At least understand the job description

Date: 2010-01-10, 1:05PM PST

I understand there a lot of people who need some professionals on their productions but can only pay low rates ($100-$150/day, no OT, MPs, etc...) However, to the people who do hire us professionals; please do your research as to the job description of the position for which you are hiring. I am getting really tired of jobs positings that read:

"Looking for a couple of Gaffers for a short film". There is only 1 Gaffer. The people working under him/her are electricians.

"Looking for Grip... Will be helping Gaffer setting lights, running power, etc..". A Grip on a professional set will never touch a cable. Now if you need someone to come on board and do both grip and electric, then please state that you are looking for a swing: Grip/Electric.

It sucks when us professionals need to come to craigslist for jobs because work is so slow and we have bills to pay. But I'm getting really tired of the times someone will post an ad looking for a Key Grip. I'll respond, get called for the job and then when I get to set and ask to speak to the Gaffer; they look at me weird and think that a Key Grip is the Gaffer. It's all fun in games to them until I start popping breakers and blowing fuses in their million dollar homes.

Please understand why a professional is coming to work on your little production for a much lower rate. We're having a tough time as it is; at least give us the courtesy and respect our profession deserves by doing your research the next time you want to hire an Assistant Camera to run Sound.

Location: Film Industry