Cheap TV commercial production? at DVinfo.net

Adam Bray · February 7th, 2006, 10:58 PM

If I wanted to produce a cheap 30 second or 1 minute TV commercial for cable TV, how would I get started? Can it be done on my XL2, or do I need a Beta cam? Would I need to work with the cable company on the production, or could I do it myself and just send them a tape?

Anyone done this before? I'm just curious about what all is involved. They look very simple.

Rodney Compton · February 8th, 2006, 02:45 AM

Hi Adam

Split the fee and I will tell you how.

Rodney Compton

Dylan Tucker · February 8th, 2006, 11:41 AM

If they need it in beta, you can shoot on your xl2 then convert it

Dave Herring · February 8th, 2006, 01:35 PM

I do lots of spots, it helps to have an 'in' with the sales department.

There are tons of potential clients who want commercials that are better produced than say Brighthouse, in my market, or other cable companies.
That's where the sales 'friend' comes in handy, he sends me clients who want better spots, but can't afford a full blown, big crew, production.

I shoot them with my DSR 250, very similar to the Canon XL line, but much more light sensitive. So, yes, you can definitely use your XL camera.

The rest is a matter of talent; can you produce at a higher level than your local cable company? That is the big question, if so, then you will get work especially in a city the size of Houston.

Don't ignore the 'Non-Profit' companies either, they need exposure and are happy to pay.

And like Dylan says, you can always dub it to Beta, most people can't tell the difference.

Sheila Ward · February 8th, 2006, 02:24 PM

I've shot a few local 30 second spots with my VX2100 and PD170. Our local cable company accepts miniDV and they do whatever conversion is needed. I'm sure it varies by location, but here you can just provide them with a tape and purchase your ad time and your good to go.

They will also shoot a commercial for you pretty cheap because they are in it for the long term advertising dollars.

Just give them a call and they will tell you what formats they accept.

February 7th, 2006, 10:58 PM	#1
Adam Bray Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Houston/Austin Posts: 394	Cheap TV commercial production? If I wanted to produce a cheap 30 second or 1 minute TV commercial for cable TV, how would I get started? Can it be done on my XL2, or do I need a Beta cam? Would I need to work with the cable company on the production, or could I do it myself and just send them a tape? Anyone done this before? I'm just curious about what all is involved. They look very simple.

February 8th, 2006, 02:45 AM	#2
Rodney Compton Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: London Posts: 90	Cheap ad Hi Adam Split the fee and I will tell you how. Rodney Compton

February 8th, 2006, 11:41 AM	#3
Dylan Tucker Regular Crew Join Date: May 2005 Location: Delhi/Albany, NY Posts: 55	If they need it in beta, you can shoot on your xl2 then convert it

February 8th, 2006, 01:35 PM	#4
Dave Herring Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Indian Rocks Beach, Florida Posts: 67	I do lots of spots, it helps to have an 'in' with the sales department. There are tons of potential clients who want commercials that are better produced than say Brighthouse, in my market, or other cable companies. That's where the sales 'friend' comes in handy, he sends me clients who want better spots, but can't afford a full blown, big crew, production. I shoot them with my DSR 250, very similar to the Canon XL line, but much more light sensitive. So, yes, you can definitely use your XL camera. The rest is a matter of talent; can you produce at a higher level than your local cable company? That is the big question, if so, then you will get work especially in a city the size of Houston. Don't ignore the 'Non-Profit' companies either, they need exposure and are happy to pay. And like Dylan says, you can always dub it to Beta, most people can't tell the difference.

February 8th, 2006, 02:24 PM	#5
Sheila Ward Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Arkansas Posts: 107	I've shot a few local 30 second spots with my VX2100 and PD170. Our local cable company accepts miniDV and they do whatever conversion is needed. I'm sure it varies by location, but here you can just provide them with a tape and purchase your ad time and your good to go. They will also shoot a commercial for you pretty cheap because they are in it for the long term advertising dollars. Just give them a call and they will tell you what formats they accept.