Production / crew members who can operate cameras, work lights, run audio, and work on small busy sets in Phoenix:
If you’re an experienced video production crew member who has worked on professional corporate shoots, is reliable, courteous, and easy to work with, check out the video above. It’s tempting to just fire off a message to me, but please watch the video and follow the directions before looking to connect. Please don’t send a text or a resume. Follow the directions in the video—it’s important.
For this job/gig, I need skillful crew members who know their way around a corporate video shoot (working with actual clients). Respectfully, if you haven’t worked for impatient, paying clients, this position won’t be for you. You need to be able to work quickly and efficiently while under pressure, so this is not a learn-as-you-go position or a position that photographers or hobbyists should take in the hopes they’ll learn video. Please be able to share/reference 3-5 examples of corporate video projects (projects working with businesses that are similar to the work we do—not music videos, school projects, or unusual/odd videos).
Be honest with yourself and me about the requirements. If you don’t meet them at this point in your career, that’s okay (don’t try to fake it until you make it). Consider the BtS position below in the postscript—it’s not paid, but you’d gain experience.
on-set.
If you’re interested in checking out what kind of gear I have, you can find my list here.
Pay is between $25-30/hr DOE. Shoots are typically on Fri or Sat. We start in the morning, and they usually last 4-6hrs. I make the shoot fun for everyone involved. It’s busy being on set for all of us (especially me), but everyone is respected, appreciated, and everyone has a chance to speak about the project. I like to collaborate—not just bark orders.
PS—Have a great attitude and really excited about getting into filmmaking but don’t have a lot of real-world experience? Ask me about filming some behind the scenes footage on set. This is a non-paid position, but it’s a way to gain experience.
Adobe Premiere Editors / Post Production Professionals:
If you’ve skipped to this section without watching the video, that’s cool, but make sure you go back and watch the video. I’ll ask you about it—particularly about some discontinuity that happens in the video…I hope you’ll be able to spot it
Pay is $400-$500/edit. Turnaround time is two weeks or less. I’ll ask for a max of three rounds of revisions (no more), but I think I can usually get them done in two.
Deliverable—what are you providing me? Clients often come back to me a week, a month, or a few months after their video project is done, and ask me to make an adjustment to their project. Because of this, I’ll need the final Adobe Premiere file that was worked on rather than an exported MP4 file.
Sorry Final Cut Pro and Divinci Resolve users. I just work with Adobe’s CC. I know that’s a bummer, but I just want to stick with one ecosystem.
I am looking for an editor to:
Check out this unlisted video I paid an editor to cut. The editor was nice, but this edit/cut is unusable. I had to redo the whole project. If we think we might be a fit, I’ll ask you what you would do to improve this.
Production crew members only, check out the FAQs below this image gallery (the FAQs below don’t really apply to video editing professionals looking for work). However, in either case, please review at least a few of the video examples on this website first. I will ask you about them. After you’ve reviewed a few samples, if you think you might be a match for my style (the quality of the work we’re offering), and the clients I work for, drop me a line. (Please don’t use this site’s chat function—that’s just for clients).
I need an extra set of hands, eyes, and ears on set. So, I might need everything from repositioning lights, monitoring sound, rearranging furniture, holding a reflector or a boom, sitting in for talent so I can get focus and test audio levels, maybe even operate a second camera—to be honest, I need someone team oriented who will jump in and help wherever help is needed.
I’d like to be more efficient with time, and I enjoy working with (inspiring and and getting inspired by) film students and other online video professionals in the Phoenix area.
Informal. I work with business owners and dentists. I am professional but personable with clients, and I do my best to make sure everyone on set has fun and feels appreciated. I work really hard, but clients tend to relax and enjoy themselves.
Usually 4-5 hours. However, I won’t need help with setup and tear down, so I might only need you for 2-3 hours.
As you’d guess, it varies, but I usually stick to the Phoenix metro area, so I am looking for help from only video professionals who live in Phoenix (preferably the East Valley). Most of the shoots are in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Fountain Hills, Peoria, and Glendale, although I’ve filmed in Anthem and even Tucson as well.
Paypal would be cool if you’re open to it (with this method, I can and do pay up front). If that won’t work, I’ll bring a check to the shoot. I’ve heard horror stories of crew members not getting paid (or having to hound people to get paid). That has never happened with me, and it never will. I know what it’s like to have to ask for money that you’d already earned. I dislike like it, so I won’t put someone else through that.
I pay $30/hr (every 15 minutes).
Reliable and punctual. A good communicator. A friendly, helpful person. Experienced in filming video (no photographers please)—corporate video experience is strongly recommended. Knowledgable in lighting, monitoring sound, and framing/camera operation (Canon DSLRs)/getting coverage/providing editing options for post production. Able-bodied / fit / coordinated / careful. We’ll both be moving gear around, so you need to be comfortable and confident moving around and handling gear (if you have physical limitations or you’re not deft on your feet, this wouldn’t be the best position for you). Able to roll with things—I don’t work with hired actors but business people and dentists, so unexpected stuff happens from time to time. It’s important to be flexible and accommodating. Proactive—look to offer ideas and assistance when appropriate. Anticipate what might happen next, and then move forward without having to be instructed.
While I’ve been in marketing, branding, design, and publishing for over 15 years. However, I’ve only been filming for five, so there’s always something new to learn. If you’re looking to learn ALL the tricks of the film trade…well, I am not a Jedi yet. I’ll expect you to be on time, to be excited, to be helpful, and to work. Bring your “a” game—I’ll bring mine.
I’ve worked with a handful of DPs and camera operators, and I’ve managed three teams of creatives in my career. The people working with me would tell you I am respectful and fun to work with. When we work together, you won’t be stuck getting coffee (I don’t like coffee). Instead, we’ll work as as team, and I’ll have you working with the lights, sound, and cameras (real work on set, not working as a gopher). I’ll make sure you’ll be doing things on set that you enjoy and that you’re comfortable with. I don’t have an ego when it comes to filming. I am open to ideas and collaboration. I won’t always act on suggestions, but I am willing to consider them. I know some of the best last-second ideas on set don’t come from me. If I can help you with your career through advice or connections, I’ll be happy to do so.
What Meyers-Briggs personality type do I have?
I am an INFJ-T. According to 16personalities.com, I am Diplomat / Advocate. This personality type values cooperation, sensitivity, and independence. “Advocates may dislike wielding their power. These personalities prefer to see those who work under them as equals. Rather than micromanage their subordinates, Advocates often prefer to empower them to think and act independently. They work hard to encourage others, not to crack the whip.
That’s not to say that Advocates have low standards – far from it. Their sense of equality means that they expect their subordinates to live up to the standards that they set for themselves.”
Of course! If you’ve worked on big-name projects, that’s impressive. And it’s just as impressive you are an expert at live TV, green screening, working on big sets, photography, operating a massive jib, using a Ronin 2, or working with a Blackmagic URSA mini. It would be fun to talk about your experiences with all of these things—I’d enjoy that!
At the same time, none of those projects or skill sets, as impressive as they are, are relevant to the work I do, so they are not important to me. I’d suggest looking at the work I do—the clients I work for—and let me know how your background can increase my production value and be more efficient on set—that’s boring, I know…but it’s what I am focused on when bringing someone on—not that they worked with Taylor Swift.
First, watch the video at the top of the page. It’s the best way to determine whether we might be a good fit for each other. I’ll ask you about the video, so watch it.
Second, have a look at a few videos on this website—get a feel for the style and type of work we do. I’ll ask you what you like and what you might look to improve if you were added to the crew. I am surprised at how many people rush to apply without having an idea what type of projects we do. You want to avoid doing that.
After you’ve done both things, head on over to the contact us page, and fill out the form there. On that form, let me know how your background and skill will be an asset on set. Let me see at least four projects that you’ve done (provide a link or links). Do not send me your resume. This isn’t an admin job—I want to see your video work and not a resume. Last, answer the question, how can you make us better?
Follow directions.
PS—is improved camera technology going to doom videography—like it did to the photography profession? Star Wars’ Han Solo gives videographers A New Hope
PPS—Wondering if I have humility and a sense of humor on set? Check out a story of when I was almost eaten while setting up for a shoot.