Why Learning Multiple Skills Is So Important

The barrier to entry for video production has never been lower, meaning competition has never been higher. Success in the industry, especially in small to medium-sized markets, requires that you learn multiple skills. Understanding how to talk to clients, pitch, write, produce, shoot, run sound, light, edit, and create graphics will only serve to advance your career.

Will you bill yourself under all these job titles? No.

Will you be proficient in all areas? Again, no.

Understanding these disciplines doesn’t mean you have to one-man-band every single job, nor does it mean you have to be an expert in every single one. However, learning each facet of video production and being able to work in a variety of roles throughout the process has a number of benefits.

One of the benefits of having multiple video production and post-production skills is that it allows you to manage your workflow more effectively. Some clients can’t spend as much on video as other clients can. So, when the budget is tight, you will be able to take on more roles yourself. You can save your client money, while at the same time delivering a high-quality product. And these experiences will lead to more professional growth for yourself, which will in turn elevate the production value of your work and your appeal to potential clients.

When you do need to hire a larger crew, having a comprehensive understanding of the entire video production process can help you better direct those vendors. Whether you need a cinematographer, graphic designer, or animator, understanding their craft and how it fits into the larger production process can help you communicate your vision clearly and critique their work more effectively. This, in turn, can lead to a smoother production process, better results, and more satisfied clients.

Another advantage of having multiple skills is that you can offer valuable insights and feedback to your clients, contributing to the success of their projects. This can help you build long-term relationships with your clients and increase your chances of securing repeat business and referrals.

Learning each facet of video production will make you a more versatile, adaptable, and competitive professional, setting you up for success in the long run. Being proficient in multiple skills can help you manage your workflow, attract more clients, and better direct vendors you hire. Additionally, it can offer valuable insights to your clients and help you build long-term relationships.