One of the most informative and professionally valuable filmmaking videos I've watched in a LONG time. Thank you for the shared wisdom!

'Buy cheap......buy twice' 'Keep the drama in front of the camera' 'Don't buy Came TV products'...............ok, so the last one i made up myself. Brilliant video Andrew, thanks for sharing

"Pick your battles and when to fight them - not everything is worth the drama but sometimes you need to stand up for yourself and your business"

Wow. What good advice. I've been in the business over 50 years, most of it as a DP. Everything you've said is right on. I loved your projection of how your career was going to go. I've been thinking recently about my own long career arc. Good god, such ups and downs. And the times I used to wake up at five in the morning, worried, because work was not coming in. Thinking about how I was going to survive, pay the bills. Yet I did. I can't tell you the number of times I've thought of leaving the business, but shooting is what I love to do. What a business.

Amazing episode. The amount of humbleness and humility you represent gives a clear message that you're a true professional💪

I’ve given several production companies and individuals a good rate because they’re either starting out or have a low budget.... believe the advice here, they flick you when someone cheaper comes along. Now I ask for full details of the job and price accordingly and get 25% of my quotes....

This is the most honest advice I've heard on KZfaq.

Pure GOLD Thank you. Also- “this is not to scale” had me laughing very loud for very long

i laughed so hard when you told not to come ask for advice because you went almost bankrupt twice. The sheer honesty is really appreciated

Some great advice here, not just for your profession but for anyone who is in a "you don't work, you don't eat" career. But you did neglect to mention that if you start a KZfaq channel, the dump trucks full of money just keep backing up to your door! ;-)

Dear Andrew hello my name is Justin Ray. Thank you for this video. I will save this video for when I forget my trajectory within this community. if only this video existed when I started my filming endeavours way back in 2006.

I use what I call the 10/10 rule. I try to invest atleast 10% of what I earn in to something that will last me 10 years. That could be anything from a super clamp to a light or a lens. You will realize after some acquiring of gear that it will pay back fast if you start renting it out. Solved my money problem.

The best general recap on film industry whatsoever! I've been In it for 15 years - only the gear is changing, nothing else. Work ethitcs are geting worse and worse. Still wondering how the hell am I able to sustain a family and a happy mariage with 3 kids. Takes a lot of understanding and commitment from your other half.

I'm not in this industry at all. I followed this channel simply because of my personal hobby of photography and my fondness of lighting. I'm grateful for getting genuine advices like this, which apply to all careers, I believe. Thanks for sharing your wisdom as always.

Absolutely the best advice I’ve ever heard,pity I am 67 I needed this earlier.

The honeytrap is real. Feels like a lot of money when you're young....but your rate doesn't magically go up when you have a kid

Thank you for providing more education in 15 minutes than most film schools can give in 4 years

Dude the Honey Trap is real you could do a whole video on it, also for Freelancers shooting weddings or similar videos that can seem like easy loads of cash when you're young (and honestly at that age it often IS loads of cash, we just don't have perspective to see how quickly it will dry up) This happened to young me thinking 30k/40k USD a year (back in 2008) as a wedding videographer/freelancer was all I would ever need. Now I have a family, house and first son and totally understand how fast adult life hits you especially in 2022. I Love your honesty man, I ended up finding I was happier having a full time job and shooting on the side instead of trying to shoot a bunch of weddings and portraits that I hated and weren't bringing me any higher profile jobs. Luckily I actually found a full time job shooting product videos and photos where I am the DOP/Director and I love it. Just had to tough it out and work in other sectors while I plugged away at learning filmmaking.

For the viewers, this is not advice. This is wisdom. Experience comes at a cost and most often to the person experiencing the ups and downs. Wisdom is learning from others sharing their experience, so you can benefit and avoid those pitfalls. As someone in their second career, this knowledge extends beyond the film industry. Thank you for sharing your life lessons. We are better for it.

I'm sorry to hear about your friend Stephen. This episode was extremely wise and helpful for this business.

This is some of the greatest advice and wisdom I’ve encountered in my 20+ years in this business. So to the point too, wow.

Andrew, this was just a brilliant video. Your graph of career progression had me laughing hard. Well done.

I almost skipped this video. And it played by accident. I'm 25 and I absolutely love all of the advices. Thank you for sharing.

Forever grateful for the incredible professional life hacks you shared. Thank you from Ghana West Africa.

This video should be the first class at every single film school in the world. Thanks for the wisdom!

A devastating criticism/advice indeed - I’m happy you were able to pivot and feel confident venturing into something else.

I don’t usually leave comments, but I felt compelled to here. I’ve been a professional in various industries for about 20+ years including filmmaking, and this is simply the best advice video I’ve seen and it really does cover all of them. From film, music, video games, etc. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

Sorry for your loss. All of this advice rings true.

As a sound operator I have the pleasure of working with Andrew a few times each year and as evidenced here he is one of the most thoughtful people to be around on set. He did leave out one of the golden rules.......... Don't stand in the doorway!!!

I have been a fan of this channel for a long time, but this video has probably now made me an evangelist. Some of the best content I have seen. Thank you so much

Hey Andrew, i started to have my own rental house 4 years ago, now I am 28 and I watch your videos nearly every day. I want to thank you so much for this insight in your life and this honesty. Everytime when I am on a down phase (no jobs, no motivation to call clients) I remember your words in this videos: „always be nice“ and i will watch it again for the 20th time. Thank you for this, It motivates me to keep going. Greetings from Austria

Outstanding video! I recently discovered your channel and I am baffled as to how you don’t have many more subscribers, your content is so good!

Fantastic advice, Andrew! Very sorry about your friend as well.

I felt like I just sat on my uncle's porch, opened a beer and had a heart to heart. Cheers and thanks for sharing!

Incredibly sage advice in a painfully honest presentation. There is no better video on how to work within this field and there ain’t a single one of us who wouldn’t benefit from watching it. This channel is an invaluable repository of shared wisdom and advice. It deserves so much more attention.

dude, this is such great advice. Film schools all over the world should license this video.

This is why he's one of my favorite people on youtube.

Thnx for the advice. I would like to hear how close you almost got bankrupt. Maybe we can learn from it. Thnx

You are awesome. I agree with all the points. I have my own 25 years experience in the industry and I can attest to all these tips. Spot on good sir!

Not to be mean, but I’m happy that your job was cancelled so that you could make this very special episode. This is great advise that everyone should listen carefully to. The clock never runs backwards in life, there is no “Groundhog Day” scenario where you can have infinite do overs. It’s important to be yourself and be bold, but it’s just as important to heed the advice of those who have tread the same road before.

You are so organized, professional and caring on your stuff that renting has to be a real pain for you

I don't often comment on social media, but having video like this really helps people who are really passionate in this field or just starting to try out like me. Thank you so much Mr. Andrew for being so generous and honest.

One of the most valuable, introspective videos regarding this business on youtube. The info you share here will take you much further than any gear review ever will.

This is great! So incredibly accurate. To your point about not working with the 20% of penny pinchers - at least in my experience, those jobs often require way more effort and the conditions are usually horrible: Crappy food, distant locations, producers trying to re-neg on OT while you're on the 14th hour, often poor planning and few support staff. And... usually the 20% of projects you wouldn't put on a CV either unfortunately.

❤️ This video was GOLD ❤️ People Binge watch Netflix. I have been Binge Watching your channel. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and more than that WISDOM...coz that's what comes only and only with experience :) Love from 🇮🇳 India

Hi Andrew :) well im from Germany and working in a production agency doing commercials and stuff. And i can absolutely relate to all the advice you give. This is - for me at least, some very very valuable advice and I just wanted to say thank you very much. There is so much copy & pasting and nonsense on this platform and here i am finding a real piece of gold :) Thank you! Ah and btw i would love to have your experience (and your van - i'm binge watching your channel :D) on one of our sets. Cheers from the cold europe

Dude - this is one of the best filmmaking videos i’ve seen in a long time. Full disclosure - i HAVE been bankrupt. Im 57 now and its all still a juggle/ hustle. However - it is what it is. And even with Covid shut downs - Im still in the game. You probably find this becomes your most popular video. Love your stuff. Bought my aputure LS 300x and my 12 piece mc travel kit because of you ( love both!). Keep it up.

Watched this when you first posted it and again just now. What a generous basket of riches this is. I wish I'd happened upon something like this when I first started. Thank you again.

Good advice Andrew there have been Quiet times in the industry where I had to got a normal job for a while just to make ends meet, it was like having teeth pulled but sometimes there's just no work around and that's the only option.

So the bottom line is: know who you are and stay humble. Made the same experience when I was hired as a secondary cameraman for a musicfestival commercial. I was assinged to film the stage so I talked to the techs in the FoH, explained who I was and what I was supposed to do and if the might have a little spot for my tripod. They said to talk to Micheal - second story of the FoH and ask him. Up the ladder, chatting with Micheal and he said, sure "On the right is a good spot, no gear there for the most part, just two bands likely having a follower running then you need to move." Fine with me, we get that fixed when it happens. So I put my gear down, fixed everything and when I was done turned to Micheal again and asked if needed any help with anything? He was good so I went to get some tea/coffee again asking Micheal if he liked one two. He was good as expected, off I went. Some time later a photographer showed up, real nice guy, friendly and understanding how everybodies job works and we three got a great time on the FoH. However, later on the people who ran the festival showed up with a van full of press at the FoH and told them they could go up there and do photos. I wasen't there at that time. The techs at the FoH went nuts, they were furious. When I returned, out of a sudden there was a secrurity at the FoH and I was irritated but not minding her - she did a great job by the way - she then stoped me, turning to the techs and then I heared the techs say "He's ok!". Later on I asked Micheal what was going on and he told me the story. For the rest of the festival no one was allowed on the FoH but me and the first photographer. When the festival was over and I wrapped up my gear again asking Micheal if he needed some help with anything and this time he asked me if I could roll up some cables. No problem. Three months later I met Micheal running the lights at another festival were I was privately, said hello and asked him if I could put my bag somewhere. No problem. My advice is: always have a basic understanding of how the other departments work.

Good life advice that applies to many different facets of life, not just video/lighting.

My condolences on the loss of your friend, Sir. My appreciation to you for sharing some of the most sage advice -- in any industry of life!

I never comment on any videos normally but Each and every advice given by you is the most realistic and professional .🙏🏻

This is great advice in any field and in life.

this video should be played in class of every university teaching media as a desclaimer to anyone choosing film making as a career just to put it all in some focus away from the glitz

This is the best advice about getting the best advice that I've ever got.

Your videos are usually amazing but this was exceptional. Thank you

A friend recommended I watch this video. This one really hit home. I've been really frustrated with the amount of work I've been crushed under lately. I think I've had one client say no to my rate in the last 8 years.

Andrew, the income chat is real, as well as the "why are you hiring me?" question. I've entered this industry at a later age (31) and also in a smaller city with not much variety. After 8 years at it, I suddenly realised the need for income at my age and more importantly, going forward to 50. Currently I can't really venture into my wants as, same as you, cinematography, but also, I can 't improve my lighting either due to the small city, thus, I am making additions and once covid travel allows, moving to a geographical location that offers more variety of clients and income which will also allow me to better my lighting and explore my wants as a cine. Thanks as always for your vids, this one as well.

Sorry for your loss, Andrew. This video is gold! I wanted ask you for another topic: could you please share some tips, how to arrange storage, pack the van and keep the sets tidy? Anything tip that helps keep things organized would be great. Greetings from OCD :)

Thank you for being so generous with your time and advice!

Thank you for your Advice. As i strive to be a Compositor and i am already seeing the Real Time VFX Solutions putting me out of Buisiness more and more. Film as a Medium is always changing.

Great advice!!! It would be interesting a review of the Lightbridge Cine Reflectors.

Carrying your mates is the best. We all must do this. I wish we could work together all the time lol Also, an old DP once told me the old world DP's loved when someone would have mints or "Lifesavers" nearby... one for them to take the edge off, the other for good breath but its an old school hollywood studio system thingy. It still helps in relationship building today lol indeed try not to ever ever burn bridges. We are all family truly truly family on set. Memory Eternal Stephen Radford.

Such beautiful advice. Thank you for sharing. It is so rare to hear such things here on the internet.

Great advice Andrew!!! I'm a DP here in the NYC and happened upon your thread when deciding to purchase a couple Aperture 600D's. I now own two full sets and love them. Your videos were one of the deciding factors. Thank you 🙏 The advise your offering is gold for young G&E crew. I worked on all types of shoots from union to non-union, high end to low end and have seen all types of G&E crews, good and bad. What I look for in a G&E crew is to show up early, bring your A game and be ready to work, support me with input and your presence on set, work efficiently-neatly-quietly-quickly and never talk down to our crew. I light many of my smaller shoots but on the larger shoots with a full G&E department the best gaffers are always near a monitor when they're not working on set. I have no time for crew that are off chatting about their worlds, having a smoke or on the phone when I need them. If I'm working harder on the light than they are then I don't need them. Your job selection advise is right on. Let the low end go by the wayside, you'll never be appreciated there for your talent, and accept those jobs that challenge and allow your to go home feeling accomplished. 🤙

Thanks you Andrew for sharing all this with us

Some great advise! Thank you Andrew.

Jeez this is just a gold mine of a video

Sorry for your loss, Andrew. And, as always, thank you for the outstanding content. 👍

thanks for sharing all the wonderful advice, Andrew. truly valuable info.

I always comeback here to re-listen to good advice. That's amazing content, Andrew!

Thank you Andrew, I will be watching this video over and over for the rest of my film career.

Brilliant! Can't wait to watch this. Great topic. Thank you 🙏🏾

This is some real career-building advice. Thank you! Your words have not been taken lightly.

This is probably one of my favorite videos of yours. I rewatch it every so often just to remind myself of some great addvice. Can you possibly do a video talking about almost going bankrupt twice? Probably not something you like talking about but I think it would be very helpful for a lot of people (including me) to hear to try to not make the same mistakes.

I love to watch this man because he is like a father for me, if someday I achieve to be someone in My country industry (Ecuador) I'll say is thanks to him. I would like to know what do you think about latin america film industry, and what should I do in a country where's not a film industry at all yet

Thank you very much for the great advice. May GOD bless you more.

Thank you for taking time to do this Andrew. Absolutely brilliant advice for new (and some of us older) creatives!

This was so timely in my life, you have no idea. Thank you for taking the time to make this!

Thank you for sharing this incredibly valuable advice. It's a nice break from the norm on KZfaq talk about people and relationships and the care of each. As I get older and reflect on my time in the business I'm seeing where all this advice is coming from in relation to my career. ☺️

Thankyou for your advice and encouragement. I appreciate your videos especially this one.🙌🏾🙌🏾

Absolutely wonderful. Learned a lot. Thank you ever so much!

Thanks for sharing this Andrew. I'm not a Gaffer, but I think these pieces of advice are simply amazing food for thought for anyone running their own small business. It's made me think more about how I want my photography business to be in a longer term.

Great advice, sir. I really appreciate the candid sharing of your experience and wisdom.

Andrew, this was incredible. I had heard the first few before and have conducted myself according to them, but then you continued and opened my eyes to how I can be much better. This is an amazing video!

Love the honesty, incredibly helpful. Thank you

So many great tips. Thanks for sharing your wisdom!

This is what true Wisdom teaches! Thank you for sharing this info with everyone. It's only learned in the school of hard knocks as they say here in the states.

Sound advice for sure! Love the one on care no more or no less than the director and head of department, solid advice! Thank you!

Andrew this advice is invaluable. Thank you for sharing so generously. Relevant for any stage of a career!

Brilliant stuff Andrew - I didn’t think this channel could get any better but this type of advice is worth its weight in gold. It’d be excellent if you could do one of these type of episodes every couple of months - you literally could be saving some folk years of struggle and failure with these nuggets. You could also do an episode on some epic fails, etc, on set. I personally have learnt most from screwups and errors and always see them as great lessons to learn. Cheers from Ireland!

Andrew. I’m only 2 minutes in and this so so insightful and helpful. Such a logical and practical approach

Great Advise! Thank you! Same with my real estate photo/video business.

Grateful for you! Thanks for all you do!

This is by far one of the best videos on the industry I’ve seen in awhile. Thanks

Andrew thank you so much for sharing this knowledge. Really hit home on a lot of points

Thanks for these great advices! I really liked them and it would be great to get more of them down the line.

I’ll be nice to everyone and ask for and listen to feedback. Thank you for the advise and taking the time to share it with us.

Mate I am bookmarking this all the way to forever. This is the best advice I have heard anyone said from anything ever. I'm going to forward this to any job I interview in the future, just to show them my expectation. Thank you!