You cannot buy eXperience…or can you?

I gave an “insight” talk last week at the Brentwood FSB networking meeting. The idea of these 10 minute spots is to give more details of your business.  Rather than tell of the advantage of video as a communication medium, particularly on websites or do the hard sell on cine film and video transfers to DVD, I chose to rattle through a few of the more bizarre jobs that I have done, along with some of the things that have happened over the past 25+ years.

The tone was set with an opening line “I haven’t had a proper job for the past 25 years, I do Video Production”. Needless to say there was a (hopefully) humorous take on some of these events. The feedback has been incredibly positive and several people have commented on how in a light hearted and subtle way I had demonstrated  just what a varied experience I have.

When my son was in sixth form he worked at a photographic retailer at the Lakeside Shopping Centre. In the back of the shop was a sign (away from the customers gaze) which read something along the lines of “You have bought the latest camera, with a selection of lenses, the latest flash gun, a versatile tripod, a large gadget bag packed with accessories, a pile of books and magazines but the one thing you haven’t got and we cannot sell you is EXPERIENCE.

I never cease to be amazed on trade forums the questions from people about to undertake work, for which they are clearly way out of their depth but it has never occurred to them to bring in experience to assist. Over the years I have worked and learnt from many people in the industry, directors, producers, choreographers, event managers, specialists in telecine, filming in industrial environments, multi camera and outside broadcast, jib operators, lighting, sound, advanced post-production, animators, graphic artists etc etc. All specialists in their own fields, all people who I have learnt from and bring on board as required. Likewise many event managers bring me into their crews as the video specialist for conferences, seminars etc.

To me experience comes in various flavours but of the most paramount importance is knowing limitations, knowing when to bring specialists on board and knowing which ones to use.

So whilst the old adage that you cannot buy experience is true in one respect, you most certainly can choose to use a company that has the experience to undertake work of many types, successfully.

I am always available to discuss any job large or small. If you have any questions give me a call.

Post Tags: Cine Films , Experience , Video Production

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