Chris Healey

Tell us about you

I studied Media Production: Film and TV, graduating in 2019 with a First Class Honours. I was awarded multiple awards for my films, including a 2020 Royal Television Society award. Freelance seemed like a good way to earn some extra money on the side, build a name for myself and better my craft as a Filmmaker.

Tell us about your business

I trade under my own name and create promotional video content to a wide variety of clients. I am looking to expand the business in the future and build a production company.

What were the main challenges of starting your business and/or going freelance?

Following graduation, I decided to give freelancing a shot - through a tough start during the pandemic lockdowns, I persevered and managed to gain valuable clients in Yorkshire, London and throughout the UK. Time management has been absolutely key during my
time freelancing.

Did you receive any support/inspiration from York St John? If so, what?

I received a grant through the Sodexo funding at York St John University, enabling me to expand my final project of a short-documentary series following the climate justice movement at the time, specifically Extinction Rebellion. I made short documentaries with activists in New York, Portland and Los Angeles. I also gained an internship through the University to create content for a local charity.

What’s the best thing about running your own business?

I’ve found that being a freelancer is great for flexibility of your own time. You get to decide who you work with and have almost full creativity over the production process.

What tips would you give any aspiring student start-ups?

Starting your own business and selling a service or product requires marketing. Good digital marketing is essential to creating a successful business and growing your client base. Just because you’ve graduated, it doesn’t mean you should stop learning - dissect
other business models and implement some of their successful strategies into your business.

Where can we find you/your business?

For more information on my work, visit chrishealey.co.uk.

If you’d like to follow along on my journey, you can follow me here:

• instagram.com/chris.healey/
• linkedin.com/in/christopher-healey/