The Social Freelancer: Media, Music, TV & Film

Having worked in “traditional” media (television) for more than 20 years, I have been astounded at the growth of social media and it’s impact on how we do business as freelance media professionals. It’s also apparent to me that many of my colleagues in television and music production are not taking part in this revolution, often because of a lack of understanding of how it all works.

Social media is about people sharing information and learning from each other, not directly pitching products.

READ ON and see 3 concise videos that lay out the basic concepts. >>> Read more…

This is a guest post from David Cleaves, co-owner of Ten Eighty Media a fine, full service production rental house based in Dallas – Ft. Worth, Texas. I included David’s article here as it pertains well to the production market and the message transcends to any business, large or small. As freelance professionals we should think hard about who we refer as vendors and what we are offering to our clients through our own advertising efforts. I hope you find this helpful and look forward to your comments. Thanks, Trace
Read the rest of the story >>> Read more…

Broadcast television as I have known it for the last 20+ years has changed. The business as we knew it is mostly gone.

“Money’s tight, times are hard, here’s your damn birthday card…”

Trace - Promo for Trace Relations CD ~ Photo by Stephan R. Lewis, all rights reserved

That’s a bit rude but it makes me laugh. I like the sentiment because it’s reality based. The fact is you might think you’re “special” but most times very few others do. I find that it pays to be original and re-invent yourself and what you do every ten years or so.

I am striving to re-invent myself business wise to being more active as a writer, producer, speaker, documentary filmmaker, vocalist and songwriter in addition to keeping the video production business going.

So What’s Up?
That doesn’t mean I am not working as a Director of Photography – I am. It is my primary source of revenue. I love shooting and producing for good clients who appreciate the skills I bring to the table for their video projects. But the long term business reality is that lower quality and cheaper rates are what syndicated TV shows and corporations are wanting and, in fact, demanding. There will only be downward pressure on day rates for freelance media professionals as I see it right now.
Why? Check out the rest of this post from The Social Freelancer ™>>> Read more…