American Video Productions

Five Reasons Why I Produce Videos

Before I started producing videos for profit and as a full time business, I did it mainly as a hobby. And before I began my journey into the world of video – I was an amateur photographer. I enjoy both photography and video and often will spend hours shooting sunsets, landscapes, gardens and just about anything that catches my eye. I love to travel and seldom do I leave home without both a video and still camera in my bag.

Of course the title states that I have five reasons for producing videos. Truthfully, there are probably many more reasons why I produce videos – I wanted to keep the article short.  Perhaps and at a later date,  I will share with you additional reasons why I produce videos.

Reason #1

I enjoy it!  I really do enjoy producing videos.  Whether its a wedding, seminar, sports event, training DVD, how-to, theatrical, documentary or special event – I enjoy taping and editing videos.  There are many Americans who hate their jobs or their present career path.  I’ve been there – done that.  There’s no worse feeling than waking up each day and having to force yourself out of the door to travel to a job that you hate.  You don’t want to go there and you stare at the clock all day – waiting for that moment when you get to leave and go back home.  What an existence.

In my lifetime I’ve only had a few jobs that I actually enjoyed.  Of course video is number one – that’s why I do it as a full-time business and several years ago I held a position with the City of Austin as a social worker.  Although the pay was nothing to brag about – I enjoyed social work.  Mainly because it provided me with an opportunity to help others.  That brings me to my second reason for producing videos.

Reason #2

I produce videos because I enjoy helping others obtain their goals.  There have been times when I’ve personally delivered a wedding video to a new couple and actually spent time with them as they viewed their special day on DVD for the very first time.  The expressions on their faces, the laughter, the emotions and the tears of joy are priceless.  For me there’s no better reward than to bring joy and happiness into the lives of others.

I recently produced a video for Intel.  Receiving feedback from our contact person that their project and presentation was a success because of the video we produced is music to our ears and provide us with compensation that has no monetary value.

Reason #3

Professional and creative development is key to future success and satisfaction.  Each time I produce a video – regardless of the subject matter, environment or budget – it is another opportunity for me to improve on my production skills and to utilize my creativity.  Although I’ve produced dozens of wedding videos over the past three decades, for me – each new wedding is another opportunity to create something special for a bride and groom.  I’m always testing new cameras, taking advantage of cutting-edge technology and allowing my creative energy to explore new and different ways of producing a better product.

I approach each project with a sense of excellence – and I’m my own worst critic.  And although I continue to receive positive feedback and praise from customers – to me it is never as excellent as I would prefer.  Oftentimes the customer’s budget does not allow for all the “extra” cameras, support staff and specialized  gear that I would like to bring to the production site.

Each production, for me, is an opportunity to learn something new and to make this one much better than the last one.

Reason #4

Today’s production is tomorrow’s history.  Each video produced is a stone in the wall of our history.  My heart’s desire is that one day – perhaps decades from now – some child will view their parent’s or grandparent’s wedding DVD and it will provide for them a sense of joy and historical perspective.  Or perhaps a student, in their thesis research or in an effort to complete a homework assignment – will discover a documentary, training video, special presentation or occasion – that will serve as a learning tool.

Thus, with every video produced, I’ve perhaps had some influence on history or at the very least – the learning process.

Reason #5

It’s an honest living.  And until I win the state lottery or receive a multi-million dollar video contract – I pray that I will have the energy to continue to do what I enjoy and do best – video and photography.  For me it is not work.  And when you can find “pleasure” in the “work” that you do – you’re more than blessed.  It is a blessing to be able to share my years of experience with others and get paid for it.  I’m an artist – getting paid to create art.

Although my profit margin and ROI is very meager – especially in today’s economy – I find great pleasure in serving and helping others obtain their dreams and goals.

Pass it on!

Bruce Blackwell

American Video Productions

Since 1982