Meet John Bennardo: Videographer, editor and owner of Immaginé Video Productions

We had the good fortune of connecting with John Bennardo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought process was, “hey, I could be getting paid for this!” Throughout adolescence, I was always the guy with a video camera in his hands, taping parties and any activity that rose above the norm. The more friends learned of my skills and passion for what I was doing, the more I’d be asked to film their special moments. When I delivered a custom-edited video for them to enjoy, they were beyond impressed. Noticing how other video professionals in the area were charging for the same thing I was doing for free, it just made sense to turn it into a business. I had some business cards and promotional refrigerator magnets created, and I handed them out when I was shooting. Things picked up from there. My business was always the freelance type until around 2004, when I decided to incorporate, have a true business name, and really begin to market myself. It’s a decision I’m glad I made.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think the biggest thing that sets me apart and allows me to do quality work is my understanding of story. I grew up as a writer, and later studied screenwriting in graduate school. I understand the components of telling a story and doing so visually. This skill translates extremely well to my work as a videographer and editor for corporate clients. Ultimately, the people I work with are trying to tell a story, about their business, their brand, their new product or even the event they held at a seminar. Through my videography and editing, I feel like I am able to capture the story and relate it in a final product that is both entertaining and engaging. This is something that comes naturally to me and is the most enjoyable part of my work. How do I take something that may seem routine on the surface and create a story that elevates the product’s impact on the viewer? That is my goal for every client, and I hope that’s why people enjoy working with me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I enjoy activities that have a buzz about them! I’ve been to World Series games and playoff football and basketball. There’s something about an event where the audience is jointly connected to each other that adds excitement. If I had a guest in town, I’d want to go somewhere exciting and different. If not a sports game, a trendy new restaurant or hot spot – something that could be a special memory someday. I don’t have too many “favorite spots.” I check local activities and pick the ones that I think would be the most fun.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My father was the first one that encouraged me to turn my hobby into a business. He helped me buy some initial equipment and even gave me some office space at his law firm. I owe a lot to him.

Website: www.immaginevideo.com
Instagram: @jbennardo222
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/immaginevideo/
Twitter: @jbennardo222