How to Become a Successful Video Producer: Career Advice from an Agency Founder Who Worked with 1,000+ Clients
- Jul 13
- 3 min read
Breaking into video production can feel overwhelming. Many aspiring filmmakers and creatives wonder:
How do I get my first opportunity? Do I need expensive equipment? How do I build experience without industry connections?
The truth is, successful video producers are rarely built through one opportunity. They develop their careers by consistently creating, learning, building relationships, and gaining real-world experience.
In the first episode of Company Talks, we're sitting down with Julian Tillotson, CEO and Founder of Video Production Agency in Chicago, INDIRAP. Julian shares valuable career advice for aspiring producers looking to enter the creative industry.
Lesson 1: Your Career Starts with Taking Action
One of the biggest challenges for aspiring creatives is waiting until they feel “ready.” Many students believe they need the perfect portfolio, the latest equipment, or a major production opportunity before they can start building their career.
Julian encourages creatives to start where they are. Every project is an opportunity to improve your storytelling, technical skills, and confidence. Whether it’s a university project, personal film, freelance work, or creating content for a small business, every experience helps you grow.
The first step toward becoming a video producer is simple: Start creating. Your early work does not need to be perfect. It needs to show your creativity, curiosity, and willingness to learn.
Lesson 2: Build Your Portfolio Through Real Experience
A strong portfolio is one of the most important tools for entering the video production industry. However, many students underestimate what counts as valuable experience.
Your portfolio does not need to begin with major brands or commercial projects. Personal projects, collaborations, university assignments, and community work can all demonstrate your creative abilities.
Employers and clients want to see that you can:
Tell compelling stories
Solve creative problems
Work through a project from concept to completion
Collaborate with others
Instead of focusing only on big names, focus on showing your growth and creative process. A portfolio that demonstrates initiative and consistency can often make a stronger impression than one impressive project without context.
Lesson 3: Don’t Wait for the “Perfect” Job Opportunity
Many aspiring video producers believe their career begins once they land a role at a major studio or production company. But early career growth often comes from saying yes to smaller opportunities.
Filming events, working with local businesses, helping nonprofits, creating content for organisations, or taking freelance projects can help you develop essential skills like:
Managing deadlines
Communicating with clients
Solving problems on set
Understanding production workflows
Early in your career, experience matters more than prestige. Ask yourself:
Will this project help me improve? Will I learn something new? Will this help strengthen my portfolio?
Every project adds another piece to your creative journey.
Lesson 4: Networking is About Building Relationships
The creative industry is built on connections. However, networking is not about asking everyone for a job. It is about creating genuine professional relationships.
Successful creatives build their network by:
Attending industry events
Connecting with professionals on LinkedIn
Learning from mentors
Supporting other creatives
Sharing their work
Many opportunities come through relationships built before a position becomes available. Your reputation matters just as much as your portfolio.
Lesson 5: Creative Skills are Only Part of the Job
When people think about becoming a video producer, they often focus on cameras, editing, and storytelling. But Julian highlights another skill that is just as important: communication.
Great producers are not only creative—they are reliable professionals who make projects easier for everyone involved.
Clients remember:
How well you communicate
Whether you meet deadlines
How you handle challenges
Whether you create a positive experience
Even experiences outside the creative industry, such as retail, hospitality, or customer service roles, can help develop valuable skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and communication.
Technical skills may get you the opportunity. Professionalism helps you build a career.
Watch the full Company Talks video to get the full advice here:
Read more about ArtBound Initiative Internships here.
ArtBound Initiative is a fee-based global internship program for creatives. We prepare students for their careers through an online coaching curriculum and by helping them secure an internship in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Austin, London, Berlin, Melbourne, Sydney, and Virtually. With an expansive network of leading creative companies, our program provides access to creative industries that are notoriously insular.
Questions? Contact us at info@artboundinitiative.com
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