Dean, I believe what we need to do is create a Postproduction Editing Project Checklist (or call it something similar). I did a quick google search and found these two blogs. This is EXACTLY the kind of content that I was talking about. If you added a blog page to your site, created something quick and easy very similar to these, you can send your prospective clients this information. It would have many benefits, including driving people to your site to view your work, it would provide educational value to them, it would be non-invasive and welcomed by the prospective client. They might even thank you for the information. Then when they have a project, you will be the first person they think about because you stayed in front of them with this quality beneficial content. They also make excellent LinkedIn posts too. Again, the goal is driving people to your site.
https://www.skillshare.com/blog/post-production/
I also think you need to create a simple 1-page form for each project. When a client calls and starts talking about a new project, you just grab this pre-printed form and start filling it out. I would keep some in my bag so that you can take a job on the road or at a coffee shop. This way you are asking them all the details and look professional and organized. Here are some idea starters. You can use these to lay out your first form. You might call it something like:
“Post-Editing Project Intake Form”
Client:____
Company:_____
Phone:_____
Email:_____
Project Name:___
Equipment List:
Time Started: _____
Time Finished: _____
Total Hours worked:____
Agreed upon rate/pricing:_____
Location of set:_____
Mileage to set:______
Date of shoot:______
Date final project is due or promised:_____
Where/How to deliver the final product:____ Agreed upon location?
Agreed upon mention of payment:_____
Invoice required? YES or NO If yes, who to invoice?
Agreed upon terms:___ (Day-of completion of project, Net 10, Net 30?)
Any special request by client?
Certain length required?
Certain equipment requested,
Important details to not forget?
After the project completion…
Did I receive payment?
Total Revenue for Project:______
Total hours spent:_______
Total miles driven:_____@$.56 = _____ (In 2021, the standard IRS mileage rate is 56 cents per mile for business miles driven)
Net per hour: ______ (equals Revenue – mileage expense)/ hours spent = net per hour
Did I tell the client that my business is built off of referrals and any referrals to any of his friends in the industry would be greatly appreciated? YES or NO
Did I follow up after the project with a hand-written thank you note? YES or NO
Have a great night. You are doing wonderful!–
Matt Warren
