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What does a freelance video producer do?

A freelance video producer oversees many video development-related tasks. As an audiovisual specialist, a video producer is responsible for both planning and implementing all facets of video projects. This work could include script writing or sourcing, determining the type of equipment to be used, choosing locations and backgrounds, selecting actors and extras, solving logistics issues with equipment, and overseeing post production and editing.

While a freelance video producer may handle all the above responsibilities, it’s not uncommon for a seasoned video producer to delegate many of those production process tasks to other members of the production team. Ultimately, a freelance video producer will be responsible for the final video product in terms of resolution, overall message, and final editing.

What skills do I need to become a freelance video producer?

If you’re interested in becoming a video producer, you’ll benefit from a desire to learn, people skills, and communication skills. While there are a number of video producers who never had a formal education, it’s best to receive some formal training or education related to video production.

Freelance video producers should have several essential skills:

• A creative eye. Video producers need to strategically frame scenes to maximize their visual impact. For example, it might be best to shoot a speeding car from the ground level, capturing the vehicle as it approaches and speeds past the camera. Framing the scene this way often conveys more emotion compared to shooting the entire scene of the same speeding car from a distance.
• An understanding of video equipment and how to use it. Freelance video producers must have an understanding of each piece of equipment at their disposal. From cameras to microphones, lighting, audio mixers, and computers, a freelance video producer should have mastery over the equipment they’ll be using. They’ll also need to understand when and how to use every tool at their disposal.
• An ability to tell a compelling story. Great video producers understand how to tell compelling stories. When directing actors, incorporating emotion, determining the most effective camera angles, setting lighting, choosing musical score, and mastering sound, a freelance video producer can tell a story in a way that maximizes its emotional impact on an audience. In some ways, producers may take on video editor responsibilities to ensure the final product is the best quality possible.
• An eye for editing. Good video requires excellent editing. For a finished video to be as compelling as possible, a producer needs to understand how to edit video components, and how to use video editing software like Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Adobe Creative Suite. Strong problem-solving skills are also helpful during the editing process.
• An ability to collaborate. A freelance video producer shouldn’t work within a vacuum. Collaborating with other creative talent to build out a production crew with scriptwriters, editors, or camera operators, will pay dividends and result in a superior final cut. Collaborating with a team requires producers to have strong organizational skills and time management talents, too.
• A desire to build relationships. Building relationships is key in any endeavor. Developing relationships within production companies, with stakeholders, and with other industry professionals can ensure that a video producer has the support they need in current and future projects.

What are the core freelance video producer job responsibilities

A freelance video producer is often a key player in the creation of a successful video. Video producers may have many responsibilities when working on a single video project:

• Oversee and provide management for all video shoots
• Secure and coordinate internal and external talent
• Develop call sheets to expertly manage all shoot locations
• Oversee or assist with a variety of set duties during shoots
• Develop and manage production schedules
• Coordinate partnership participation
• Create still photography initiatives in conjunction with marketing and public relations departments.

Should I get a freelance video production degree or certification?

While there are no industry-specific certifications available for video production, you can still earn many different degrees related to video production. Many video producers choose to attend film school and may earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in a video production process related field like filmmaking, digital media, digital video production, screenwriting, directing, sound, and editing.