Greg Hindman Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 I am currently a film student studying in Maryland. I am in my last semester of school and am trying get into freelance work, or really anything to make some money in the big scary real world. Through my time at school I have held 2 internships both were working with animals. Last summer I interned for the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington DC as their videographer. I had did some work which was played on local news stations, as well as placed on the Zoo's web site and youtube page. This past winter I worked for the National Aquarium in Baltimore where my main job was to create a web video announcing the pregnancies of two of the aquarium's dolphins. As you can probably tell, I love working with animals and would hope to have a job someday where I could travel and film them. Recently I filmed a conference for a non-prophet group to aid in cleaning Baltimore's inner harbor. Through filming this and meeting some of these people I found that I would also love to have a job that helps these groups and promotes conservation of some sort. Coming out of school my main worry is making a living and to be able to support living on my own. Very soon I will have the beginning of my film kit which I will list below. If you guys have any advice for me I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks for reading. I spent a lot of time with one of my professors and we came up with this as a good starting kit for about $2000 Canon 60D w/ 18-135 EFS Zoom Lens w/ UV Filter Extra Battery 18 gig SDHC HI SPEED card Opteka X-grip pro Rode Video Mic w/ shock mount Manfrotto 501HDV Pro Video Head w/ 055Xb Legs Canon camera bag 10EG Boom Pole and 1/8" mini Extension cable Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Dzyak Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 It sounds like narrative "filmmaking" isn't your thing, which is what MOST people here on this forum trend toward. But that's ok. :) My suggestion would be to research networks and specific programs that specialize in all things "animal." In the old days when I was growing up, we had "Wild Kingdom." Today, there are a lot more choices with cable distribution and DVD. I'd suggest contacting ALL of the them directly to inquire about any opportunities they might have for someone like you. They might not have you starting out as a Cameraman, but any foot in the door is a good one, so maybe you'd have a chance to prove yourself once you're there on staff. Offer to volunteer if need be. It's all about getting out there and meeting people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Jensen Posted February 13, 2011 Share Posted February 13, 2011 Animal Planet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Amerikaner Posted February 13, 2011 Share Posted February 13, 2011 As a cameraman working overseas I can tell you that, with few exceptions, the days of the international jet setting travel/wildlife photographer are over. It's just cheaper to higher a local pro. Now don't let that discourage you. It means you have to work damn hard to achieve your dream. And the harder you work, the better you become and maybe you will become one of the few in-demand photographers asked to fly here and there. As for your camera package. Yes it's true that a lot of people want to hire photographers with packages (to simplify the pricing). These are people who know less about photography than you. And they assume any HD camera is right for any project. I am a big advocate of renting, which is what you would do anyway on your international photography trips. Find out how much an HD package is at your local rental house, and price yourself to that package. No one is going to care if you rent as long as the price is right and your deliver great results. And you can rent far superior equipment than you can ever buy starting out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Amerikaner Posted February 13, 2011 Share Posted February 13, 2011 If I can add one more thing. Photographers who are specialists and experts in a subject will be in demand. If you can show that you are somehow more adept and capable of filming dolphins, even at their most sensitive (and especially dangerous) moments, than everyone else...work will find you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Hindman Posted February 13, 2011 Author Share Posted February 13, 2011 I really appreciate the advice you guys have given me. I will definitely keep your comments in mind when I decide where I want to go with my life. An additional note, another thing that I am very interested in is under water videography. I have my basic scuba certification and plan on getting my advanced, and cave/wreck diving certs once I get a little more money. My mentor from the aquarium said he will call me in when their underwater videographer comes in next so I can meet/talk to him. I am staying on with the aquarium as a volunteer right now in hopes that it will give me a better chance to get a videography position if one opens up. Thanks again guys! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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