Introduction:

In the dynamic realm of video production, the terminology used to describe professionals carries significant weight. Video production is a field that often requires many tasks and responsibilities to create a quality product. It’s an industry where hierarchy and defined roles are commonplace and serve as the bedrock for any successful project. This division of labor promotes efficiency and specialization, leading to higher quality results and a final product that brands are proud to promote and stand behind.

As somebody who has spent the past decade working directly with video production clients and managing production teams, there has been one term that has garnered a fair share of disapproval amongst creatives. The term “videographer” is one that I know first hand makes many creatives cringe. While it may seem harmless at first glance, this seemingly innocent label has faced a lot of criticism within the industry. This blog post aims to shed light on why the term “videographer” is frowned upon and explore the implications it carries. It also touches on ways to better solicit creatives to fulfill your video production needs.

The Role of Terminology in Shaping Perception:

Language plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions and expectations. Within the video production industry, titles such as “director of photography”, “first assistant camera”, “key grip” or “audio tech” evoke a sense of professionalism, expertise, and collaboration. On the other hand, the term “videographer” tends to imply a less specialized and more generic role, often associated with a one-person operation, commonly referred to in the industry as a “one man band”. Video production is a multi-faceted and intricate process that involves numerous professionals working together to bring a creative vision to life. From planning and pre-production to shooting, editing, and post-production, the collaborative efforts of a diverse crew with different skill sets are required.

The term “videographer” oversimplifies this complexity by suggesting that a single individual can effectively handle all aspects of the production process. It can lead to misconceptions and underestimation of the expertise required in video production. It implies that anyone with a camera can assume the role and produce high-quality content, undermining the years of experience, technical knowledge, and artistic sensibility that a team of professionals bring to the table. Unfortunately, I have seen first hand how this can perpetuate a lack of respect for the craft and a devaluation of the skills possessed by the specialists in the field.

One thing that I can promise you as somebody who has managed creatives for many years and being a creative myself is that money is not what got us into this industry. Creatives feed off of, well, being creative, and collaborating on projects that give them a sense of purpose and allow them to dive deep into the world of storytelling. Money simply allows us to do what we love to do, and many of us are good enough at creating videos for paying clients to make a solid living. However, the joy of creating videos can quickly turn sour if there is not a mutual understanding and respect for the process that goes into making great videos.

What to Do With This Information:

If you are an individual or organization who has traditionally solicited “videographers” for your video production needs and have found yourself feeling either unsatisfied or wanting more return on your investment, perhaps this blog post has been useful to you. However you may be wondering what to do with this information, or how to deploy it. Luckily I’ve provided some examples below on how to have considerate and productive conversations with creatives with the goal of fulfilling your video needs.

Example #1: “I’m looking for a videographer for a 1 day shoot to film some interviews and b-roll shots. My budget is tight, but this project is simple”

Try This Instead: “I’d like to film some interviews and b-roll shots on a 1-day shoot. My budget is tight, but I hope this project won’t require many resources. I’m wondering if you are able to help fulfill my needs”

Example #2: “I need a videographer for a company video. We need somebody who can wear multiple hats.”

Try This Instead: “We are looking to create a video for our company. We’d like to keep the crew small if possible and we would like to chat with you to see if you are comfortable and able to fulfill the scope”

Example #3: “We’d like to hire a videographer for some videos we have planned for Q3”

Try This Instead: “We have some video needs planned for Q3, we’d love to chat with you about the services you offer”

Conclusion:

If you are an individual or organization looking to hire a vendor for your video production needs, working with a team instead of trying to hire a single videographer will undoubtedly yield better results. Hiring a team does not necessarily result in spending more money. In fact, when it comes to production, many creatives prefer to bring on help and allocate the available budget amongst a crew. This results in a more efficient process, far less stress/mistakes, and ultimately a better final product for the client.

While the term “videographer” may seem innocuous, it carries underlying implications that undermine the collaborative and specialized nature of the video production industry. By removing or replacing this term, we can enhance recognition, promote mutual respect, and foster a greater appreciation for the multifaceted work that goes into creating exceptional video content.

If you’re ready to take your business’ marketing to the next level, visit us at fogcoastproductions.com

Written By: Andrew Klein, Executive Producer, Fog Coast Productions