When it comes to cool careers, shooting and editing videos has to up there, right? Lewis Notarangelo has worked with a range of clients including Nairns Oatcakes, Lothian Buses, Scotrail, STV and Arran Brewery. Here’s how he landed his dream job…
Lewis Notarangelo
Twitter:@lewisnotty
How did you become a videographer?
Media has always been around me. My dad was a journalist for different newspapers and then moved into PR. So media seemed like something natural to fall in to. Originally I wanted to get into the film industry, I went to Queen Margaret University and studied Film and Media. But I just didn’t feel Film was for me so I went to get work experience making short videos. I went to work for a press agency where I started making short news style videos. Basic video and editing was great for me to learn the camera and to work to quick deadlines.
After that I moved to a PR firm where I began to do more corporate style videos and was given creative freedom to try different things. Then after 3 years I decided to go solo and become freelance.
Did you do any particularly training?
As mentioned, not really training as such. Basic stuff at university but everything was self-taught after that. Sometimes the best way to learn is to just get chucked in the deep-end. There are so many editing techniques, filming techniques, equipment to learn that you need to be able to learn quickly. There are websites and videos online that you can watch to learn how to do thing.
If someone wanted to become a videographer how would you recommend they start out?
It all depends on what type of videography then wanted to get into. Best way is to get a camera and just learn it. YouTube is great for tutorials these days. You can do everything at your own pace. Then one of the most important things I would say is to make as many contacts as possible, do as much work experience as possible to better your skills and to broaden your network. The bulk of who I work with on a daily basis are returning clients who I met, had a coffee, had a chat, and got to know them. Then out the blue they call you up.
What skills and qualities are important to your job?
One thing I always make sure, and I like to think it helps with my work and who I work with, is client relationships. I treat and speak to my clients exactly how I would speak to a friend. I engage with them, chat with them and most importantly have a laugh with them. A happy client means a happy job. You know you are doing a good job when you get emails with the word ‘LOL’ in it. You have to be pretty likeable too. If the client likes you they are more likely to want to keep working with you. But your work has to be good too though. You have to be flexible at times. Clients can be demanding, so some days might be short hours but some can be long days. But if you are doing a job you love you don’t mind.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
It’s hard to say really. When I was doing press stuff I was the only person able to snap a photograph of former US President Bill Clinton, that made it into a few national newspapers – that was pretty cool. I used to love seeing my name printed in the newspapers alongside photos, gave me a sense of achievement.
One of my favourite jobs I worked on was when I spent 4 days on Islay producing a video. There was a team of us and it was such a laugh. I might sound a little soppy here but I think the highlight of my career is getting to do a job that is so much fun. I am not in an office stuck Monday to Friday or have a boss who is breathing down your neck, I am my own boss and I get to go out and make videos and take photographs. How good is that!
How do you make sure your work stands out?
I don’t know if it is about standing out or being consistent. Each project differs and you just have to make sure you offer a high quality service. Don’t take short cuts, don’t rush things and treat each job the same. Whether it be a £500 job or a £5000 job, do the best job you can. More often than not the £500 will come back and will pay more if you do a good job. Look at what other videographers or companies are doing too to stay on trend. Drones are the in thing just now and clients are wanting to incorporate that into their videos.
What are the best and worst parts of your job?
The best part about my job is getting work on so many diverse projects, meeting interesting people, going to some amazing places. Slowly my clients have become bigger and better and the work shows that too because there is scope to do more things.
The worst part about my job is the dreaded ‘B’ word. Budget! So many times I get clients who come to me wanting to do so much and then say that they don’t have much budget or they can offer exposure. Once you do it once, they expect all the time so don’t sell yourself short. Believe in your work and your expertise and they will respect you. A tip would be to set your price list out and stick to it. Of course you can be flexible but don’t bend over backwards because they are the ones who will take you for granted.
What’s your advice for someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
Make as many contacts as possible. In this industry it is more about who you know than what you know. I am happy to chat with people wanting some more detailed advice.
When getting started you will make mistakes and we all do. I’ve spoken to my videographer pals and we have all messed up on a job or something has gone wrong at one point and it is the only way you learn from it. Things happen and you just need to not dwell and just move on from it.
