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August 1st, 2011, 12:01 PM | #31 | |
Inner Circle
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 5,742
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Re: Possible problem with out of state production company
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Good news, Cousins! This week's chocolate ration is 15 grams! |
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August 1st, 2011, 12:04 PM | #32 | |
Major Player
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 309
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Re: Possible problem with out of state production company
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But payment aside, he broke the deal. I told him my fee for that concert was $600, and he said his budget was only $350. So I asked him if I was going to be allowed to use the footage to promote my business and he clearly said yes. Then he keeps telling me "don't post it yet", "don't post it yet", week after week, until he stops replying to my emails and phone calls. I ended up sending him an email telling him that by law the footage was mine and that our deal was that I could use it in exchange for charging him a small price for the shoot, and that I intended to use it. So what I'm going to do eventually, because I'm reworking my website's design and it will take a couple of weeks, is to edit a short promo that doesn't have tons of kids, to make the release signing easier, and send it to the dance institute on a DVD explaining the situation with the releases, asking them if they would be willing to give those releases to the parents to sign, in exchange for me making a promotional video for their website, which may be the same one I send them or another one if they prefer other pieces. If they agree then fine, if not, I won't be able to use it, but at least I tried. I know I may seem hard headed to some, but the way I see it, if I shoot an event, I should have the right to use at least a compilation of it for promotional purposes. |
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August 1st, 2011, 12:15 PM | #33 | |
Inner Circle
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 5,742
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Re: Possible problem with out of state production company
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Back in 2009 I had a client go bankrupt leaving me holding the bill for over $5000 in services of which I'll never see a penny. Count yourself lucky you got paid and move on.
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Good news, Cousins! This week's chocolate ration is 15 grams! |
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August 1st, 2011, 12:27 PM | #34 | |
Major Player
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 309
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Re: Possible problem with out of state production company
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So it boils down to getting the releases from the parents. If I get them, great, if not, then at least I tried my best. |
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August 1st, 2011, 01:09 PM | #35 | |
Trustee
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Novato, CA
Posts: 1,774
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Re: Possible problem with out of state production company
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Sebastian, 30 day payment doesn't seem that incredibly outrageous or long especially if you consider that many times, businesses have regular times when they cut checks for payments. If you miss that processing cycle you're kind of screwed. Not saying that is what happened and this other company sounds like a PITA to work with but something to consider. For me, especially when it's an independent shooter like you, I try to pay as quickly as possible but then I'm a small business too so I don't have to worry about processing schedules and I understand how even $350 is a lot of money to wait a month on. But, the most important thing to remember here is that you want the dance studio to do your advertising for you. So think through the best way to maximize your relationship with them to help you get referrals. It might not be the best use of your time or of having to bother all of their patrons for the release forms. Perhaps consider forging a relationship so that they will ask you to produce the video for their next recital since you are local and at that point you will be able to make sure all of the required releases are in place. Also, see about helping them video practice sessions for upcoming competitions or other events so that they can review the footage with their dancers. Find out if any of their dancers need videos for applications to art schools or for applications to dance companies. Only charge a minimal amount for these services as your real goal is to be able to be the go to production company for all of their bigger needs. And honestly those audition videos are super quick to do and you can easily get them done in less than an hour. No editing is needed and minimal set up time (all of the audition videos I've done do not allow any edits, it has to be one complete unedited dance). Ask them if it is ok for you to use them as a referral and offer to have their logo placed on your website where you list past clients or companies you've worked with (I know technically they weren't your client but you did work with them). See if you could leave some promotional info (cards or brochures) at their school. If you can, find out what the parents of their dancers do. There may be a lead on another job through that connection. And, ask if they know of any other studios who could also use your help. The cheapest and most effective way to market is through referrals. Just some thoughts on how you can take this situation that is a pain to contend with and turn it into a positive outcome. Good luck, Garrett |
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August 1st, 2011, 01:26 PM | #36 | |
Major Player
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 309
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Re: Possible problem with out of state production company
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It's not like I demand immediate payment to every customer I deal with, in fact my invoices say Payment Due in 30 days, and if they go a little longer, I don't mind, as long as they let me know, or return my calls or emails. |
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August 1st, 2011, 02:42 PM | #37 |
Major Player
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Lakeland Florida
Posts: 692
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Re: Possible problem with out of state production company
There's a lot to learn in starting up a business. Sometimes those "valuable learning experiences" are painful, but they are still valuable.
Even though you didn't make a lot of money from the gig, which is also the norm for most of my jobs, and you didn't get paid as quickly as you expected, you gained valuable experience. Not just for a video business, but for business in general. 30 day net is pretty standard payment practice for a lot of businesses. 60 day is becoming more common in the current economy. You've also gained valuable tips on the forum here dealing with a variety of issues that all happened to crop up in this one particular job of yours. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn as much as possible from this experience. One other thing, try to learn to RELAX when things don't go as planned. Today I celebrate the two year anniversary of my business. Very little has gone the way I expected at first, except I expected starting up the business to be EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. That is one of the few things I guessed right when I started up. And I also underestimated how much I would enjoy this business. I hope you learn to relax when facing the challenges of such an exciting, enjoyable line of work. |
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