One of the primary ways new film production graduates make a name for themselves is through working freelance. At first freelance can seem daunting. For starters, your employer has 45 days to pay you for the work you do. And trust me, some of those employers will wait all of those 45 days.

Second, your paycheck is tax free. You eyes will probably bulge when you see this, but hold on. Before you go blow it on a bunch of new iPhone apps, you have to put at least a third of it away in savings for Uncle Sam. And if you're smart you're going to need to put back another percentage just in case the times get rough, the freelance dries up, and you are desperate for a meal. Freelance is no joke, but it can be very rewarding if you are willing to work at it.

A huge benefit of being a freelancer is the freedom to work any and all hours you want. You can say yes to employers, no to employers. You can bargain a better rate. All you have to be is self assured. Bargaining for a higher rate can be difficult and you'll need more than your wits to pull it off. You'll need to show your employer that your skills and talents have not only improved, but are also desired by other suitors. If you can prove you are worth a raise, you might just get one.

An important thing to keep in mind is that freelancers tend to be called early for shoots. One of the most important rules for a rookie and seasoned freelancers alike is as follows:

If you are fifteen minutes early, you are on time.

If you are on time, you are late.

If you are late, you are fired.

Write that rule down. Memorize it. Tattoo it on your arm. If you abide by this rule, you'll be on your way toward gaining notoriety as a reliable freelancer. And we all know what that means, more gigs and more paychecks.

Next week, I'll discuss the positives and negatives of buying gear or only seeking work where your gear will be provided. Should you do it? When is the right time to buy? How much should you buy?