Is YouTube still worth it for filmmakers in 2024?
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Күн бұрынEver thought about starting up a KZfaq channel as a filmmaker? It’s super tempting, but only if you know what you’re getting into. In this video we’ll get into the realities of the filmmaking KZfaq landscape in 2024, and whether or not it’s worth it these days.
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Austin’s Channel: / @austinmeyerfilms
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CHAPTERS
0:00 - Intro
2:37 - Can KZfaq Fast Track your Filmmaking career?
5:47 - Why KZfaq is a struggle
6:36 - What my best performing video can teach you
9:29 - What can you expect back from KZfaq
13:05 -How much money can you make from KZfaq?
15:14 - Audiio, the sponsor of today’s video
16:05 - Why I don't usually take sponsorships
18:53 - Is it still worth it then?
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Email: luc@lucforsyth.com
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@austinmeyerfilms Ай бұрын
Luc! Thanks for giving my channel a shoutout and for all your guidance along the way. I really appreciate it. I am definitely going to keep at it, offering as much value as I can as I learn and grow in my career. And for anyone out there reading this comment who is also in the early days of your channel, I am with you on the journey!
@meshachshakes Ай бұрын
😄 Nice to meet you in the comment section Austin. I first came across your work when you were in my country, Zambia.
@austinmeyerfilms Ай бұрын
@@meshachshakes no way! That’s amazing. Great to see you here. Luc is the man 🙌
@Theallanrodriguez Ай бұрын
A business breakdown video would be sick 🤙🏼
@dakotacoburn Ай бұрын
2nd this!
@EkstedtMediaProductionsLLC Ай бұрын
A full business breakdown of a KZfaq channel video would be amazing. I've been debating on starting a channel for a while but there are not too many full breakdowns out there nowadays.
@die_dunkelheit Ай бұрын
LOVE the vlogger mockery on the thumbnail. YES YES YES to business breakdown.
@Hyper.actvty Ай бұрын
As someone who has been shooting since I was 16 (now 25), I wish I would have seen a video like this sooner. The relaxed tones while talking about creativity and shooting content was something I never saw because every video was loud and fast but never really dove into the reality of make any form of content, documentary or KZfaq. It is very refreshing that someone is saying "I am not going to convenience you one way or the other, but I am going to tell you its going to be difficult and you are going to have to work for it." Until very recently, I just thought subscribers and views would just fall into my lap because I make content, but never had truly put in the time and effort to earn those results. I finally started holding myself accountable for my lack of effort and became more realistic in my expectations. I am still not where I want to be now, but I am working on getting to my goals. Thank you for making this video.
@ZachMayfield Ай бұрын
great vid man! I think now is a really good time for us creators to lock in on authenticity, especially with sponsorships or any financial incentive in our videos. Viewers are smart and can tell when someone is being fake
@firstgopod Ай бұрын
There's so much about what you do and your perspective that I love, but my favorite is that a viewer knows you're not going to sell out for a gear, a sponsor, whatever...and that's so valuable. Keep crushing it, Luc.
@indievisualimages Ай бұрын
Not to pat myself on the back for generally not leaving comments, as if that comes from some high-minded place (likely it’s mostly a generational code imbedded in my psyche from growing up in the 90’s), but I felt something close to inspired, or at least fairly compelled, because of the philosophical point you made, specifically here in this video and in general with most, if not all of the content I’ve watched of your making. I align effortlessly with your stated beliefs with regard to KZfaq content creating. When you made the decision to forego the mid-video ad break, I felt real gratitude and admiration. This is my long-winded singular contribution - my Thank You- in return. I’ll be perusing your catalog of videos looking for more content especially knowing that you have a principled approach to what you’re offering your viewers. I’ll also be checking out Austin’s page based on your recommendation. Good on you, sir!
@Fendeguard Ай бұрын
Man, I love your values around your channel. I resonate in so many ways. Thank you for having dignity.
@user-ln1ne5hy1b 6 күн бұрын
Yes, please on the business breakdown about KZfaq and the course!
@leocaptured Ай бұрын
Hi Luc, I want to say two things: first of all I appreciate you for sparing us with mid-roll ads The audience does notice it and it does make a difference. Secondly, I think a lot of us would be super interested into a deep-dive into KZfaq!
@LucForsyth Ай бұрын
Noted! Thanks a lot for your feedback!
@xjet Ай бұрын
BRAVO!!! Full marks and respect for not using mid-roll ads. I've been trying to encourage all creators to respect the viewing experience of those who watch their vids by NOT using mid-rolls, I know I don't. The reality is that mid-rolls are nothing but a huge annoyance and they don't actually generate a lot more revenue anyway because 99 percent of people will pound that "skip" button as soon as it appears. Good channels treat their viewers and friends and valuable assets -- not as a cash cow that are there simply to generate ad-revenue. Thank you Luc for obviously agreeing and I encourage all other monetized creators to follow suit.
@GlenAndFriendsCooking Ай бұрын
I haven't worked on a commercial set, or chased down clients for about a decade now. The KZfaq grind has allowed me to be very choosey about who I work for.
@meshachshakes Ай бұрын
Thanks for turning off the ad-break feature Luc. Quality content as always, Thank you.
@LucForsyth Ай бұрын
Any time!
@alexmiller8177 Ай бұрын
Two years wow. I started watching very early on, in the beginning of my freelance journey and you've been a big mentor. Thanks and congrats 🎉 and I'm excited for the next few years!
@ultimateclimbing 16 күн бұрын
Great video and very helpful. I have nothing but respect for you Luc. You keep ‘em coming and we’ll keep watching ‘em
@CountSorinsRealm Ай бұрын
Fantastic and hyper useful video as per usual Luc, thank you very much for everything you do! And yes, the business breakdown and especially a full course about how Filmmakers can do KZfaq the right way would be awesome, can't wait!
@glatznatureproductions Ай бұрын
+1 on KZfaq course
@mejasiu Ай бұрын
This video is on point! Thanks laying it out and really giving your genuine perspective! As you point out, people want great video with their perspective not some mindless unboxing video ❤. Thank you!
@j.jones1181 Ай бұрын
I'm never going to create videos or films at your level, but I appreciate your honesty, integrity and just plain talking education about this industry that makes sense, based on experience and hard work. Thanks.
@MicahSimpson Ай бұрын
I agree making thumbnails is a life sucker!
@peopleareflowers Ай бұрын
Great advice as always. I have so much respect for your integrity and work ethic. Looking forward to seeing this channel grow and the success that will follow.
@dessa.almeida Ай бұрын
Hey Luc! I'd be awesome to watch your content about your business breakdown and how you manage your digital business! I really like how you position yourself and add value to the filmmaking community. I feel that you're very organised and I'm sure I'll learn a lot with your experience. Cheers from Brazil! :)
@bobtronic73 Ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing your perspective, Luc. I always appreciate your straight to the point no BS approach.
@donaldgibson1642 Ай бұрын
Thank you, just what I needed to hear this morning. A breakdown of the money would be nice.
@LiteShaper1 Ай бұрын
Excellent advice…with a lot of integrity.
@ChrisIzattOfficial Ай бұрын
Great video & great perspective Luc! Thanks again!
@joshrexford Ай бұрын
Really really appreciated this video man. Not super far into the YT journey (around 2.7k at this point) and it's definitely hard to keep going sometimes, but this perspective was really helpful and insightful and gives me the push to keep going!
@johnclay7644 Ай бұрын
informative video thanks Luc.
@matthewmulholland7877 Ай бұрын
Thank you. I really love your content... and your outlook.
@HeathClark Ай бұрын
Don’t change Luc, we love the content bud 💪🏻🤜🏻🤛🏻
@Stolentoken Ай бұрын
Awesome video, this is a big push for me because I'm still working on finding direction while working on my craft. I agree I'm so tired of seeing youtube shorts where it shows the gear but not what it is actually capable of, I think your definitely motivating people in a better direction, Thanks for the motivation and positivity.
@graysonarias Ай бұрын
Great video, and great perspective. Thanks for sharing!!!
@master_kapow Ай бұрын
You are the best. Thanks for sharing your wisdom!
@DaveFattizzo Ай бұрын
So I have to be honest, this is the first video of yours I’ve watched. I watched this video in its entirety and appreciated all that you shared. I’ve been on YT for a few years but all in on it this year. I, like you, have a full time job that I love. So I make the time for my channel as it’s something I find so much enjoyment in. Thanks again!
@user-fi1vc2th6b Ай бұрын
The reality just makes you a better person worth watching,thank you.
@sergiocervantes25 Ай бұрын
You are a real inspiration ma guy, thank you so much🖤
@FromAverageToWarrior Ай бұрын
Great video, thanks!
@24pfilms Ай бұрын
Great advice! Thank you. I am currently finalling my second video for my photography channel. Much learning and wisdom gained. Thanks Best to TO from a Canadian living in Portugal
@LucForsyth Ай бұрын
Best of luck!
@Iamtrejack Ай бұрын
You have integrity and I respect and appreciate that.
@chrisw443 Ай бұрын
Hay your over 80k subscribers! Congrats buddy. I been doing youtube since it was created. Not a partner anymore, I just do it, to do it. It helps people get to know you and leads to connections that can bring work, or fun.
@LucForsyth Ай бұрын
Totally agree, thank you!
@stanfordcardinal11 Ай бұрын
Love Austin's videos!!
@CoveStreetBoatWorks-wy9xe Ай бұрын
Great learning channel and a constant source of inspiration. Thanks for all your efforts.
@LucForsyth Ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
@rpace Ай бұрын
Excellent wisdom as always 👍👍👍
@IrwinFilms Ай бұрын
Thanks Luc! Been In the process of building lots to share. Time to start :)
@LucForsyth Ай бұрын
Fantastic!
@chris_sparrows Ай бұрын
Definitely interested in a breakdown of your revenue sources.
@San_valentino Ай бұрын
Thank you for this video! I’m on the beggining stage and your content inspires me a lot!
@LucForsyth Ай бұрын
Glad you like it!
@petersuvara Ай бұрын
Absolutely agree with the fact you reduce overall time waste by having weekly targets. I found I no longer watch TV or play video games now that I do a video every week. Doing photography and coding, along with film now, just means there's no time for anything unless it's meaningful.
@Rod-Skinner Ай бұрын
What I have learnt in my mind numbly desperate search for that illusive KZfaq payday is exactly what you describe. Obviously you have an amazing skill-set, which is why I subscribed to your channel in the first place. Your insights are well thought-out and so incredibly useful so imagine my shock to realise despite 83k subscribers you are battling the same woes we all face. What I will say and I would be interested to know is did your biggest video take-off have anything to do with a higher number of likes and comments? Amazing content as always 🥂
@stanru1 Ай бұрын
I really love your mindset and I really enjoyed this video as well as other ones from your channel! And I totally agree the main driver of any new channel should be willing to shoot and bring value instead of making money.
@LucForsyth Ай бұрын
Thank you!
@MesaWestlake Ай бұрын
Dying at the thumbnail lol awesome video as always Luc!!
@LucForsyth Ай бұрын
Thanks a lot!
@karlgustafson179 Ай бұрын
Love your videos...but would you consider varying the stock footage of you in action? The same clips seem to repeat across several videos, and I'm sure you have much more variety!
@filmunderground1573 Ай бұрын
Love Austin Meyer. I actually found your channel through his podcast!
@matadormartin Ай бұрын
Great, I love that you are talking about honesty and integrity here, and basically using what you do to nourish yourself creatively. At the end of the day it is hard to see how it could be worth it unless you genuinely love doing it. I have made some very indie short documentaries that are for want of a better term 'artsy'. It will never be particularly popular, but the nourishment I get from putting them out there is more than enough, and I've realised over the years my tastes are on the margins anyway. So whatever you do as a filmmaker, be it KZfaq content or arthouse films that only people at festivals will ever see, you have to love it and want it to be part of your life. Always wondered about putting stuff on KZfaq though...maybe one day.
@inframe-brooklyn993 Ай бұрын
Hey Luc,, Another great informative video and you could not be more on the money. I have been doing my channel for about two years, and while it really is just a side thing I do for fun, my motivation is to teach folks about making low budget Documentary films. I have a tidy 158 loyal followers. I tend to do more videos when I am actually in production on a project (which of course makes no sense at all) but to me I like to bring my followers along the filmmaking journey and that is what inspires me. I have a much harder time creating "content" there's that word again, when I am not in production. Also I gave only done three product reviews in two years, All of them were gear I needed to get for my shoot at the time. Including my latest acquisition, a large pelican case for both camera rigs because finally at my age the back packs were crippling me :-) ! Keep preaching common sense to the masses buddy, you are one of the few people who do!
@LucForsyth Ай бұрын
Thank you!
@Eyeofkamau Ай бұрын
@13:36 YES, short vid on this pls
@MindfulGrinds Ай бұрын
When you mentioned e-waste and accumulation of crap, you had me at hello. You are a true professional!
@LucForsyth Ай бұрын
Thank you!
@fireplaceinacozyroom2064 Ай бұрын
Great subject and question Luc! Akim K
@WhySteve Ай бұрын
Man, that long wait in between jobs is more soul sucking than doing jobs you hate for money 😅 Honestly, it is frustrating to perform so badly because it takes so much damn time to make videos. From writing, recording music, setting up, shooting, editing and sound design, only to get like 100 views for something that took a week to make. But it's still better than doing nothing all week while waiting for the next job.🎥
@AkaBull Ай бұрын
In 2024 if you're planning on making KZfaq a full-time gig, you need to come good, be original and be completely yourself. You have to set yourself apart from the rest in a big way.
@pedrosanchez4035 Ай бұрын
that sounds interesting! 🙂
@davidmorefield Ай бұрын
Sharing your personal voice on your channel is a huge differentiator. Real world use is my favorite type of content.
@LucForsyth Ай бұрын
Glad you enjoy it!
@DoucetThomas Ай бұрын
Once again, great content! Will it be possible to share your workflow for recording/editing/posting video? I'm doing it on my channel and I'm curious to compare our workflows ahah! Take care.
@LycanVisuals Ай бұрын
Lol like the thumbnail
@gavenevans Ай бұрын
Seeing the Rangers in the background now brings me some kind of vicarious joy 😂
@DanielJohnFPV Ай бұрын
That FPV drone reference was so specific that I'm wondering who that was aimed at 😂😂
@upclosepro Ай бұрын
yeah i thought the same thing.
@LucForsyth Ай бұрын
Haha, legitimately nobody in particular!
@thinkaskandlearn9685 Ай бұрын
Would you recommend any film making course which is worth it.
@ryandowling76 Ай бұрын
Do you feel that its a lonely job? I have tried and find I feel better working with other people. Ive seen for years how it helps peoples career but just cant find enjoyment in it. Im trying to get over that and just know that this will make a big impact on my overall career.
@Lathrop_Media Ай бұрын
It can help you meet others and network, think of the channel as a new connection point!
@thinkaskandlearn9685 Ай бұрын
Do you have ur own discord channel?
@AkaBull Ай бұрын
Que onda
@FilmshooterOH Ай бұрын
Great insights. You have got me thinking. (And you may have pissed off my wife by making think about making a youtube channel.;) )
@leogemetro Ай бұрын
Good think is that you are a true professional and you know what you’re talking about out of experience. Other channels (most) that you named are shown are just… empty shells. McKinnon screams a lot, drinks too much coffee, and offers zero content in regards of true advice born out of field experience.
@LouisLuzuka Ай бұрын
:O
@jeanjx6550 Ай бұрын
We are very much looking forward to cooperating with you. We’ve sent you email, but haven’t received reply yet.
@Andyrewk Ай бұрын
Maybe you make videos because you like it. Not because it’s going to make you bank on KZfaq. You make KZfaq content just to share stuff with people that maybe you wouldn’t be paid for anyway but you still get to put your passion out there.
@georgerady9706 Ай бұрын
Short answer… NOPE! Too many people crowding out new people. Unless you enjoy YouTubing, it’s a waste of time better spent on other pursuits… not to mention KZfaq can wipe out your channel on a whim - and DOES - so that’s a lot of work to put into channel that someone (who has no idea what your doing) can ‘click’ and you’re GONE! The only way to break thru is to have such success pushing out content that going to your KZfaq channel is just a secondary impulse by tens of thousands of people who have seen your work… elsewhere! Say, you shot “The Creator” THEN people will try to find out what you are all about (and even KZfaq’s censors will be hesitant to take you down… and generating MORE interest!) Catch-22
@bellbottom3202 Ай бұрын
You talk way too much. These topics could be done within 7-10mins. And watching ads are not a problem. But this much blabber is just a turn off. Unsubscribing.