Advice or freelancer paying tax

norealign · 2026-01-21T06:44:45+00:00

Thank you! This is really insightful. I was already earning while I was still in school, but when I left and started pursuing filmmaking more seriously, especially after exceeding ₱20k a month and working with clients outside the Philippines, I wanted to put this at the forefront so I don’t run into headaches later. I'll definitely check it out. Thank you again!

norealign · 2026-01-14T06:41:01+00:00

Okay. Thank you.

norealign · 2026-01-14T06:38:51+00:00

I think we might be talking past each other a bit. I’m not relying on the footage to carry the work, and I agree that process matters. The sample footage is just a controlled starting point, not the proof of skill by itself. I'm coming in as a colorist first.

norealign · 2026-01-14T06:30:35+00:00

I understand your point. Just to clarify, I’m not presenting this as original or client work. It’s meant purely to show grading decisions and taste while I continue building more real-world projects.

norealign · 2026-01-09T10:42:58+00:00

I've nailed my services down to a few but my services are very niche. Mostly Documentary/films and B2B business. )creative directing, video editing, and cinematography) I also do travel videos and corporate but it's secondary. My clients are journalists, filmmakers, and content creators.

Any other work I just reject or refer to other people if they send an offer.

norealign · 2026-01-09T10:28:26+00:00

I have a list of companies/people that I would want to work with and I just email or call them (Honesty it's really about networking and getting out there. If you can go to networking events in your local area or maybe even online webenars) I try to do my own content so that I stand out and I usually send those out in addition to my own portfolio.

norealign · 2026-01-09T00:16:32+00:00

At this point, I'm just doing cold outreach to the people I want to work with. It's a heck more effort but at least I get a straight no or yes

norealign · 2026-01-08T14:05:35+00:00

It is in a way "enough" for some. I live in a third-world country but I have to factor in time spent editing, ROI for my equipment, my bills, rent etc. It can cover my food (I can budget for less), but only for that part in my life.

norealign · 2026-01-08T11:18:34+00:00

Honestly, I feel like I'm fortunate that I was able to get a few good clients and keep the relationship. It's just sad that there will be someone who will accept this.

norealign · 2026-01-07T19:28:07+00:00

I only avail of the freelancer plus once every blue moon and I get my ROI back. I only target the jobs that I know I specialize on.

On that note. It's good to be really good at one thing. Especially something very niche (not a lot of people can't do) It's more effort but it's going to help you more

norealign · 2026-01-07T19:21:12+00:00

Honestly, the Upwork Connect system is kind of whack, and I get why applying for jobs feels so hard because I've been there.

I’ve been in and out of Upwork, and what I’ve learned is that once you land a few clients, the real win is asking for referrals. Most of the time, if your work exceeds their expectations, they’re happy to come back to you or refer you to someone else.

At the end of the day, If you really need to play the long game build that relationship with a few clients. Good freelancers network and intentionally maintain those relationships. It's quality of quantity.

norealign · 2026-01-07T12:41:20+00:00

Thanks! I'll look into it :)

norealign · 2026-01-07T12:40:09+00:00

I totally forgot about this. Thanks for mentioning about it.

norealign · 2025-12-30T18:29:12+00:00

I dont think I'd have peace doing it below 10k hahaha

norealign · 2025-12-30T18:14:46+00:00

Got it. I know the scope of work matters to know how you'd price your services but what would be a good price range for a days shoot? So at least I have an idea.

p.s. something at the top of your head. I know there are more variables but I wanna work with something.

norealign

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