90 Seconds Creator spotlight: Marco Vitale

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90 Seconds
6 years ago・4 min read

Marco Vitale’s career has taken him through a variety of cultures, experiences, and locations spanning the globe. Finally, he went to New York City to fulfill his passion for cinematography and storytelling. In the past few years, has shot short films, commercials, documentaries, and feature films.

As a Director-Camera Operator-Editor based in NYC, he has quickly amassed several years of hard-worn experience with TV production companies, advertising agencies and international networks such as Bloomberg TV, Discovery, and Nat Geo Wild.

During the last year, he has filmed and directed video campaign projects for clients such as Bayer, Master Card, T-Mobile and covered international events, for broadcast TV, like the Obama’s visit in Cuba, the Election Night and Trump Inauguration in Washington, D.C.

It was during his high school years that he started to film and produce a few short pieces, with the help of some friends. That was the time he realized that he wanted to become a filmmaker/creator.

But it was not until about 8 years ago that he moved to the USA, which was a hard time just getting his career off the ground, as he barely spoke English and didn’t know anybody in the media industry. He felt like he was starting from zero, even though he had some previous experience in film.

Later, Marco took the opportunity to enroll in a film school in the United States, which provided him with a big step forward in his career. From there, he landed a start with small gigs, mostly unpaid, but absolutely worth it as they led him to new relationships and opportunities.

90 Seconds caught up with Marco recently to ask him a few questions about his work.

90: When did you join and how many projects have you done with 90 Seconds?

Marco Vitale: I joined 90 Seconds in May of 2015 and have done more than 60 projects since then. The work started out somewhat slow, but after I completed a few projects and proved myself, I began to see more projects and more interesting types of work.

90: What does it take to be great in this business?

Marco Vitale: As for most small businesses, there are many things which you must be proficient in, but one of the most important is definitely your ability to network. You must have the ability to find work, and that means your willingness to seek after it and build relationships with the types of people and organizations that need video. In a city like New York, networking is everything. Anybody could be a potential client. Participate in workshops and conferences, talk and listen to everyone, especially in a production environment where you can learn but also gain new contacts that could lead to new jobs.

90: What sets you apart as a creator?

Marco Vitale: I think my background in documentary filmmaking helps me a lot in my job. During the program, I learned any aspect from the pre-production to the post-production of a video project. Over time, however, I have found that my documentary perspective informs my work and provides an intimate approach to storytelling.

90: What has been the hardest part about being a freelancer and how have you dealt with it?

Marco Vitale: Being a freelance creator is hard, especially when you are just starting out. There is no other way – you simply have to look for new clients every single day. At the very beginning of my career, I used to wake up and apply for 10-12 jobs at a minimum. Every single day.

90: What are the things you like best about the 90 platform/workflow?

Marco Vitale: Now, my favorite thing about the 90 seconds platform is that I don’t need to look for clients/jobs on the site. They find me! In other words, I am invited to project opportunities and I accept them if they fit my in my project schedule. I do not have to compete against other creators to win the work. I do not have to create spec work or write time consuming treatments to win a bid. Project assignments are very organic, which is a relief compared to other gig platforms.

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