Well, now, wait kids. . .I'd only do that gig for that pay in Houston. If it's in Austin or something, those motherfockers are paying my gas too. Both ways. I have standards. Not yours, maybe, but they're there.

I guess my reasoning is that I didn't buy the camera do make a living, so it's kind of bonus when I get hired with it, even for arguably low pay (I've made much better rates using others' gear. Go figure--neither of these things happens that often, though). Almost everything gear related was bought for the personal movie thing, though I did buy a wireless lav exclusively for gigs. Lights and everything else are so I can DP my own stuff without it looking like ass. If someone pays me to use it, cool.

hello james,
just out of curiousity. what would quote, for this job?
I would shoot it and provide the gear that was requested for $700 and $925 to add a 4 light Arri kit with a Chimera and a field monitor. Tapes would be extra along with any OT, if any, after 10 hours.

How long have you been in the biz again?

How long have you been in the biz again?
What are you getting at? Just come on out with it.

No no, please don't misunderstand. . .it's not an attack. I'm genuinely interested. As I keep saying, if I'd been in the biz a long time, and had the confidence in my own abilities that comes with that, I'd demand more for each shoot. That's why I asked.

I know of plenty of guys who think 800-1000 a day is a reasonable camera rate, but they usually have way more experience than I do, or use better cams.

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

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

No no, please don't misunderstand. . .it's not an attack. .
LMAO!! Boy, I like to watch you squirm!! Hahaha!

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

So I have this client that is sending me to various Resort Hotels in California to tape their programs. They pay my fee plus, rent my equipment. They also pay for parking, hotel room, room service, bar and restaurant tab, but they will not pay for in-room movie. Would you walk?
Heck yeah, I couldn't do the job unless my movies were paid for! Who wouldn't give up $1500 a day to get that? Hahaha!

Uh oh. I think someone's making fun of James.
He didn't mention any names, squirt!

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

What is this, the Bass Inquisition?

Done. Now answer, James Emory.

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

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

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

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

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

I would shoot it and provide the gear that was requested for $700 and $925 to add a 4 light Arri kit with a Chimera and a field monitor. Tapes would be extra along with any OT, if any, after 10 hours.

hello james,

thanks,

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

greetings

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

hello james,

thanks,

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

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

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

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

Most of the people I've worked around. Especially when we get familiar with each other.

I remember a specific PA gig where we were outside a car dealership, and the DP leans over as a woman walks by and says "nice ass". that kinda stuff. It only gets worse from there.

It's just amazing what flies across an intercom on a multicam shoot.

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

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


hello james,

it's not about the mula, (it is) it's about principles.

the first 1 1/2 years i was working for free, on the side. got expirience blah..blah..blah. since last year fall, i charge, have repeat customers, and an inventory with no way back anymore (anybody wants to listen to my better half?) so, i am setting some basics. have to, or give up.
when you say there is no half day, i guess you're right. there is no half day, since there is nothing realy what could be done the rest of the day, and who knows how long it may take.

my biggest downside is, i still don't edit.

greetings

I got into this purely by mistake, about 6 years ago. I was in school, getting a Graphics degree because I like to create. Part of the course was Premiere, which they glossed over like everything else they taught ( I had to help the teacher get her Frames excercise to work in the Web portion!). Anyways, when I got married in 2001, a friend shot the event and handed me the tape. I sat down and edited it, added music... and was hooked.

Not long after that, I started hanging out with the SurfGuru.com crowd. They were taping surf and skate events, interviewing people, and putting the stuff on the web. I started editing their stuff, and would get a whopping $10 a tape. Being the really loose group they were, few of them knew what they were doing, but had fun doing it anyways. I learned how to shoot, so I could teach them, making editing easier for me.

A lot has happened between then and now. I still like doing what I do... I just don't do enough of it to make a living. But, I do everything that comes along, and hope to be able to do well someday. $200 a day, is a very good day right now.

Keith, e-mail me man! I got an idea for you to drum up some funds. I just started doing it locally and it seems to be catching on.

I am forming a company just to handle these requests.

It's about 2 days of work, and should pay more than 200/day.

You should have mail, man :)

This one has to be a joke.....right?




Reply to: gigs-128386063@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-01-25, 1:28PM EST


I'm in the middle of filming a great Sundance bound film, the crew work is being done by Interns macin' on cold pizza. The dailys have looked like crap the the sound sucks and we've had numirous accidents, and so now they are bitching about insurance. Can you help me?

I need a seasoned film maker to come in and train these people, they aren't stupid, they just don't know what they are doing. I'll cut you in for a back end part of the profit when the film gets picked up next year at Sundance.

* no -- it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
* Compensation: That warm fuzzy feeling you get when you help out a fellow film maker.




Wow...you made your movie with all unpaid interns, and so far it's *gasp* SUCKED? And you're planning on getting into Sundance....how?

That's just. . .pathetic.


When he says "Sundance-bound" does he mean the rejection bin?

And what's "macin'"?

I believe he meant to type "macking", which is some sort of slang for "chowing down". In other words, he's been paying them with cold pizza. SUNDANCE, HERE WE COME!

I got into this purely by mistake, about 6 years ago. I was in school, getting a Graphics degree because I like to create. Part of the course was Premiere, which they glossed over like everything else they taught ( I had to help the teacher get her Frames excercise to work in the Web portion!). Anyways, when I got married in 2001, a friend shot the event and handed me the tape. I sat down and edited it, added music... and was hooked.

Not long after that, I started hanging out with the SurfGuru.com crowd. They were taping surf and skate events, interviewing people, and putting the stuff on the web. I started editing their stuff, and would get a whopping $10 a tape. Being the really loose group they were, few of them knew what they were doing, but had fun doing it anyways. I learned how to shoot, so I could teach them, making editing easier for me.

A lot has happened between then and now. I still like doing what I do... I just don't do enough of it to make a living. But, I do everything that comes along, and hope to be able to do well someday. $200 a day, is a very good day right now.
Oh boy, the surfguru crowd. Are you a First Peaker? (OT) Sending mail shortly.

Oh boy, the surfguru crowd. Are you a First Peaker? (OT) Sending mail shortly.
Nope... one of the few Floridians that doesn't surf. Chances are, if you were a regular to the site in 2001-2002, you watched one of the videos I edited. I probably did 30 of them for SG, and "taught" them how to shoot ;)

Dolly, Jib, Camera, Cameraperson, $50 a day! Now raise your hands, How many of you bought all the above gear and have so little experience that you'll work on a music video for $50 a day.

And BTW he already has the shoot date and doesn't even have the above gear or camera person.

At that price, mr. producer, you might find someone to get the coffee but you better be paying for the coffee.

CAMERAPERSONS SOUGHT FOR MUSIC VIDEO - SOME PAY

Reply to: gigs-128526452@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-01-25, 9:11PM EST


We're shooting a music video in a few days and want several angles from each take. Thus, seeking camerapersons for said music video.

Shoot is this weekend. Pay is $50 per day.

Email details about your camera package. Prefer a Tripod Dolly in package if possible or jib, etc.

I'm sure someone else posted this already....but here's a great site someone here might get a kick out of.


http://www.fu*kthatjob.com/ (not sure if i'd get booted for dropping an F-Bomb...so...yeah, fill in that blank)

I thought this was an appropriate article for this forum. I think links should be posted to craigslist around the country (world). It busts the fantasy of "we'll make a hit and make money then." Working for low/no money will yield low/no money over the long term. Own the distribution and maybe . . .

http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,70074-0.html?tw=rss.technology

Or maybe those guys all own distribution systems, and you just don't know it. :-)

Ok, this isn't really a new post, per se, but it's so awesome I had to put it in:

It's a follow up to Sean Marks' post about the Sundance bound film using interns only---

"Another Intern to train my Interns
Reply to: gigs-128924305@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-01-27, 10:13AM EST


Hello, this production is heading south. I’ve had some great responses to my original ad, and brought on an intern to train my other interns. The guy was an idiot. Yesterday he busted two mole 1ks, which I have to pay for, now there is less than no money.

I need someone who knows what they are doing to come in and show these morons what they are doing! No body listens to me!

Oh yeah he also dropped the camera and not that needs fixing, so it’s a plus if you have a DV camera and some lights.

If you want to fix this mess and be the hero on a Sundance bound film come intern for me. PLEASE! Don't waste my time with your flaming emails. They hurt my feelings. This is a serious film and you will all be sorry when it premiers at Sundance."

And, even better, here's another by the same guy, after someone angrily replied to the one above:


"I asked you people not to Flame me
Reply to: gigs-128967432@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-01-27, 12:25PM EST


Damn you people are thick. I'm making a movie here so shut up. I simply asked for someone who knows what they are doing to come in here and help me out.

My Sound guy just dropped the dat tape from todays shoot into a pothole filled with water! Morons!

IS IT TOO MUCH TO ASK FOR SOME INTERNS THO KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING?

Please - someone who is a smart intern - come and show these idiots how a movie is made.

I also need an intern sound man because I had the last one escorted off the set.

We are going to Sundance you know - with or without you. I read that article and the are full of hooie! "

And the article he means, I assume, is the one James Emory (?) posted about the DV company not making any money.

I especially like the use of the word "morons" to describe the people who are keeping the production from completely falling apart, for no money. Awesome.

Best post ever!

This MAJOR PEEVES ME!!!!! HD cameras are more expensive than miniDV, HVX-DVCProHD with P2 cards and/or portable hard drive systems (not out yet) is about $10,000. People are offering miniDV rates for this! Walter G. come have a look at this!


DP with HVX200 Need for Music Video Shoot in NYC

Reply to: gigs-129422387@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-01-29, 3:56AM EST


Excellent Opportunity to add to reel and make money as "B" camera for a major music video shoot. Must have own Panasonic HVX200 with own sticks. NO OTHER CAMERAS WILL SUFFICE.

Please send resumes to this email if interest.

Will pay $250.00 per day* (Projected Two Days).

Thanks.

Date, Location and artist will be reveled once hires.

this is in or around New York, NY
no -- it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
Compensation: $250.00

Well Duh! $250 a day for an HVX200 seems priced correctly when one wants a DVX100 WITH light kit for $75 a day! Please DO send them your actual day rates if you have these cameras. These people need to be HIT with reality. BTW anyone accepting these rates should be on the Ridiculous list too!

Need DP w/Panasonic 24 P camera & light kit for short film!

Reply to: gigs-129300411@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-01-28, 4:03PM EST


We are shooting a short action/comedy about a scooter race at work on mini-dv. This will all be shot on the weekends, at one interior location. The shooting dates as of now are 2/18, and 2/25-2/26.

Please send reels, websites etc. If you need to mail it, let us know.

Thanks.

this is in or around Manhattan
no -- it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
Compensation: $75 per day, lunch on set, DVD copy of film.

Do they get points for being honest in their title? I have this image of someone in the FCP suite with a client supervised edit and the phone rings, "sorry, be right back, gotta pick up the pizza."


Creative Person Needed to be Overworked & Underpaid!

Reply to: landsharkcd@aol.com
Date: 2006-01-30, 1:38PM EST


Emerging CD & DVD Duplication house is looking for someone with graphic design skills who won't mind doing general office work. Duties include answering phones, client intake, mindless duplication & assembly work and running errands. Must be able to commit to 30 hours a week.

Ideal candidate will have good phone skills and some knowledge of Photoshop, Quickbooks, Final Cut and/or DVD Studio Pro.

We are a small friendly company, 2 years young, looking for someone to grow with us. We wish we could pay more but as we grow so will your salary.

Job location is Lincoln Center
Compensation: Starting pay $8 to $10 per hour

You know... It might not be that bad as long as the people in the shop are decent. You have just one Dip to work for, and it becomes a major hassle. You have 5 dips to work for, and you'll be hating life. If they are really cool folks, and have their act together, it would be great at half the pay!

Grip and Electrics needed for one day music video shoot

Indoor one location, Experienced DP and Director team

The band is possibly going to the south by southwest music fest

where the video will be played

Shooting HD camera.

This is a freebie, no pay, but opportunity to work with experienced DP and Director

and possibly new contacts for future work

* this is in or around Brooklyn
* no -- it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
* Compensation: credit, copy and appreciation



So...here's my inherent problem with postings like this. They advertise off the fact that the band/film/whoever is going to be entered into a festival. Now...let me ask you this....WHO CARES? If I come onto a shoot as a PA/Grip/whatever, the quality of the final product means nothing to me. PA's and such don't have "reels". So, I ask these "brilliant" filmmakers....what good does it do me that your film is going to be submitted to, and probably rejected by, some film festivals?
And another thing....what's up lately with everyone promising "contacts for future pay"? That's akin to saying "Hey come work at Burger King for free, and maybe you'll serve a Big Mac to someone who runs a major stock firm, and he'll offer you a job and blah blah blah". And the worst part? I know that someone will take this gig. Someone will take it and make it harder for someone like me to make a paycheck....the standards are lowered. Dear god...what's happened to the movies?

I know that this specific post isn't that bad/demanding. However, I haven't seen a good ridiculous post in Craiglist in a day or two, and this one hit on a few points I wanted to make about most Craigslist posts. I'm beginning to look at Craiglist as the "Tijuana" of job boards...only with less hookers. Oh wait...they have a section for that too. Nevermind.

And the worst part? I know that someone will take this gig. Someone will take it and make it harder for someone like me to make a paycheck....the standards are lowered. Dear god...what's happened to the movies?
But, if they are getting free help, how good can the help really be? Not good enough to get a paying job? There is usually a reason, and you get what you pay for.

I think I am going to vomick!! One of the most successful people in the music business and they can't pay a crew to shoot this? Give me a break! I wouldn't be surprised if Snoop didn't even show up and they just used his name to promote this. I wonder why the sponsor dropped out? It's always possible but highly unlikely that they will ever remember who helped them out in this bind. That is one of the most abused tactics used to get free help! They won't even know your name much less your number after it's over.

"Snoop Dogg is hosting his second annual Youth Football Game in Detroit this Saturday. We are in search of a small film crew to shoot this event at minimal to no cost. Sponsor dropped out so we are in a bind. Footage will be sold to major cable network so will receive funds from liscence deal. Percentage to be negotiated. Major exposure and contacts, as well as opportunity to film future Snoop events. Shoot will be for approx 5-7 hours on Friday and 5-8 hrs on Saturday We will pay for hotel Friday and Saturday night. If you are interested please contact xxx.xxx.xxxx"

Problem is that they KNOW some poor job starved people will answer the ad.

There seems to be a universal air of sleaze and sketchiness surrounding the whole rap music thing.

In Houston, there are always stories about people on the crew not getting paid, and things of the like.

I saw a special on VH1 last night called Sexploitation about the video girls in these Rap/Hip Hop videos getting screwed literally and out of pay. Sometimes they know the terms and they do it anyway. There were a few that have spoken out about how bad they get treated, good for them! The worst were for BET Uncut. That stuff is absolute worthless crap and is filthy as hell. I can't believe the FCC much less CBS allows that to air even if it is late at night! It's worse than Howard Stern.

Whoa whoa whoa. . .wait a minute, you're saying women are being abused in the rap music industry? Well, son of a bitch, who'd a thunk it?

Ent. Firm Seeks: CREW (and Post) for various shoots
Reply to: gigs-130564984@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-02-02, 2:40AM EST


We're shooting/producing various music videos, movie shorts, tv pilots, commercials, etc.

Mostly low budgets with high production value and marketing.

Seeking additional persons to join our present team, but on a Part-time basis.

Seeking:

PRODUCER
AD
DP
GAFFER
KEY GRIP
PM
PD
CAM
AC
STUNTS
MAKEUP
STORYBOARD ARTIST
BOOM OP
DRIVER
CHOREOGRAPHER
PAs
EDITOR
COMPOSITOR/FX
MUSIC ENGINEER
MUSIC PRODUCERS & VOCALISTS, MUSICIANS, ETC
PROMOTERS

Depending on your crew position, experience, skills, etc, positions pay between $40 to $200 per day. Our days can run between 6 and 12 hours, depending on various business/creative and "environmental" variables.

Email us now, as we're setting up interviews!

Use the following subject line data, as a guideline of what info to summarize/put in the SUBJECT LINE of your email:

DP, with HD Cam, $90/day, Works with ABC, BA Degree, Award winner, 212-111-1111...

In other words, let the subject line give a quick summary of the position you seek, main equip you own, how much you want per day, Name/s of biggest projects/Celebs, phone.... Once you've typed in the relevant summarized details in your subject line, proceed to type a message to us and attach any relevant files as desired.

Most of our gigs are in New York/NJ, but some are in South America, Europe, etc, when we'll cover hotel, travel, and pay you a fee.

I like how they think 90 a day is a good rate for a DP with HD Cam.

I like how they think 200 a day is a good rate for a DP with HC Cam. When they say HD Cam, do you think they mean the new HDV/P2 stuff? Or the real thing, as in "my cam cost between $90-150,000"?

By the way. . .shouldn't rates in different cities have something to do with the standard of living? $200 a day goes a lot farther in a city like Houston where one can get a decent (albeit) small apartment in a decent area for $500 a month, vs a city like NY where one can't even get a HALF a decent apartment for that amount.

We're shooting/producing various music videos, movie shorts, tv pilots, commercials, etc.

Mostly low budgets with high production value and marketing.

Seeking additional persons to join our present team, but on a Part-time basis.

Looks like they're not shooting/producing much of anything yet if they need a whole crew! Looks like his present team is he, himself and him!!