What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My pricing reflects the quality of work, expertise, and professional equipment I bring to each project. Here’s what customers should know:
1. Project-Based Rates: Pricing is typically based on the scope of the project, including factors like shoot duration, editing complexity, and the number of deliverables. I’ll provide a detailed quote after our initial consultation.
2. Equipment Costs: My rates include the use of high-quality cameras, lenses, lighting, and audio gear. If specialized equipment is required, like drones or extra lighting rigs, there may be an additional fee.
3. Discounts for Bundled Services: I offer discounts for clients who need a comprehensive package, such as event coverage combined with promotional videos or multiple deliverables in one shoot.
4. Travel and Location Fees: If the shoot is outside the San Diego area or requires extensive travel, additional fees may apply. These will always be discussed and agreed upon beforehand.
5. Revisions Policy: I include a set number of revisions in my packages to ensure client satisfaction. If further edits are needed beyond that, an additional fee may be incurred.
Being transparent about costs helps set clear expectations, and I’m always open to working within a client’s budget to achieve the best possible results.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
When working with a new customer, I follow a structured yet flexible process to ensure their vision comes to life:
Initial Consultation: We start with a meeting or call to discuss the project details, goals, and expectations. I ask questions about the desired style, target audience, budget, and timeline to understand their vision fully.
Concept Development: Based on our discussion, I create a proposal or storyboard outlining the creative direction, key elements, and deliverables. This step ensures we’re aligned on the project’s look and feel.
Pre-Production Planning: We iron out logistics, including scheduling, location scouting, scriptwriting, and gathering any necessary props or equipment. I also coordinate with any additional crew members if the project requires it.
Production: On the shoot day, I ensure everything runs smoothly, capturing high-quality footage and photos while staying adaptable to any changes or challenges that arise.
Post-Production: I handle editing, color grading, sound design, and any special effects. Throughout the process, I share drafts for client feedback and make revisions as needed to ensure they’re satisfied.
Delivery: Once approved, I deliver the final files in the required formats and can assist with any guidance on using or publishing the content.
This collaborative approach ensures the project is completed efficiently and to the client’s satisfaction, with clear communication at every stage.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Cinema, Television, & Media Production from Kutztown University, where I developed my technical skills in filmmaking, cinematography, and editing. During my time there, I completed two hands-on internships: one with Trexlertown Velodrome, focusing on photography and videography, and another with ASR Media Productions, where I worked on community storytelling projects.
Beyond formal education, I've gained practical experience by working in various roles, from in-house content creation at OMG Hospitality to full-time freelance production with my own company, Visuals by Zeke Kitchen LLC. I've continually built on my training through real-world projects, mastering industry-standard software and staying current with evolving production techniques.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
My journey into video and photo production started back in college, where I earned my BS in Cinema, Television, & Media Production from Kutztown University. During my studies, I interned with Trexlertown Velodrome and ASR Media Productions, gaining hands-on experience in community storytelling and event coverage.
After graduation, I moved to California and worked for car parts businesses, creating content and managing social media, before transitioning to a role at OMG Hospitality as an in-house content creator. When COVID-19 hit and I lost my job, I pivoted by launching Visuals by Zeke Kitchen LLC, focusing initially on remote editing projects. As the world opened back up, my freelance work expanded, and I started working with brands, artists, and events full-time.
This combination of formal education, diverse internships, and adaptive freelancing helped me build a solid foundation in creative visual storytelling.
What types of customers have you worked with?
1. Brands and Businesses: From established companies like Dixieline Home & Lumber and Custom Mane to cannabis brands such as CLSICS and Klover Dispensary, I've created everything from product videos and photography to full brand campaigns.
2.Event Organizers: Covering events like The FitExpo and RE+24, I've captured key moments through dynamic recap videos, demo content, and comprehensive photo coverage.
3. Artists and Musicians: I’ve collaborated with musicians like Ashley and Phe.Be on projects ranging from cover art and Spotify canvases to full music videos and promotional content.
4. Start-ups and Entrepreneurs: Helping new businesses launch by providing high-quality visual content that tells their story and engages their audience.
Whether it's producing content for a corporate event or bringing an artist's vision to life, I've adapted to various needs and styles to deliver impactful results.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
One recent project I’m especially fond of is the music video I shot for the artist Ashley. We had worked together on cover art and Spotify canvas loops over the years, but this was our first full-scale music video collaboration, and it was incredibly rewarding to see our shared vision come to life.
From pre-production planning, scouting locations, and shooting to final edits, the project took about four weeks in total. The creative energy we brought to each stage, combined with our long-standing collaboration, made the experience both efficient and deeply fulfilling. It was exciting to step out of the editing role I’d previously had with her and handle directing, camerawork, and production on this project.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
1. Review their portfolio. - Make sure their past work aligns with your vision and style preferences.
2. Ask about their process. - Understanding how they handle planning, shooting, and editing will give you confidence in their approach.
3. Discuss your goals clearly. - The more specific you are about your objectives, the better the provider can tailor their services.
4. Check client testimonials. - Feedback from past clients can provide insight into the provider's reliability and quality of work.
5. Talk about logistics. - Clarify expectations for turnaround times, revisions, and any extra fees to avoid surprises later.
6. Ensure good communication. - Choose someone who listens well and responds promptly, as collaboration is key in creative projects.
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
1. What is the goal of your project? Be clear about the message or outcome you want to achieve.
2. What is your budget? Understanding your financial limits helps professionals suggest options that work for you.
3. What is your timeline? Specify any deadlines to ensure the project can be delivered on time.
4. Do you have a specific style or vision in mind? Examples or references can help convey your ideas.
5. Where will the project take place? Location details, such as whether you need on-site shooting or specific settings, are crucial.
6. What deliverables do you expect? This could include the number of videos, photos, or any other final assets.
7. Are there any technical requirements? Consider things like video resolution, format, or special effects needed.
8. Who is the target audience? Knowing who you're trying to reach can influence the creative direction.