I know it seems strange to be talking about a flooded market in this economy. But lately in our neck of the woods, that’s been just the case. I don’t know if it’s because of recent state laws that give tax breaks to the film industry. I don’t know if it’s because people who have been laid off are finally taking to their passions. Maybe it’s even the availability and usability of production equipment. Whatever it is, all of the sudden the independent film and television market in Indianapolis is booming.
Maybe “booming” isn’t the right word. More like, steadily flowing. And please know that I'm not attempting to brag, the surge has nothing to do with me whatsoever, and we all know how quickly the winds of change can shift.
Recently, I went to sit at a diner a couple of weeks ago an hour or two before a production meeting, and there was another filmmaker sitting behind me wheeling and dealing talking about shooting an independent film one street over during the coming month. Awesome. It's an amazing feeling when there's enough going on in the industry to accidentally run into it.
However, just because all of the sudden the industry seems to be kicking doesn’t mean that everyone is legitimate. Just because a person might be a little new also doesn’t mean they’re trying to con you. So how do you navigate if you’re in the world of freelance production? Here are five good tips based on recent personal experiences.
1.) Beware people who change your pay or rate of pay without notice. Maybe you agree to a certain day rate. Maybe you even come out to do the work…then they decide not to pay you at the end of the day, choosing instead to say they’ll pay upon completion now. This is bad news, because it either means they don’t have the money or they’re likely going to change things like this on you last minute frequently.
Work with an upfront contract my friends, the second that contract is broken, feel free to disconnect. It may be an honest circumstance, but don’t let someone who hired you do this to you more than once. It’s a sign of things to come and you don’t want to get involved with a production like that.
2.) Put a clear limit on the rules of communication in the beginning of a freelance relationship. A production can hire you for running camera, editing, sound, all of the above, or more. But beware allowing them to lean on you too heavily. It happened to us recently. Soon the phone calls start coming, “How do I do this?” and, “How do I do that?” A few calls are fine, after all, you want the production you’re working on to do well and it’s great to be helpful and dependable.
But don’t “phantom” run the production for someone. If you feel that you are working beyond what your contract states, have a lunch meeting and talk about it as soon as possible. After all, if you are in the world of freelance, you know that its really important not to give something away for free when you can sell it. It’s up to you to decide where the line is between being helpful and being taken advantage of, but once you decide where it is, don’t be timid about it. You can be firm without being rude. You have to be your own HR in freelance production.
3.) If someone pulls a nasty trick on you, don’t sweat it and move on. It’s true; there are those out there who are looking for freelance production people to take advantage of. This is true in every industry. Maybe they need a few hours of work done and never intend to pay; maybe they lie about the duration for which they are hiring you because they know nobody will want a month-long gig. Maybe they quote you more than they’re willing to pay just to get you on board.
If you are lied to or you have a bad experience, try not to sweat it. It happens to everyone at some point along the way. As creative people, we might even be slow to recognize that not everything that goes wrong is our fault. Just stick to your contract, abandon ship when they break the rules, and tell them why over the phone or in person. But don’t get bitter, just look for the next job. Unfortunately the world of freelance is treacherous because sometimes anyone can form a production. But don’t worry; the ones that aren’t legitimate wouldn’t have been a good opportunity for you in the end anyway.
4.) The word, “beginner” is not a dirty word. Sometimes you can feel free to get in on the ground level of a new production. After all, most independent productions feel like they’re at ground level anyway without studio backing or standard operating procedures. But that’s not always bad.
Around here lately, it has been common for business people to start getting involved in entertainment, be it cable television, promotional materials or film. Sometimes they’re looking for a freelance person to guide them and they’re willing to pay. So don’t think that everyone without production experience is out to get you or won’t be professional. These can be ideal gigs where you can work in an ego-free environment. Just do your homework like you always do, agree on your terms, and of course, sign a contract.
5.) Use your gut. When you’re working freelance, this is the most important tool. Maybe an incredible production comes along that you feel really good about, but they can’t pay you initially. If you want to do it and you can afford to, do it. Maybe a sweet deal comes along and it looks great but you’re just not interested, then stay away and don’t ever kick yourself for it.
Freelance gives you the unique opportunity to make your own career decisions. Also, with production spreading out all over the country now, even in this economy, you can be sure that there will be other jobs. You may have to dig to find them or move to get to them, but they’re out there. The independent market seems to have a lot to offer right now, take advantage of that, even just for the different experiences.
Comments
Fantastic tips! These seem
Fantastic tips! These seem especially true in an era where Craigslist-esque crew jobs are rampant and you never really know who you're getting involved with.
OH yeah...
Don't even get me started on Craigslist. In a weird way, it's a microcosm of real life in freelance. Because it IS true that you don't know what you're getting into. My husband in particular has gotten amazing jobs and ridiculously bad gigs from that and Mandy both.
Input for your ultimate job board
We at FiveSprocekts would love to know what you would want from an ideal job board for the Media & Entertainment industry. What specifically do you love/hate about both Craigslist and Mandy?
I know!
I love that anyone can post on both of those sites, but I hate that they aren't required to list their professional accomplishments or somehow prove themselves credible. Even if they're independent, it would help so much to know that I woouldn't have to waste a day meeting someone creepy or someone who has no intention of paying for help. I've actually been scared of people during a first meeting before, and been harrassed by less than stable people when I turned down their offers who saw me as someone who could make their idea happen for them, haha! It sounds weird, but safety is always a concern.
I don't think there should be snobby requirements or anything, but they should have to post a link to prior works or their homepage or something. The employers almost always have the upper hand on job boards, and I can understand why for sure. They have to be careful about too much transparency. But if there were only some way to level the ground a little bit.
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