Am I a Freelancer or a Video Production Company?

[LP13]

Hi All,

A little advice from those a little wiser and more experienced than me please, or at least a little more decisive.

I've been filmmaking for a couple of years now, love it as we all do, producing work at a decent turnover and getting better all the time.

After a few music videos for friends in bands, I'm getting offered paid work, and am taking several bookings, and wanted advice on how to grow this 'brand'.

I have presences online and built a website ready to go and all that. I just couldn't decided wether to do this video production under my own personal name as a freelancer (my website offering services as well as my own personal artistic endeavours) or setting up g a dedicated video production company in my area that I work through (all social media sharing through this business page rather than a personal page, through the business website etc).

I want to be a filmmaker creating my own work first and foremost and don't want these lines blurred too much.

This may seem very small point but I wanted to start correctly, sharing my work and marketing and not have to change how I do things in the future.

Thanks for advice and opinions

 

[Alcove Audio]

I don't know how taxes work in the UK, but here in the USA being a freelancer is a lot less burdensome when it comes to taxes and paperwork than when you are a business.

In the USA you can call yourself a "company" name and still remain a freelance; the company name is considered your professional name/alter ego.

As always I recommend that you speak with a tax and business professional, or someone else familiar with the tax and business laws, rules and regulations in the UK.





Also, to me, at least, the perception of being a "production company" implies at least a small truck of professional filmmaking equipment.

 

[directorik]

Here in the States (specifically California where I am) a production
company falls under specific, legal terms and conditions. I had a
prodCo for years. I was taxed out of existence by the State. So now
I do exactly the same things as a freelancer.

My point; in the US there is a legal difference. You seem to be asking
about blurring a line and not having to change in the future which is
more personal than legal. I don't know what is the better option for
you.

 

[LP13]

Those are useful points actually. I am looking to advertise for hire video services, but my long term goal is to just produce my own content (probably not unusual). I want this company I already have named website and all to be the name I stamp on these when done.

I hear the point about customers expect MORE from a company. Perhaps as well its better to have your name as people like what YOU do, and YOUR style. With a company name, perhaps the presumption is several people working on a project, less chance of people seeking you out for your specific style..