Facing a layoff TODAY. I have a 2-month financial runway to turn my videography dream into a full-time job. Urgently need a survival strategy.
Hi everyone,
Im David, from Hungary. I’m writing this under extreme pressure. I might get laid off from my job today, at any moment. The reason for the layoff is the company's poor financial situation. (freight forwarding company). Once it happens, I have a strict financial runway of exactly 2 months to live without a salary before I run into serious money problems. During these 60 days, I must build a sustainable videography business to survive.
This is my childhood dream, and for the past 6 months, I’ve been grinding everyday to learn the craft and practice. I have the gear and I have a diverse portfolio, but I have zero business experience. I urgently need a strategy.
- My Gear Pack
- Camera: Sony FX30
- Lenses: Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8, Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8, 7artisans Hope 10mm T2.1 Cine lens (had some great purchases this is why i has the sigma&tamron, thinking about selling one of those)
- Audio: DJI Mic Mini 2, Blue Yeti USB
- Filters: Freewell VND-CPL v2, B+W htc c-pol mrc nano
- Lights: Godox SL100D, a lot of budget studio lights, softboxes, small video lights
- Gimbal: Zhiyun Weebill 3 COMBO
- More: Neewer V-Mount V99, rods, base plate, top handle, smoke machine, and a lot of cheap extra stuff....
- My Portfolio (Shot entirely for free so far)
I haven't made a single dollar yet, but I’ve built a solid foundation with these free projects over the last half year:
- Dolce Gusto Spec Commercial: My first mock-advertisement, shot and edited to look like an official high-end corporate collaboration.
- Gym Promo Video: A high-energy promotional video for a local gym, introducing a brand-new workout format they just launched called "Cross-Combat."
- UTC Watch Brand Video: A high-end, cinematic product presentation video showcasing timepieces for an actual watch company.
- Upcoming Event (May 30th): I am shooting a local "Japan Day" event for free. In exchange, they are broadcasting my own 30-second business promo video at the venue, and I am featured everywhere as an official sponsor.
I need your emergency business advice:
The clock starts ticking the moment I walk out of the office today. Given my portfolio and my strict 2-month survival runway:
- What is the fastest way to get my first paying B2B client? If you were in my shoes with 60 days to pay rent, how would you pitch this specific portfolio (coffee, gym, watches) to local businesses to close them immediately?
- How do I monetize the Japan Day event on May 30th? My promo video will be playing to the crowd and local businesses there. What is the best on-the-spot strategy to convert that free exposure into paid contracts right after the event?
- Should I change my focus? I want to do commercial/B2B work, but under this time pressure, should I pivot to anything easier to close (like real estate, local retail, etc.), or stick to my strengths?
I am ready to work 16 hours a day, but I have no room for error or wrong strategies. Please hit me with your most brutal, practical advice.
Thanks in advance for everyone, i appreciate every advice.