What does a Videographer do?
Videographers record events and edit footage while working independently or with a small crew. They may need to interview people and collaborate with other Videographers to obtain all the footage required for a shoot. They’re also responsible for selecting, cleaning and performing maintenance (including some repairs) on recording equipment.
Videographers can work full-time in a corporate setting or as freelancers who choose their own clients and hours. Corporate Videographers are generally focused on making content that promotes their employer’s business, products or services. Examples include footage for television commercials, conference presentations and product demonstrations for online catalogs. Freelance Videographers may film events such as weddings, sports games, school graduations and parties.
Videographer skills and qualifications
The ideal Videographer will have the right skills and qualifications to match your job opening, including:
- Ability to work in fast-paced, rapidly changing environments
- Multitasking skills for working with many crew members at once
- Creative thinking with an excellent eye for detail
- Strong verbal and written communication skills for collaborating with clients and members of the production team
- Knowledge of post-production techniques
- Physical ability to move and hold recording equipment for long periods
- Understanding of computer software used for planning, editing and scripting
Videographer experience requirements
For Videographer careers, companies usually like to hire someone who has experience recording footage on a professional level. Employers may also look for someone with a background in cinematography, special effects or art direction. Ideally, Videographers should have a demo reel with examples of their work and creative style to help you decide if they’re right for the job.
Videographer education and training requirements
Educational requirements for Videographers vary by the company and job. Many companies prefer to hire people with a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting, film or communications. College classes in video editing, screenwriting, media ethics and cinematography can also be helpful. Some beginner Videographers learn skills through on-the-job training programs, such as apprenticeships and internships.
Videographer salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Videographer is $84,204 per year. Videographer salaries can vary depending on location and candidate skills and experience.
Videographer salary expectations
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Common salary:
44.30 HOURLY -
Typical salaries range from
7.25 -200.00 HOURLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Job description samples for similar positions
If this job description isn’t a match for your company’s needs, see these job descriptions for similar positions:
Videographer job description FAQs
What qualities make a good Videographer?
Videographers may spend much of their time behind a camera, but working with other people is an equally large part of the job. The best Videographers are warm and friendly, comfortable speaking with others, interested in helping people and able to relate to them on a personal level. Flexibility is another important quality your company should look for in a candidate. Videographers are often on the move and can find themselves traveling to different sets and filming locations, so candidates must be able to adapt to changes on the fly.
What is the difference between videography and filmmaking?
Videographers record things as they’re happening, focusing largely on documenting events in a way that’s as close to reality as possible. Filmmaking may be perceived as a more creative role that’s focused on storytelling, personal style and making movies as art. Filmmakers may also produce fictional works instead of recording real-life events. Despite these differences, the roles often overlap.
What should I look for when hiring a Videographer?
Some Videographers are generalists, and others are specialists with expertise in areas such as technology, education and the medical field. If you’re hiring a specialist, ask plenty of questions to ensure they’re knowledgeable about the role. Check out each candidate’s portfolio for examples of their work and its quality, too. Managing deadlines and project schedules is also a big part of a Videographer’s job, so look for someone with strong time management skills.
How do I hire a Videographer?
Aside from job boards, talented Videographers can be found in a number of places both online and off. Word of mouth is one of the most effective ways to find quality Videographers, so ask friends and colleagues if they know a potential candidate they’d recommend. Many Videographers also post their work on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Other options include contacting marketing agencies and film departments at local universities.
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.
