The Essential Licenses for Professional Videographers

Jamie Perez • November 29, 2024

Becoming a professional videographer is an exciting journey, but it's essential to research all the legal and regulatory aspects to ensure you are operating successfully and lawfully. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the licenses and permits you may need to become a professional videographer.

1. Business License:

Before you start offering videography services as a business, you'll likely need to obtain a business license or permit. The specific requirements can vary by location, so check with your local government or municipality to understand what's needed to operate legally in your area.

2. Sales Tax Permit:

If you plan to sell your videography services and products directly to clients, you may need a sales tax permit or resale certificate. This allows you to collect and remit sales tax to the appropriate tax authority. The rules and regulations regarding sales tax can vary widely, so consult your state or regional tax department for guidance.

3. Filming Permits:

Depending on the locations where you intend to film, you may need filming permits or location permits. Public spaces, parks, and certain private properties may require permission for commercial use. Always obtain the necessary permits to avoid legal issues during shoots.

4. Drone License (if applicable):

If you plan to use drones for aerial videography, you may need a drone pilot's license or remote pilot certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States.

5. Music Licensing:

If you intend to use copyrighted music in your videos, you must secure the appropriate licenses or permissions to avoid copyright infringement. Licensing music for commercial use typically involves obtaining synchronization (sync) licenses from the copyright holders or using royalty-free music from platforms like Epidemic Sound, Storyblocks or Artlist.

6. Talent Release Forms:

When working with individuals who appear in your videos, it's a good practice to have talent release forms. These legal documents grant you permission to use their likeness, image, or voice in your videos. This helps protect you from potential legal issues down the line.

7. Equipment and Vehicle Permits (if applicable):

Some regions may require special permits for specific equipment or vehicles used in your videography work. This can include oversized equipment, specialized vehicles, or even parking permits for commercial vehicles.

8. Insurance:

While not a license, professional liability insurance and equipment insurance are essential for videographers. Insurance coverage can protect you in case of accidents, equipment damage, or legal disputes related to your work.

9. Business Registrations (Optional):

Depending on your business structure and goals, you may consider registering your videography business as a legal entity, such as an LLC (Limited Liability Company) or corporation. This can provide certain legal and financial benefits, but it's not always a requirement to operate as a professional videographer.

These rules may vary by state. Make sure you do research on what the local expectations and requirements are to start your videography biz!

A person is sitting at a table using a laptop computer.
By Jamie Perez April 1, 2025
Storytelling is so important for any organization to engage in, but for nonprofits in particular, sharing stories is what will open up hearts, minds and wallets so they can continue providing their much needed services. Fundraising takes time. So while nonprofits are on that timeline, there's a certain order in which stories can be shared that will help optimize fundraising dollars: WHILE YOU'RE FUNDRAISING : Tell the incomplete story. This is featuring someone who is currently seeking services from your organization and still needs help. When you tell the story of someone who has already completed their journey or isn't in as great or immediate of a need, donors might think, "Well this person's been taken care of so they don't need my help." If you tell the story of someone currently in need and highlight some of the challenges they face, this creates more of a sense of urgency. AFTER YOU'VE REACHED YOUR FUNDRAISING GOAL : Now, you can tell that complete story. Do a follow up with the person whose incomplete story you told and provide an update. Send it out in a newsletter. Keep your donors informed on how their donation dollars helped change this person's life, the problems they helped solve, the impact they made, and how consistent donations will help more people in the future. You can also just tell different stories entirely in this phase and talk about how fundraising efforts like the one you just held, help hundreds of people like the ones you're highlighting in the stories you've shared. BONUS: GETTING MORE DONORS OR GETTING YOUR CURRENT DONORS MORE INVOLVED: Why should people donate to your organization out of the thousands of others who also need financial support? When you can share your DONOR'S stories, other people may hear their stories and be able to relate to their "why". There are three different styles of videos you can refer to to get ideas on how you incorporate donor storytelling: 1) This video was sent out to donors for a nonprofit based in Madison, WI called Little John's Kitchens. This nonprofit works with food insecurity, providing meals at a pay-what-you-can option and utilizes other low cost models for people to have access to chef-quality meals who may not know where their next meal is coming from. The video was created AFTER receiving donations during a campaign to show donors what their donations helped the organization achieve: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV8tQCKTL-E 2) This video featured loyal donors of the same organization about WHY they continue to give to Little John's Kitchens. When you make your donors part of the journey, instead of just asking them for funds when you need help, you build loyalty and they feel like they belong to something bigger than themselves: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DVfbtzBIwM 3) And finally, this video thanks the donors specifically. Don't just converse with your donors when you need money from them. Tell them how much and why you appreciate them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NPd_MM-MOk
By Jamie Perez March 31, 2025
Drones have revolutionized the world of videography, opening up breathtaking possibilities for capturing stunning aerial footage. But, not just anyone can fly a drone and profit off its picturesque images. As a videographer, you have to have your drone license.
By Jamie Perez February 28, 2025
Artificial Intelligence is taking center stage as it transforms the way we all work. How is AI changing the video production industry? How is AI used in video? And will AI replace videographers? Let’s explore the potential and possibilities.
More Posts
Share by: