This is the first time this has happened to me, and as far as I dont know this couple are not super high end or cops or anything. In fact I have their profession info and its just normal stuff.

I would take the job except its super far away. And kind of weird with no prep, no cake, no dance. And I will still take it if they want to pay $250 extra.

In ALL SINCERITY... Silas, may you get what you need from this and have no headaches or "hangover" from it.

My OPINION (which coupled with a bus ticket will get me on the Skytrain here in Vancouver...) is that anything used to promote your business SHOULD be given the blessing from the client IF IT IDENTIFIES THEM in any way, much as one would ask for a letter of reference.

I ask my corporate clients if I may post their commercial or a snippet of interviews contained within a teaching/promo video. I also ask if they would be willing to provide me with a text testimonial I can use in marketing materials. My FEELING is that it is better to have enthusiastic supporters of your work singing your praises than disappointed and disgruntled clients complaining about your ethics.

I know first hand how frustrating it can be - most of my BEST work has been completed under NDA's or flat out belongs to someone else (another producer whom I have freelanced for) or belongs to a broadcaster for whom I used to work. I have held off getting a demo reel together for a really long time because of this. Just now am I content that I have enough material to "throw together" to showcase at least SOME of what I am capable of.

If this couple is giving you this kinda of trouble now...is it really the type of client you want to do business with? Will it be worth it?

HAHAHAHAHAAHAHAA!
IS it worth it???

Not unless they pay the extra money, I thought we clarified that in this thread earlier on.
I have not heard back so I doubt they will have a videographer, but if they choose to pay the extra $250 then great.

And Shaun, I agree, just I am not interested in driving that far unless it promotes my business as well with their blessing OR they pay a tad more for my trouble.

Ha! My bad Silas! Kinda skimmed over this thread!

let me add my $.02... at the beginning - I'd charge anyone extra just for driving 500miles to a gig - doesn't matter what kind of pkg they chose. Just think about it - 250 miles each way it's an additional 8 hrs without rest or sleep. That means your 8hr gig turns into 16 hrs. And you have extra expenses like gas and car wear. You said you have another gig following day - are you going to have enough time to recharge all batteries and prepare the equipment? And finally, lets say you finish the first gig at 10pm - you'll be back home at 3am. And next gig starts at noon? and most likely you have another 1-2hrs of driving there. That leaves you with merely 7-8hrs of rest and repacking. And that will also reduce your creativity for the 2nd shoot. The 2nd couple booked you for your style and you might have big problems trying to deliver what you promised because you're too tired.

as far as the privacy issue - i have no problem with giving up on advertising. Happy customer is more important then 2-5 secs of footage.... as long as I feel being paid fair.

They have a travel charge already, the wedding ends early and i'll be out of there and back and ready for the next day no problem. And my smallest package 4 hour gig can;t turn into a 16 hour gig unless I am getting paid cause I have bills to pay hahahahhahaahahhaaa.

I think this thread can end now. Lots of Laughter.

Please read everything before you post everyone.

I am Rolling on the floor laughing!!
Wow you would think I was just messing around from some of the reponses. GEEEEE!!!!