valley has some seriously talented videographers, and while I may feel like a speck of dust next to their impressive portfolios, I genuinely look up to them. It's interesting, though, how competitive some can be, almost guarding their insights. I, on the other hand, love the idea of collaborating and sharing tips. Thankfully, I have some fantastic videographer friends who have been incredibly generous with their advice, strategies, and encouragement, and it's largely thanks to them that I took the leap and formed the LLC.
More Than Just a Business
So there you have it – my big announcement and a glimpse into the journey of Need4Productions. It's official, it's real, and it's ready to help.
Many businesses are born out of a desire for popularity or profit, and while I certainly aim to be successful, my driving force is truly about helping people. Whether it's capturing those irreplaceable sports memories for athletes to cherish forever, preserving the magic of a wedding day, or creating high-quality real estate videos that help businesses thrive – I do it for them. I used to offer many of these services for free, but establishing an LLC opens doors, allowing me to assist more individuals and businesses who require a legitimate, insured service provider. This is a topic I'll dive into much deeper in my next blog post, so stay tuned!
Thank you to everyone who reads my blogs and takes an interest in my work. Your support means the world. I'm eager to see where Need4Productions goes and how I can continue to serve and create for others.