Will you take this gig?

Jeff Harper · March 9th, 2015, 07:47 AM

I think it's a ridiculous ad. Danny has it nailed. These are problem clients, IMO and I wouldn't touch them.

Why can they not simply shop videographers rather than run an ad? It seems to me either they or the photogs are control freaks. I wouldn't be surprised if they have called around and been rejected by established videographers.

James Manford · March 10th, 2015, 04:55 AM

Problem client, stay well out of the way of this lot. I don't care about their honesty, I prefer professionalism and respect.

Danny O'Neill · March 10th, 2015, 05:21 AM

With this sort of gig there is also the chance that the tog could be a diva and deliberately try and prove a point about how video is the worst thing in the world.

We had a job once that we took. Keen couple but then the day comes and they confess that the photos are more important and they told us to stay out of the way. They also told the tog he is the most important.

He was an absolute Maria Carey diva. We did all we could to stay out of the way and he still got us in shot (on purpose) and goes to the client "Look, LOOK! Thats what happens when you have 'Veedeeoh People'!".

He even had the cheek that the very first thing he said to us, before we even said Hi and exchanged pleasantries was "The couple did tell you im more important didnt they?".

Happy ending though. They didnt like his photos and raved about how much they loved the film more than the photos. But still, never again would I touch a job like that. I didnt become self employed to be stuck working with tossers.

James Manford · March 10th, 2015, 05:25 AM

Had a good laugh reading that Danny. I can imagine.

Yet to come across a tog like that.

Just wish everyone got along pleasantly ... it's so pathetic. We are all there to provide a service and go home.

Peter Rush · March 10th, 2015, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danny O'Neill

With this sort of gig there is also the chance that the tog could be a diva and deliberately try and prove a point about how video is the worst thing in the world.

We had a job once that we took. Keen couple but then the day comes and they confess that the photos are more important and they told us to stay out of the way. They also told the tog he is the most important.

He was an absolute Maria Carey diva. We did all we could to stay out of the way and he still got us in shot (on purpose) and goes to the client "Look, LOOK! Thats what happens when you have 'Veedeeoh People'!".

He even had the cheek that the very first thing he said to us, before we even said Hi and exchanged pleasantries was "The couple did tell you im more important didnt they?".

Happy ending though. They didnt like his photos and raved about how much they loved the film more than the photos. But still, never again would I touch a job like that. I didnt become self employed to be stuck working with tossers.

The problem I have is that I never meet the tog until the day, I always ask who they are using but if it's someone I don't know then anything can happen - I once had a tog who insisted I not come along on the couple's photoshoot in case I treated him as an unpaid 'master class'!!!! cheeky sod - he was actually quite rude to people and ultra bossy!

I am fortunate as I have made quite a few friends of local photographers who recommend me - best of both worlds!

Jeff Harper · March 10th, 2015, 01:10 PM

Great story, Danny, nice ending.

Tim Paynter · March 10th, 2015, 04:11 PM

The WORST that you can do is shoot the gig and have the footage end up EXACTLY like the job description calls for.

You might do a lot better and surprise people.

Take the job, make sure your contract has a cancellation provision, (so if it really is a money thing, you have something in your pocket (liquidated damages) when they run out of dough near wedding day and see you as the first thing to cut).

Do your best and move on. You might learn something, too!

Clive McLaughlin · March 10th, 2015, 04:56 PM

Personally speaking, I read the ad and think "cool, I don't have to work hard for this one".

Basically with the restraints, its a licence to stand at the back and get really basic footage. Zero stress, no pressure.

Also... no pride either. ANd for me sometimes, the pride is more enjoyable than the cheque.

March 9th, 2015, 07:47 AM	#16
Jeff Harper Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 8,425	Re: Will you take this gig? I think it's a ridiculous ad. Danny has it nailed. These are problem clients, IMO and I wouldn't touch them. Why can they not simply shop videographers rather than run an ad? It seems to me either they or the photogs are control freaks. I wouldn't be surprised if they have called around and been rejected by established videographers. __________________ "The horror of what I saw on the timeline cannot be described."

March 10th, 2015, 04:55 AM	#17
James Manford Trustee Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: London, UK Posts: 1,393	Re: Will you take this gig? Problem client, stay well out of the way of this lot. I don't care about their honesty, I prefer professionalism and respect.

March 10th, 2015, 05:21 AM	#18
Danny O'Neill Major Player Join Date: May 2008 Location: Northampton, UK Posts: 915	Re: Will you take this gig? With this sort of gig there is also the chance that the tog could be a diva and deliberately try and prove a point about how video is the worst thing in the world. We had a job once that we took. Keen couple but then the day comes and they confess that the photos are more important and they told us to stay out of the way. They also told the tog he is the most important. He was an absolute Maria Carey diva. We did all we could to stay out of the way and he still got us in shot (on purpose) and goes to the client "Look, LOOK! Thats what happens when you have 'Veedeeoh People'!". He even had the cheek that the very first thing he said to us, before we even said Hi and exchanged pleasantries was "The couple did tell you im more important didnt they?". Happy ending though. They didnt like his photos and raved about how much they loved the film more than the photos. But still, never again would I touch a job like that. I didnt become self employed to be stuck working with tossers. __________________ mintyslippers.com

March 10th, 2015, 05:25 AM	#19
James Manford Trustee Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: London, UK Posts: 1,393	Re: Will you take this gig? Had a good laugh reading that Danny. I can imagine. Yet to come across a tog like that. Just wish everyone got along pleasantly ... it's so pathetic. We are all there to provide a service and go home.

March 10th, 2015, 01:10 PM	#21
Jeff Harper Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 8,425	Re: Will you take this gig? Great story, Danny, nice ending. __________________ "The horror of what I saw on the timeline cannot be described."

March 10th, 2015, 04:11 PM	#22
Tim Paynter Major Player Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Denver Posts: 255	Re: Will you take this gig? The WORST that you can do is shoot the gig and have the footage end up EXACTLY like the job description calls for. You might do a lot better and surprise people. Take the job, make sure your contract has a cancellation provision, (so if it really is a money thing, you have something in your pocket (liquidated damages) when they run out of dough near wedding day and see you as the first thing to cut). Do your best and move on. You might learn something, too!

March 10th, 2015, 04:56 PM	#23
Clive McLaughlin Major Player Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Belfast Posts: 823	Re: Will you take this gig? Personally speaking, I read the ad and think "cool, I don't have to work hard for this one". Basically with the restraints, its a licence to stand at the back and get really basic footage. Zero stress, no pressure. Also... no pride either. ANd for me sometimes, the pride is more enjoyable than the cheque.