Do you think this business could work?

Question

Hi,

I want your opinion on something.

I am currently saving for a $6000 camera, I am 14 & working part-time.

The reason I want such an expensive video camera is so that it will produce professional video so I can re-sell individual clips as stock footage on the internet.

If you don't really get what I mean here are a few websites doing the same thing...

http://www.gothidef.com/
http://www.gotfootagehd.com/gf/store/nod...

So do you think I can make money selling a few clips in a pack on the internet on a website that I would make up.

I think I would only be selling to Australians as I will be filming in PAL format.

So I want other peoples opinions that know a little more about business than I do.

I have been interested in filming for 6 years now..

Please help me out as I want to know if this is just a waste of money me saving for.

thanks,
jarhead992

I have posted this in three different sections as it has to do with each one of them...

Answer 1

It depends, youve gotta offer something that the competition cant, now i dont know the filming industry, but being in Australia is a good place to start, Australians will always try and buy australian even if its on a subconscience. youve also gotta know your competition, know what they're charging etc and try to outdo them.

all in all, if you succeed, than you have truly acheived something

Answer 2

Businesses are tricky things. Especially if you want it to be a legit business. There is a lot involved that people don't think about. They believe that just having the starting equipment is enough. However, that is not true. If you are seriously interested in starting a business, contact a local Small Business Agency and speak to them. They will give you an idea of what is involved even if you are going to strictly create an ebusiness.

Now, remember you are goign to be competeting with companies that have been in the business for years and already have a reputation. You are going to have to offer something better or different than them. Something unique that draws customers to you.

Also you are going to have to look into the logistics of selling online. There are costs for domain registration, hosting, professional site development (unless you've been doing it for years, you are going to have to pay someone to do it), shopping care commerce, merchant accounts, etc.

It's great that you have the ambition. That is something that a lot of people lack when starting a business (and they fail at it). But you are going to have to keep it up while the business is first starting. They say a business doesn't turn profit the first couple years of start-up. Is that something you can go through?

Also - if you are saving up six grand - that makes me think you haven't done the research. You don't need a broadcast quality camera as you are providing clips and not streaming casts. There are cameras out there for two grand that will provide you with what you want. Also - look into used equipment from companies like B&H or Ebay.

Answer 3

Stock footage is often a "by-product" industry where film-makers and such often provide the generic-looking footage they shoot but have not used in their own production. The thought of purchasing a professional quality camera just for the purpose of capturing stock footage is probably not a good investment idea. i don't think you would make enough money to cover your expenses.

I don't want to disuade an ambitious mind, however, I would advise against your initial plan.

If you want to get into film-making or documentary making or news recording or whatever and sell off your stock footage on the side, that would be a much better plan.

Good luck!

Answer 4

well here is the deal. this business could work for a while but as with alot of the businesses of the same type it could go downhill quickly and unexpectedly. but you are still young so i think its great you are even thinking of starting your business. so i say if you can afford it give it a shot. what do you have to lose? besides you never know.

Answer 5

If you are interested in filming, I think it would be a lot easier and a lot more plausible to become a special events videographer. Meaning people pay you to film weddings and other events.