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September 20th, 2008, 07:48 AM | #1 |
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Working for "the pros"- your thoughts
"The Pros"- a nation wide company contracting Djs, Photgraphers and Videographers. They sell the package you just shoot, ship the tapes (they edit) and get paid.
The Pros- DJ, Video & Photography Wedding Services I've heard some people think of "the pros" as the anti-christ. Only from photographers tho. So I want your thoughts and opinions... I have a photographer tell me a horror story on how they make you sign a contract that basically takes your name and continues to use your portfolio and name for advertising purposes long after you've become successful. Therefore competing with yourself on Google and other search engines searches with your name. Here are my thoughts: Pros to working with them: -Keeps me going until I can book full time -Gives me more experience in filming weddings (which I think I REALLY need) -gets me some extra dough Cons for working with them: -Its a bunch of work for little pay -the risk of them "using my name" for marketing proposes long after I become a popular videographer in the area ;) Any experience with them? Heard of any stories? Any advice? Would you do it? Cheers!
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September 20th, 2008, 08:11 AM | #2 |
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Never heard of these guys. But I've always thought that if you were going to work for "very little or nothing", it's best to do it for yourself. :)
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September 20th, 2008, 08:28 AM | #3 |
Wrangler
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Mary, I would encourage you to research this and obtain factual information about their contract obligations. DVINFO strives to put out factual information and just having someone 'tell' you a horror story or put negative labels on the company may have some personal bias involved.
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September 20th, 2008, 09:44 AM | #4 |
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Mary,
Let me offer an alternative suggestion. There must be a succesful company in your area that needs second shooters. I would look for someone I could mentor with in a way until your stuff takes off. Be upfront with them and absorb the thigns you like and don't like, etc. Good luck. Bill |
September 21st, 2008, 08:26 AM | #5 | |
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Quote:
What's better than first-hand accounts?
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www.styleandmotion.com - Modern Wedding Films based in Michigan www.miweddingblog.com - Michigan's dedicated wedding blog Last edited by Greg Boston; September 21st, 2008 at 09:39 AM. Reason: repaired quote |
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September 21st, 2008, 09:38 AM | #6 | |
Wrangler
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Quote:
regards, -gb- |
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September 21st, 2008, 12:32 PM | #7 | |
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Quote:
Monday |
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September 21st, 2008, 01:23 PM | #8 |
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Ditto to what Greg said...It's wise to exercise a little prudence in how you characterize another company, especially one that may be positioned to provide you with some work...
Any production company that asks you to do work for hire will request the ownership of the copyright, including the right to use your work to promote their production company. That's normal. It's nothing extraordinary...there's no need to make it sound as if something is fishy or exploitative about this... You're a hired gun. You're not a producer. If you want to be a producer, then you need to take on a producer's jobs, which includes sales and marketing. If you back out the time that most one-man band freelancers spend on marketing and sales from the final price, then they're not typically making a ton of money either. Just to shift your perspective on this a little... |
September 21st, 2008, 06:02 PM | #9 | |
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Quote:
I have talked with a videographer in NY who has worked for the pros for a few years. If they were terrible to work for I don't think she would have continued to work for them. Are there ways to make more money, yes. Is it better than sitting at home and making nothing, that's your decision. I do not know how much they pay, but I do know that their productions are priced relatively low, so you could probably make more money working for a local video production company who does higher priced work. I would check out the Orlando area video association. PVCF Professional Videographers of Central Florida - Wedding Corporate Events You may be able to find more favorable working conditions there, but if not, at least you will be able to make a more informed decision. |
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September 22nd, 2008, 08:23 AM | #10 | ||
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Quote:
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Please edit or take down my post if I have put DVINFO in any sort of liability. This was not my intention, nor was it to tarnish another companies name. I assumed this was a safe venue for videographers to discuss freely about their personal experiences and I felt that naming the company was a necessary part in receiving responses to make a informed (and balanced) opinion.
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