Ridiculous Job Offers / Demands!!

James Emory · January 24th, 2006, 06:35 PM

Too bad the pay isn't high profile for what they want in return.

"Videographer needed for high-profile interview/shoot for feature length (90 minutes) documentary.

The interview/shoot will take approximately 2 hours.

You must own a 1/3" CCD camera (ex. Canon XL1(s), Panasonic DVX100(a), etc.) as well as own/access to a broadcast quality wireless mic.

It is imperative that you be able to follow directions from the director.

Please respond with camera and mic make/model as well as contact information and experience.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Compensation: $200"

Josh Bass · January 24th, 2006, 06:41 PM

Chew me a new one if you will, but I would absolutely do that.

200 for two hours? Sure. I've done a 200 dollar full day with camera, so why not. If he wanted lights (which he should), I would draw the line there. That wasn't in Houston, by chance, was it?

Anyway, this one SO trumps yours---

"Crew Positions 4 Exciting & New Low Budget Feature
Reply to: gigs-127792791@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-01-24, 3:10PM EST

Who?

Producer is in search for a few good men and women to fill positions on this small yet organized crew and production.

Dates? The Month of February and 1st. week in March (4 weeks or 1 month shooting)

What Positions?

Grip- 1,000 $
Makeup Artist- 800$
PA-700$
PA-700$
Script Supervisor- 600$

Format?

Film will be shot on super 16mm with festival consideration (IMDB Credit).

Details?

Monthly Rate, Meals, Copy of Completed Film, & Credit will ALL be provided for your participation in this ambitious and interesting project.

What To Do?

Send your name and contact information to this posting along with a resume if you have one, for those without please describe your level of experience and what position you are applying for. Film students are welcome to respond and apply.

Note:

Rates are as they stand, this is a low budget project and we cannot unfortunately offer more pay. This is a great way to gain experience and network with crew and producers while making SOME money, unlike many postings on this website. Only those with positive attitudes and a strong work ethic need apply, I thank you all in advance.

Sincerely, Assistant to Producer. "

By the way, do these people who put "IMDB Credit" and "festival. . .blah blah blah" in there think that we don't know that anyone can enter their own info on IMDB, and anyone can submit anything to a festival? I could poop in a soup can and submit it as a short. So what?

James Emory · January 24th, 2006, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh Bass

Chew me a new one if you will, but I would absolutely do that.

200 for two hours? Sure. I've done a 200 dollar full day, so why not.

For a DP, camera, sound and a list of demands, no, that's not a good deal. First of all, it's never just 2 hours though it is more probable with an interview than a location shoot with more variables, but I would bet unlikely. Your time to set up and strike should be included so that's another possible 2 hours depending on how complex the lighting will be. I have been paid OT several times just because of extensive set up and strike times sent us over 10 hours. Nobody ever wants to include the set up and strike as part of the crew's time but it is.

James Emory · January 24th, 2006, 07:19 PM

Do you or Josh have a full time job? If you do, then this is just extra money. If you don't, then that kind of pay won't make a dent in 10's of thousands of dollars of debt for gear and it's not worth the effort. Then, if it becomes not worth the effort for too long, it's probably time to consider another career. That's reality if this is your full time job like it is for me.

Josh Bass · January 24th, 2006, 07:21 PM

I gotta tell you guys---I been doin' this stuff for about four years, on and off (with a WHOLE lot of off). I get a little more work every year, but all in all, I have not done that many freelance shoots.

I bought the XL1s to make short films with (this was pre-DVX100 era), and have done that, but the idea to make money with the thing didn't occur to me 'til later ("wait, people will actually pay you to use this camera?"), so that didn't figure into the purchase decision.

So that's where I come from with a lot of this stuff. If I had 20 years experience and was fully confident I would not do this or that wrong, miss this or that shot, or anything else, then I would scoff at those rates too. As it is, they're just about right for me right now. Especially for a half day (even if setup/takedown is an hour each, I can't see going past 5 hours).

On the other hand, I know a guy who has 30 years experience, and for a full day with this PDX10, lights, audio, etc., would charge $350. Pretty wacky, eh?

K. Forman · January 24th, 2006, 07:21 PM

Yeah... I'm a full time starving artist, tired of no pay. Where is this job at???

Josh Bass · January 24th, 2006, 07:23 PM

I have several avenues of income ---master control operator, community college videographer/editor, occasional PA, occasional freelancer videographer. And there's no debt. Wouldn't have bought something I didn't have the money for already.

K. Forman · January 24th, 2006, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Emory

You need to go rent Payback with Mel Gibson and then pay this guy a visit!

The gas down there alone makes it cost prohibitive. Then, if my wife needs to come down and bail me out... Right now, I'm out $40 and a day. However, if I were to catch him on the street...

James Emory · January 24th, 2006, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh Bass

On the other hand, I know a guy who has 30 years experience, and for a full day with this PDX10, lights, audio, etc., would charge $350. Pretty wacky, eh?

If everything's paid for and it's real slow, as bad as it is to work for that rate, it could be putting food on the table. It doesn't really bother me as much for someone with a family to take jobs like that though.

Karl Heiner · January 24th, 2006, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Emory

Too bad the pay isn't high profile for what they want in return.

"Videographer needed for high-profile interview/shoot for feature length (90 minutes) documentary.

The interview/shoot will take approximately 2 hours.

You must own a 1/3" CCD camera (ex. Canon XL1(s), Panasonic DVX100(a), etc.) as well as own/access to a broadcast quality wireless mic.

It is imperative that you be able to follow directions from the director.

Please respond with camera and mic make/model as well as contact information and experience.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Compensation: $200"

hello james,

i would do this job too. covers my media, gas, food + 100 bugs, or 50 an hour.
at this point there is no word about light, and that it will take more then 2 hours, is an assumption.
just out of curiousity. what would quote, for this job?

greetings

Josh Bass · January 24th, 2006, 08:41 PM

Well, now, wait kids. . .I'd only do that gig for that pay in Houston. If it's in Austin or something, those motherfockers are paying my gas too. Both ways. I have standards. Not yours, maybe, but they're there.

I guess my reasoning is that I didn't buy the camera do make a living, so it's kind of bonus when I get hired with it, even for arguably low pay (I've made much better rates using others' gear. Go figure--neither of these things happens that often, though). Almost everything gear related was bought for the personal movie thing, though I did buy a wireless lav exclusively for gigs. Lights and everything else are so I can DP my own stuff without it looking like ass. If someone pays me to use it, cool.

James Emory · January 24th, 2006, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karl Heiner

hello james,
just out of curiousity. what would quote, for this job?

I would shoot it and provide the gear that was requested for $700 and $925 to add a 4 light Arri kit with a Chimera and a field monitor. Tapes would be extra along with any OT, if any, after 10 hours.

Josh Bass · January 24th, 2006, 08:51 PM

How long have you been in the biz again?

James Emory · January 24th, 2006, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh Bass

How long have you been in the biz again?

What are you getting at? Just come on out with it.

Josh Bass · January 24th, 2006, 09:23 PM

No no, please don't misunderstand. . .it's not an attack. I'm genuinely interested. As I keep saying, if I'd been in the biz a long time, and had the confidence in my own abilities that comes with that, I'd demand more for each shoot. That's why I asked.

I know of plenty of guys who think 800-1000 a day is a reasonable camera rate, but they usually have way more experience than I do, or use better cams.

January 24th, 2006, 06:41 PM	#392
Josh Bass Slash Rules! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 5,472	Chew me a new one if you will, but I would absolutely do that. 200 for two hours? Sure. I've done a 200 dollar full day with camera, so why not. If he wanted lights (which he should), I would draw the line there. That wasn't in Houston, by chance, was it? Anyway, this one SO trumps yours--- "Crew Positions 4 Exciting & New Low Budget Feature Reply to: gigs-127792791@craigslist.org Date: 2006-01-24, 3:10PM EST Who? Producer is in search for a few good men and women to fill positions on this small yet organized crew and production. Dates? The Month of February and 1st. week in March (4 weeks or 1 month shooting) What Positions? Grip- 1,000 $ Makeup Artist- 800$ PA-700$ PA-700$ Script Supervisor- 600$ Format? Film will be shot on super 16mm with festival consideration (IMDB Credit). Details? Monthly Rate, Meals, Copy of Completed Film, & Credit will ALL be provided for your participation in this ambitious and interesting project. What To Do? Send your name and contact information to this posting along with a resume if you have one, for those without please describe your level of experience and what position you are applying for. Film students are welcome to respond and apply. Note: Rates are as they stand, this is a low budget project and we cannot unfortunately offer more pay. This is a great way to gain experience and network with crew and producers while making SOME money, unlike many postings on this website. Only those with positive attitudes and a strong work ethic need apply, I thank you all in advance. Sincerely, Assistant to Producer. " By the way, do these people who put "IMDB Credit" and "festival. . .blah blah blah" in there think that we don't know that anyone can enter their own info on IMDB, and anyone can submit anything to a festival? I could poop in a soup can and submit it as a short. So what? __________________ The Bass' camerawork The Bass on IMDB

January 24th, 2006, 07:21 PM	#395
Josh Bass Slash Rules! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 5,472	I gotta tell you guys---I been doin' this stuff for about four years, on and off (with a WHOLE lot of off). I get a little more work every year, but all in all, I have not done that many freelance shoots. I bought the XL1s to make short films with (this was pre-DVX100 era), and have done that, but the idea to make money with the thing didn't occur to me 'til later ("wait, people will actually pay you to use this camera?"), so that didn't figure into the purchase decision. So that's where I come from with a lot of this stuff. If I had 20 years experience and was fully confident I would not do this or that wrong, miss this or that shot, or anything else, then I would scoff at those rates too. As it is, they're just about right for me right now. Especially for a half day (even if setup/takedown is an hour each, I can't see going past 5 hours). On the other hand, I know a guy who has 30 years experience, and for a full day with this PDX10, lights, audio, etc., would charge $350. Pretty wacky, eh? __________________ The Bass' camerawork The Bass on IMDB

January 24th, 2006, 07:21 PM	#396
K. Forman Capt. Quirk Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Middle of the woods in Georgia Posts: 3,596	Yeah... I'm a full time starving artist, tired of no pay. Where is this job at??? __________________ www.SmokeWagonLeather.us

January 24th, 2006, 07:23 PM	#397
Josh Bass Slash Rules! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 5,472	I have several avenues of income ---master control operator, community college videographer/editor, occasional PA, occasional freelancer videographer. And there's no debt. Wouldn't have bought something I didn't have the money for already. __________________ The Bass' camerawork The Bass on IMDB

January 24th, 2006, 08:41 PM	#401
Josh Bass Slash Rules! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 5,472	Well, now, wait kids. . .I'd only do that gig for that pay in Houston. If it's in Austin or something, those motherfockers are paying my gas too. Both ways. I have standards. Not yours, maybe, but they're there. I guess my reasoning is that I didn't buy the camera do make a living, so it's kind of bonus when I get hired with it, even for arguably low pay (I've made much better rates using others' gear. Go figure--neither of these things happens that often, though). Almost everything gear related was bought for the personal movie thing, though I did buy a wireless lav exclusively for gigs. Lights and everything else are so I can DP my own stuff without it looking like ass. If someone pays me to use it, cool. __________________ The Bass' camerawork The Bass on IMDB

January 24th, 2006, 06:35 PM	#391
James Emory Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 1,892	Too bad the pay isn't high profile for what they want in return. "Videographer needed for high-profile interview/shoot for feature length (90 minutes) documentary. The interview/shoot will take approximately 2 hours. You must own a 1/3" CCD camera (ex. Canon XL1(s), Panasonic DVX100(a), etc.) as well as own/access to a broadcast quality wireless mic. It is imperative that you be able to follow directions from the director. Please respond with camera and mic make/model as well as contact information and experience. I look forward to hearing from you! Compensation: $200"

January 24th, 2006, 07:19 PM	#394
James Emory Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 1,892	Do you or Josh have a full time job? If you do, then this is just extra money. If you don't, then that kind of pay won't make a dent in 10's of thousands of dollars of debt for gear and it's not worth the effort. Then, if it becomes not worth the effort for too long, it's probably time to consider another career. That's reality if this is your full time job like it is for me.

January 24th, 2006, 08:51 PM	#403
Josh Bass Slash Rules! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 5,472	How long have you been in the biz again? __________________ The Bass' camerawork The Bass on IMDB

January 24th, 2006, 09:23 PM	#405
Josh Bass Slash Rules! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 5,472	No no, please don't misunderstand. . .it's not an attack. I'm genuinely interested. As I keep saying, if I'd been in the biz a long time, and had the confidence in my own abilities that comes with that, I'd demand more for each shoot. That's why I asked. I know of plenty of guys who think 800-1000 a day is a reasonable camera rate, but they usually have way more experience than I do, or use better cams. __________________ The Bass' camerawork The Bass on IMDB