Author Topic: Low point again (Read 5623 times)

SweOlsson · « **on:** April 19, 2018, 03:15 »

Hi everyone
So I've reached a low point again. Here is my stuff: www.pond5.com/artist/swechris.
I know, I do 360 videos which few people pay attention to and on top of that, I have been doing a bit much nature shots without interesting interactions such as people, animals etc. But having said that, I at least had a few sales last year and now out of a sudden nothing in 4 months.
So what any idea on upgrades I can do? Should I lower price or even do some editing? I have been looking into 3d LUTS for video and it seems to improve clips a lot sometimes. Thankful for any suggestions guys!

Cider Apple · « **Reply #1 on:** April 19, 2018, 03:38 »

Hay Chris, it really depends on what you want out of your stock portfolio? If you want monthly sales then you need way more clips. You only have 300+- so you will get dry months with little consistency.

If you want to do this as a career and not a hobby then you have kind of answered your own questions. Definitely don't lower your prices as they are too low at the moment IMO.

You should concentrate on content - for 360 we want to experience the environment. You need more interesting things going on. Place the camera on things, get a little movement. Think unique niches.

Also film way more HD-4K content. That's the bread and butter at the moment. Get friends and family to model for you. Don't be afraid to experiment with camera angles and camera movement.

It's a long road but sure is worth it when you get there.

Good luck:)

SweOlsson · « **Reply #2 on:** April 19, 2018, 13:48 »

Thanks Cider Apple! Very inspiring

.
Do you recommend looking in to color grading such as 3d LUTS for improved quality as well?

Brightontl · « **Reply #3 on:** April 20, 2018, 16:13 »

I know nothing about 360 VR.
I really don't understand it and I keep saying that one day I will look seriously into it, but still I have no idea of what the interest is (at least at this point in technology).
But I was under the impression that it would be a good seller, so I am a bit surprised about what you said.
BTW, I agree with Cider Apple, you need way more clips for consistent sales, and also diversification in your portfolio is key

increasingdifficulty · « **Reply #4 on:** April 21, 2018, 05:59 »

Quote from: Cider Apple on April 19, 2018, 03:38

If you want monthly sales then you need way more clips. You only have 300+- so you will get dry months with little consistency.

I don't agree with this. You could get a four-figure monthly income with 300 clips. But they have to be the right clips of course.

Quote from: Cider Apple on April 19, 2018, 03:38

You should concentrate on content - for 360 we want to experience the environment. You need more interesting things going on. Place the camera on things, get a little movement. Think unique niches.

Also film way more HD-4K content. That's the bread and butter at the moment. Get friends and family to model for you. Don't be afraid to experiment with camera angles and camera movement.

I fully agree with this.

I like watching VR stuff, even scenes without much movement as I can create the movement myself, and it feels real. I'm sure I'm not the only one, and it's much more interesting and useful than 3D.

Right now, resolution is a big problem. I would say that 4k is the absolute minimum to be somewhat enjoyable, but 7-8k is necessary for good quality. To feel like you're there, I think 12k and up would be necessary. An HD 360 clip is barely watchable in my opinion, like a 2003 consumer digital camera video. Still, I see you have sold some.

I know it's not possible to shoot (HQ) 8k+ yet with consumer priced equipment, but if you're really serious about it, I would invest in better gear for the future, or do stills for scenes that don't have any movement in them anyway. You could simply add some moving elements in post.

Furthermore Chris, you have two clips in the most popular 2% of the search results for "360 vr". That tells you that the overall demand for 360 content right now is absolutely minimal! Almost non-existent. I do believe it will grow, however, as the quality of the cameras increases, and every home owns a pair of VR googles.

SweOlsson · « **Reply #5 on:** April 23, 2018, 06:35 »

I totally get it regarding resolution. I will definitely look into getting a better camera as soon as they get affordable. Until then I will keep struggling with 4k, at least play around with it and try to be more creative.

Thank everyone for your suggestions! I do feel more encouraged now.

helloitsme · « **Reply #6 on:** April 24, 2018, 18:13 »

Do you have any idea what kind of use potential buyers have?

namussi · « **Reply #7 on:** April 25, 2018, 22:37 »

Quote from: helloitsme on April 24, 2018, 18:13

Do you have any idea what kind of use potential buyers have?

VR and 360 are, I think, at the stage cinema was just over a century ago.

People are still working out the best way to tell stories with a new technology.