[My education] provided me with the skills and knowledge to carry out small productions, which benefits the dealership when the final video product is uploaded [to the web]. Victoria Zamora , Videographer for Red McCombs Toyota Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Filmmaking & Video Production, 2016 , The Art Institute of San Antonio, a branch of The Art Institute of Houston

Videographer for Red McCombs Toyota Creates Premium and Basic Video Content for Car Dealership’s Website and Social Media

Victoria Zamora is working as a videographer for Red McCombs Toyota in San Antonio, Texas. She creates premium and basic video content for the dealership’s website and social media outlets. Prior to starting her current position, Victoria worked for CarMax, which provided her with background knowledge of the automotive industry. Before she was hired at Red McCombs Toyota, she created a freelance video for her portfolio that ended up getting the attention of Red McCombs Toyota—which posted the video on its social media accounts. The connection led to her employment with the company.

She says that a typical day includes taking photos of vehicles to post to the web. “I'm constantly planning new concepts to shoot. I first come up with an idea, then visualize the camera shots I would do and begin to script it out. Storyboards and music selection are my last steps before I begin filming.” Victoria urges current students to never stop brainstorming. “I have changed scripts constantly, sometimes the day before I would shoot, but in the end it comes out better than my first concept. Plan it well and make sure you have everything lined up and ready for that day you will shoot.” She also recommends a back-up plan in case things fall through.

Victoria’s biggest challenge is being the only videographer for the dealership—and having limited resources. “I have my own equipment but sometimes you just need a little help here and there. I [have to plan around] my camera being the only one needed. I still think big but I make sure it is possible to accomplish.”

She cultivates a collaborative work environment by asking workers about music selections and plans for her videos. “It's different for them since I'm creating local videos [and they’re used to] seeing the standard Toyota videos.” Victoria believes that her hard work is paying off via positive feedback from her coworkers and more time with her family. When she was in school, she was always working weekends on filming. Now that her job incorporates her passion of making videos, she has more free time to spend with her family.

Victoria, who in 2016 earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Filmmaking & Video Production from The Art Institute of San Antonio, says that her education provided the skills and knowledge she needed to carry out small productions. “This benefits the dealership when the final video product is uploaded [to the web].”