How to Work With Brands
Tips for Working with Brands
Working with brands and focusing on creating meaningful marketing materials for these companies was a big turning point in my career as an adventure filmmaker. Suddenly, it became less about pitching passion projects or hoping my film festival screenings would lead to connections but instead, I was seen as a filmmaker who was worthy of being hired because of the skills I brought to them.
Through collaborations with outdoor brands like Patagonia, La Sportiva, and The North Face, among others, I've learned some lessons that I'm stoked to share. This guide delves into the intricacies of working with top-tier brands in the adventure industry, offering insights, tips, and reflections based on my own personal experiences.
There’s probably a lot of different ways to get started in making a living as a filmmaker for outdoor brands, but these are just a few tips I have if you’re wanting to get started in it…
1. Crafting a Distinctive Filmmaking Identity:
Before beginning on the path of brand collaborations, establishing a distinctive identity within adventure filmmaking is crucial. Develop a style that aligns with your vision and resonates with the brands you aim to work with. My journey began by carving a niche that combined outdoor focused visuals with captivating storytelling. I’ve always said that outdoor adventure is my passion but storytelling is my purpose and that became my filmmaking identity.
So, when I make films, I focus on storytelling first and foremost. I’m usually hired to share meaningful stories and impactful branded documentaries because of my filmmaking identity. Brands seek filmmakers with a unique voice, so let your portfolio reflect your personal style, showcasing your ability to elevate narratives.
Crafting a distinctive identity involves a delicate dance between staying true to your artistic vision and understanding the unique identity each brand brings. Striking this balance not only makes your work recognizable but also makes it adaptable to the diverse landscapes of brand collaborations.
2. Building an Authentic Portfolio:
Top brands crave authenticity. Curate a portfolio that authentically connects with the types of companies you want to work with. Showcase your range by highlighting the raw beauty of nature, the adrenaline of adventure sports, and/or the human stories against these backdrops.
Authenticity in storytelling attracts brands seeking filmmakers who can translate the spirit of their products into compelling narratives. Your portfolio should serve as a visual testament to your genuine connection with the wilderness.
An authentic portfolio goes beyond showcasing technical skills; it's a window into your soul as a filmmaker. Each frame should resonate with the genuine passion you bring to your craft, offering brands a glimpse into the sincerity behind your lens. Even if you have to go make things on your own without funding, this can help grow your portfolio in the style you want.
How I got my first $10,000 project with a brand:
My first $10k project had actually come to me through my website, that only featured projects I made on my own. At the time I wasn’t getting hired to make the types of videos I wanted to make so I made about a dozen outdoor adventure films on my own, funded, directed, produced, filmed and edited by myself. Some ad agency in LA had found my site that featured all these adventure films and hired me to direct a short film for one of their clients. A huge reason I’m getting hired to make the films I am now is because I took the time to make things on my own - to build my portfolio when nobody was hiring me to make branded documentaries yet.
3. Developing Meaningful Collaborations:
Approach brand collaborations as partnerships. Understand the brand's mission, values, and goals to tailor your filmmaking approach. This depth of understanding not only enriches storytelling but also strengthens collaborations. Foster long-term relationships by investing time in understanding the brand's ethos and integrating it seamlessly into your narrative.
Meaningful collaborations extend beyond projects; they become shared journeys. These sorts of collaborations are born from a shared sense of purpose. Go beyond the surface, dive into the brand's DNA, and weave it into the fabric of your narrative.
The result is not just a project but a collaborative piece that resonates with the marketing goals of the company because ultimately, you’re getting hired to sell something - a product or a lifestyle.
4. Practice The Art of Pitching:
Crafting a compelling pitch is an art that involves more than showcasing your skills. Clearly articulate ideas, emphasizing how your vision aligns with the brand's objectives. Your previous work should serve as a visual resumé, demonstrating your ability to enhance a brand's identity through storytelling. Make your pitch irresistible by including elements that showcase your adaptability and innovation, making it clear why your collaboration will be mutually beneficial.
Pitching isn't just about selling your skills; it's about creating a vision that brands can't resist being a part of. Infuse your pitch with the essence of your storytelling style, making it a precursor to the captivating narrative you'll craft together.
The value in pitching is in what you can do for the brand, not what the brand can do for you.
5. Navigating the Brand Landscape:
Understanding the diverse expectations and communication styles of different brands is crucial. Flexibility and adaptability become your allies in this communication process. Whether working with the eco-conscious philosophy of Patagonia or the technical precision of La Sportiva, tailor your approach to match the brand's identity.
Navigate this diverse landscape with a keen awareness of each brand's unique character and expectations. This requires a chameleon-like ability to adapt to the needs of the brands while retaining your core filmmaking identity.
Each brand has its own language; speak it fluently, and your filmmaking will resonate not just visually but culturally with the brands you work with.
6. Evolving with the Industry:
The adventure filmmaking landscape is dynamic, with trends, technologies, and storytelling approaches constantly evolving. Staying on top of industry developments, embracing new technologies, and being willing to experiment with innovative storytelling techniques can make a huge difference in the long run. A commitment to continuous learning and evolution ensures that your work remains relevant and resonates with the audiences brands are trying to reach.
Evolution isn't just about keeping up; it's about leading. Embrace change, experiment with new tools, and let your filmmaking evolve organically. Being at the forefront of industry shifts positions you as a trailblazer, attracting brands eager to explore new horizons.
7. Embracing the Journey Beyond Social Media:
I also want to say that social media doesn’t dictate your ability to get hired. Social media has become a powerful tool for many but it's not the sole pathway to collaboration with big-name brands. The essence of adventure filmmaking lies in storytelling, and brands recognize talent beyond what you post on your Instagram feed. Patagonia, La Sportiva, Outside TV, Ironman, etc. have sought partnerships with me based on the strength of my portfolio, authenticity, and commitment to their ethos - not because of my social media following.
At the time of writing this I have 1,827 followers on Instagram, so I’m a living example of you can do this without social media…
Social media is a tool, not a destination. By focusing on crafting compelling stories, your work becomes the magnet, attracting brands to your authentic storytelling, whether or not it's amplified through social media channels. The journey to collaboration is diverse; while social media can open doors for some, the heart of brand partnerships beats in the authenticity and value you bring to the brand.
Want to Work Together?
Roo is a commercial/documentary filmmaker and photographer based in Boulder, Colorado but travels all around the world for his filmmaking career. He has directed documentaries for Patagonia in California, produced films for Outside Magazine throughout Europe and Africa, camera operated for Netflix in the Rocky Mountain West, photographed among indigenous communities in South America, and has received notable recognition in his hometown of Orcas Island in Washington State for his work telling uplifting stories in the outdoor space.
Let’s chat - reach out and I’ll respond in the next 24-48 hours!
