For Production Companies, Why Hire Me as Your Freelance Cinematographer? The Risks of Working with the Wrong Freelancer & How I Do Things Differently.

Introduction: Choosing the Right Freelancer Matters

Freelance cinematographers are a valuable resource for production companies, agencies, and businesses needing professional video without the cost of a full-time hire. However, not all freelancers are created equal.

While some freelancers are skilled, reliable, and adaptable, others lack professionalism, flexibility, and business awareness—which can lead to production delays, poor-quality results, and damaged client relationships.

Common issues with hiring the wrong freelancer include:

❌ Clock Watching – More focused on how long they’ve been on set than getting the best results.

❌ Hidden Costs – Unexpected overtime charges, last-minute equipment hire fees.

❌ Inflexibility – Struggles to adapt to changing shoot schedules, different camera setups, or client needs.

❌ Arrogance & Ego – Prioritises their own creative style over delivering what the client actually wants.

❌ Inconsistent Quality – Unpredictable results that can impact your brand reputation.

❌ Undercutting & Poaching Clients – Using their position to offer cheaper rates behind your back.

❌ Poor Communication & Unreliability – Slow responses, missed deadlines, or last-minute cancellations.

📌 This post covers:

✅ The risks of hiring the wrong freelancer.

✅ How I work as a professional, unbranded (white-label) contractor.

✅ Why my broad skill set and adaptability set me apart.

✅ Why I work best with clients who share my professional mindset.

1️⃣ The Risks of Hiring the Wrong Freelancer

If you regularly outsource video production, hiring the wrong freelancer can cost you time, money, and client trust.

📌 1. Clock Watchers: More Focused on Time Than the Production

Some freelancers work to the clock, not to the production. They:

❌ Refuse to stay past a certain time, even if the perfect shot is just minutes away.

❌ Start charging overtime fees immediately, rather than working within reason.

❌ Rush through the shoot, prioritising their exit over quality results.

💡 My Approach: I focus on getting the best result for the production, not just counting hours. If an extra 10 minutes means getting the right shot, I’d rather stay and do it properly than leave a job unfinished.

📌 2. Hidden Costs: Unexpected Fees & Equipment Charges

Some freelancers lure clients in with low rates—but later hit them with surprise costs, such as:

❌ Overtime fees even for small schedule changes.

❌ Additional charges for equipment (like audio, lighting, or Gimbals).

❌ Editing fees that weren’t originally discussed.

💡 My Approach: I keep pricing transparent. If extra equipment is needed, we discuss it beforehand—no surprises, no hidden charges.

📌 3. Inflexibility: Unwilling to Adapt to Changing Shoot Requirements

Some freelancers struggle to adjust when things don’t go exactly as planned.

❌ Strictly adhere to pre-set schedules, even when last-minute changes are necessary.

❌ Refuse to switch between different camera setups, only using their preferred gear.

❌ Don’t adjust to different shooting styles, limiting their ability to work on a range of projects.

💡 My Approach: I am adaptable—I can switch between high-end cinema cameras (ARRI, RED) and DSLR/mirrorless setups depending on project needs. I can adjust to different schedules, last-minute changes, and client requests without frustration.

📌 4. Arrogance & Ego Over Client Needs

Some cinematographers prioritise their personal creative style over what the client actually wants.

❌ Push their artistic vision instead of executing the client’s brief.

❌ Ignore feedback, dismissing it as “wrong” rather than adjusting.

❌ Lack a client-first approach, treating the project as their own portfolio piece.

💡 My Approach: My job is to bring your vision to life. While I provide expert advice and recommendations, I respect that it’s your project, your client, and your creative direction.

📌 5. Undercutting & Poaching Clients

Some freelancers use their position to steal clients by offering lower rates or working around you.

❌ Directly offering services to your clients behind your back.

❌ Building relationships with your contacts for future work.

❌ Damaging your business relationships & reputation.

💡 My Approach: I work as an unbranded (white-label) contractor, meaning your clients stay YOUR clients. I never promote myself while working under your brand.

📌 6. Poor Communication & Unreliability

The worst thing a freelancer can do is ghost a production company or fail to deliver on time.

❌ Slow responses, missed emails, or last-minute cancellations.

❌ Delivering footage late or in the wrong format.

❌ Lack of accountability when things go wrong.

💡 My Approach: I take communication and professionalism seriously. I keep clients updated, deliver work on time, in the correct format, and make sure there are no surprises.

2️⃣ Why I Work Best with Clients Who Resonate with Me

I believe that the best working relationships are built on mutual respect, trust, and shared values.

I like to work with clients who enjoy working with me—who appreciate professionalism, communication, and a shared commitment to delivering the best production possible.

If you’re looking for a freelancer who just wants to clock in, get paid, and leave, I’m probably not the right fit.

If you’re looking for someone who cares about the final product, adapts to different production needs, and respects your client relationships, we’ll likely work great together.

3️⃣ My Wide Skill Set = More Business Opportunities for You

Unlike many freelancers who specialise in only one area, I offer multiple services, allowing production companies to expand their offerings without needing multiple hires.

📌 What I Bring to the Table:

✔️ Cinematography & Camera Operation – High-quality filming across various industries.

✔️ Corporate & Commercial Video Production – Interviews, brand storytelling, product showcases.

✔️ Live & Multi-Camera Productions – Conferences, events, real-time video streaming.✔️ Aerial Drone Videography – CASA-licensed drone filming for real estate, construction, and events.

✔️ Long-Term Time-Lapse – Construction progress documentation & infrastructure filming.

✔️ Post-Production & Editing – Motion graphics, colour grading, and sound design.

💡 Example: A production company that only offered traditional video shoots can now expand into drone work, live event filming, and time-lapse services simply by hiring me as their go-to freelancer and rest assured that I will represent their brand for that production.

4️⃣ Work with a Freelancer You Can Trust

If you’re looking for a freelance cinematographer who is skilled, professional, and easy to work with, I offer a white-label service that supports your success without competing for your clients.

📩 Get in touch today at evanzell.com.au to discuss your next project.