Finally, someone has gotten tired enough of the crap to tell it like it is.

"Feature Film Producer Xxx Xxxxxxxx, with major backing needs People and Fake companies who post things here (another board), that are lies and never pan out but boost your egos and fuel your own delusions. I only need 10, that should be a drop in the bucket. Union players only. No it's not a comedy. Salary: just what I owe you....Nothing."

"(this is customary in Seattle; hopefully the same applies on the east coast)."
No wonder Seattle is the suicide capitol!

She ought to be a televangelist by the way she lures you in and then near the end subtly asks for your love gift of (in addition to the minimal hour) scout time, your camera, and of course, experience!

"I'm a writer-director in Seattle, getting ready to shoot my first documentary on the east coast. The format is miniDV. I need an experienced cinematographer to shoot the culminating event in Atlanta on the morning of August 30. In other words, after a long fight, there is closure in this chapter of history and I need someone to document it. I will then start at the beginning and tell the story leading up to this event. No interviews are required for this shoot. I don't anticipate it to last more than an hour. I will provide final details when I get them.

This project has come up suddenly, so getting to Atlanta on short notice is not possible for me--unless I get funding in the next week or so which is unlikely. Currently, all I can offer is credit and a copy of the final project (this is customary in Seattle; hopefully the same applies on the east coast). I am working on a proposal for funding. I am EXTREMELY passionate about this project and a great, persuasive writer. I am confident I will be able to get funding, especially if I have a highly skilled crew. When that happens, if you've done a great job, I will be able to offer you a paid position. There will be minimal in-state travel required. Please have several years experience, a demo reel and a Panasonic AG-DVX100A or better (miniDV only). I will reimburse for tape stock. Documentary experience a HUGE plus. I'm targeting this film for festivals and PBS, so please no amateurs or hobbyists. It would be helpful if you could scout the location prior to the shooting date to determine lighting and sound requirements.

Feel free to check out my Web site at http://www.xxxxxxxxxxx.com. Send resume and demo reel to Xxxxxxxx Productions, PO Box XXXX, Seattle WA 98111. If you have an online demo reel (strongly preferred), you can e-mail your resume (PDF documents only) with a link to your reel to xxxxxxxxxatxxxxxxxxxxx.com"

Currently, all I can offer is credit and a copy of the final project (this is customary in Seattle; hopefully the same applies on the east coast).

What really pisses me off is the people who say "must have DVX100A, or better", so a regular DVX100 isn't good enough? Nor a GL1 or VX2000 or XL1?

James, could you email me a link to the original ad? I'm going to email him my thoughts. :)

Don't get mad but I just wrote a similar ad myself! Fact is, I am a graduate student, so I have no money to give. The least I can do is offer credit and copy! Well... I can do a bit better than that, but not a lot. As for specifying the camera... it is a way of saying: "This production requires a camera with manual control"... or "If your camcorder is not better than these, we might as well use mine".

Don't get mad but I just wrote a similar ad myself! Fact is, I am a graduate student, so I have no money to give. The least I can do is offer credit and copy! Well... I can do a bit better than that, but not a lot. As for specifying the camera... it is a way of saying: "This production requires a camera with manual control"... or "If your camcorder is not better than these, we might as well use mine".


Hey Emre
The difference is that the posted of that "job" has the audacity to suggest that working for a copy and credit is the norm.

My take on "you must have this camera" is that the poster isn't skilled enough to know that the operator makes more difference than the quality of the camera.

Emre. This is my view but I'm sure most others will agree. There's nothing wrong with anyone asking for production work for lower than normal, low, deferred or even no pay. I think we have all done it at least once for projects we believed in depending on the content and/or the producer/crew or just for the practical experience. Just be up front with all of the specifics and don't be so demanding if you can't offer compensation. That's what makes these job posts so ridiculous and sometimes comical, their demading nature for such little or no guaranteed return. If you don't have a budget, then you can't be so particular about crew or gear and if anyone gets mad about that then they need to find another career. Ithink the biggest insult is when someone tries to justify no pay by offering all of these sidelines like a copy and food. Hell, that's something you ought to do anyway! I think I will send my cell provider a copy of my last project as payment for my cell service, ha ha ha ha ha!

Dylan. Your right! I agree that she actually thinks that because there's alot of people that are willing to do it that it's the norm. She's just really naive and will eventually learn before she goes broke, hopefully.

I don't know what it is...maybe its because I love shooting...but I never understand why these people make all these rediculous demands, and all this top notch equipment from people with like 3 years experience...and don't have the money to pay...yet it never occurs to them to just shoot it themselves. It seems to me if I'm a person, even with no skill in shooting...and I have absolutely no money to pay, I would do it myself.

I mean you don't go to a carpenter and say, I need some cabinets, they have to be real wood, preferably treated, with an ornate design...you must have 3 years experience...I can't pay you...but you can take pictures and use it as examples of your work for future clients.

And that makes me realize yet another thing....someone who has that much experience probably has all they need for a reel anyway....and if they need something else...like a particular camera move or something...they would just set it up and do it themselves.

James, Matt, both really well put as well.
Here is how to get me to work for free. Send an e-mail that says:

Hi
I've got a shoot coming up, and I don't have a DP/videographer/photographer yet. It's a non paying gig, but I could really use your help. I know you don't care about credit or your reel, which is all I have to offer, I just really need it as a favour. I promise I won't waste your time on it. If you can make it, cool, if not, I understand.

Thanks

PS, Was it Glenmorangie or Lagavulin that you drink?

Yep. That's all it takes.

Some people may not really be knuckleheads and actually not realize how ridiculous their post sounds when they first write it but it can easily be interpreted that way. We all want an A list crew on our project but reality governs that probability.

I should change that ad...

haha very true.


but obviously he at least knew you enough to know the proper non-monetary compensation lol...which is one way alot of people will give out free help. In my example...sure you could get a carpenter for free...but he's probably your friend or your brother...not something you post on the internet.

Another good way to get people to work for free is to have an applicable skill that you can offer them in the future. Like if maybe you don't know an F-stop from a stop sign...but your a great animator, sound guy, or something...and you'd say "I'll animate you a production logo for free, and do your opening title sequence on your next flick, if you can come DP my short". In fact, I have a music video shoot coming up, that the director suggested that I'd be compensated for...but I'm considering significanly lowering my fee, or even doing it for free if he would agree to do a storyboard for me (something he's very good at...and I can't draw a stick figure).

Matt, that's a good point. What makes it even more ridiculous is that these people demand so much from strangers. You can get more bees with honey than with vinegar, ha ha ha ha.

Yep, I'll do trade outs but only if it's associated within the industry and if it's really beneficial to my needs. I love the ones who want to give you something that you could never use. What we do does not appeal to the masses so unrelated tradeouts don't help us.

I hope their not saying their from LA to be impressive. It's better than nothing but a bit much to want a shooter to be a field producer, provide a light kit and sound for that rate. Then, to top it off, parking and travel come out of the $250.00.

"We are a Los Angeles based production company seeking a camera operator with own DVX 100A camera, lavaliere microphone system and lights for a short off camera interview in Columbus, GA. We will provide you with a location to go to, and a set of questions to ask off camera. Please email your equipment list, relevant credit list and a digital reel.

The rate will be $250 which will include your parking and travel costs."

Maybe I'm wrong but this one seems pushy and lowball for someone with Avid and broadcast editing experience....(I haven't cut anything off the beginning, this is how the post started...)


<<If you don't know what Avid is, please do not reply.
If you don't have any experience editing on Avid, please do not reply.
If you cannot work during daytime hours do not reply.
If you have experience on avid, experience with broadcast television, experience with documentary film making and a kick ass reel PLEASE REPLY.

Avid Express Pro experience a plus.
Photoshop experience a plus.
Documentary, Reality TV editing a plus.

We are currently editing a TV Show pilot, and may already have the show sold. if you can get in now, we will take you with us as the show continues.
Job location is LAS VEGAS
Compensation: $15 HR | TAX FREE
This is a part-time job.>>

wow...I never thought this day would come...but I got one...and also I want to emphasis that this guy has been spamming forums like crazy with this one (and also I should mention that the mispelling of 'pilot' is present in every single spam, including ones days after his initial post and also long after people responded criticising his mispelling):

"Hey...a friend of mine and I have a deal with a tv station that is in the LA area that is soon to go nationwide and we are looking for 2 more people who can run camera but you need to have a digital 3ccc (3 chip) camera. The show will be nationwide and we first need to do the piolet and the show is a extreme sports show that focus's on BMX, Skateboarding and Motocross and in the summer it will be on Surfing and in the winter we will do snowboarding instead of motocross. We need 2 camera people, a lights person and a sound person, if you are interested please send me a messege and if available along with a resume asap. You will not be paid for the piolot but when the first weekly episode air's then we can talk money eventually!"

I should also note that later someone asked him what is the station and the call letters to which he responded:

"Im not going to say for certain reasons"

LOL...I tried my hardest to be angry...but that is just downright silly.

Matt

I should also note that later someone asked him what is the station and the call letters to which he responded:

"Im not going to say for certain reasons"


He isn't going to say cause there isn't one. :)

<<We are currently editing a TV Show pilot, and may already have the show sold. if you can get in now, we will take you with us as the show continues.
Job location is LAS VEGAS
Compensation: $15 HR | TAX FREE >>

... and no way in heck will they give you a contract guaranteeing they'll take you with them as the show continues. And I smell double trouble because they're in Las Vegas. Up-and-up deals in L.V. are fine. Shady deals in LV are extra shady! B)

At least they didn't

A) misspell 'pilot'
B) misspell it two *different* ways, LOL

Another thing about the BMX one...is the sheer lack of sense of the logistics of what he is asking for. You think...sure you probably need two shooters to do BMX, motocross, and snowboarders...that's pretty reasonable. But exactly what is your lighting guy and sound guy going do to? Is he going to snowboard behind him with an HMI glued to his snowboard?

Conversely, if instead he's talking about doing the studio portion...such as a host and interviews with pro extreme sports people....why does he need two cameras? I asked him this, and he explained that he is doing it a "different" way by using several cameras for different angles...to which I responded there is absolutely nothing different about that...that's how TV shows shoot real programs...but they spend money to do it...but you can shoot a pilot of interviews and in studio hosting with a single camera.

I had a lovely one the other day. I applied for a job offering £350 (I guess $500) per finished DVD, for editing an instructional series to be distributed nationally. There would be 4 DVD's in all, so total pay I worked out to be £1400.

Although not the greatest pay for this sort of work, I figured what the hey, why not? Might be fun. Beside it'd certainly pay the bills for a couple of months.

I emailed, with a link to my showreel, and got a reply a day later, saying that I was in the final selection of editors for the job, and that now they wanted some honesty from me, asking me exactly what I could and couldn't do, in terms of editing, music, design, dvd menus etc.

As I read on, I realise that stuffed in near the bottom of the email, lost in the ether of "copy of dvd, credit on box, great for showreel" stuff was "Pay: £40 per DVD, £200 for all 4."

I mean that is just slave labour... especially considering what they wanted done, including everything from editing to design of the dvd cover, replication, menu design, musical scoring etc etc.

Personally, if the advert was worded nicely, with some enthusiastic rumblings about it's potential (or something) then I would have considered doing it for cost. But to drop the pay so significantly, whilst demanding honesty from me, well that just set the alarm bells ringing!

This was the original post

"We are shooting some projects this weekend. Let me know if you want to take part. Send me your resume. You must have access to a professional camera (and bring it to the set), and must get back to me ASAP. I will select crew and give credentials later this afternnon. You will be shooting bigtime celebrities and storm victims. Times are: Sat 6p, Sun 6p, and Monday morning...with a brief crew meeting either sat morning or right before Sat evening shoot. Let me know which days you are available or select all days. I'll get back to you Friday evening with further details.

Must be very professional. Should be a lot of fun, great opportunities to network and enjoy the event after shoot.



Job location is Xxxxxxx

Compensation: varies"

This was the direct response to the post

The part I like the most is the rate and then the fact that you only get that if it airs

Then to top it off, she will get there after she comes from her paying job at Turner Sports

"Hey guys,

1. the event at hand is the Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx (Xxxxx Xxxx) Charity weekend.
(Technically it started yesturday) but I had other shoots to take care of. We will shoot at the fun...adult activities. Sat is poker night with a red carpet. Sunday is on a boat at Lake Xxxxxx. They both start at 6p...until we got all of our shots...then you can put your equipment up and enjoy the evening, smooze a bit with the stars and make connections for your next big break in this crazy industry we work in. Or...you could go home. If you've been to these events before...you'll know its a perk filled night. With that said...

2. We are doing this for Current TV, a new news network catered to 18-34 year olds. You will be paid only...$50...if this piece airs. (We most likely will air, because my work usually does.) But, up front these are the stipulations.

3. Now, with that...we won't work you too hard 'cause we'll have a shot list.
If you still want to be apart of this great opportunity, please reply back.

I'll need you Sat, Sun @5:30p; the crew is 2 cameras, director, host, stylist.

Also reply soon, so I can add your name to the all access credentials. Also we need to have a crew meeting in the early afternoon 1p sharp. We'll meet and you'll get your details. I have to work at Turner Sports for a while...I don't know when I'll get off. But, you'll be cleared to shoot before I arrive.

--
Thanks so much!"

Movin' on up! They can't pay YOU, but...., may decide to shoot 16mm film (doubling the cost) instead of video. How great it must be to have such options.


"This would be great for someone who has Key PA'd or PA'd lots of times and is looking to move up. Non-paying, however. Projected shoot schedule is 4-5 days. Will receive credit, a copy of final edit and be fed. Must be capable of doing ALL the things required of an AD. Current version of script is 7 pages and MAY be no more than 10 pages after final revisions. Right now, planning on shooting digital video but MIGHT shoot 16mm. Also looking for a Props Master/Mistress. Send resume(s)."

I don't know if it's ridiculous but it sure is comical. I wonder why it's half price in Georgia?

"We shoot low budget music videos for $500 in Georgia, $1000 in Florida, $1000 in Alabama, $1000 in North Carolina, $1000 in South Carolina, and $1000 in Tennessee."

I don't know if it's ridiculous but it sure is comical. I wonder why it's half price in Georgia?

"We shoot low budget music videos for $500 in Georgia, $1000 in Florida, $1000 in Alabama, $1000 in North Carolina, $1000 in South Carolina, and $1000 in Tennessee."

I'm guessing they are based out of Georgia and therefore don't need as much in the way of travel related production expenses.

Yep. That's a possibility but I would hate to think that much went to travel/accommodations instead of the production.

These clowns are at it again. You would think they are backed by a major studio with all of the listed responsibilities and departments except for one thing..... at the very bottom on the last line it says, deferred payment until March 2006!!!!!! Translation, no pay!! You've done all the work and they disappear. They tried to get me to shoot with my gear under these terms last year. Someone actually took the time to think all of this up and then type it out. If you have to define all of the positions of a crew, you are already in deep trouble. Unbelievable folks!!!

"Assistant Directors - primary responsibility will be assisting the Director of “The Xxxxxx,” including but not limited to the following: location consulting, scheduling, preparing shooting schedules, filling out production paperwork, summoning and serving as a liaison between the director and actors or other production crew members, rehearsing actors, organizing crowd scenes, maintaining order on the set and some casting.

Production Assistant – These needed individuals will assist the Production team/crew during shooting/filming. They assist in all needed duties during filming. These individuals will report to the Assistant Director. Some production experience is good but not required.

Location Manger – This individual is responsible for ensuring locations are obtained for shooting/filming. Other duties include working with Producers, Executive Producers, Screenwriters and Directors to ensure locations are secured, location contracts are created and presented. Strong management, scheduling and organization skills are required, coupled with excellent communication and writing skills. Human Resources or project management skills required.

Camera Persons (4 positions) – These individual are responsible for shooting/filming during filming/shooting season.
NOW until May 31, 2006. Experience using a Canon XL1s is required and you don't have to have your own camera. Must have experience working on a series type production.

Production Coordinator
– This position is an integral part of the production process and team.
This individual works closely with the Director and Executive Producers of The Xxxxxx ensuring production dates and filming/shooting dates are met on time or in a timely manner. Other duties include working with the Location Manager, Producers, Production Crew/Team, and Talent to ensure everything is on point when it’s time to film/shoot. Excellent time management, scheduling and organization skills are required coupled with excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Talent Director
– This individual must have a charming personality and a very sharp tongue.
This individual works closely with the Director, Production Coordinator and Executive Producers of The Xxxxxx ensuring Talent is on point to film/shoot during scheduled filming/shooting days. Other duties include managing the Talent in a soft but firm hand. Keeping Talent informed of all events pertaining to the Talent’s filming/shooting schedule, contract items or issues, conflicts, concerns, etc. Excellent people skills are required coupled with time management; scheduling and organizational skills, as well as, excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ideal position for an individual with a Human Resource background. Must be able to provide charming firm criticism to Talent.

Producers
– These individuals are placed on the front line to greet our customers/public so a charming personality is required. Duties include receiving a scene and working with other Producers, Location Managers, Executive Producers, Screenwriters and Directors to ensure assigned scenes have everything required/needed to guarantee the completion of a successful shoot. These individuals work closely with the Production Coordinator of The Xxxxxx. Excellent people skills are required coupled with time management; scheduling and organizational skills, as well as, excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ideal position for an individual with a Project Management, Sales or Team Leader background.

Customer Specialist
– These individuals must have a friendly charming personality to greet our demanding customers. Responsibilities include handling customer request and complaints, troubleshooting customer’s orders and resolving customer conflicts. This position is designed to fully charge our customers with a warm and fuzzy from Xxxxxx Xxxxx Productions. Excellent people skills are required coupled with time management, scheduling and organizational skills, as well as, excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must have experience with MS-Word, MS-Excel and emailing. Must be able to make toll call throughout the country. Ideal position for an individual with Customer Service skills.

Sound Specialist
– this individual must have proven track record for producing and obtaining quality sound from a shoot. Responsibilities include setting up sound equipment, reviewing sound quality, providing sound advice, troubleshooting sound quality problems and sound conflicts. Excellent teamwork is required coupled with time management, scheduling and organizational skills, as well as, excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Compensation: DEFERRED PAYMENT UNTIL MARCH 2006. START IMMEDIATELY..."

Camera Persons (4 positions) –
NOW until May 31, 2006. Experience using a Canon XL1s is required and you don't have to have your own camera.

Next ad I put out will read:

"Camera operater wanted. Must be able to use focus, zoom, and iris. Must be able to operate tripod."

I have a friend who has done on-air interviews for a TV show for 3 years and he hasn't received a penny. In his 3rd season, he even filled out a contract but still nothing!

Older people who scam young people are absolute scum.

I agree with you 100% about the scamming part. That's one reason this thread was created, to shed some light on these knuckleheads. However, scammers are the young and the old and unfortunately becoming more of the young as they learn from the old. But they can only scam if people fall for their crap and let them do it. Unfortunately, there's a steady stream of young and naive people, especially college kids, willing to fill these positions with ambiguous pretenses that could actually happen but more than likely won't. I've been duped, but that's how you learn. It's the one's that don't learn after a short few times that I'm worried about.

Well, if your friend has a contract, he at least has something to hold them to. What good is the contract if he doesn't enforce it? If he was getting some pay, that would be better than nothing, especially in this hard to find a job industry. But he's not getting anything. So he has nothing to lose by enforcing the contract or walking! What are they going to do, send him home for a week with NO PAY or even worse, fire him for insubordination for wanting to be paid? I don't have much sympathy for folks who have nothing to lose but stay in a bad situation anyway. As it is, it sounds like he has enough for legal action.

Here's one I saw today.

"Filming is from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. most days. Filming will take place in Monroe WA (about 45 minutes from Seattle)
The pay is $50/day ($250 total). (Plus meals, screen credit, and a copy of the movie on DVD when it is finished.)
We had a cinematographer signed on for this movie. Due to a sudden health situation in his family, he had to abruptly leave the project. So we're looking for a replacement on short notice.
Would love to find a DP with his or her own high def equipment. "

Let me see...They want you to work 10 hours a day, @ $50.00/day, or $5.00 an hour. BTW, minimum wage in Washington is $7.00 an hour...
Oh, if you can bring your own equipment. We'll provide you some cheap sandwiches and a DVD...
I certainly understand why the current cinematographer had a health situation in the family. Someone probably starved to death.

And don't forget to bring your Hi Def gear! They may give you an extra pickle on your FREE sandwich for that.

Filmmakers suck.

Filmmakers suck.

Ohh.... I should get a T-shirt made of that.

This is an INTERNSHIP!? This last staff position I had which involved those skill paid about $80,000. Mind you, this isn't a no pay Doc or student film, it's a PRODUCTION COMPANY. This isn't for the Tape Library, it's computer troubleshooting, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc!



Production company needs an editor intern for part- or full-time. Some of the duties include troubleshooting with MAC, logging, burning DVDs etc., and may be working on projects, such as tv shows, short films, commercials, documentaries, etc.

MUST have experience in the following:

- MACs
- Troubleshooting w/MAC
- Final Cut Pro HD
- Photo Shop Illustrator
- Multimedia
- Web Experience

Skills in the following are a plus:

- Deamweaver
- Flash
- HTML
- FIP

This is an unpaid internship, but may lead to a paid position. Please send cover letters and resumes to Karen at the above Craig's List email. NO ATTACHMENTS please. Thank you!

"I am attempting to complete a portfolio and need a skilled amateur phtographer who fully understands lighting and how it affects photography.


Job location is atl

Compensation: 75 p\h plus I will pay for any needed accessories such as film."

75 an hour is too low for you? I knew anything about photography, I'd take it!

Nope! I don't do stills for a living, just for myself with a typical $200.00 4 megapixel camera. I was mostly talking about the request for a "skilled amateur". That's like asking for some dry water. Translation, they need someone that knows what they are doing and is cheap, although $75/hour isn't bad if that's labor only for a 10-12 hour day. I don't know what still shooters usually get for a day rate to know what to compare that posted rate to.

I suppose you have a point. Still, $75 an hour ain't nothin' to sneeze at from my perspective. Some of these guys, they'll sneeze anyway. I say let 'em.

"I need two Producer-Directors to shoot & edit a US version of a hit British reality format for the Discovery Channel.

You need to be able to shoot very well on DV. If you can't shoot, don't apply. You need to be able to stand up to five arduous weeks trekking through largely uncharted African jungle, during which time you will be filming 12 people each with different disabilities as they try to complete the trek.

The job lasts roughly from Feb 2006 through August 2006. Before that there'll also be a couple of months casting & shooting back stories of participants. One person will also do a two week recce in Zambia, Botswana and Namibia in about five weeks time.

It's going to be great, but extremely tough. For example, several of the crew on the British version contracted malaria. Absolutely everyone experienced the worst diarrhoea of their lives. If you're not up for that kind of thing, don't bother applying. If you are applying please include details of any previous filming in Africa and any Visas you hold currently.

I want to do a round of interviews in NYC next Mon & Tues, the 10th & 11th October from 9am through to 9pm. Unfortunately if you're not available then it's very unlikely that we'll be able to consider you. Apologies for that."

Person is flying in from California for a wedding in CENTRAL PARK NYC and wants to pay WHAT! for an Canon XL series camera. AND this person wants to see a reel!

I'm looking for two DP's with XL-1s or something like that to shoot a wedding in Central Park.
This gig pays $150 each. I'd love to see an online reel.

Contact Aaron by email.

310-xxx-xxx

I love this thread. Where else can I read about job opportunities that give me diarrhea (my spelling is correct) and malaria. This defines a crappy job...

(BTW, what are the poor handicapped people doing out there, and how are they getting by...Imagine the producers for this show: "Hey let's throw a bunch of people into Africa...maybe some guys in wheel chairs or seriously obese ones...and get them to race from one side of the continent to the other. We should get some laughs, jerk some tears, it'll be a ratings blockbuster...")

I love this thread. Where else can I read about job opportunities that give me diarrhea (my spelling is correct) and malaria.
We aims to please!!

I guess the deal closer would be to find out that it's deferred!

Of course, there is the new No/Lo from Al-Queda for both video and editing.

DUBAI (Reuters) - Al Qaeda has put job advertisements on the Internet asking for supporters to help put together its Web statements and video montages, an Arabic newspaper reported.

The London-based Asharq al-Awsat said on its Web site this week that al Qaeda had "vacant positions" for video production and editing statements, footage and international media coverage about militants in Iraq, the Palestinian territories, Chechnya and other conflict zones where militants are active.

The paper said the Global Islamic Media Front, an al Qaeda-linked Web-based organization, would "follow up with members interested in joining and contact them via email".

The paper did not say how applicants should contact the Global Islamic Media Front.

Al Qaeda supporters widely use the Internet to spread the group's statements through dozens of Islamist sites where anyone can post messages. Al Qaeda-linked groups also set up their own sites, which frequently have to move after being shut by Internet service providers.

The advertisements, however, could not be found on mainstream Islamist Web sites where al Qaeda and other affiliate groups post their statements.

Asharq al-Awsat said the advert did not specify salary amounts, but added: "Every Muslim knows his life is not his, since it belongs to this violated Islamic nation whose blood is being spilled. Nothing should take precedence over this."

The Front last month launched an Internet news broadcast called Voice of the Caliphate, which it said aimed to combat anti-Qaeda "lies and propaganda" on major international and Arab television channels such as CNN and Al Jazeera.

Al Qaeda and other groups have increasingly turned to the Internet to win young Muslims over to their war against Western-backed governments in Arab and Muslim countries.

Islamist insurgents fighting U.S. forces and the U.S.-backed government in Iraq have often posted slick montages of their military activities, including beheadings of hostages, on the Internet where they spread through dozens of Islamist sites.

I wrote to the Al Qaeda and asked whether they'll let me shoot in 24pA and use my 35mm adapter.

Here's a Gem from Craigslist:
Here are the posts in this forum:
http://vancouver.craigslist.org/cwg/
CAMERA OPERATOR WANTED

Original post:

We are looking for a camera operater available to work with us on a new t.v./reality show project. This is a volunteer job, in which you must be able to provide your own gear (Video Camera, lighting, etc...) We plan to be shooting a 30 minute demo in the Vancouver area. With this demo, we will be handing out the complete 30 minute presentation to various local T.V. stations. We are looking for someone who is able to provide good quality time in a 2 week period. This is a great experience for those looking to work in the film industry. Hope to hear from you!


Reply 1


Here is what you wrote:
"We are looking for a camera operater available to work with us on a new t.v./reality show project. This is a volunteer job, in which you must be able to provide your own gear (Video Camera, lighting, etc...)" BLAH BLAH BLAH....

Here is my response:
Can you please offer me some idea as to what could possibly be in it for me or any other camera operator to help you for free? Why would I bring $20,000 of my equipment that I'd rent for $500 a day alone, not including my time, to help you try and get a TV show running? Do you have any experience actually selling a TV show? Seems unlikely to me, as if you actually had a track record, you could get some funding to pay people instead of taking advantage of a semi-flooded market because you think you can.

Also, a warning to everyone reading this... this is a fairly useless experience for those looking to work in the film industry, as it is a different industry completely, and if the original posters know enough about the business, than they are lying outright to you, and if they don't then they certainly don't know enough to take this project anywhere.

I'm disgusted by the amout of people pretending to be producers who lure inexperience camera operators into dead end projects and waste their time and money. You chumps give the business a bad name. Get some balls, raise some money, pay people what they are worth.


The original poster didn't like that and answed:

THIS IS A RESPONSE TO THE INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS DECIDED TO "BASH' INDEPENDENT ARTIST SUCH AS OURSELVES. IF YOU HAD THE PATIENCE TO CONTACT US BEFORE YOU FALSLY ACCUSE US, THEN YOU WOULD REALIZE THAT WE ARE A VULENTEER PROJECT WORKING TO CLEAN UP THE STREETS OF VANCOUVER WITH THIS NEW REALITY SHOW IDEA WE RECENTLY CREATED. WE ARE NOT ASKING YOU OR ANYONE TO BRING THEIR $20,000 EQUIPEMENT, WE ARE ASKING FOR A CAMERA OPERATER WHO HAS A DESCENT CAMERA, SPOTLIGHT, AND WHAT EVER ELSE THEY HAVE TO OFFER (INCLUDING A FEW HOURS OF THEIR TIME), IN WHICH WE WOULD TAKE CARE OF THE PAYMENTS FOR FOOD, FILM, BATTERIES AND STUFF LIKE THAT. THE LAST THING WE WANT YOU TO DO IS TO GO OUT AND SPEND $500.00 ON RENTAL GEAR. ALSO, YOU BASHED ON US ABOUT "NOT BEING PROFESSIONAL AND NOT HAVING ACTUAL EXPERIENCE BASED ON OUR TRACK RECORD..." RIGHT AFTER YOU MENTION THAT YOU WOULD HAVE TO "RENT" THE EQUIPEMENT? YOU BETTER THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK. NEXT TIME YOU DECIDE TO BE A FALSE WITNESS, THINK AHEAD OF TIME ABOUT WHAT A FOOL YOU SOUND LIKE TYPING SUCH A REDICULOUS RESPONSE. THIS WEBSITE IS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE SERIOUS AND TRYING TO BE PRODUCTIVE, NOT FOR KIDS LIKE YOU. "NO COOKIE FOR YOU!" "HERE IS THE REDICULOUS RESPONSE HE TYPED FOR ALL THOSE WHO WANT TO READ IT"



And my response is....
I said I rent MY gear out for $500 a day (Sony DSR-570, + 6 point Arri kit) on top of my daily rate, not that I'd have to rent it to shoot your gig for you.

I'm bashing (cough) "artists" like yourself, because as a 15 year veteran of videography and cinematography, I'm sick and tired of seeing posts like yours on Craigslists around North America, trying to lure in young camera operators to shoot your gigs for you for free with false promises of useful experience. I know, I paid my dues, and I can smell BS and wasted time an email away.

Look, good luck in your project, really. I don't hold anything against you for trying to get the job done, I just want to let potential candidates know where they stand.
If you can't afford to pay even a basic wage, maybe you should be putting your time into getting some OPM, and if you can't do that, than maybe your project isn't financially viable, and if it isn't, then why the heck would anyone short of a student want to work on it? This forum is for professionals, and that implies GETTING PAID. If you want something for free, go to the Barter section, or better yet, leave Craigslist and go post and ad at VFS...

Also, if you want to talk about a lack of professionalism, please learn to proofread, and check out a course on grammar. If you believe I am a foolish kid, than so be it, I can live with that.

Just a note for other camera operators in the city, if you are sick and tired of this "work for free because..." attitude from (cough) "producers" then don't be afraid to stand up and say something. They need us more than we need them.

ANother poster replied:

The original poster's response to whoever put that warning out only confirms the warning. I would be worried about working for any producer who did not realize that they would have to rent the equipment from its owner.

The way this stuff works is that if you want a camera operator with their own equipment, you have to pay them to rent their equipment from them, as well as for their time. Now, you might be able to convince someone to do it as a deferral, but you'd still need to provide insurance and all sorts of other things that it seems very unlikely exist on this shoot.

My recommendation goes out not to hopeful camera operators looking to respond. By all means, if you have the gear and the gig looks like fun, go for it. At the very least you can practice lighting things and using your camera. However, to the producers: get more experience before you leap in. Your inexperience showed in your original post and your over the top response only sealed the deal.

Do some PA work. Lots of it. Assist other producers. Do some AD work too, so you understand what the direction department needs to accomplish. THEN run your own show. By then, you'll have made friends (assuming you don't always blow up at reasonable criticism) and those friends will be able to help you get equipment and crew for cheap. But spend the time first.


ANyway, I thought you'd all enjoy that, it's good to see some people fight back.

"XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, a student chartered organization at Xxxxxxxxx State University is seeking a videographer to videotape upcoming fall fashion show.

If interested, please email us at xxxxxatyahoo.com

Job location is Xxxxxxxxxx, XX

Compensation: $50.00 plus additional salary as tapes are sold; bids accepted"

Sorry Jimbo, I'm going to underbid you if it kills me. $30!!

Sorry Bill, I just got the job for $20 aaand a promise for more work in the future! If I'm too busy to work on their future projects, I'll give them your name.

I don't know if this is ridiculous or just plain ignorant!

"I need someone to videotape a wedding and reception for me in Georgia, specifically Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx Sat Oct 15 at 2 pm. You need a video camera,tri-pod and if you have a wireless mic that would be great but not required. Film the wedding in its entirety and pick and choose what you film at reception (edit thru camera) so when you leave your jobs done. Keep in mind what you send me is exactly what I give the couple, I dont edit, so you send me a finished video. You mail me a VHS copy on SP speed, I mail you a Money Order for $150.00. Simple. I will try to get you more jobs in the future as well. Contact me if interested. X.XXX.XXX.XXXX

Xxxxxx"

Just got offered a "job" from a friend:

"Hey, Robert. We're having our wedding in a few weeks. It's a small, intimate affair, and we're not inviting many people. Mostly family and really close friends. We would really like you to be there, though. It would mean a lot to us if you could be one of our guests. Oh, and could you bring your camera and videotape it and maybe burn a few copies on DVD? Thanks."