Ridiculous Job Offers / Demands!!

Simon Wyndham · November 30th, 2005, 05:34 AM

Yep, so many low-ballers out there. Recently there was an ad on Shooting People asking for a Digibeta camera owner/operator to work for free with an addition to their reel as reward! I really would love to meet some of the people who put those sorts of ads out face to face so I can put them straight on a few things.

George Ellis · November 30th, 2005, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon Wyndham

Yep, so many low-ballers out there. Recently there was an ad on Shooting People asking for a Digibeta camera owner/operator to work for free with an addition to their reel as reward! I really would love to meet some of the people who put those sorts of ads out face to face so I can put them straight on a few things.

Yeah, because we all know that someone with a Digibeta probably got it as part of a package on eBay or got one for Christmas and does not know how to use it... /sarcasm :D

Craig Seeman · November 30th, 2005, 12:22 PM

This is downright FRIGHTENING! A MAJOR Cable Company paying only $150 a day for DV AND BetaSP to shoot COMMERCIALS. I can't fathom this at all! It's sickening!

GRIPS, CAMERA PEOPLE WANTED

Cable company seeks grips and experienced DV and Beta SP camera people to assist on local commercial shoots on a freelance basis.

Please send resume and reel to:

Creative Services Manager
Comcast Spotlight
400 Broadacres Drive, 2nd Floor
Bloomfield, NJ 07003

Compensation: $150/day

Josh Bass · November 30th, 2005, 12:36 PM

Maybe they left something out. A pa/grip for 150 isn't that unreasonable on those "little" shoots---surely they would not pay the same rate for a PA as a camera guy. That makes no sense.

James Emory · November 30th, 2005, 03:15 PM

Up and coming, seems to be tag words being used more and more lately. He must have bought one of those TV Network kits at Staples. How can an up and coming network already be prominent? I guess only 20 year olds know how to shoot MTV style videos. My guess is that he is assuming that all 20 year olds are naive and will fall for his crap.

"I am a video producer out of San Francisco. I am looking for a young, 20 something to shoot a hip MTV style video about social, political and environmental events. The pay is low to start but as we do more I can pay more. This is for a very prominent up and coming tv network. I am not being paid much either. Looking to build a team and make a mark. Also need a sound person. Need to shoot early next week.

Compensation: $200 for the day"

Josh Bass · November 30th, 2005, 03:54 PM

Well, he did say 20 SOMETHING. That's anywhere from 20-29.

Also, $200 isn't that bad. I've worked for that. Don't be hatin'. I guess it depends on what gear you're using.

James Emory · November 30th, 2005, 04:21 PM

I think we're losing Josh to the dark side. I don't care what the age range is and in all cases the rate is not necessarily relevant. No matter how much they offer, it doesn't guarantee that you will get paid. I once had to wait almost 60 days just to get $75!! Some people may not even get the $25 or $50 that they're promised. My point about that post is that it is odd that an age was even requested at all. I would bet $200 on the fact that this project is absolutely a nowhere dead end just based on the post itself. It screams wishful thinking which there's nothing wrong with because there's certainly nothing wrong with having ambitions and any potential crewmember has the option to take it or leave it. Unfortunately in my earlier days, I was a victim, more than once, of these types of so called producers and therefore can identify them much easier now by the way that they present their pitch.

Bill Porter · December 1st, 2005, 03:02 AM

It's illegal to discrimnate based on age so the person who wrote it is an assclown. But if you wanted really good stuff targeted for a youth audience and were going to target a certain age range, perhaps it should have been 23-33. :P

James Emory · December 1st, 2005, 03:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Porter

It's illegal to discrimnate based on age so the person who wrote it is an assclown.

LMAO!!!! :O

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Porter

But if you wanted really good stuff targeted for a youth audience and were going to target a certain age range, perhaps it should have been 23-33. :P

I totally agree and that is more than likely what he meant but I don't think too many older folks would work on that type of project or for that rate anyway. My main issue with that post and all like it are the presumptions of up and coming this and that! Anything that is new and unknown is up and coming dammit! :O

Bill Porter · December 1st, 2005, 01:19 PM

Hey, the job post said "prominent." There are multiple definitions. One is "widely known, eminent." I agree; they can't be 'up and coming' and 'widely known.'

However, another definition is 'Immediately noticeable; conspicuous.' I would say that guy is immediately noticeable. As a hoser.

Dylan Couper · December 1st, 2005, 04:46 PM

Hey guys, that ad is offering to pay $200. Compared to the others who offer credit and footage for your reel, that's pretty darn good.

Josh Bass · December 1st, 2005, 05:14 PM

How am I lost to the dark side?

This is how I read the ad

"work = $200 a day"

. That's otay by me. What's wrong with that? Who cares if the project blows? Are you personally invested in it or are you trying to make a living? Yeah, sometimes people take forever to pay. Sometimes, even reputable (or, I should say, established companies). Apparently, that's just the way it is sometimes.

Anyway, here's one:

Looking for experienced, ambitious Production Assistants to perform 2-3 day contract shoots for a growing national marketing company. Must have reliable transportation. Must have some lighting experience, be able to follow a detailed shot sheet and know how to get around in the Houston area. We provide gas, meal allowance. The Production Assistant rate is $125.00 per day. Send contact information and resume; specify "Houston" in your response.

* Job location is Houston
* Compensation: $125.00 per day, with gas & meal allowance
* This is a contract job.
* no -- Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
* no -- Please, no phone calls about this job!
* no -- Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.
* no -- Reposting this message elsewhere is NOT OK.

Now, granted, 125 for a PA isn't awful (at least in Houston), though 150 or 175 is better, and expected, if you have some experience.

The part I don't care is that fact that YOU'RE NOT A GODDAMN PA, YOU'RE A DP!

P.S.

Excuse/asterisk-ize the cussing.

P.P.S The company who posted the ad is crozier henderson. Oops. Did I let that out?

James Emory · December 3rd, 2005, 10:53 PM

Not sure if this is ridiculous or just pain old unique

Need a mini dv cam
HERITAGE POWER SUNDAY
Pan Afrikan Nationalism
African Security & Survival
HIV / AIDS, Bird Flu…. Genocidal Warfare
With
Xxx Jones
The War Correspondent
Sunday, December 4, 2005
4:00 pm

FREE ADMISSION!

The Afrikan Djeli Center

this is in or around Atlanta

Compensation: Sign Copy of Author, Book & Dinner

Karl Heiner · December 6th, 2005, 11:34 AM

hi gang,

i would like to address an issue, wich is bothering me a lot. off course it could have to do with how serious, and professional, those job offer posters are.

please send an e-mail back to the job applicants. straight forward yes or no.
let them know that they are not in the loop.

greetings

Josh Bass · December 6th, 2005, 02:34 PM

That doesn't mean anything. Even legit companies or whatever don't always tell you (I would say USUALLY don't bother to tell you) if you haven't been chosen.

November 30th, 2005, 12:36 PM	#214
Josh Bass Slash Rules! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 5,472	Maybe they left something out. A pa/grip for 150 isn't that unreasonable on those "little" shoots---surely they would not pay the same rate for a PA as a camera guy. That makes no sense. __________________ The Bass' camerawork The Bass on IMDB

November 30th, 2005, 03:54 PM	#216
Josh Bass Slash Rules! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 5,472	Well, he did say 20 SOMETHING. That's anywhere from 20-29. Also, $200 isn't that bad. I've worked for that. Don't be hatin'. I guess it depends on what gear you're using. __________________ The Bass' camerawork The Bass on IMDB

December 1st, 2005, 04:46 PM	#221
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	Hey guys, that ad is offering to pay $200. Compared to the others who offer credit and footage for your reel, that's pretty darn good. __________________ Need to rent camera gear in Vancouver BC? Check me out at camerarentalsvancouver.com

December 1st, 2005, 05:14 PM	#222
Josh Bass Slash Rules! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 5,472	How am I lost to the dark side? This is how I read the ad "work = $200 a day" . That's otay by me. What's wrong with that? Who cares if the project blows? Are you personally invested in it or are you trying to make a living? Yeah, sometimes people take forever to pay. Sometimes, even reputable (or, I should say, established companies). Apparently, that's just the way it is sometimes. Anyway, here's one: Looking for experienced, ambitious Production Assistants to perform 2-3 day contract shoots for a growing national marketing company. Must have reliable transportation. Must have some lighting experience, be able to follow a detailed shot sheet and know how to get around in the Houston area. We provide gas, meal allowance. The Production Assistant rate is $125.00 per day. Send contact information and resume; specify "Houston" in your response. * Job location is Houston * Compensation: $125.00 per day, with gas & meal allowance * This is a contract job. * no -- Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster. * no -- Please, no phone calls about this job! * no -- Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests. * no -- Reposting this message elsewhere is NOT OK. Now, granted, 125 for a PA isn't awful (at least in Houston), though 150 or 175 is better, and expected, if you have some experience. The part I don't care is that fact that YOU'RE NOT A GODDAMN PA, YOU'RE A DP! P.S. Excuse/asterisk-ize the cussing. P.P.S The company who posted the ad is crozier henderson. Oops. Did I let that out? __________________ The Bass' camerawork The Bass on IMDB

December 6th, 2005, 02:34 PM	#225
Josh Bass Slash Rules! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 5,472	That doesn't mean anything. Even legit companies or whatever don't always tell you (I would say USUALLY don't bother to tell you) if you haven't been chosen. __________________ The Bass' camerawork The Bass on IMDB

November 30th, 2005, 05:34 AM	#211
Simon Wyndham Trustee Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Malvern UK Posts: 1,931	Yep, so many low-ballers out there. Recently there was an ad on Shooting People asking for a Digibeta camera owner/operator to work for free with an addition to their reel as reward! I really would love to meet some of the people who put those sorts of ads out face to face so I can put them straight on a few things.

November 30th, 2005, 12:22 PM	#213
Craig Seeman Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA Posts: 3,841	This is downright FRIGHTENING! A MAJOR Cable Company paying only $150 a day for DV AND BetaSP to shoot COMMERCIALS. I can't fathom this at all! It's sickening! GRIPS, CAMERA PEOPLE WANTED Cable company seeks grips and experienced DV and Beta SP camera people to assist on local commercial shoots on a freelance basis. Please send resume and reel to: Creative Services Manager Comcast Spotlight 400 Broadacres Drive, 2nd Floor Bloomfield, NJ 07003 Compensation: $150/day

November 30th, 2005, 03:15 PM	#215
James Emory Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 1,892	Up and coming, seems to be tag words being used more and more lately. He must have bought one of those TV Network kits at Staples. How can an up and coming network already be prominent? I guess only 20 year olds know how to shoot MTV style videos. My guess is that he is assuming that all 20 year olds are naive and will fall for his crap. "I am a video producer out of San Francisco. I am looking for a young, 20 something to shoot a hip MTV style video about social, political and environmental events. The pay is low to start but as we do more I can pay more. This is for a very prominent up and coming tv network. I am not being paid much either. Looking to build a team and make a mark. Also need a sound person. Need to shoot early next week. Compensation: $200 for the day"

November 30th, 2005, 04:21 PM	#217
James Emory Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 1,892	I think we're losing Josh to the dark side. I don't care what the age range is and in all cases the rate is not necessarily relevant. No matter how much they offer, it doesn't guarantee that you will get paid. I once had to wait almost 60 days just to get $75!! Some people may not even get the $25 or $50 that they're promised. My point about that post is that it is odd that an age was even requested at all. I would bet $200 on the fact that this project is absolutely a nowhere dead end just based on the post itself. It screams wishful thinking which there's nothing wrong with because there's certainly nothing wrong with having ambitions and any potential crewmember has the option to take it or leave it. Unfortunately in my earlier days, I was a victim, more than once, of these types of so called producers and therefore can identify them much easier now by the way that they present their pitch.

December 1st, 2005, 03:02 AM	#218
Bill Porter Major Player Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Ventura, California, USA Posts: 751	It's illegal to discrimnate based on age so the person who wrote it is an assclown. But if you wanted really good stuff targeted for a youth audience and were going to target a certain age range, perhaps it should have been 23-33. :P

December 1st, 2005, 01:19 PM	#220
Bill Porter Major Player Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Ventura, California, USA Posts: 751	Hey, the job post said "prominent." There are multiple definitions. One is "widely known, eminent." I agree; they can't be 'up and coming' and 'widely known.' However, another definition is 'Immediately noticeable; conspicuous.' I would say that guy is immediately noticeable. As a hoser.

December 3rd, 2005, 10:53 PM	#223
James Emory Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 1,892	Not sure if this is ridiculous or just pain old unique Need a mini dv cam HERITAGE POWER SUNDAY Pan Afrikan Nationalism African Security & Survival HIV / AIDS, Bird Flu…. Genocidal Warfare With Xxx Jones The War Correspondent Sunday, December 4, 2005 4:00 pm FREE ADMISSION! The Afrikan Djeli Center this is in or around Atlanta Compensation: Sign Copy of Author, Book & Dinner

December 6th, 2005, 11:34 AM	#224
Karl Heiner Major Player Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: california Posts: 342	hi gang, i would like to address an issue, wich is bothering me a lot. off course it could have to do with how serious, and professional, those job offer posters are. please send an e-mail back to the job applicants. straight forward yes or no. let them know that they are not in the loop. greetings