Finding Work and Making $$ as a FilmMaker 

Love your self-deprecating sense of humor!

I like the way you talking about "us filmmakers" and that "we" see it in a different way. You giving me hope and inspired me already so much. Thank you so much, Potato Jet. Your fascinated fan, Panda Jet

Finally a video that actually talks about the reality of being a freelancer filmmaker. Most of these kinds of videos just kind of beat around the bush and talk about stuff without talking about stuff. But that's why you're so good, keep it up 😉

to be honest, i clicked on this video because of the thumbnail, but your energy into the video was what kept me watching without moving on!! nice work

Having been born & raised in Los Angels and worked in film production there for 40yrs+, I can confirm your view of L.A. Love watching your videos...so much energy and passion. I tell my students to watch you.

Shady people ... I got scammed for about 5k$ Canadian worth of work last year shooting and editing a documentary for a guy. He even tried to extort me to pay for re-shoots. Him: "you chose a really bad location for this part ..." Me: "you are the director. I'm the camera operator, lighting and audio guy. Location selection isn't my job, you asked for a suggestion!". It also happens it was some of my best work. Way better than the work he viewed to decide to hire me. After he started threatening me with a lawsuit I did some digging. Found two CONVICTIONS. One for fraud against the federal government and another for EXTORTION against one of the people who testified against him for the Fraud conviction. It happens anywhere and all the time.

there's a reason i saw this right now. i'm working on my first short film and learning more about the process, and this really put things in perspective. I've been freelancing for a while and already filmed for some celebs, and every job I've booked has come via word of mouth or social media (which is word of mouth).

"I'm gonna unleash my creative vision all over Hollywood!" haha. Totally me.

My sis has been in LA for over ten years and she's told me how far you can go there by just being someone people can trust. Her and her husband have been doing great, although they are both very talented (they have both worked in film and television). Here in Toronto the freelance market for the arts in general is an even tougher go, because there is little money to go around and fewer projects happening. I still love it here.

Keep it up! Funny guy. A decade as a full time filmmaker is an amazing achievement.

Most authentic RU-vid channel out right now for sure 👌

Potato jet is awesome, it is not how much he knows about the camera, its his personality which brings people here.

I really appreciate this video. It's a great reminder of how important our connections are. I wanted to buy a camera years ago, after I was certified as a videographer in 2015. But my wife, with all the good sense she has (our wives or girlfriends always save us from ourselves), asked what my business plan was. I didn't have one at the time. So she suggested that buying a camera was a priority for the back burner until I had a plan on how I would get clients. With no camera, I got my first client. I told them about a studio space that provides rental gear (cameras, lights, mics, etc.) They paid for it. I made sure that I did my best to make their project a success, which it was. That was 4 years ago. A few days ago, I bought my first camera (Canon T7i). My wife agreed the purchase made sense since that client from 4 years ago recommended me to a literary publication that needed a videographer to record their readings. Had I blown it with the client, I wouldn't have the opportunity I have now. The publisher, I'm sure, will open me up to other opportunities. Thanks again for a great video!

Yo! I'm a wannabe film maker down in FL, and I can't tell you how much your videos have helped me, inspired me, and allowed me to realize that my dream of being a filmmaker is possible! I know this is an awkwardly long comment, so I'll just wrap it up: Thank you.

this video brought me so much joy. you understand the professional struggle , spot on! love it.

Wow.. even through so much stress and work , you keep on smiling and being honest .. that’s the best part of you

Just shared this video on my FB as part of a Thanksgiving gift to my fellow filmmakers. I love your energy, humor and your honesty in all of your videos! Please keep them coming!

Man, I think you're one of the happiest people I've seen in my life.

Finally! My weekly dose of Potato Jet videos. Keep making youtube vids man!

This video it's the story of my life!! Even with the background and the knowledge people prefers to call shady guys to work with; it's a shame but after 13 years of working in the media production world I believe it never gonna change and with the social media this kind of behavior it's gonna grow!! Thanks for share I feel emphatically 100%!!! Peace!!! ✌🏽

Dude, this video is so genuine. Glad I found your channel. Instant subscription :)

Such an important attitude to always doing your very best and a bit more. Amazing flow in your speech. Never dropping the ball.

All the success in the world to you, friend!

The best tech reviewer I've seen so far. Truly down to earth guy!

Best advice I've heard on RU-vid in a while. This advice can be used in any walk of life! Thank you for posting, Potato.

i like the way you communicate. funny but smart, fun, and inspire. thank you

One of the best types of videos there are on RU-vid, about searching your place in capitalistic life! I'm a sucker for such stories. Thanks!

Great video, great insight! Totally agree with 100% of what you're saying. The same things apply this side of the pond in London.

Love your videos, PJ. Amazing, level-headed advice and perspective. I've lived in LA (or nearby) for a decade, too, and you're so right about people here. A lot of crooks. Harder to find the good people. But there are some. Wish you continued success.

I'm not into film making, but i like your content. So i watched several dozen of you video and stumbled onto this one. With this one video you've managed to give advice to all my delema. The advice you gave are all genuine and relatable and to some extent applicable even outside film industry. Again awesome awesome content. Thank you for doing this, keep it up. Hope you get more subscribers! Cheers!

Mate this is pure gold! Some people would make a whole book about stuff you've just packed in this video, Love it!

Spot on Jet!

Love your humor and videos!

Love your stuff dude. Keep preaching brother.

You have a great channel Potato Jet (Gene), thanks for sharing so much educational info and fun times too, and well done on your success !

Love your camera comparison videos💜

Thanks for keepin' it real!

This video is beautiful. It's literally EVERYTHING you need to know about being a creative in LA. Rings true 100% over a year later!

Love how real you are!

Thank you man! I needed this video today. I've been doing freelance video full time for about a year now. I started getting clients through craigslist too lol. I have an opportunity to shadow a videographer filming a live graduation and I almost bailed, but you encouraged me to stick to it. Thank you dude! 🤘

So much good info here! Never worry about what you are making in the project right now, worry about the price of the next project!

10 seconds and I'm smashing that like button. you are awesome and deserve the best. good luck

Great Videos Potato Jet !!! 🏆🏆🏆

Loved this one!

You've quickly become one of my favorite RU-vidrs!

Cant believe that just today ...i subscribed to your channel... lots of cool stuff to catch up on the channel.. Amazing videos...you are adding value to people....great work!

Great Insite, your advice is 100% solid and applies to all aspects of life. Thank you for sharing.

Love your authentic narrative, I suspect all freelancers endure this reality but for the love of doing what you love from love!

Great video man. Much appreciated droppin that knowledge! :)

Potato energy! Merry Xmas!

Maaan, I could sit and watch your 20min video with just these kind of talks. And I mean no skimming or whatsoever! Just a complete play and finish. Honestly admit that I've been watching Pete, Sean Tuck, Matti until you showed up in his (matti) vlog! Clicked the channel and at first I was like "ahhh... this guy's so into the techy stuff" and I'm a true believer of it's not about the gear talk. And I really am sorry for judging you at glance in that instance. Not even playing one single video of you but looking into thumbnails. Gave it a shot one day and could have regretted it for life because of that thinking before! Getting to know you and digging to your videos like this one, maaaaan! That's a worth 180 degree turn! Awesome! Looking forward for these videos! Cheers from the Philippines! 🔥👊🏻🤘🙌💯

Love The Humor ,and Backstory Keep Up The Great Content.. Subscribed.

The absolute most relatable opening EVER!!!

Most important tips I have saw about making films. And work in general

Thank God for letting me click on this link..must have heard me wanting to do the same thing in starting a video business.

You Motivate me bro. Cheers and thanks for sharing your experience from a fellow Cali boy.

I luv your videos! Thanks.

good value, nice one man!

Outstanding

This is just what is needed to know when you are coming into the film business #letsgetstarted #makingfilms

Love this video!!! I can relate to everything you say! Thank you so much for sharing...your channel is amazing ^_^

Good solid advice for building a business primarily through reputation

This is very good. Thanks man!

Someone that finally tells the truth about the film industry! Thank you so much brother!

Loving your content mate. Really useful info. Also just gotta say your way of talking is really engaging, keeps me till the end. AUDIENCE RETENTION BABY! learnt that from your other video 😂

You really inspire me to make my own films and improve my camera skills

awesome vid, you're awesome dawg!!

top hard work , liked it ,

This is such amazing insight for aspiring filmmakers!

So true, work ethics and attitude in your current job will get you your next job

Like your wall art

Thank you 🙏 for the inspiration

The hand work in this video really takes it to the next level.

Thank you this video is so helpful. I wanna move to LA next year, and I knew about the networking part but actually had no idea about how shady people can be. Thanks for the solid tips I'll keep my wits about me 👌

Being able to stay clam on a set really is the number one skill for anybody whose is going to work on sets. The last thing anybody wants is that one guy that can't compose himself and the whole crew gets irritated. Plus, being in a crew you maybe never worked with and have everybody stay calm and focused is a really good morale boost. You'll all be drinking a beer at the end of the first day and the one thing people talk about is how smooth it all went. Simply because everybody remained calm and focused.

Major point about "traditional" professions having pretty (cough cough, *easy*) set tracks; whereas art, video, and creative professions are different. It can take YEARS to even find your niche. Or three niches that fit you, and making that work. It's nice to hear someone bring it up. I've been watching your videos every day. Great work

Potato jet is the coolest guy to watch in youtube 😂😂. No videos wasted without a good laugh.

You juicy Potato! I love it, learnt a lot. 🙌🏼

I saw that you were on the 110 fwy, I don't miss it. I worked in LA for almost 13 years ...

Great video, definetly hit home for me. I did and still do the same thing. Constantly search through Craigslist and build my network. I know its not easy and I dont expect a breakthrough anytime soon, but doing what we love and creating something new daily is awesome. Great point of view on the money topic.

True story :) The worst thing at my start was "show us your portfolio, please!" That was a hard wall for my head and that was the end for almost every negotiation. If I get no serious job I have no chance to show the result of doing a serious job! Bewitched circle! And it took about two years to break that circle. And than everything went as good as you say - do one job good and get two new customers as they share your contacts.

I feel you, been there done that. I run a small production company out in Victorville but I came from the Film industry as a stuntman. Thats an area where there is not much loyalty.

Great info! I have been out on my own for almost 3 years and have made about the same as I would have if I had stayed at my old job which I hated. I 100% agree on networking, 99% of my work is from about 3 businesses that I deal with. All of my reoccurring business has come from referrals.

I just became addicted to your videos, i can relate to everything you talk about lol

You are resilient because you seem good natured. I have met shady people in the Bay Area but it’s been 1 every 5 years. So low shade. In general people in production have been decent.

This video tho! A perfect combo of information and comedy

I learned sooooooo much. Like the basics of understand how to work as a team and how to grow. The best part which I thought is so real is getting a good reel and good to work, or slightly better reel but be an asshole to work with. Thanks a lot. I still shoot with a phone since I don't own a camera but I'm glad this I learned so much!

Awesome outro! Haha like your style you look like really the nice type of guy I want to work with. So well done :)

Hey dude you are so coool about this! Keep up! Will you upload the hiking (Oh you did post them at the near end! I finished the whole video!)

love ur videos

Thank you. Nice video

You're hilarious, I'm glad you're channel is growing so fast.

Thank you.

Hahaha! You're killing me!! You'd make a great stand-up comedian/entertainer, Potato Jet!! All that aside, thanks for all the tips!

This guy is great! :)

Good sound realistic advice

I really like this guy

Ayeee! Potato Jet

“That’s called soft lighting” 😂

I don’t comment often. But bruh, your channel is sooo dope and hella informative. Wish I had a resource like this when I started. Thanks for getting me inspired to get my freelance back up! Mahalos