How to quickly get first ideal clients as a freelance filmmaker?

Jonas Marcel

Mar '25 (edited) • 🏆 Win

A student asked me how to get their first paying client without a portfolio. 🤔💰

If you have basic skills, try this:

Pick a niche you love ❤️ – like kitesurfing, for example.
Offer a free test project 🎥 – Ask a local shop owner if you can make a short promo video for them. In return, have them display it in their store, let you leave business cards the store, and post it on your website with your name --> SPREAD IT
Use it as proof ✅ – Now have a real project to show. Pitch other kitesurfing shops or surf brands - maybe even somebody lurks on the website of the Surf Shop you promoted and likes your work -

Start with low prices, and increase them as you gain experience and proof. 🚀

For Inspiration:

FREE TEST PROJECT EXAMPLE: A Tribute to One Eye

PAID FILM FOR CLIENT: The Invention of the WetSuit by Jack O´Neill

The video links are real examples of how I landed my first big clients, like O’Neill, 10 years ago. 🎬✨

I simply walked into a surf shop where I knew the owner and offered to make an image film if he covered my travel costs. We shot it, hosted a small screening in the shop, and two weeks later, O’Neill’s Europe Marketing Manager—who was a friend of the owner—invited me to Amsterdam to shoot a branded film. 🌍📹

To create your first Portfolio project, you can find the "🍿Mini Film Challenge" and DM me if you need guided help. It all starts with one small project! 🚀

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