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Video Producer/Web Producer: Jeff Purcell
Jeff Purcell is a video producer and web producer with about 8 years of industry experience. Read on for a description of video production and web production jobs in his own words.
What was your most recent project?
My most recent contract was with MSN. I worked as a web producer, assessing video content (news, entertainment, sports, etc.) and selecting videos to promote within the MSN network.
What was your career path to becoming a video producer?
I graduated with a BA in Broadcasting and moved to Los Angeles. In LA, I found work as a production assistant and worked my way up the ladder in television production. I made the transition to web production when doing video production for a website.
What skills does someone need to do the job?
They need knowledge of both video production and web production. Excellent communication, writing and grammar skills (headline/caption writing) and storytelling ability is also helpful.
What is a typical workday like for you?
During my last contract, I was generally working 8-hour days. A typical day started with email. I read through the many emails that had amassed since I logged off the previous night. Then, I watched as many videos as I could to see what was new that day. Once I had taken in all the information, I could start making updates to the site and pitching videos for placement within the network. The rest of the day was spent in meetings, making site updates and watching for new video content coming in.
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What's the best part of the job?
Part of my job is watching TV. And I get to be creative.
What's the most challenging part of your job?
I don't like the business end of the job: hitting advertising goals, documenting promotion plans, etc. I much prefer the creative part of the job.
Do you have any advice for people who want to get into the business?
Don't expect to step right into an interesting, high-paying job. This is an industry where you have to work hard doing menial tasks in the beginning. Take a low-level job and try to learn from—and network with—the people around you.
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