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Ask A Pro | DPG Cinema Film Spotlights
Growth, Spotlight , BTS, and Industry news
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Table of Contents
Enjoy 2 projects that caught our eye for the month of February & March!
Notable projects of the month! š¦
#1: Super Bowl Commercial | Miramar
The Own the Dream ad was created by independent award-winning agency, Mirimar, in collaboration with Rocketās in-house creative team, and directed by Matthew Dillon Cohen in his Super Bowl debut.
Company: Mirimar x Internal Media Productions with Rocket
Director: Matthew Dillon Cohen
#2: Mai Jeruom - Short Film
Writer & Director: Adjani Salmon
Produced by Andre Fyffe
View full crew list
Bev - Jo Martin
Ruddy - Gary Beadle
View full cast list
#3: Video Barn (Premiered at SXSW, on March 9th)
Director: @bpoletti
Post House: Cabin Edit
Editor: @Dusten_Zimmerman
Submit your film project.
Put āSUBMIT DPGCinemaā in the subject.
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Business & Creative Q&A
Ask A Pro Podcast š„
Question of the day. Are Passion Projects Worth It?
Before we dive in, weāre exploring the idea of launching a micro-podcast to answer industry Q&As from our community. Instead of just written responses, weād break it down in a quick, engaging format.
What do you think? Should we make it happen? Vote below! šš§
To-Pod or Not-To-Pod? |
Now, Are Passion Projects Worth It?
Passion projects driven by personal enthusiasm rather than immediate financial gaināare common in creative fields. While they can lead to personal satisfaction and skill development, their transition into profitable ventures requires strategic planning and realistic expectations.
The Reality of Spec Work
Speculative (spec) work involves creating projects without a guaranteed payment, hoping to secure future opportunities. However, many professionals caution against this approach. For instance, a Reddit user shared their experience:
"I've taken home no paid work from spec projects. None. 100% of spec work is bogus."Reddit
Additionally, some view spec work as exploitative, arguing it devalues creative professions. Milena Radzikowska talked a little about this.
My experience is the opposite.
It depends on your outlook. If spec work is āwork involves creating projects without a guaranteed payment, hoping to secure future opportunities,ā then I would ask who are you creating for and did you have a plan?
Whenever Iāve done spec work, I knew the exact companies I wanted to pitch to, the style, quality needed to turn free into paid opportunities. Sometimes people say no and it doesnāt work, budt other times businesses say yes.
Here are 5 concepts to keep in mind.
1. Itās an investment in yourself/business, but donāt invest more than what you can handle. Itās like investing in stocks, some investments do really well and some donāt.
2. Donāt always aim to pitch to major brands. Make something that represents you and your business, and donāt overlook the businesses and brands in the communities.
3. Donāt make the mistaken thinking Spec work is a lotto ticket to fame. Spec work is there to increase your portfolio and brand awareness.
4. Network when you do these specs, even if you have the money, ask for favors in the community to build a connection to the people around you.
5. Specs are sometimes indirectly rewarding. Sometimes Spec work gets you in the door for a meeting or a new connection.
Let me tell you my story below. (Referring to #5)
The Adidas spot below started off as a Spec Ad a few of my partners wanted to do.
In the midst of planning and reaching out to schools, we ended up partnering with a coach who was sponsored by Adidas. This not only made the spec commercial more reputable, but it gave us a connection to the Adidas brand.
Strategic Execution is Key to increase the chances of a passion project leading to financial gain:
Set Clear Objectives: Define what you aim to achieveābe it skill enhancement, portfolio diversification, or attracting specific clients.
Maintain Professional Standards: Ensure the project meets industry quality benchmarks. Cutting corners can undermine its potential impact.
Target Appropriate Clients: Align your project's scope with the expectations and budgets of potential clients. Pitching a modest project to a high-end brand may not yield results.
Leverage the Project for Marketing: Use the completed work to showcase your capabilities, attract attention on social platforms, and engage with your desired audience.
Set The Tone!
Here are some interesting and cool BTS clips from creators in our industry!
1. Gene Wilson V - Cinematographer
2. Tenfold Productions - Transforming an Arcāteryx Store Into a Cinematic Set
3. Behind the Scenes at A$AP Rocky and Rihannaās W Photo Shoot | W Magazine
Industry News
This came across our timeline and would love to read your thoughts!
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Thank you for reading! Please share with a friend!
Follow Gene Wilson V
Cinematographer & Creator of DPG Cinema.