Most filmmakers are sitting on a goldmine and don’t even know it.
They’ve delivered great work. Made clients happy. Created results.
But they’re still struggling to:
- Book new clients
- Command higher rates
- Get prospects to trust them
Here’s the brutal truth: Your work speaks for itself, but your clients speak louder.
The Social Proof Problem
Last month, I was helping a tech startup find a filmmaker for their brand campaign.
Two candidates stood out:
Filmmaker A: Stunning commercial reel. Slick website. Zero client testimonials.
Filmmaker B: Solid work. Simple site. Six testimonials from happy clients.
Guess who got the $15K contract?
Filmmaker B. Without hesitation.
Why Testimonials Beat Portfolios
Your brain is wired to trust other humans over marketing materials.
When a prospect sees a testimonial, they think:
- “Someone like me hired this person”
- “They got real results”
- “This could work for me too”
When they just see your reel, they think:
- “Looks good, but…”
- “Can they deliver for MY project?”
- “What if it’s all smoke and mirrors?”
Social proof bridges that trust gap.
The Lowest Hanging Fruit
Here’s what blows my mind:
Most filmmakers have 10-20 happy clients. Maybe more.
But zero testimonials on their website.
It’s like having a wallet full of $100 bills and choosing to be broke.
Your 48-Hour Action Plan
Step 1: Make Your List (15 minutes)
Write down every client from the past 2 years who:
- Paid you on time
- Said nice things about your work
- Hired you again (or referred someone)
Don’t overthink it. Just make the list.
Step 2: The Magic Question (30 minutes)
Here’s the secret most people get wrong:
Don’t ask: “Can you write me a testimonial?”
That’s work. People hate work.
Instead, ask this ONE question:
“What was your biggest struggle before we worked together, and how did our project help solve it?”
Why this works:
- People remember problems better than solutions
- Pain is a stronger motivator than pleasure
- It gives them a clear structure for their response
- It creates testimonials that actually convert
Step 3: Make It Stupid Easy (1 hour)
Send this exact email:
Subject: Quick question about [PROJECT NAME]
Hey [CLIENT NAME],
Hope you’re crushing it! I’m updating my website and would love your perspective.
What was your biggest struggle before we worked together, and how did [PROJECT NAME] help solve it?
Just a sentence or two would be amazing. No pressure if you’re swamped.
Thanks! [YOUR NAME]
That’s it. No complicated forms. No lengthy surveys.
Just one simple question.
Step 4: Follow Up Like a Pro (10 minutes)
Send a follow-up after one week:
“Hey [CLIENT], just bumping this up in case it got buried. No worries if you’re too busy!”
That’s it. Don’t be annoying.
The Transformation
Here’s what happens when you actually do this:
Before: Prospects ghost you after seeing your portfolio.
After: Prospects read testimonials and think “I need to hire this person.”
Before: You justify your rates and feel awkward.
After: Clients see your value and pay without hesitation.
Before: You chase clients who don’t respect your work.
After: Dream clients chase YOU because they see proof you deliver results.
The Tool That Changed Everything
I used to collect testimonials the hard way. Copy-paste emails. Screenshot texts. Upload images manually.
It was a nightmare.
Now I use a simple tool called Senja (you can use promo code “FFS” to try for 2 months for $1) that makes the whole process frictionless. Clients can record testimonials on their phone, and I can display them however I want on my site.
The results?
- 3x more inbound inquiries
- 40% higher average project value
- Clients who say “yes” faster
The $50K Connection
Remember that number from the subject line?
Here’s the math:
Let’s say for an average branded video project you charge: $5,000
Without testimonials:
- You chase every client
- You fight for their trust
- You book 1-2 projects per month
With testimonials:
- Clients chase you
- Trust forms naturally
- You book 3-4 projects per month
The difference? $50,000+ in annual revenue.
I’ve seen this pattern with dozens of filmmakers. The ones with strong social proof consistently book more work at higher rates.
Why? Because testimonials remove the biggest barrier to hiring you: risk.
When a marketing director sees 8 testimonials from other marketing directors, the decision becomes obvious.
Your Assignment
Stop reading. Start acting.
Make your client list. Send those emails. Watch what happens.
Your past clients are your future success.
But only if you ask.
Here’s to your credibility, George V.K.
P.S. I sent 12 testimonial requests last week. Got 8 responses. The worst thing that happened? Two people didn’t reply. The best thing? A client offered to record a video testimonial without me asking. Sometimes the fear is worse than the reality.
P.P.S. If you want to see how I display testimonials on my site, the tool I use is called Senja. Use promo code “FFS” to try for $1. Simple setup, professional results. Notice how the testimonials focus on problems solved, not just “George is great!” That’s the magic question at work.
