Today we’d like to introduce you to Armando DeMarchi.
Hi Armando, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started out doing editing for reality TV in Manhattan, and then got hired by a YouTube couple in Mechanicsville, VA to come shoot and edit with them full-time! So I moved to Virginia and worked with them for three years before they moved to LA (As you do when you get big!) I worked at The Martin Agency working on commercials such as Geico, Timberland, USCellualr, CarMax, and much more.
But now, I am pursuing my dream of working as a full-time Wedding & Event Videographer all over Virginia, the U.S., and abroad. When I’m not shooting weddings, I’m traveling the globe making travel films with the people I care about the most. So far, I’ve made films in Aruba, Scotland, England, and Switzerland. This year, I will be doing my first shoot in another country for a client, and couldn’t be more excited!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been perfectly smooth. I worked two weddings for free in my first year, just trying to garner credibility, a portfolio, and technique. The pandemic made it harder to learn, but I was so passionate about telling stories that I took anything I could get, and I made many relationships along the way that still help my business flourish to this day!
I was also unfortunately part of company-wide layoffs at one point, and was lost for a while, but decided to put all my free time and energy into building my business. It’s a decision I’ve never regretted.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I was very fortunate to second shoot a few weddings for an incredible brand, and doing that rocketed my abilities much quicker than if I had to learn myself. I took these skillsets and applied my perspective and creativity to make each wedding unique. I also took a drone pilot course and became certified as an FAA Drone Pilot, which opened up so many more avenues for my Videography.
I took courses from creators to strengthen my skills throughout Adobe Creative Suite, and constantly ingest media to get new ideas and creative inspiration. I am most proud of the way my business has grown, and how I’ve been able to network with venues, photographers, and wedding planners to help myself grow. The past two years, each year my business has doubled in growth, and I’m excited to see where it takes me!
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I am a big fan of Stoic philosophy and have lots of books on the subject. I attribute a lot of my ability to maintain a level head and keep focused on what’s important to the many valuable lessons I’ve learned. I listen to the Daily Stoic podcast by Ryan Holiday, as well as the How to Film Weddings podcast by John Bunn and Nick Miller.
As far as creators, the YouTuber WhoIsMattJohnson has lots of wedding content and helped me get settings squared on my newer cameras. I’ve also learned quite a lot from Matti Haapoja, who is more of a conventional filmmaker, but got his start in wedding filmmaking.
Pricing:
- $2,700
- $3,200
- $4,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.demarchiproductions.com
- Instagram: @demarchiproductions
Image Credits
Sarah Houston Photography and Michael Leopardi
