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."

Reply [ Absolutely, I would love to come to your wedding. And I'd love to film your wedding. We'll even bring a gift, although my video services will not be it. ]


By the way, if they don't like that answer, give them some local video houses to call.

At some point you just have to draw the line.

I just did a friends wedding for free. Fortunalty for them they hired someone to do the real one. They didn't ask me I just showed up with my cameras. we had TONS of fun, but their parents don't want to see this video!!! They knew better than to ask me, even hire me for that situation. They are 2 of my best and I gave them a video that only our group needs to see. NO sex scenes or anything like that!!!!!, just the after party that you only watch with the people that were there. If that's what they want give it to them it's fun, but if they want something to show to the family????? They should hire someone. In our group we had 4 PD-170's and My Z1 great footage. none of it went to the guy they hired. Only for us.

Hey. . . I think I know the guy who did the ad regarding the weddings and editing in camera. In fact, I've actually been called to do a couple weddings for him that I couldn't do for one reason or another. He's legit, I'm pretty sure. Although it was $200 per wedding last time I heard. I think he wanted a slate in front of the wedding (you'd have to do that through your NLE), but other than that, you edit in camera and "rewind back and record over if you went too long on something", and just mail the miniDV tape to him. Hey, it's not too bad if you don't mind the price.

True, it's not too bad for the work, but I sure agree with James Emory - the video will be just horrible!

Still, if the couple only has $200, then they only have $200. :P

Yeah. . .but if it's what they agree to, then so be it. I actually have the demo video the guy sent me to show me "how it's done".

How are you supposed to do a proper star fade in-camera?

You mean you don't know? Jeez.

Okay, you have to have 30-60 differently sized star mattes, each a little smaller than the last. You hold one matte in front of the lens, and shoot for exactly 1 frame of video, then hold up a slightly smaller one, and repeat 'til you've shot a seconds worth of video. This will, when played back, appear to look as if the star has shrunk. Then you do the reverse to make the star grow again.

How could you not know that?

Hey, I'm just a rookie. Thanks for the explanation, it does sound like it will class up any video a lot!

Hey no problem. As a 50-year vet of the industry, I always look to help newbies out.

A STAR fade. You guys are just killin' me!!!! I love it!!

Well, I think I am watching the show that I posted about earlier. It is called Beyond Boundaries and airs on Discovery as posted. Good luck to the crew that works on that show!

www.dvinfo.net/conf/showpost.php?p=368018&postcount=139

Has anyone ever thought about taking someone up on their offer of not really caring about the quality. I would love to hear what these folks would say if the video was blown out, too dark, had crap for audio, etc.. Would they say, that's okay, I understand?

"If you are an semi-experienced wedding videographer please email me with your resume/portfolio. I am having a wedding in March 2006 and I am in need of a Videographer. If you are not at a pro-level this is a perfect opportunity to gain experience and add to your portfolio. Please email me with a price quote and resume/portfolio. I look forward to hearing from you."

I've got a great idea. I start my production company with nothing. Run a ad for people to work for next to nothing or free if they have less than 5 years exprience,who have all the equipment and I make all the money. I could even hire some illegal aliens to work around the office. I don't even need to buy a camera. That really takes the pressure off me and my wallet!!

You need to post that on Craig's List where it will fit right in! Hahaha!! :O It is utterly ridiculous, great job!!

this summer a film company was in the area making a movie. They only had a few paying jobs, but they need volunteers. I said I would help some if I could work with the DP or director. I thought it would be a good way to learn about filmaking. So they started production and said what they really needed was someone to drive back and forth to Chicago to drop off and pick up stuff. A 300 mile round trip.

I said do you have a car? "No you have to use your own car" I ask if they were paying for gas. "No" I said have a nice day.

They continued to call and later ask if I would do some photography work since the other person left. I said no.

They got a volunteer to help get volunteers, so I guess they were having a hard time getting people to work for free. Which is not a bad thing to do sometimes, but not at your own expense.

Now that one is even more ridiculous! Or can I say, ridiculouser? Walking away from that one is the best thing you could have done. Working for free to get experience is one thing but noone should ever have to spend their own money or use their own stuff for a project, especially for people you don't even know.

There is a local movie theater, a real old one. They have plays and people voluteer. All the money is going to restore the building. That is a good reason to work for free.

I won't even do wedding photography for relatives or friends for free. I might give them a lower price, but I've got to much invested in equipment. and my time is worth something.

If they want free I'd show up with my wifes pocket size coolpix!!

I've got a great idea. I start my production company with nothing. Run a ad for people to work for next to nothing or free if they have less than 5 years exprience,who have all the equipment and I make all the money. I could even hire some illegal aliens to work around the office. I don't even need to buy a camera. That really takes the pressure of me and my wallet!!

Ha ha ha! Yes, that one is great.

If they want free I'd show up with my wifes pocket size coolpix!!

Yes but do you charge to convert to sepia?

Yes but do you charge to convert to sepia?

Of course!!

They want someone to edit for hours and then author a DVD for that pay. Aaand, by the way, that person must take pride in their work!

Experienced Video Editors Needed for editing weddings. Must be capable of completing with chapters, menus, and titling. We are looking for people who take pride in their work. Please email any sample or your work if available.

Xxxxxxxx Films


Compensation: $150 per wedding

Now how's this for the ultimate audacity! 2 camera people with XL1, you bring stock, lights and wireless mics. Two 11 hour days and only $250 total! The stock alone can cost $150 or so. He posted this ad a few days ago at $300 no less and DROPPED the price with this post! So you come in with $10G plus of gear and get under $5.70/hr per person BEFORE tape expense! I'd say this guy's a real slime BUT he's been posting these ads for months and HE GETS FOOLS TO DO THIS! I can't even imagine a newbie doing that much work with that much gear for so little money.

I sent him an email for $1600 for two days. That would be under $37/hr per person before expenses. Even that's on the low side for corporate work IMHO.

Two Cameraman Needed $250.00This Sat/Sun Only
2 videographers/camera men needed to videotape 2 day event This Sat and Sunday October 29, 30. Must have XL 1, bring stock, dv camera with broadcast quality and bring lighting. We are shooting in dark room, Must have experience shooting seminars. Needed immediately! Last Minute changes..Call James at 718-341-2327. Event address is: 144-02 135th street, Jamaica in JFK Holiday Inn. Event is from 8am-7:00pm. Must have your own transportation. You need to bring 1 lav mic and one wire less mic.
FREE Breakfast and Lunch
this is in or around Jamaica, Queens
no -- it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
Compensation: $250.00

Surely these kinds of employers couldn't care much about the product because I can't imagine someone that knows what they are doing working under those terms. I bet that free breakfast is a boiled egg and a little paper cup of immitation orange juice. I can't imagine what the lunch is.

They want someone to edit for hours and then author a DVD for that pay. Aaand, by the way, that person must take pride in their work!

Experienced Video Editors Needed for editing weddings. Must be capable of completing with chapters, menus, and titling. We are looking for people who take pride in their work. Please email any sample or your work if available.

Xxxxxxxx Films


Compensation: $150 per wedding
I saw this one on that board too and laughed. Showed it to my wife and she laughed too. :D

I emailed them some samples and wrote, "I assume it was a typo and you meant $1500"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: job-108764624@craigslist.org
Date: 2005-11-04, 11:25AM CST


Looking for cameraman in adult films. we pay $15 dollars and hour.if you have a video resume and your own camera and think this might be for you please call me. 7832.721.6926
Job location is alief

Compensation: $12 an hour

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.

yes -- Reposting this message elsewhere is OK.


Don't all jump on this at once

I wonder why the rate went from $15 to $12? I wouldn't do it for any less than $20!

DVX 100 or GL-2 for wedding today 3:30pm to 5:00pm

Compensation: $50.00

Anyone who falls for this deserves to get screwed!

"Do you think you can edit music videos? Wanna try? XX Productions is looking for editors to edit projects to aire on BET?MTV. To be considered all applicants have to use Final Cut/AVID or any other proffesional level programs. We don't want just someone to cut things together but to use special effects and other things to showcase our work. If you would like to apply, email me and i will mail you a CD with all the files for our recent project. You edit it and send it back. Your project will not be showcased on TV but we will look it over to hire you for upcoming projects. We have a shoot scheduled for the end of the month in which we need an editor for. This is the prefect way to get your foot in the door, and get experience with working with a production company. Please email phone,address, name, and a breif list of experience (do not attach an entire resume), and School/College you attended"

Anyone who falls for this deserves to get screwed!

"Do you think you can edit music videos? Wanna try? XX Productions is looking for editors to edit projects to aire on BET?MTV. To be considered all applicants have to use Final Cut/AVID or any other proffesional level programs. We don't want just someone to cut things together but to use special effects and other things to showcase our work. If you would like to apply, email me and i will mail you a CD with all the files for our recent project. You edit it and send it back. Your project will not be showcased on TV but we will look it over to hire you for upcoming projects. We have a shoot scheduled for the end of the month in which we need an editor for. This is the prefect way to get your foot in the door, and get experience with working with a production company. Please email phone,address, name, and a breif list of experience (do not attach an entire resume), and School/College you attended"
Saw that. A Track Matte with your name or company name through the middle (scrolling) would fix any alternate use without compensation :D

Troma - the makers of the famed Toxic Avenger, a company that makes significant bucks on their DVD releases, wants you to edit FOR FREE! Well maybe a "credit" from Troma carries some weight . . . or embarrassment. Do you think Lloyd Kaufman's a pauper?


Troma Entertainment position for Video Editor available

Get your foot in the film industry door and work from home!

Troma Entertainment is currently looking for an additional person to join our video editing department. You’ll be working on Troma’s famous DVD bonus features, as well as other assignments. Candidates do not need to reside in New York City, but do need to have their own editing equipment. There is no pay to begin, but you will get credit on the DVDs for your work. This is a valuable chance to work as a member of the Troma Team directly with Lloyd Kaufman himself! Opportunities for promotion/compensation are available to the right candidate. Please make sure you include a phone number and an email address with your demo reel.

Please send your demo reel to:
Troma Entertainment
Attn: Justin Remer, Video Editor
733 Ninth Avenue, Fourth Floor
New York, NY 10019

So he'll spend money on everything but you. It's one thing for an indy video maker dreaming of Sundance looking for deferred but it's another when a BUSINESS wants you to work FOR FREE!


Need someone to edit very short music video footage

Start-up business needs talented people who love music and want to be part of something exciting! Since it is a start-up, cash is limited. However, if someone is looking to gain experience in the realm of editing music videos, this could be the next best thing to cash. Each video edited will be very short -- approx 600k each to eventually be uploaded onto a website designed specifically for new music. The video would arrive to you in either DVcam or MiniDv format, which would need to be edited then digitized for streaming on the website. You will receive editing credit on the website. Please feel free to contact me at 917-365-1882 if interested, or reply via email. Hope to hear from you!!!!

Job location is in or around Manhattan
Compensation: You will receive editing credit on the website and possibly more

Do you think Lloyd Kaufman's a pauper?

Have you seen any of his movies? :)

Have you seen any of his movies? :)

Yes. He makes a fortune on DVD rentals. They're cult classics. I have a friend who used to work for Troma. He was paid. Low but paid.

That same friend left Troma and did his own film for $20,000 in 1987. In 2000 it was released on DVD. Still making money. Troma films make more. L. Kaufman's a millionaire. He's gone from low pay to no pay because more people are willing to work for NOTHING!

It's one thing to do that for a pipe dream Sundance hopeful but people are working for nothing for businesses that are making money. The reason we find SO MANY Ridculous Job Offers is because they're finding ridiculous people to fill these positions too . . . and they even expect you to buy and use your own gear!!!

He's gone from low pay to no pay because more people are willing to work for NOTHING!


The reason we find SO MANY Ridculous Job Offers is because they're finding ridiculous people to fill these positions too!!!

That is the bottom line.

I think there've been other posts by this dude. Unless there's more than one of them. . .which is scary. I really truly think he's totally serious. He's gonna die young. For real.

"Yo what's up, I am doing a shoot on the 18th and need a few good crew members, and preferably the kind who aren't afraid of a fight as one could break out. Basically I need a boom operator who won't be afraid to turn that boom into a bo staff if it comes to that. This is for November 18th and it will last all day and a bit into the next day possibly.

Ok, so let me give you the deal: I am Cloud Starchaser, aspiring professional hero, and this is part of our pilot we are shooting for a hyperreality professional hero show called Heroic Destiny Squad. Basically it's a super hero show but it's real, we take on real villains such as the Chinese Communist Party or Hitler types.

We are going to Cornell for a speech by this dude Tucker Max from another website, http://www.tuckermax.com/ to interview him but he knows we're planning on coming and has said a crowd will gang up on us or he will have us thrown out. We are shooting on mini-DV Panasonic DVX-`100A but if anyone else has a camera that is good too.

So there is the possiblity of being thrown out or a large brawl. We need crew to film it because this is a show but we need crew that can switch into fight mode because you're part of a REAL SUPER HERO TEAM. Don't worry, I'm always on point so if a fight breaks out my fist is going straight for Tucker Max's nose right off.

We are low budget now so this is no pay. Basically I am looking for people who would be interested in doing it just for the fun, and also potential future crew members. Remember: there may be a fight and we may be thrown out. I need a crew that can work the equipment but also throw down and not be afraid to put your boom through someone's head.

Also I'm not looking for a fight, but I am a professional hero and a lot of the guys who like Tucker Max are college jock types who will laugh at my costume. And if they do laugh I'm putting my foot through their face. Also since it's a college operation I will be in frat form and getting wasted the whole time so looking for crew down for getting wasted and picking up chicks while we're there.

My website is:

http://www.heroicdestinysquad.com/

Respond if interested! Nice!

* this is in or around Cornell University
* no -- it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
* Compensation: Possible future hiring on H.D.S. show "

"A local production company is seeking a on point producer for a music video. This is a low budget production, there is pay but it will not be substantial. We are seeking a TRUE professional, someone who knows their stuff. This will be a 2-3 day shoot, all go go go. It will be worth your reel."

"I'm sorry but we REALLY do not have the time for newbies so the non experienced need not apply ( but if you have other skills..grip, gafter, etc we may be interested in using you, more than likely unpaid)"

A production company looking for a producer?
There is pay? For a producer?

I thought the producer paid everyone else and waited for the big payoff at the end. An investor.

On the one hand there are some really good, skilled professionals who are out of work, and this is very unfortunate.

On the other hand, I find it funny that low-budget, inexperienced amateurs put out neverending streams of Craigslist ads looking for "TRUE professionals" to work on their pissant project for little or no pay. If the person being sought were a true professional, even if they were out of work or looking for their next gig, they almost certainly wouldn't be willing to work for absurdly low pay.

On the one hand there are some really good, skilled professionals who are out of work, and this is very unfortunate.

On the other hand, I find it funny that low-budget, inexperienced amateurs put out neverending streams of Craigslist ads looking for "TRUE professionals" to work on their pissant project for little or no pay. If the person being sought were a true professional, even if they were out of work or looking for their next gig, they almost certainly wouldn't be willing to work for absurdly low pay.
Like this one...


We will be taping on Dec 3 and 4th or 4 and 5th. You should have filmed videos and or films before and have tape or reel. You must be professionla and have experience shooting with Panasonic DBS 1024p Must have or be able to rent lighting. Pay is $175.00 per day. This is a SAG experimental film. Filming is 4-12 hours a days. The faster and more professional you are the faster we will get done. (Please note we are looking for a sound guy too, if you come as a team thats even better)
But, it is SAG Experimental (and therefore Lo by definition almost) and they are paying. But want Pro for 175 a day.

well gals/ guys,

here it is...

i am a beginner, not a professional in a sence of schooling, college etc., but been shooting for many years now.
about a year and a half ago, i stepped up to a xl1-s set up, along with everything you need. (should hear my wife!)

i do not edit, and most of my shootings are in a theater/ studio setting. my question to you is, who would give me projects without a portfolio? a b-roll?who would pay for someone without a portfolio? expirience?
so, i was shooting without, ( i call that investment) or very little pay, just to cover my media and gas.
now a year later, more expirience (still know very little) i am getting paid. not enough to make a living, but....
how did you professionals started out? as professionals, or did you had to learn your ropes?

i am at a point where i even thing to get somekind of professional training in regards to lighting/ filter, sound etc. (just hard to find in the bay area)

i think that the end result, and the satisfaction of the clients counts, not the equipment and/ or the degree. i am very upfront with my clients about editing/ audio lighting, they know before i show up what i can do for them or not.

greetings

well gals/ guys,

here it is...

i am a beginner, not a professional in a sence of schooling, college etc., but been shooting for many years now.
about a year and a half ago, i stepped up to a xl1-s set up, along with everything you need. (should hear my wife!)

i do not edit, and most of my shootings are in a theater/ studio setting. my question to you is, who would give me projects without a portfolio? a b-roll?who would pay for someone without a portfolio? expirience?
so, i was shooting without, ( i call that investment) or very little pay, just to cover my media and gas.
now a year later, more expirience (still know very little) i am getting paid. not enough to make a living, but....
how did you professionals started out? as professionals, or did you had to learn your ropes?

i am at a point where i even thing to get somekind of professional training in regards to lighting/ filter, sound etc. (just hard to find in the bay area)

i think that the end result, and the satisfaction of the clients counts, not the equipment and/ or the degree. i am very upfront with my clients about editing/ audio lighting, they know before i show up what i can do for them or not.

greetingsUhhhh.......did you write that or is it a ridiculous post that you found and shared with us? It doesn't really sound all that ridiculous. If you did write it, I think you posted it in the wrong forum and thread.

And these folks want to be taken seriously!

"Looking for limited experienced to very experienced camera man.
Needed to shoot pilot episode for sitcom.
There is no editing involved"

Uhhhh.......did you write that or is it a ridiculous post that you found and shared with us? It doesn't really sound all that ridiculous. If you did write it, I think you posted it in the wrong forum and thread.


hello james,

yes i did write that. my thought was, that there are people like me, who take jobs for nothing, or have taken jobs for nothing, on the way up, to learn etc.

i agree there are a lot of ridiculus job offers, but one has to start somewhere, and i guess some people know that.

greetings

Oh yes, I think it's safe to say that we have all worked for free and I occassionally still do if not for deferrment which is a caculated risk. I may do it for a friend or for a project that I believe in. The point of this thread though, is to show how demanding some people can be when asking for help whether it's clearly for no compensation or for deferrment. No one should be that way when that is the situation. They should be happy with what they can get, for free! If you look carefully through this thread you will see some scattered discussion about this.

"Film company located in the heart of Xxxxxxx is looking for interns to fill our rigorous internship program. We are looking for students who are reliable, creative, and knowledgeable of the film industry. Must be enrolled in an accredited college/university, or a senior in high school. This is an intense internship and we are searching for someone who is serious in learning what it takes to be a part of the film industry. Film/Video majors, Communications/Journalism majors, Graphic Design majors. Please e-mail resumes with contact information.

Compensation: This is a non-paid internship"

James, I may have to fight you on this one. It doesn't sound that unusual. Interships are usually unpaid.

The only weird thing is that, in high school and college, they expect you to be "knowledgeable about the film industry."

Then why the fark am I interning?

The only weird thing is that, in high school and college, they expect you to be "knowledgeable about the film industry."I didn't state it, but that's exactly what I was thinking. I think we've all interned at one time or another but that wasn't the point. What you stated is what is so ridiculous about their post, the requirements. Their description sounds like working professionals and like they're trying to staff an entire broadcast facility.

Oh yes, I think it's safe to say that we have all worked for free and I occassionally still do if not for deferrment which is a caculated risk. I may do it for a friend or for a project that I believe in. The point of this thread though, is to show how demanding some people can be when asking for help whether it's clearly for no compensation or for deferrment. No one should be that way when that is the situation. They should be happy with what they can get, for free! If you look carefully through this thread you will see some scattered discussion about this.

hello james,

i see your point, but some of the postings shouting in the wrong direction, they go after the people who take those jobs. people like me, who are on the way up/ to learn etc.

since i "search" daily for opportunities, you'r right, there are a lot of rediculous
"job offers" out there, and to make that clear, i am not defending them.

i guess whoever starts the videograph/ film business will reach the point of "no return", because it's fun, or 5 and 6 digits of money investet in exquipment.etc.

there may be even a market.

greetings

hello james,

i see your point, but some of the postings shouting in the wrong direction, they go after the people who take those jobs. people like me, who are on the way up/ to learn etc.

since i "search" daily for opportunities, you'r right, there are a lot of rediculous
"job offers" out there, and to make that clear, i am not defending them.

i guess whoever starts the videograph/ film business will reach the point of "no return", because it's fun, or 5 and 6 digits of money investet in exquipment.etc.

there may be even a market.

greetings

Starting salary should not be $0. If you're simply providing labor and no gear you should make enough to buy food and pay for housing. Pay can be very low because those folks might still be living at home or splitting housing costs with roommates but one still has those real world costs.

Internships mean getting trained by talented and/or seasoned professionals. You're getting an education that would otherwise cost you a fortune in classes (or on the job mistakes). That's NOT, "you get paid nothing because I haven't a clue how to raise money for my project/business." In fact that's the kind of job you RUN FROM!

If any gig requires gear, it's not an internship! They're goniffs (crooks) if there's no reasonable pay. You need make to cost of living plus cost of the gear you're paying for along with its maintenance and eventual replacement.

Base pay for a newbie should be cost of living (and cost of gear if required). You're rate of pay increases as you gain skill and you make PROFIT - Go on vacations, go to movies, go out to eat, enjoy life.

IMHO you start out working "at cost" (NOT FREE or at a loss) and then start making more profit as you gain skills.

Absolutely, Craig. My main occupation is not video, but when we do hire interns, they are paid. It's not a lot, but it's at least minimum wage. Companies are using the excuse of "internship" as a means to get free labor, and are justifying it by calling it "training" or pretending its classroom time.
The real question s/b, is the company using the intern as part of the creating of a final product. Almost always, the answer is yes; therefore almost always the answer s/b to pay the intern. Anything else is simply a rationalization.