Josh, I don't know how else to put it. The majority of other posters in this thread get it and seemingly so did you until recently going down this path........ to the dark side. You will NEVER fully understand, and can't, until you are in your late 20's and then 30's looking around with no money after you have gotten NOWHERE working for f*****g FREE!! But you'll have plenty of EXPERIENCE won't you?!!

But, again, the guy was posting for an internship for college credit. Back when I was in college, I was made to understand that most internships were unpaid, and lasted several months. I did two, one at a fox affiliate, the other at a UPN affiliate, and several production companies in town offered them (I didn't do these), and they were all unpaid.

It's one thing if the whole "unpaid internship for college credit" thing is bullsquash, but I always heard that was "how it was", for the most part--interns don't get paid (usually).

So ALL I'M SAYING is that I don't why that PARTICULAR AD is so ridiculous. Not trying to invalidate all the posts in the thread, just a few that don't seem that outlandish to me.

The ad poster didn't ask the potential intern to bring his/her own camera, editing gear, or anything else, didn't ask they already know everything in the world about something they're supposed to be interning in, all they asked for was for the potential intern to put in his/her time and not be flaky. I seriously don't what's so unreasonable. As for "tell me why I should let you work for free," I think a lot of places do that--ask that the applicants write some sort of essay, so as to weed out those who think it's a free ride.

Sorry we disagree on this one, but calm down.

As you gain more experience with these deceiving fools, only then will you truly understand what I and many others are feeling. These types prey on young people for a good reason, do I have to tell you why? You see, with more experience dealing with these types of folks, I/we see patterns of behavior that the inexperienced cannot see because, well, THEY HAVEN'T EXPERIENCED THEM YET!! I don't know what your situation is, but I guarandamntee you that if you were totally on your own, paying for 100K+ for gear, you would see things a whole lot differently. The very fact that I'm having to tell you this shows your inexperience and the gap. I don't mean experience in a bad way either, we are all inexperienced until we learn.

So you're saying there's no way this poster is from a legit production company, and this internship would do anything at all for the intern?

Look, I'll just stop here. We seem to not be at all on the same page, for whatever reason, and I'm just getting your blood pressure up. So I'll say no more on this particular post.

Until the next post I find "not so ridiculous."

Later.

The ad poster didn't ask the potential intern to bring his/her own camera, editing gear, or anything else, didn't ask they already know everything in the world about something they're supposed to be interning in, all they asked for was for the potential intern to put in his/her time and not be flaky.I hate to speculate but, you wanna bet?

Sorry we disagree on this one, but calm down.DON'T YOU TELL ME TO CALM DOWN!! I'm laughing my ass off while writing this (while gritting & grinding my teeth)!! :) :O I'm trying to help you but you're making it as hard as you can. Haha!

All I'm saying is that I have alot of experience and have been exposed to all sorts of situations and proposals and still have not seen it all. All of this knowledge came with time, which you WILL eventually learn, grasshopper. I talk to others with much more experience than me to learn about what to look for and have learned alot that way. I will admit that I have fallen for a few of these nice, innocent posts before only to get screwed after trusting them. Some people specialize in deception. Most legitimate employers even internships provide contact information and are very specific about what they want. Most shady people are very vague and don't reveal any specifics so you can't check up on them. Why do you think that is?

So you're saying there's no way this poster is from a legit production company, and this internship would do anything at all for the intern?Now, where did you see that? If you want to take the post literally, other than the request to tell the person why you're so worthy to work with them, it is not really outright ridiculous. But again, with experience I obviously see red flags that you don't see because of my bad experiences in the past.

I had a situation last spring where someone wanted to produce a children's television pilot. She had a finished script and talked a goooood game. We met and discussed production gear needs to get it done. We scouted the locations and I gave her a proposal. She said that was fine and we would roll in a few days. Well, I never got my deposit check for the gear rentals so I called her because it was just a few days before we rolled. Josh, the whole time she NEVER had the money!! I spent all that time planning, scouting, making a proposal and putting together cameras, jib, grip/electric and lighting packages all FOR NOTHING! But her post was so straight forward and she was so nice. She blamed it on her "investors", what investors? Either you have the money or you don't. She told us beforehand that she already had the money at least for production. These types of people are mentally ill and live in a fantasy world. They want to feel important so bad that they will go through the motions to get that feeling. She damaged her reputation more than she knows. Ironically, that was a valuable learning experience for me to be able to recognize the warning signs of bad projects in the future and it has paid off.

Bad projects don't stop with me, the UPM in some cases. It makes me look bad with the rental houses and the crew. If you constantly reserve gear and then cancel because of these risky projects, you could lose deposits and/or your credibility for making business decisions about projects. Also, in some cases if you reserve a crew and you cancel, depending on terms, you could be charged cacellation fees and in some cases full day rates to cover their lost work days. You need to experience some of this first hand and then come back and tell me to take it easy on these folks.

With 25 years under my belt in this industry, going from messanger to senior editor and video engineer at some big post facilities as well as boutiques and getting my own small business off the ground . . . I agree with James completely.

I know how PROFESSIONAL facilities handle this and see the lies wannabes make. I see the same red flags James saw.

Internships usually means being MENTORED by someone with more experience NOT taking a lead roll (at least not until you're trained). College Credit means the SCHOOL will approve the credit. You can't simply offer it. The facility or person offering the internship should have a track record including their work and promotion from within to paying positions.

See, nobody said that.

Your one comment on the ad was something about "another person asking you to prove why you should have the privilege of working for free", so I thought that was your gripe.

Now, if you'd simply said, "look at this obvious loser who's acting like his internship would be worth anything when he's clearly not a legit production company and has no idea what he's talking about, as he's not provided a company name nor any contact info", that would be different.

But I'll continue to police the thread, and judge ridiculousness as I see fit. Until then, my work is done

*flies away*

James Emory!
You are hereby charged with a double, triple and QUADRUPLE post all in the last two pages of this thread. I hereby dock you a combined total of NINE gold stars from the class list, and give you this pointy cap to wear for the rest of the semester.

Anyway, I tried figuring out what you two (Jams and Josh) were discussing, but then I got bored, so uh.... lets get back on topic. :)

Whether it's a paid position or an internship, either way it's an exchange of value or at least is supposed to be an exchange of value. I don't see any difference. Ten years ago we had a college intern at my production studio in San Marcos and it worked out great. It was listed as unpaid but we paid the guy whenever possible, "blue sky" money, even if it was just $50 or $100 here and there, for a 12-hours-per-week kind of deal. I cringe when I read those "tell me why you should intern for me for free" ads.

I know, I know.

Cringe away, but, as an example, VT2, a well-known Houston production company, offered an internship, and I believe they also asked that you tell them why you were worthy.

Sorry, my non-video related company ALWAYS pays interns. AND there are very strict requirements from the university on how we create intership positions so that they do count for credit. That post is ridiculous without references.

Well, it finally happened, Being from Atlanta and having many cheap friends, combined with James' love for this thread I knew it would happen sooner or later. But I believe I know the poster of the "emmy winner" thread, I wonder if it was a regional emmy.

OH and did anyone catch this one? Um All he needs is your address, name and SS#!!!!! That's just so wrong. I wonder if the rest of the money will be raised via credit card....

Reply to: XXX@XXX.com
Date: 2005-12-19, 4:57PM EST


Hi, my name is Petie. I am an NYU student from Atlanta and I am working on a music video/short film project for this summer. I am trying to assemble a crew at the moment. I would like to employ all student film makers if possible. i thought it would be cool if we were all students working on the project, you know, help each other out.
I am looking for grips, electricians, ac's, the works. So please send me an email with your name, address so I can mail you further information, ss# for legal and organization purposes and then a casual resume of work and film experience. Also include the position(s) you would like, duh.
I currently have a little less than $5000 put away for this, so it will be paid. I am hoping to raise more by the summer, but we'll see.
I am also talking with Mos Def's representation about having him play the lead. But that's not at all a done deal-everybody needs a dream though, right?
Well thanks to anybody who follows up on this. Please ask any questions or voice any concerns. Thanks
-Petie
this is in or around Atlanta-all over
no -- it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
Compensation: unknown-but there will be pay

Hi, my name is Petie. I am an NYU student from Atlanta and I am working on a music video/short film project for this summer. I am trying to assemble a crew at the moment. I would like to employ all student film makers if possible. i thought it would be cool if we were all students working on the project, you know, help each other out.
I am looking for grips, electricians, ac's, the works. So please send me an email with your name, address so I can mail you further information, ss# for legal and organization purposes and then a casual resume of work and film experience. Also include the position(s) you would like, duh.
I currently have a little less than $5000 put away for this, so it will be paid. I am hoping to raise more by the summer, but we'll see.
I am also talking with Mos Def's representation about having him play the lead. But that's not at all a done deal-everybody needs a dream though, right?
Well thanks to anybody who follows up on this. Please ask any questions or voice any concerns. Thanks
-Petie
this is in or around Atlanta-all over
no -- it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
Compensation: unknown-but there will be pay


Hmmm, I had a dog named Petie (Petey) that ran away. He was a complete terror with a mind of his own, not sure he could make it all the way to Atlanta though.

Ok, I know this isn't all that ridiculous, but look:

"Hello I am 28 year old who just moved from south cali to NYC and now I am looking to start finding my posse of filmmaking buddies. I have made various short films as well as a feature film. However I am now interested in shooting commercials and music videos. So I am looking for a D.P. out here who appreciates the the visual work of Mark Romanek, Jake Scott and Dariusz Wolski to name a few.

So here is the deal, I am looking to make some videos for free or lil money for bands so this leaves me paying-out of pocket for everything, including you. So all I can pay is 125 a day and if you have your own camera then I can go up to 200 a day. More than likely this will-be one to two day shoots. And any preproduction where you don't shoot but work I can pay 25 bucks a day with or without camera. Sound fair for non-profit job?
I want to shoot three videos in the next two months, so hopefully this will all be with the same DP. I produce, edit and direct so the crew will most likely just be me, you and a make-up/hair person and a intern(if we are lucky).
So of course if we rock these videos out, this can lead to work for us. I have a few good contacts in the music video world, but need something to show them. So if this sounds like something you want to engage in, hit me up with your work.
Please send a link to your online portfolio or be willing to send me a DVD of your work. I must be able to have seen your work. If you are a student that's cool, but just please have something to show. I come from the Ridley Scott school of things, so please be dramatic and classy."

As someone kindly already pointed out on the NY craiglist crew forum, the crew of director, DP, intern, and hair/makeup person ain't gonna cut it for doing something that looks really polished, unless you take a reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalllllllllllllllllllllllly long time. You just can't move fast/efficiently with that few people. So he's gonna pay people to make a product that's inferior to what he wants (referring to the DP influences he mentioned). That's my effort for the week. I think.

Now, aren't most free labor music videos for up and coming music video artists?

"....that can also act as a production manager and deal with money" - Did they say money? I wonder if that producer will be asking, why can't they pay me some of that money that I will be managing for free! If he's slick enough, he can make sure he gets paid. Ha ha!

"Need experienced Producer looking for more experience and a fun job! This is a very low budget gig with high profile on the rise industry people. The director is Wade J. Robson. You can google his name and find out all about him. Also check out iquestionmark.com to see his directorial work. This is a hi def 2 day music video shoot in the bay area in the middle of January 2006. Need a producer that can also act as a production manager and deal with money, permits, equipment, etc. Not looking for major credits, just experience. Could even be good film school experience. Producer must know San Francisco well.
This music video is for City Boyz Music artist "Champ Bailey." http://myspace.com/champbailey
He is a rising bay area based rap star. Please send resume/bio's asap!

Compensation: We will be able to pay something but this is mainly for someone looking for experience and interested in working with the people involved. "

"Do you have skills?

"LOOKING FOR THAT EXPOSURE IN THE ACTING FIELD"?

Local company seeking an exprience person, to shoot
a 30 second commercial 3 to 4 hour job.

INTERSHIP OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED.
This assignment will be given by the 15th of JANUARY

Job location is ATLANTA

Compensation: hourly pay"

Nothing crazy mind you. Just shoot and edit an entire wedding and burn DVDs for $200. Of course using it for your reel "shouldn't be a problem. serious people only."



hi,
my sister is getting married in june, @ dantes in queens(very close to laguardia airport) and she needs a videographer. basically we need you to film her leaving the house, ceremony and reception. she needs the film edited, nothing crazy(no baby pictures or anything like that) just something simple and nice, to be put on dvd. if you think you can help us it would be greatly appreciated, please email me @ starrlett84@yahoo.com with the following, name, phone, experience, can you definatly put it on dvd, do you have a camcorder, how long will editing take, you will be compensated with meal and $200. also if you want to make a copy of the video for your reel it should'nt be a problem. serious people only.

As someone kindly already pointed out on the NY craiglist crew forum, the crew of director, DP, intern, and hair/makeup person ain't gonna cut it for doing something that looks really polished, unless you take a reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalllllllllllllllllllllllly long time. You just can't move fast/efficiently with that few people. So he's gonna pay people to make a product that's inferior to what he wants (referring to the DP influences he mentioned). That's my effort for the week. I think.

What crew at minimum would cut it?

Ooh! Ooh! I finally found one that I know is ridiculous; I've seen some questionable ones before (outrageous for working professionals with bills to pay, but still kind of acceptable for some people), but this is so amazing it's got to be a joke. Showed up on the LIFILM mailing list (http://www.lifilm.com/) this morning.


"I am shooting a feature in New Jersey and am looking to use someone's film equipment. I'd rather 35 but will settle for a 16mm film camera with everything. I will also need a jib, dolly tracks, lighting equipment, sound equipment, etc by next weekend. No pay but great experience for your equipment. If I like using it maybe I will give you credit in the film. I may need it longer than the weekend because I have another film to shoot next month. Please reply ASAP. It will be really smart of you because I have contacts in the business... just not really sure where I dropped them... a little industry humor, but in all seriousness, let me use your equipment. You'll be glad you did."

I'm talking out of my ass here. . .

But I'd think two electrician/grips, at least.

Anyone?


I agree (with more emphasis on the grip work than the actual electrician work). Anyone else?

Robert, that one is awesome.

- he'll settle for a free 16mm camera "with everything."
- he'll need tens of thousands of dollars of equipment, by next weekend.
- no pay
- it will be really smart of you
- even if he does like using your equipment for free, he may not give you credit!

I assume it's a "he" because there are way more callous a-hole guys on the planet like this, than women.

Blatent! DISGUSTING! Advertising firm wants you to work for FREE!


SHORT VIDEO WANTED

Reply to: skinmilkvideo@gmail.com
Date: 2006-01-03, 10:28AM EST


Small advertising firm seeks creative 60 second (aprox) digital video about national skincare product, available at mass, for viral internet dissemination.

NO compensation, but credit on product's national website will be given to winning video.

For more information about content parameters & submission deadlines email skinmilkvideo@gmail.com ASAP.

Perfect opportunity for students & young designers to add to resume!

WRONG! WRONG! WRONG!

These scumbags should get what they deserve, I just hope that's a big fat nothing...

How ridiculous can we get?! You get to pay $15,000 to direct their movie. It starts now and shooting begins in February . . . but there's no director and they still don't have the money together and this film has "huge potential." I can barely fathom the mental illness that would cause someone to work this way!



Director Wanted Now...

Reply to: gigs-122470457@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-01-04, 12:19AM EST


Director Wanted Now...

Independent "Napoleon Dynamite-esque" type film, with micro-budget, seeks capable and creative Director, for filming in Los Angeles. Please be capable of bringing $15,000 (or 10%). Director equity points involved. Project begins in early January and shoots in February. Film has huge potential.
this is in or around NY/LA/USA
no -- it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
Compensation: tbd with producers.

Clearly this is the same scam artist that wanted you to do their skincare product, I posted a few hours ago. Their scam didn't work so here's their new approach!

The commercial is now a "PSA" (do they know what a PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT IS?). They get "high exposure" (translation possible profit) and you get . . .



Video Needed for High-Exposure Web Project

Reply to: gigs-122460072@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-01-03, 11:10PM EST


Looking for a simple, but comedic 60-second "PSA" video/web-short based on a concept currently in development.

Unable to pay for your work at this time, but would be a great opportunity for someone who needs material for a portfolio. We expect high-exposure and you will be credited.

You should be professional yet fun, as well as friendly and a great sense of humor.

Please Send links to samples of your work, specifically videos/web-shorts.
no -- it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
Compensation: $0

Okay, I suppose I've lurked this thread long enough...

James, in reference to you earlier post about the "producer" who had the money. Same thing happened to me. I was halfway through assembling a crew for a project this "producer" was going to produce and direct, from a script I had written, and then he tells me he doesn't really have the money(short story version). I had been in touch with a lot of talented people whose help I could have used on other projects but just didn't have the guts to call them again. "Hey remember me, the guy who didn't deliver last time?..."

And I have to admit that I, too, have been a victim of a scam. Not a scam as much as a lazy ad agency, as was referrenced before. A while back an ad agency for a well known sneaker company (unnamed because they seem to troll boards) was running a "film contest" and the winners would end up with national spots. Now I will say that some spots were made, but when I called up to get information about what they were looking for the contact at the ad agency said she "didn't want to limit my creativity". Well after rushing through two quick projects, which were okay but not great, I really thought about all of this.

Basically, this agency was hired to do an ad campaign, didn't want to expend the effort and just said "hey, make a commercial for us, and if we like it, we'll buy it". All told I was out very little money and about two weekends worth of work, so it wasn't devastating. It sure was a waste of time though...

I don't know if this is a 5 or 7 day week but either way it is truly ridiculous. They are also not clear if that rate is just for the gear or for labor and gear. I'm betting it's the whole package.

".....looking for a Cameraman who own a PD-150 or PD-170.
Compensation is $450.00 dollars for a one week rental."

Craig, I saw that same post on the Atlanta Craig's List too. These people are like viruses spreading all over the place.

Two for the price of one. First, truly ridiculous:

"Houston's 1st BURLESQUE Troupe, Concrete Rose Cabaret, is looking for a VERY talented videographer to make their promo reel!

We are looking for someone who can video our dancers as they perform each choreographed number and then combine and edit the footage into a cutting edge, eye catching 3 minute reel.

This reel will be seen by top execs at SXSW, The Buzz Fest, Warp Tour, The Winter Music Conference, and will also be showcased in a month long art gallery show!

This is a huge opportunity for you to get your name out there and to be seen by very important people in the industry!

For more info look us up at www.myspace.concreterosecabaret.com b/c our website is currently undergoing a major revamp!

* Job location is Houston, TX
* Compensation: Up to $50 depending on your experience- EXPOSURE
* 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.
* no -- Reposting this message elsewhere is NOT OK."


fifty dollars! AWESOME!

And now:

"Reply to: see below
Date: 2006-01-04, 11:49AM CST


High pressure, big rewards, giant adventure.

Multi-talented, open minded, flexible, motivated on-air correspondent/
videographer needed.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Travel the United States with a
camera and a producer. You will hone your eye as a cameraman while sharpening
your acting and communication skills as on-air talent working for the wine
and spirits industry.

As a correspondent (on-air talent) you will be required to ad-lib while
interviewing people. You must genuinely like to talk to people and have an
uncanny ability to put people at ease in front of the camera. You will be
required to open and close episodes without the use of copy; improvisation
skills are required.

As a cameraman you must have a firm understanding of composition, truly enjoy
shooting as much as being in front of the camera, have a working knowledge of
digital cameras, 3-point lighting and have a steady hand.

Physically: You must be a healthy male, able to withstand traveling for long
periods of time, between the ages of 25-35 years old (PLEASE do not respond
if you are under 25 years old we CANNOT hire people under 25), clean-cut, yet
hip.

We are looking for a motivated individual who loves adventure,
troubleshooting, is able to stay cool and organized under pressure and can be
on the road for the majority of the year.

Familiarity with motor sports racing is a major plus but not necessary.

Weekly salary, per diem and a completion bonus.

Clean driving record, background checks required.

Please send one DVD with your shooting and on-camera reel, plus a resume and
3 personal/3 professional references to:

Sharp Left
ATTN: On-air Camera
630 9th Avenue, Suite 208
New York, NY 10036

Deadline for applications: January 17, 2006

This is a non-union job opportunity.

* Job location is USA
* Compensation: Weekly salary, per diem and completion bonus
* 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."

Instead of hiring a camera and talent. . .let's just combine the two! Because, you know, the chances that the person who's good at acting is also a brilliant cameraman. . .why, there must be millions of those! And, it is, of course, easy as hell to compose a shot that you can't see. . .'cause you're in it! Why WOULDN'T this be a great idea? I should just remove this post right now.

That IS ridiculous, because the way they worded it appears to put them in violation of discrimination laws.

I don't know what to say about this except that if the demos are any indication of the top performers.......well, see for yourself.

"Check out this website for all the details:

www.hotandfunny.com

No previous experience in acting or modeling required. You just need to be hot, know a couple funny jokes and can get yourself on tape to show us that you’re Hot and Funny.

Top prize: $2,500 to the Hottest and Funniest person who sends in a video.

The first 25 people from the Atlanta area who send in a video that we use will get a free Hot and Funny T-shirt. Just include a copy of this ad with your video.

DEADLINE FOR VIDEO SUBMISSIONS: FRIDAY JANUARY 27TH, 2006

For more information, write to xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx"

Are you really not allowed to discriminate when hiring? Isn't that whole thing conditional? i mean if you're lookin' for young people, you're lookin' for young people, etc.

I saw an ad for a job as a camera guy (broadcast three cam shoots) at a church, and one requirement was being a Christian (I'm a bad Jew).

Okay, I think I've got the solution to making the true cheap asses and scammers go away but we'll all have to stick together to make it work. Just make sure you give a fake name so if any legitimate people see it they know who really did it to ruin your credibility.

We need to start taking these shady jobs and give them exactly what they pay for, crap! I mean, how fun would it be to show up and act like everything is going just fine such as focus being sharp, exposure being good when the whole time it's soft and blown out and badly framed. Hand them the tape and thank them for the opportunity for working on such a great project while trying to contain yourself from busting out laughing knowing what they are really gonna get! What could they say, I wasted alot of money by using that guy!

And then after all that, have the galldacity to call and ask for your free copy! :O

Some people on craigslist have said when the see Production jobs that don't pay, they volunteer and then don't show up.

There are people who honestly don't know what things cost. I've explained to them if they don't pay their crew enough people will jump ship to higher paying gigs. Also that in most cases one should give a deposit to hold people.

In one recent case after explaining this the potential client was willing to pay me $90/hr instead of $25/hr.

If it's no pay it's clearly a ripoff but with low pay I respond with an online link to my relevant demo and my rate (with explanation working on the assumption they just don't know). I think it works 1 time in 10 but you get a client who appreciates your professionalism.

Yep, I agree. There are those that truly don't know. I think there are signs to tell who is truly naive and who is a cheapass, lying, using, scammer. Unfortunately, the ability to tell comes from being exposed to both a few times. Usually though, the innocent and naive ones aren't so demanding because they don't know what they want and can sound a bit confused.

So is this person "confused?" <grin>
You provide labor and Super 16mm package for EIGHTEEN DAYS! NO PAY! A list actors and award winning director and NO FUNDING even for the camera!


Camera Operator with own Super 16mm pkg.

Reply to: gigs-123079935@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-01-06, 9:58AM EST


Looking for a camera operator / 2nd shooter with his/her own Super 16mm package for an 18 day shoot for a full feature film. The film features a number of A list actors, and the director is an award winner who has a great deal of experience. This is a great opportunity for those who are looking to work on a movie that has more than a great chance of being picked up. No pay, possibility of deferred payement upon sale of film.

Please email resumes to the address supplied (no attachments, paste resume in body of email) or submit by fax to 734.939.4128

I would say that is mental illness like I described a few posts back. They know what's going on and have tunnel vision thinking that their project is IT! They suffer from a condition known as chronic galldacity.

4-5 days shooting including camera, light, etc. All editing, DVD design and mastering. $1500 and only upon "successful" completion.

Cameraman/ Editor/ DVD Author
Reply to: gigs-123466405@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-01-07, 6:37PM EST

We are looking to make an exercise DVD.
Applicant must supply camera, lights, etc.
The shoot will take 4-5 days.
Experience a must.
* yes -- it's ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
* Compensation: $ 1,500 only upon successful completion of the project.

I sent them a realistic bid and the explanation that it would be a contract with 1/3 upfront, 1/3 for shoot, 1/3 by delivery after approval. They sent this even more absurd demand back with a 5% penalty per DAY for missing the due date!

Dear Applicant,
Prior to conducting an interview, we would like to under line our conditions.

Please review them and decide if you would like to proceed.
1. The shoot will take 4-5 days.
2. The shoot will take place on Saturday or Sunday, once a week.
3. The material must be edited and presented prior to additional shooting, every week.
4. Full payment will be given on the completion of the project.
5. Missed due date will result in 5% deduction per day late.

We are looking for someone confident in his/her skills to complete this project.

Thank you

What a bunch of jackasses! That is very smart getting a deposit. Otherwise they could bail on you after all the shooting is done and even partial post and you're left with everything! They need to get over themselves. When you are paying full rates, then you have the right to be very picky like that. It doesn't matter what the rate is really. If a person, for whatever reason, agrees to their terms then they are bound. That's where lessons are learned. If people like those folks are never put in their place by one or many, then they'll never wake up from their mental illness, cheapass coma.

This job offer isn't ridiculous in the same sense others have been. It's certainly one of the STRANGEST I've seen. Hmmm, I wonder what they have in mind?

Three Women Looking for Male PA - DOCUMENTARY

Reply to: gigs-124097378@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-01-10, 8:53AM EST

We are three artistic women making a documentary about the search for the perfect House Personal Assistant. The chosen candidate will run errands and accomplish small tasks such as mailings, cleaning, possible cooking and possible research and other tasks. In exchange you will gain insight into the female psyche including advice regarding shopping, dating, relationships, fashion and more.

We are planning on documenting the entire process on video. We will ask for approximately 5-10 hours of your time per week, hours are extremely flexible.

Include a brief personal bio and work background and tell us why you are interested in this position.
Photos are encouraged, but not required.
this is in or around Astoria, Queens
Compensation: One hour of your time for one hour of our time.

Ok, but, see, maybe if the male PA plays his cards right. . .

This was in the TV/Film Jobs on Craig's List. They must really be getting desperate for members to use this tactic. I wonder why they didn't mention making people stars, producers and directors since it was in this category. I guess that comes later, after you're converted.

"Are you tired of looking for a job and getting no where? We understand how hard it is to get work in an economy that is failing. We are in the business of assisting Blacks, Hispanics and Asians to make a better way for their families and themselves. Employment is a vital part of keeping our communities together.

We will equip you with a professional resume, interview training and employment opportunities.

* Retail
* Administration
* Accounting
* Sales
* Labor
* Work From Home
* Modeling
* Marketing

Whatever skill you have, we can increase your chances of success. Our services are absolutely "FREE." Knowing that we are helping build a stronger Atlanta is good enough for us.

In order to qualify for our services you must:

* Have a Valid Driver's License or ID
* A Physical Address
* Access to a Telephone
* Dependable
* Trustworthy
* Attend This Sunday's Mosque Meeting at Muhammad's Mosque No. 15 Under the Leadership of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan

That is all we request. You must attend this upcoming mosque meeting. The reason is because we want to be on a spiritual level with everyone involved. The teaching of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan motivates people of color to master their circumstances and properly handle people. This is the basis of what we what to see Atlanta thrive in. This opportunity isn’t directly affiliated with the mosque or the Nation of Islam but the embodiment of their principles can help us elevate our minds as will as our conditions.

So call Bro. Joseph Xxxxxxxx @ xxx.xxx.xxxx for instructions on attending this Sunday’s meeting so we can meet and greet. At the end of the meeting you will get an employment application and a date and time to register for the employment services."

No experience required but please write a short essay of your background experience. She's going to shoot a film 5 days from this post and nothing is secured. Who keeps letting these people out of the facility unsupervised?!

"I need someone with their own equipment (digital camcorder is fine). Extensive experience is not needed-film students’ welcome. I am producing/directing my first short film (more information about the film under Gigs: Talent: ”ACTRESS NEEDED for short film…” posted 1/9).

I am not a film student, nor have I ever been. I am a writer, and I have a vision for a short film, that is WRITTEN out, and broken down into scenes...and ready to be shot. I will be directing, but have a really good idea of what I want (scene by scene, visually, etc.), and am very easy to work with.

Tentative shooting date: THIS SATURDAY, January 14th from approximately 9am-4pm



What I need from you:

• Camera and equipment

• Availability on the shooting day (it’s tentative because me and the male lead are available then. BUT I am still looking for a female lead, and a camera person (you).

• No experience is needed (though some would be great).

• Please tell me (informally; short paragraph is fine) about your experience/education as a camera person/DP, and why you would like to work on this project...honesty please

• PLEASE LEAVE A NAME & A NUMBER WHERE I CAN CONTACT YOU (and the best time to call).

Thanks!"

What happens if I show up at that mosque one?

No experience required but please write a short essay of your background experience. She's going to shoot a film 5 days from this post and nothing is secured. Who keeps letting these people out of the facility unsupervised?!

"I need someone with their own equipment (digital camcorder is fine). Extensive experience is not needed-film students’ welcome. I am producing/directing my first short film (more information about the film under Gigs: Talent: ”ACTRESS NEEDED for short film…” posted 1/9).

I am not a film student, nor have I ever been. I am a writer, and I have a vision for a short film, that is WRITTEN out, and broken down into scenes...and ready to be shot. I will be directing, but have a really good idea of what I want (scene by scene, visually, etc.), and am very easy to work with.

Tentative shooting date: THIS SATURDAY, January 14th from approximately 9am-4pm



What I need from you:

• Camera and equipment

• Availability on the shooting day (it’s tentative because me and the male lead are available then. BUT I am still looking for a female lead, and a camera person (you).

• No experience is needed (though some would be great).

• Please tell me (informally; short paragraph is fine) about your experience/education as a camera person/DP, and why you would like to work on this project...honesty please

• PLEASE LEAVE A NAME & A NUMBER WHERE I CAN CONTACT YOU (and the best time to call).

Thanks!"
Darn! I am going to Boston area this weekend for Liquid University learn-in, so I will have to skip it. ;)

Production Assistants needed for all night Rap Music Video Shoot Friday January 13th.
This is a major artist for a major labe!!!!

Compensation: experience

-------

What's a major labe? Have you noticed the people who put this kind of trash on Craigslist have no abilities to type whatsoever?

At least this poster isn't looking for a camera person. Just a goon.

Talk about being up sh!t creek without a paddle!

That part about two other editors quitting probably shouldn't have been mentioned publicly. Inquiries ought to drop to zero now. I wonder why they quit. This is sure to be a deadlock now if they can't find somone willing to work without a deposit and they won't pay one because of what happened. No pay until completion is a slippery situation for an unknown company because it is synonymous with and just screams possible shadiness.

"Looking for an editor using FCP or Avid to complete the editing for an independent movie shot in 2003. The pay for this project can be negotiated based on experience and amount of time you are able to spend on the project. Although no payment is given until the project is complete. This only a precaution after dealing with two separate editors that left the project after partial payment. We will supply you all Mini-DV tapes and a script. Please contact us with a resume and contact number to reach you at..."