Ridiculous Job Offers / Demands!!

[Glenn Davidson]

So I have this client that is sending me to various Resort Hotels in California to tape their programs. They pay my fee plus, rent my equipment. They also pay for parking, hotel room, room service, bar and restaurant tab, but they will not pay for in-room movie. Would you walk?

[Josh Bass]

Uh oh. I think someone's making fun of James.

[James Emory]

Originally Posted by Josh Bass

No no, please don't misunderstand. . .it's not an attack. .

LMAO!! Boy, I like to watch you squirm!! Hahaha!

The rates that I get are what I am used to getting for the projects and shows that I have worked on and for the 15 years of experience that I have put in, just like anyone else that makes the same if not more.

[James Emory]

Originally Posted by Glenn Davidson

So I have this client that is sending me to various Resort Hotels in California to tape their programs. They pay my fee plus, rent my equipment. They also pay for parking, hotel room, room service, bar and restaurant tab, but they will not pay for in-room movie. Would you walk?

Heck yeah, I couldn't do the job unless my movies were paid for! Who wouldn't give up $1500 a day to get that? Hahaha!

[James Emory]

Originally Posted by Josh Bass

Uh oh. I think someone's making fun of James.

He didn't mention any names, squirt!

[Josh Bass]

But seriously, in those 15 years, how many shoots (days, I guess) have you had? Rough estimate.

[James Emory]

What is this, the Bass Inquisition?

[Josh Bass]

Done. Now answer, James Emory.

[James Emory]

Not that I owe you an explanation, unless it's for a job, but I'll send you links to my info because I don't like openly yapping about my accomplishments. Although anyone can see a partial client list on my website.

[Josh Bass]

Ok, so, point made--you can justify those rates. I, on the other hand, can list pretty much every shoot I've had on one page.

[James Emory]

Thanks for your approval. If you're not paralyzed from someone smacking you for that mouth of yours, in 15 years you'll have a longer list too. :O

[Josh Bass]

Smacking my mouth? How much have you worked around production people? We're all just filthy. Get a bunch of dudes together. . .filthy. Filthy. The lower end the production, the filthier they are.

So, sorry if I genuinely offended you (and you're not just making me squirm again). I'm used to filthy people.

[Karl Heiner]

Originally Posted by James Emory

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.

hello james,

thanks,

but do you suggest one should take all the not requested equipment, just in case it will be needed?
how do you upgrade your fees?
is your fee then a all day fee, and not limited to the 2 hours?

greetings

[Josh Bass]

I hear upgrading fees is hard, and often means losing that client. So far, not an issue for the Bass.

[James Emory]

Originally Posted by Karl Heiner

hello james,

thanks,

but do you suggest one should take all the not requested equipment, just in case it will be needed?
how do you upgrade your fees?
is your fee then a all day fee, and not limited to the 2 hours?

greetings

I need to say that I don't necessarily command these rates, they are what I am offered when I work in key positions on network shows. I do set these same rates for my personal clients and I guess I've been lucky to get them so far because they are always happy with the end product.

Myself and others that I work with usually don't work half days because there's really no way to sell the other half. Now, in a busier market like LA, that may be different because there is so much work. Like a said earlier, it rarely if ever is as short as they say it will be for whatever reason(s) and you need to be covered if it goes over. If you agree to a lower rate for two hours and it goes over, guess what, you're working for free! This knowledge comes with experience and by getting screwed.