Both a freelance filmmaker and a freelance videographer have a lot in common, but ultimately it boils down to one thing: Story.

Freelance Videographer

A freelance videographer will capture. They will show up at your event, showroom, property or whatever you want them to film and simply capture what is happening in front of the lens. This doesn’t make it any less of a skilled job though. In order to capture a beautiful image they will still have to be dynamic, adapting to different lighting conditions and have a good knowledge of the principles of photography and cinematography. They need to be able to think on their feet, move fast through multiple setups and capture a wide range of shots to give the final piece the polish it needs to stand out.

A good freelance videographer will be able to capture everything from a high end interiors or architecture project through to a two camera interview with a three point lighting and clean audio setup. They will need a good variety of equipment on hand to do the job properly but for the most part they will just be documenting or capturing what is occurring on the other side of the lens.

Freelance Filmmaker

A freelance filmmaker will also do everything that the videographer above will do. However the difference comes with story. Whether it’s a documentary project or a brand film, the filmmaker will be more involved in the pre-production process. This means they will have creative input with the agency or client and help to shape the story they are telling.

In a documentary project, they will get to know and interview the subjects through the pre-production process to make them feel at ease and help craft the story being told. If they are a solo operator they may conduct the interview, ask the questions as well as setup the camera and potentially edit the project.

Does it matter?

Does all this nomenclature really matter? I guess not, but knowing the difference may help you when trying to find someone to execute your ad campaign or assist you with event videography.

Ultimately, there are hundreds of different ways to tell a story and sell a product. Sometimes a social ad showing the product in a captivating way may be more effective than telling a story. Think about food ads that have the viewer salivating within the first few seconds. On the other hand, story can be an extremely powerful driver, making the viewer feel a certain way. John Lewis spend millions on their Christmas ad campaigns which are completely story driven. Charity is another example of where telling a story would an effective way of creating emotion and connecting the viewer with the subject of the ad.

Ultimately the end goal is the same, to raise brand awareness and sell products, but there are many different ways to achieve it, whether hiring a freelance videographer, filmmaker or agency.

If you're looking to work with a freelance videographer or filmmaker in London, Birmingham or elsewhere in the UK, feel free to get in touch, I'd love to here about your project.