How to start a videography business in Wisconsin

A good fit if you love telling stories with a camera

Video is everywhere, and most couples and small businesses don't have the skills or the time to make it well. A videographer films the day, then edits it into a short film people watch again and again. Weddings usually pay the most per project; business videos can bring steadier work.

From $3,330 to start

Start lean with the essentials and upgrade as customers come, or set up fully from day one.

Once you're running: about $55 a month, plus about 8% of what you earn. Insurance, backup and storage, and software if you rent it, every month, plus music licenses, travel and card fees for each project.

Work out your own numbers

Move the sliders to match your plans. The chart shows a first year that builds up as word gets around.

12 steps to your first customers

Each step says what it costs and how long it takes. Most owners get through them in a few weeks.

1. 1

   Pick your first niche

   2–3 days Free

   Weddings, events or business videos each need different skills and sell in different places. Look at local videographers' work and prices, then pick one to start.

   • Note 5 videographers and their prices
   • Choose weddings, events or business
   • Find what's missing near you
2. 2

   Choose your name

   1 day Free

   Many videographers use a films or media name. Make sure no one in Wisconsin has it.

   • 3–5 name ideas
   • Check no one else uses it
   • Check the domain

   Get name ideas, then check yours with WisconsinFind a name
3. 3

   Form your LLC in Wisconsin

   1–2 weeks $130 state fee

   An LLC keeps your personal savings separate from the business. You file Articles of Organization with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.

   • Articles of Organization
   • A registered agent
   • An operating agreement

   PressUp can file your LLC with the state for youForm your LLC
4. 4

   Get your EIN

   Same day Free

   The IRS's tax number for your business. You'll need it for a business bank account.

   • Apply online with the IRS
   • Open a business bank account

   Apply for it along with your LLC filingAdd your EIN
5. 5

   Build your kit

   1–2 weeks $2.9k–7.6k

   A camera that films well in low light, a zoom lens, a gimbal, wireless mics and a tripod cover most jobs. Good sound matters as much as the picture. Buying used saves a lot.

   • Camera and zoom lens
   • Gimbal and tripod
   • Wireless microphones
6. 6

   Make a showreel

   2–4 weeks Free

   Film a few practice projects for friends or local businesses, then cut a short reel of your best moments.

   • Three practice projects
   • A one-minute showreel
   • Permission to use the footage
7. 7

   Sort out sales tax in Wisconsin

   1–3 days Free

   Wisconsin's sales tax is 5%, and cities and counties add their own. Ask the Wisconsin Department of Revenue whether what you sell is taxable.

   • Check if your services are taxable
   • Register for sales tax if needed
   • Set money aside for income tax
8. 8

   Get insured

   1–2 days Quotes are free

   Insurance protects you if something goes wrong on a job. Get quotes from two or three insurers.

   • General liability
   • Equipment cover
   • Drone liability, if you fly
9. 9

   Set your prices and contract

   1–2 days $140

   Sell packages by hours of filming and length of the finished film. Use a written contract, and take a deposit to hold the date. See the prices below.

   • Two or three packages
   • A deposit to hold the date
   • A written contract
10. 10

    Put your business online

    1 day Included

    Couples and businesses choose by your reel. A site with your films, packages and an inquiry form lets them check your date.

    • Website with your reel
    • Packages and an inquiry form
    • Google Business Profile

    Describe your business and PressUp builds your websiteBuild your website
11. 11

    Get your first 10 clients

    3–10 weeks Free

    Meet photographers, planners and venues, offer a launch rate to your first couples, and pitch short videos to local businesses.

    • Meet five photographers
    • Pitch three local businesses
    • Ask every client for a review

    Ask your customers for reviews by email with PressUpSee how
12. 12

    Bill and keep track

    Ongoing Included

    Take deposits, send invoices, and track each project from filming to delivery.

    • Deposits and invoices
    • Editing deadlines
    • Client list for referrals

    Keep your customers and invoices in one place with PressUpSee how

What Wisconsin asks for

Registering, taxes, and what this business needs. Check the details with each authority: rules change.

What to buy first

Buy the "must haves" to start. Add the rest when customers pay for them.

3 packages that sell

Simple choices make it easy to say yes. Most customers pick the middle one.

How to get your first customers

You don't need an ad budget. These work for new owners almost everywhere.

A month from now, you could be open

Common questions