Most people who contact me about video work have never hired a freelance videographer before. That's completely fine. But it does mean there's usually a round of questions before we get to the good stuff. So here's a straightforward guide to what the process actually looks like when you hire a freelance videographer in Cheltenham or anywhere else nearby.
What does a freelance videographer actually do?
A freelance videographer handles the whole filming process: camera operation, lighting, audio, direction, and usually editing too. The "freelance" part just means I work independently rather than as part of an agency team. You're hiring one person who manages everything from the kit bag to the final export.
That's different from a production company, which might have a producer, a director, a camera operator, and a post-production team all on one job. For most small to medium briefs, you don't need all that. One experienced person with good kit can do the same job faster and for less.
What does a typical shoot day look like?
It varies a lot depending on the brief, but the basic structure is: we discuss what you need, I prep the kit and location the day before, we shoot, and then I edit. For a talking head interview or a corporate shoot, that might be a single day on site followed by two or three days in the edit. For something more complex, like a brand film with multiple locations, it scales up accordingly.
I always do a pre-production call before any shoot. Not a long one. Just enough to understand exactly what you're after, agree on the style, and iron out any logistics. Turning up on the day without that conversation is a waste of everyone's time.
Why does a freelance videographer cost what they cost?
This is the question that comes up most. My day rate is £995 all-in. That includes cinema-grade cameras, lenses, drone, gimbal, and a full audio setup. No add-ons, no surprise invoices at the end.
A lot of videographers charge a base rate and then list out kit hire, travel, and editing as separate line items. I understand why they do it. But from a client's perspective, it makes budgeting almost impossible. You think you're paying £600 for a shoot and then the invoice arrives with extras that push it to £900.
Fixed pricing works better for everyone. You know the number before you sign anything. I know what's included. There's no back-and-forth over expenses.
What should you look for when hiring?
A portfolio that matches the kind of work you need is the obvious one. But beyond that, look for a few things:
- Communication. Do they respond quickly? Do they ask the right questions? A videographer who doesn't show much curiosity about your brief before the shoot usually won't show much on the day either.
- Clarity on deliverables. What format will the files be in? How long will the edit take? What revisions are included? These should all be answered upfront.
- Experience with your type of content. Corporate interviews are different from fashion films. Product shoots are different from event coverage. Make sure they've done the thing you're asking for.
Should you hire local?
For most projects, yes. A freelance videographer based in Cheltenham knows the area, has done shoots at local venues, and doesn't need to charge you for three hours of travel time each way. I've filmed across Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds, Bristol, and into South Wales. For anything beyond that, we'd talk about it, but it's rarely a dealbreaker.
If you're in Cheltenham or the surrounding area and want a straightforward conversation about a project, the best thing to do is get in touch. No obligation, no sales pitch. Just a chat about what you need.
If you're looking at larger productions that need a full crew, Singularity Film handles that side of things. Same approach, just scaled up.