I'm absolutely sure it's the same guy. Same name, same MO.

I wonder if I'm one of the "rotten people" to whom he refers? Though I never said I would do a gig and then failed to arrive.

I know a guy who shot a Quincenera (sp?), and the mother of the girl told him that they would look at the finished piece and if they liked it, they would pay him.

So, he opened with I use to live in Texas, now I reside in California?

This sounds like one of those make money while staying at home scammers. That usually involves very cheap in quality products. Notice how he didn't care if it was on VHS or DVD and it was all in-camera editing with a camera mic. I think he was just looking for a quick way to make some money without much to do with the process. He complains about people not showing up. What do you expect for $150? He deserves what he gets!

Well, like I said, he didn't "open" with anything, 'cause I got his number from some girl who knew him for some reason. Yeah, he was in California and needed people in other cities to handle stuff locally for him. Don't know if it was actually a scam or not, 'cause I never worked for him. Who knows. I think he also wanted you to put titles on the final product before sending tapes. I still have his literature, for some reason, I think, or did up until fairly recently.

Anyway, not only would I not send him the content without payment first, I surely wouldn't do ANY post work like CG for that low pay or promised pay.

Anyway, here's another:

"Video shooter(s) for Saturday

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: Allen@VisualConceptsPhoto.com
Date: 2007-05-08, 12:28PM CDT


I have event this weekend that i need one or two shooters. Nothing hard or real creative, just point the camera and shoot. email me for more information.




Location: Houston
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
Compensation: $10-$15 DOE "

Think he means per day or per hour?

I wonder if that's with or without gear?

"just point the camera and shoot"

So he doesn't care about white balance, focus, iris?
I hope he gets EXACTLY what he asks for.

As I've said before and as you can see in this ad, ENTIRE business model based on not paying people to shoot and edit. They want "Experienced Interns" complete with request for 2 samples, "must be flexible, last minute."
_________________________________________________________

Experienced Interns Needed!! Film Videos of Top Artists! (NYC area)

Reply to: gigs-329988066@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-05-13, 11:24AM EDT


Looking for production interns to film and edit artist interviews and events.

This is not a paying gig, but has many perks including:
Interviews with top artists like Joe, Tank, & Amel Larrieux
Access to industry parties/events
Free Music

College Students preferred. Will provide documentation necessary for college credit.

Videos will be published on SpotlightGrooves.com and assorted websites, promoted by a multi-media publicity campaign. Start your Career working with the Top online.

Send 2 video samples to:
Spotlight Grooves
PO Box 7122
North Brunswick, NJ 08902

Cameraman, and film editors needed. Must be flexible. Assignments are often last minute in NYC. Average film time -15 mins.

Research and transcription Interns needed also.

www.SpotlightGrooves.com
Your Source for Soul!

And again folks. It's NOT just "NO PAY" for Student Films! These are "pro" jobs in which YOU provide YOUR GEAR and YOUR TIME for NOTHING. Get this: "Full credit will be acknowledged for NETWORK BROADCAST SPOTS."
______________________________________
NYC: Camera Operators/Videographers (TriBeCa)

Reply to: gigs-330075842@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-05-13, 2:31PM EDT


Looking for 2 videographers to shoot reality show at postproduction facility for pilot episode. Must have own cameras (HDV). Ideal for a student/graduate summer project. Full credit will be acknowledged for network broadcast spots.

Payment is on a lo/no/deferred basis.

I agree with you, Craig, but as I've thought about this recently I can't help but wonder... Who's at fault here? Is it the person who's bold enough to ask for something for free or is it the person who's stupid enough to give it away?

I'll have to be honest. As I think about all this, if someone were to offer to give me something for free--something that would normally cost thousands of dollars--I'd take it. I may feel a little guilty, but I'd take it.

So who is the real culprit in all this?

Just a thought.

Jay, there is much truth in what you write. A student spends 2-4 years learning After Effects, Avid, FCP, other software (all bought at student prices), maybe the school's 16mm film cameras, DV cameras. They were never taught Video Business 101 though.

Maybe they (or their parents) owe thousands in student loans, they're neck deep in dept having paid for their cameras and accessories and software (unless they're still using student copies or pirated), maybe moved away from home (living in a room in shared NYC apartments with very high rents in some cases) and NOT a CLUE how to get paid at least enough to cover all those costs. They are NOT people who have no clue how to shot or edit. They've had a few years of critical learning and judgement by teachers and peers.

While they may sink in mountain debt in a couple of years, there's a steady stream of graduates who've learned and own the latest state of the art gear working for NOTHING, NOT EVEN COST.

This kids are TALENTED, they have SOME EXPERIENCE, they own the LATEST GEAR.

It's no longer "work on my film" dreams but For Profit Businesses getting people to work for nothing. It's no longer "get what you pay for" for those businesses not willing to pay. The students do bear some of the blame as do the schools who don't teach fundamental business skills.

There's not much we can do about it directly but if some of them "google" and hit this thread maybe they'll learn a thing or three about business.

Again, I agree with everything you've said, Craig. It is very frustrating, to say the least. We are caught in a lose/lose situation. The sad thing is, the students don't realize that they are too and they are perpetuating the problem. The real sad thing is, they will soon be suffering the consequences tomorrow of what they're allowing themslves to be sucked into today.

I've never been too keen on unions, but it easy to see why and how they came about. This is a perfect example.

I lost a job last week--a 30-minute video for $500! I'm sure the guy will find some poor student to do it.

It seems like I've seen a post like this in this thread before.

Just heard a horror story about a professional Asst Cam who's been in the industry (Hollywood TV commercials) for years. Absolutely not a beginner.

He was asked to do a spec commercial with a very famous actor (you'll know who the person is immediately) and so he said sure, if it's on spec.

He grabbed his friends, grips, electricians, etc., and they did the gig and it was all good.

The commercial airs, and it's still airing, so he calls up the producers and says, gee, I'm glad you sold the commercial... now what about the spec part of it?
The producers apparently looked at my friend and shrugged. "What spec??"

Now these are ongoing ad agency clients, mind you, not upstart companies to take advantage of inexperienced young folk. So now my friend can't say a thing because these guys are still passing him (full paying) work.

Wow. I couldn't believe it. Glad I got out of that trade when I did...

Could you have possibly been any more vague? I wasn't able to guess who the actor is because you didn't give ANY clues. So, WHO is it?

WHAT? That's makes it sound like he said I won't work for money, but if it's on spec, sure!

That is a strange situation. Why would people that pay him all the time all of the sudden screw him over?

Yeah, very strange. I can't really tell you on the board who the actor is.

He said yes because the producers had been above board when they asked him to do the "spec" job.

What I mean by "sure, if it's a spec job" is that they offered him little or no money and he would normally turn that job down, but if it was on spec (for everybody involved, including for the producers) then he was in for helping the team out.

Apparently they meant spec for him and his crew, but not for themselves. And they didn't think they were screwing anybody over at all.

That's a new interpretation of the word, as far as I'm concerned.

That's right up there with Craig's List employers. If someone had flat out lied to me like that, it would not go unmentioned and I might be taking pocession of someone's property. However, if the person or agency that did that to me gave me alot of work, I might keep my mouth closed that ONE time but would never do them a favor again. The ironic twist to not doing them another favor might mean that they would find someone else and give them all of the future paid work. There's a special place for people that do that to others.

Amen to that.

"Director’s Competition sponsored by Cagesafe Productions
Reply to: see below
Date: 2007-05-25, 9:18AM CDT


Director’s Competition sponsored by Cagesafe Productions

www.cagesafeproductions.com

Cagesafe Productions presents its first Director’s competition. Submit your reel exhibiting your ability to drive character and story and you can live in New Orleans and be the next hardly paid over-worked director of an independent feature film.

www.cagesafeproductions.com

We are looking for someone that approaches film as a form of art. Submit your reels.

www.cagesafeproductions.com

Entry fee: $55.00
Winner will direct a low budget Independent feature.

www.cagesafeproductions.com

Go to www.cagesafeproductions.com for more information.

www.cagesafeproductions.com

Thanks and Good Luck!




* it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
* Compensation: no pay "

Yep, they posted the same thing in Atlanta so it must be everywhere. Someone already slammed them on our board too. They made a good point though. Not only will you more than likely never get anything for your entry fee but that's a good way for them to raise funds for their projects and gear and then disappear. Just take a little from alot of people! As that commercial says, brilliant!

So you need to know Adobe Premiere, DVD Studio Pro and Final Cut Pro and you get . . . $12.50/hr. BTW they PREFER EXPERIENCE in advertising related production.
____________________________________________________________


Videotape Editor: Tape Dubbing & Duplication

Reply to: job-338229586@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-05-25, 2:28PM EDT


We are a rapidly growing market research company that specializes in advertising tracking. Clients include many of the leading ad agencies and Fortune 500 companies.

We monitor advertising across a wide range of television and print media. Subscribers receive reports summarizing competitive ad spending. A full range of creative materials is available through our website.

Opening exists for a VIDEO EDITOR in our Tape Dubbing and Duplication Department.

This is position is responsible for DAILY TAPE PRODUCTION.

Qualifications:

Experience with linear and non-linear video production.

Computer skills: Digital video production and editing, digital image production and editing. REQUIRED: Adobe Premiere, DVD Studio Pro,Mac OSX. and Final Cut Pro

High standards of customer service and excellent communication skills.

Experience in an advertising-related production position preferred.

NIGHTS: Mon-Fri, 1 pm - 9 pm. (Must be available to train 9 am - 5 pm for the first few weeks.)

Pay: $12.50 per hour. We offer a full range of benefits and a casual work environment.

EMail with Video Edit in subject line of e-mail.

The old reverse psychology trick!

He wants all this for $250!!!!!!!!!!!
BTW it seems AWFULLY suspicious when they state they want to upload YOUR PORTFOLIO to THEIR video management platform!
__________________________________________________

Videographer Needed

Reply to: job-341978204@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-05-31, 12:25PM EDT


Denver-based software and video services company looking for:
* Videographer for one day, to shoot two 30-second promotional online videos for website of New York-based client.
* 5-year minimum experience producing video for corporate marketing, PR, entertainment or training purposes
* Provide resume and portfolio of relevant work -- DVD, URL, or FLV to be uploaded to our video management platform.
* Use own professional quality equipment, including DVCAM camera, complete lighting kit, and lavaliere and/or boom microphone.
* Ability to follow a detailed script and shot list unsupervised to deliver the required footage.
* Video format: DVCAM.
* All equipment must be owned and insured by you.
* You must supply master DVCAM Tape of assigned work.


Compensation: $250.00

This is pretty retarded. Who owns teleprompter gear except for pro teleprompter operators? Don't those rigs cost thousands of dollars? And you're supposed to shoot and prompt simultaneously?

"Looking for videographer
Reply to: job-342702228@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-06-01, 11:50AM CDT


Need a videographer to shoot short (less than 1 min) video profiles/interviews on location across Houston. Must have production quality camera, 3 piece light kit, tripod, teleprompter and laptop (to feed teleprompter). To be done on wed-fri in late mornings/early afternoons. This may be perfect job for wedding videographers looking to expand your business. We possibly would be willing to supply teleprompter as trade off for first couple jobs. This is not a one time job, we need someone to be on call to shoot on location when needed. No editing, just snail mail us the raw video. If you have the equipment and feel like you could do some basic directing, call us. (713)922-8032




* Location: Houston
* Compensation: 150.00-450.00 per job (depending on number of interviews shot, 1-6 people)
* This is a part-time job.
* Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
* Phone calls about this job are ok.
* Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests."

Josh, actually there are some decent teleprompter kits that'll go on the front end of a typical 1/3" camera that are around $1000 (not including laptop).

This one is about $1600 but I've seen them in the video trade magazines for less

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...prompter_.html

Here's one for under $700
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...mpter_Kit.html

Still the price for the job may be low though. Given the gear, set up, some travel time, no one can make money at $150 and even $450 is still on the low side if you're booking a half day minimum with that gear.

There's not much you can do about most of these ridiculous offers, but one thing you can do is flag on Craigs List. Any ad placed under the "Television/Radio Jobs" heading must carry with it an offer of payment. Spec, deferred, "get experience" is not allowed. If there were enough people flagging, those ads would get closed down. Its not much, but its one thing you can do. I check my local Craigs List and always flag job ads that don't offer payment.

HA! I think i know the DP and The Key Grip on this shoot. I've got to find this post. I think it's a 30k project they're shooting on the varicam!

my favorite ads go something like this:


Well known and award winning studio now looking for Camera person, Lighting person, Sound man, Director and actors for a movie already going to several festivals including Tribeca!

Join our emmy award winning team and get ready to make a great movie!

Pay is deferred but you'll get copy and credit of course!
GREAT for new actors and actresses as we will be putting this on imdb.com!



Must own all of your own equipment!

moviestudio10056@hotmail.com

You find a website for them, it's on geocities, it looks like crap and all it talks about is the $50 fee to turn in a headshot for acting for their "movie"


Yep.

Camera-person to film documentary
Reply to: info@trehmusic.com
Date: 2007-06-06, 11:23AM CDT


Seeking individual with digital video camera to film documentary style two individuals for 8 weeks (Through August 12th) as they study and take the Texas Bar Exam. The footage maybe used at a later date as a pilot for a reality show. Previous filming experience desired but not required. Shooting will consist of 3-4 days each week (days of the week and times are flexible) Pay is a flat fee of $300. This is a great way to gain additional filming experience and participation in the pilot or series if the show is later picked up and produced. We are looking to begin filming immediately. Please contact Marie at 713-376-3975, or email inquires to info@trehmusic.com.




* Location: Houston near Downtown
* Compensation: Pay is a flat fee of $300.
* Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
* Phone calls about this job are ok.
* Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

3 days a week, 8 hours, 8 weeks. < $2 an hour. Even if it was 4 hours, it would still be under $4. You would think someone working with the legal field might know about federal law at a minimum.

that law must not apply in all situations, otherwise, how could people ask others to work for free?

If what I heard was correct, years ago our local cable office had to start paying its interns something because of labor laws.

I'm shooting a low budget feature next month. We're paying very little but I'm upfront with everyone about it. What money we have is going for equipment, food, insurance and locations. I haven't placed an ad on Craiglist, I don't need to, but I don't think this kind of offer is insulting. For most it is just a tradeoff, low or no pay for experience. I do also get experienced people who work on corporate videos or industrial films willing to take a shot with me because they want to make the leap to narratives.

I would agree that you are one of the honest ones that isn't demanding or misleading and acting like you are the messiah of the industry. You must not have read this entire thread because it's been stated several times that we are aware of the honest people but unfortunately there are more people wanting something for nothing for projects that will go nowhere overshadowing the reasonable posts. Just take a look at Craig's List at any given time. It's absolutely ridiculous! Here is a recent post that accurately describes what's going on.

This is a perfect example of the problem. These people have no idea what they're getting involved with. They are asking a total stranger to provide about $50K-$60K of gear and they don't have a clue about what they are doing! The film alone will cost more than they could ever imagine! Maybe they could get Kodak or Fuji to give them $20K worth of film too. Just another group that thinks their project is IT!

I think they just changed the definition of PA.

Craigslist people are already trying to PAY us like PAs, now I guess they figure they might as well CALL us PAs!

HD cameraman wanted

Reply to: gigs-357160581@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-06-21, 11:30AM PDT


We are looking for somene with a high end HD camera to shoot our feature film. We really want someone with some hollywood experiance or really good skills in movie making. We will buy the tapes for the camera. You will receive our thanks, and we will buy you a beer once the filming is done.


Location: se
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
Compensation: no pay

Dear god in heaven, surely that one is someone's idea of a joke...

But then again, having read the rest of this thread...

Beer counts as money in Portland...