RE: NEED a DP (for FOOD&DRINK)

Date: 2012-09-24, 12:01PM PDT

---

Whoever posted the AD below, I truly admire his/her guts...
This guy is asking for any DP out there with 5D or 7D (notice that a specific type of camera is required. It can't be Panasonic HVX200 because it's too outdated), and he generously offers...

FOOD AND DRINKS WILL BE AVAILABLE.

Wow, I have a 5D so I'm entitled for food and drinks. That's a fair deal because I'm feeling hungry and thirsty lately. I'm wondering if I throw in my 7D as well, does he add a desert, maybe?

Someone, please advise him that he has a much better chance to find a DP if he waits at the US border for people successfully crossing from Mexico because they are very hungry and thirsty, spending
3 nights in the desert. Of course they all own 5D or 7D (some smugglers even own fast prime lenses)...

Original Post:
I am looking for a DP who has and can work a 5D and 7D camera. We are shooting a webisode and need extra crew. Food and drinks will be available. Great set for networking and meeting new people and perfecting your craft. Be a great samaritan! Looking to shoot within the next week or two!

• Location: Homeless Shelter
• Compensation: Food and drinks, possibly desert, too.  
  

How to get Flagged (a Tutorial)

Date: 2012-09-20, 2:10AM PDT

Start off by offering NO PAY... and requiring that the potential slave have thousands of dollars of Camera, Audio, Lighting or Makeup Kit
as a requirement of the job.
(Remember, those of us that use this equipment probably paid a pretty penny to acquire it... I know I paid out
quite bit for my Camera Gear... so consider that when you look for free rentals)

Try asking a Camera Rental House for free gear...

If you pay, offer an insultingly low amount, like ANYTHING below Minimum Wage for a 12 hour day...
(which is currently $64/8 Hours, $88/10 Hours, $112 for 12 Hours in most of California)

offer IMDB credits and food as the only pay, as if you have some magical ability to grant IMDB credits that no one else has...
(I can create a bogus IMDB page that will get me an interview with Martin Scorsese in mere minutes... so, IMDB means nothing)

Use the following keywords (all as reasons to accept low or no pay)
"Great Crew"
"Fun Production"
"Labor of Love"
"Pro Crew, all donating their time."
"Award Winning Director, In Between Projects"
"A-List Talent all working for free"
"No Pay on this one, but future jobs will have pay." (Assuming you really DO have a next job)
(none of these will pay the rent, or Auto Insurance, real money, will)

Sound like a total Douchebag, and require a headshot for a below the line crew position that will never appear on camera...
(that screams "I only want to hire hot females" that I can hit on while they are working for me, for free...)

THAT, is how you get flagged... in case you haven't already figured that out...

• Location: Production Land!
• Compensation: Yes, you will pay ME!!   

Come work for me for FREE! It'll be AWESOME!

Date: 2012-09-20, 8:30PM PDT

Hi! I'm a douche and I'm making an ULB feature and need crew! I need all the positions filled so please, apply here, but please be advised, I'm only hiring professionals! In order to apply you need:

1. At least 5 years of experience

2. A resume/reel/IMDB link that's gonna knock my socks off

3. A credit card, because I'm probably gonna make you pay for stuff yourself...but keep those receipts, because I "swear" I'll pay you back...

4. A great car...or better yet, a truck...because I'm gonna need you to help me move stuff...

5. An iron stomach because I'm only going to get the crappiest and cheapest food to feed my crew...when I feed you at all.

It's gonna be a blast. This is a total passion project so I'm trying to make this for as little as possible (free) and make as much money off of it as possible. I can't pay anyone because I don't have the money...or actually, I do have the money but it's so much more fun to spend on myself. The whole thing is gonna shoot for 15 days out in BFE and you have to drive yourself (good thing you have that big car). Oh, I'm not paying for gas so I hope you get good mileage! And by the way, can I catch a ride...I don't want to put the miles on my car if you're already headed out there.

You know what, I might just have another project in a few months/years/decades so working on this for free is just like a really long job interview and I "might" hire you again!

So, send me your info. Oh, headshots too...I need actors. And bank information...because like I said, I still need to buy stuff...

And if you're in college, even better...I'll give you college credits for that internship you need...you'll be working for production AND I'll make you my personal assistant so you can expect to pick up my laundry, check my voicemail/fb/email/twitter/pinterest/linkd/craigslist/eharmony accounts, pick up after my dogs (I have 12 Great Danes..hope you like fur) and babysit evenings and weekends for my two sociopathic children...

Copy (if I remember to burn the DVDs), Credit (forever in my heart because I'm not gonna take the time to put this on IMDB.COM) and my undying silent mockery of the fact that you're stupid enough to work for free.

Seriously guys? Let's get real. Shut down free projects...they're insulting to us all.

Location: Hollywood

Compensation: Hugs and unicorn farts.

How to handle deferments

Date: 2012-09-03, 3:52PM PDT

Many people posting ads on Craigslist attempt to offer deferments, instead of paying actual money. They promise to pay you when the money comes in (that's assuming any money comes in, and after they've paid everyone else.)

So how should you respond to such offers? You should only accept a deferment if the person offering it is really serious about his project, and really intends to pay you. How do you know he's serious? Here's how you find out:

First, ask him if he really believes his film will make money. I mean, he REALLY believes it. Most of the time he will tell you he believes it.

Next, ask him what amount he's willing to GUARANTEE. In other words, how much will he promise to pay you if the movie DOESN'T make any money. The usual response is something like, "I can't guarantee it will make any money." But again, your question is how much he BELIEVES it will make money. If he really believes it will make money, he should be willing to guarantee future payment. If he isn't willing to guarantee future payment, he doesn't really believe it will make money. And if HE doesn't believe it will make money, neither should YOU!

So what if the rare situation arises where he is willing to make a guarantee, how do you make sure he will actually pay you? Very simple. Ask him to sign a promissory note, which is secured by some tangible asset. Usually his car will suffice. If he fails to pay the note, you take ownership of the asset. Secured promissory note forms are available at most stationery stores.

If he won't sign a secured promissory note, you can be sure he doesn't really believe his film will make money, and he has no intention of paying you. That's not a deferment, that's nothing more than an unsecured, interest free loan! If you really want to speculate, go buy a lottery ticket -- your odds of being paid are much better.

Don't be a sucker.

Compensation: Pay a fair wage for professional services

Film and edit w/PAY Only take a few hours

Date: 2012-08-24, 1:44PM PDT

LOOK. Unless you personally have filmed or edited something (other thank your kids bday party to show your friends at work) STOP estimating how much time something takes.

To film a scene the crew must get there at least a minimum of a few hours early to set up lights etc etc. The camera and rig itself can take about an hour to set up. Should we volunteer our time cuz "we'll be working with great people and can have possible exposure, plus possible future work" ?????

And it can take over a full day to upload media for editing, specifically RED footage etc. Should I sit for 2-3 days editing your project cuz you think it's going to sundance?? How about you pay me and if you actually get into sundance I'll give you your money back. That's a bet I'd take in a heartbeat!!!

SO STOP OFFERING 200 BUCKS FOR A FULL CREW WITH EQUIPMENT TO COME SHOOT AND CLAIM IT WILL ONLY TAKE A COUPLE HOURS

STOP OFFERING 100 BUCKS TO EDIT YOUR SHORT YOU SHOT ON THE RED.

IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE BUDGET TO EDIT RED FOOTAGE THEN GO TO BEST BUY GET YOURSELF A HANDYCAM AND EDIT YOURSELF IN IMOVIE.

Location: LA LA LAND

Compensation: no pay

RE: Company Looking For Videographer

Date: 2012-08-02, 12:18AM PDT

Hey there Donald Tramp!

So you got a state of the art studio and are well connected in the music industry.

I bet your company invested a lot of money to put such a kick ass studio together. Am I right?

Yet you pretend there is no money to pay a competent professional videographer\editor.

What you offer instead is the chance to work for you for free, give you all the material and in returns you will reap the rewards. Right?

Augie. You are a piece of work. For lack of a better expletive.

Here's my take on your offer.

Sell the studio, get rid of your music industry connections, cause based on the shameless way you are begging for free work, 

you are not a very successful individual.

Don't drag an unsuspecting videographer\editor, who probably has to pay rent and eat, down into the muck pit.

Give it up, Augie. You are not making it in the business. And stop embarrassing yourself with these ridiculous scams to get free labor.

• Location: North Hollywood
• Compensation: SOME SHAME AND A BIT OF PITTY

---------------------------------------------

Company Looking For Videographer

Hi my name is Augie, i am looking for aspiring talented video editor/videographe that are looking to build their profilo. Currently my compan, Hype Noize is shooting a reality show and various music videos for artist under our label. This is a great opportunity for upcoming video editor/videographers. We are currently seeking someone for a part time/ full time position in our company. We film in a state of the art professional recording studio which is great for capturing visual aesthetics as you build your profilo. We are very well connected in the music industry as a networking source that you will be able to grow and get experience as you work with us. please check out our website www.hypenoize.com as well as some our videos http://vimeo.com/34152188 http://youtu.be/6cZxQZ95tow. Requirements - resume - show samples of your work- If videographer must use an HD camera ex. Cannon 5D/7D

This job offers no compensation

We are looking for highly motivated video editors and videographers

Serious inquiries only

Location: North Hollywood

it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

Compensation: no pay 

low budget projects looking for DP with RED camera package

Date: 2012-07-24, 11:48AM PDT

I am curious reading all those ultra low(no) budget film that are looking for DP/cinematographer/director of photographer with RED camera packages. You are paying not evening 10-20% of just the camera package rental market price. The DP could make more money per day just to rent out his/her RED camera package without working. Do these projects actually get what they are looking for?

Location: anyway

Compensation: no pay

Copy Credit Meals-The Movie

Date: 2012-07-23, 11:08PM PDT

Looking for all core key crew for a satirical comedy about the state of sad affairs in the independent film world where exploitation and law breaking is commonplace by day, and sexual gratification is traded for Red Epic camera packages and lights at night. It's a harsh look at the world of lower budget production where anybody who puts up a HD camera on a tripod is given the respect of Academy Award Winning working professionals. In exchange for donating all of your time, experience, your gasoline to get round trip to/from the set, in exchange you shall be entitled to 2 ounces of old tap water and a half Costco cookie per 3 hours and will be expected to bring your own lunch to have the privledge to work a 17 hour day with us, for an improperly spelled imdb credit.

And as far as the copy goes, in this digital age, we will charge you to download the film off of an internet server if you wish to retain a copy for your records. This will absolutely be going to Sundance and I'm even confident it has the opportunity to be nominated for the Best Short Film at the Oscars. Women with large breasts and shaved pussies encouraged to apply. No fatties or hairy ones please. You will have to show it if you expect to be hired. No Hollywood queers either, especially in the wardrobe and art departments.

People who like to submit resumes unsoliciated like sound mixer Ted Phillips are encouraged to apply because it doesn't matter if you're looking for a production coordinator or a make up artist, he just assumes you've not hired your production sound mixer. Alex Noble in hair and make up will follow suit, because he just cannot seem to get enough work that month because everybody know's he's a bully.

Show us your best Hollywood and do not disappoint this production because "Copy, Credit, Meals: The Movie" is here to fuck you over, and that we will. It's even being produced by the hack producing team of Mark Headley and Jeremiah Vaughn, who have ripped off most of us already, so what more can you ask for?

Proceed quickly to your keyboard and send in your digits because this is one you're just wanting to get out of bed to work on, and even defer your rent and grocery bills for. But wait, you also get the free set of steak knives, with blades properly dulled for the most pain, when you slit your wrists after working with my director, who's really a camera assistant but thinks he can direct just because he wrote the script. No stone will be left overturned. Don't for get to bring your drugs and have lots of sex with the extras during your 10 minute lunch period. I know you grips and electricans will just love that one.

Yes, there is worker's compensation coverage, but its through the CA State Fund which just declared bankruptcy, so if you get hurt, go to your closest emergency center waiting room and die quietly.

Stand proud Hollywood and line up for "Copy, Credit, & Meals: The Movie" because truth is always stranger than fiction.

Location: los angeles

Compensation: Copy, Credit and Meals, of course

$10/hr. for seasoned professional? (time to move out of mommy's basement)

Date: 2012-07-19, 1:28PM PDT

I can't believe some of the ads now on Craigslist. I keep expecting Rod Serling to step out from behind the corner and tell us we've just crossed over into the Twilight Zone.

Are all of these so called "producers" living in their parent's basement, with their mom doing their laundry? They can't possibly be paying rent or a mortgage and believe someone could survive on $10 per hour. Nobody with an IQ above room temperature could be that bad at math.

They ask for professionals, yet don't seem to understand that a professional is someone who does something for a living. To offer a professional less than a livable wage is either naive or stupid.

Here's a news flash: making a movie is not an inalienable right. Like any other business, if you want to participate, you need to raise the necessary capital and take the necessary risks. Expecting other people to take the risk for you is arrogant and immoral.

It's time to stop leeching off your parents, move out of mommy's house, and get a real job.

And if you really want to hire someone for $10 per hour, there are plenty of people standing out in front of Home Depot who would love to work for you.

Location: time to move out of mommy's basement

Compensation: pay a fair wage for professional work

RE: Videographers Needed!

Date: 2012-07-19, 1:54PM PDT

Only serious folks need apply. You will pay us a total 600.00 dollars a day for the outstanding opportunity of working on our brilliant project In exchange you will receive ham and cheese sandwiches and a gift certificate for the 99cent store. You must have at least 22 IMDB credits with one academy award. As an added bonus we will only charge you 8 cents a mile for gas. Both ways. We are an up and coming company with strong connections to Harvey Steadmeyer, an assistant P.A who has over one hundred coffee runs to his credit. :)

STOP WORKING FOR FREE! CRAIGSLIST HAS DEGENERATED INTO A GARBAGE DISPOSAL FOR DEADBEATS WHO ARE TOO CHEAP TO PAY!! WE ARE A SKILLED TRADE AND NEED MOOLAH!!! YOU CANNOT EAT A FUTURE PROMISES YOU ARE ENABLING THESE MORONS IF YOU WORK FOR FREEEEEEE!!! LET US GROUP TOGETHER AND SET A PRECEDENT ONCE AND FOR ALL. IF CRAIGS WOULD START CHARGING FOR NON-PAYING POSTS IT WOULD ELIMINATE HALF THE CRAP!! MAINTAIN YOUR SELF RESPECT AND FINALLY TAKE A STAND!!

Location: EARTH

Compensation: no pay

How to get flagged! a tutorial

Date: 2012-06-29, 11:50AM PDT

Start off by offering NO PAY... and requiring that the potential slave have thousands of dollars of Camera, Audio, Lighting or Makeup Kit as a requirement of the job.

(Remember, those of us that use this equipment probably paid a pretty penny to acquire it... I know I paid out quite bit for my Camera Gear... so consider that when you look for free rentals)

Try asking a Camera Rental House for free gear...

If you pay, offer an insultingly low amount, like ANYTHING below Minimum Wage for a 12 hour day... (which is currently $64/8 Hours, $88/10 Hours, $112 for 12 Hours in most of California)

offer IMDB credits and food as the only pay, as if you have some magical ability to grant IMDB credits that no one else has...

(I can create a bogus IMDB page that will get me an interview with Martin Scorsese in mere minutes... so, IMDB means nothing)

Use the following keywords (all as reasons to accept low or no pay)

"Great Crew"

"Fun Production"

"Labor of Love"

"Pro Crew, all donating their time."

"Award Winning Director, In Between Projects"

"A-List Talent all working for free"

"No Pay on this one, but future jobs will have pay." (Assuming you really DO have a next job)

(none of these will pay the rent, or Auto Insurance, real money, will)

Sound like a total Douchebag, and require a headshot for a below the line crew position that will never appear on camera...

(that screams "I only want to hire hot females" that I can hit on while they are working for me, for free...)

THAT, is how you get flagged... in case you haven't already figured that out...

Location: Everywhere

Compensation: no pay

ATTN: ALL Photographers/ Videographers Professional

Date: 2012-06-25, 4:28PM PDT

Dear fellow Professional Photographers and Videographers,

Are you tired of being asked to work for little or no pay at all? If so, then please read on:

I was recently contacted by someone who needed a photographer to shoot a special event. After hearing about how exciting and cool it would be to shoot, I was told that they weren't paying anything. Given that I had nothing to do that day, and yes it did sound fun, I agreed since it didn't sound too demanding. The next day I was contacted by her again to go over the logistics of the shoot and what they "needed" me to cover. Again, no pay but OK. Finally, before the shoot I'm contacted once again (this time late at night) with a more specific shot list of what they needed covered. It was at this point I told her to get someone else, thus disrupting the shooting schedule and forcing her to find someone else at the very last minute, which I doubt she was able to do.

If you are tired of not only submitting to greedy demands but working for free so they can profit off of your labor, then here a few simple things you can do to help educate them:

1. When contacted for the job, let them know that you are very excited about their project. Spend a lot of time talking about it and commit to the job but cancel at the last moment forcing them to find someone at the last minute.

2. If #1 is too extreme (and sometimes it is) go ahead and cancel at the last minute, but let them know your doing it for a "Paid Job". They can't expect you to work for free when we all have bills to pay.

3. Let them know that this "Paid Job" is offering XXXX amount of $'s, but you would still rather work for them if they could at least match that amount. If not they're again forced to find someone else.

4. Go ahead and commit to the gig and do the best job you're fully capable of doing. Once they see how much equipment you bring down, the professionalism and the beautiful work you have created you know they won't be able to wait another second before they get the pictures! So at this point you can ask for whatever amount you feel like you're worth. After all you did work for free, right? You weren't being paid! No budget? Too bad! Let them come up with it, otherwise you keep full rights to all the images and sell them to whoever you choose.

5. Last but not least! NEVER sign a contract that obligates you to work for free!!! IT IS ILLEGAL!!!

Good luck and remember to keep the professionalism alive!!!

Location: Anywhere

Compensation: no pay

For all those posting non paying crew "gigs"

Date: 2012-06-17, 8:37PM PDT

I don't give a shit how original or game changing you think your story "idea" is. I can assure you it isn't.

I don't give a shit what production company or A-List actor is going to star in it. They aren't.

I certainly don't give a shit that you want to shoot on Red. Please.

I only care if you are going to pay.

Grips, Makeup, Sound etc...these are jobs.

If you don't have the money you will never get your film off the ground. You will never get it seen beyond 20 Youtube hits. Never. Ever.

Kevin Smith paid his crew for CLERKS.

Martin Scorsese paid his crew for MEAN STREETS.

Oren Peli paid his crew for PARANORMAL ACTIVITY.

So get a clue. Get some funding or fuck off. 

RE: Here's A Story

Date: 2012-06-08, 11:16PM PDT

YES - This is true. Believe it! AND THE SAME GOES FOR YOU GEAR RENTAL VENDORS!!!

As a vendor I KNOW that the same goes for your gear -- especially when it is a new client and not a repeat client asking for a discount after they have paid full price or a reasonable price, if you give it up they will ALWAYS expect that same low price from now on - and if you don't do it they will go to another vendor and pay full price for the same gear. THE WILL NOT COME BACK TO YOU! So STOP SELLING YOUR SELF CHEAP! You are bringing down the business we have worked so hard to get into.

Realize that in order to climb above you must climb above. Or you will never break out of the less than minimum wage prison you are creating for ALL of us. Giving deals to repeat clients once and awhile or to a friend is one thing, but to set a standard that de-values the entire industry has got to stop.

YOU ARE THE FUTURE YOU CREATE!

Here's A Story (All of L.A.)

Date: 2012-06-08, 10:25PM PDT

Heres a story: I was on a set working for pennies ( less than $200 TOTAL for 3 12 hour days). When another producer (a friend of the producer I was working for) came up and said " I love how on point you are! ______ highly recommended you. would you be interested in working on my film next month?" I asked for more details and the budget. I said I only work for a minimun of X amount of $ per day. And of course he shoots back " oh well its very low budget we can only offer X amount a day." Which conveniently was the exact amount I was working for on the current film. My point is that producers TALK TO EACHOTHER... The producer I was working for told the guy how much he was paying me so the other guy thought I would work for the same amount. I didnt take the job. It doesnt get better! They end up building their ports and reels and when they get bigger better things bigger people take over with their own teams and you will not recieve a phone call.

Respect yourselves and they will respect you. Don't let them make you feel like if you don't work for free you aren't passionate about your job. There is a reason these RE: are getting flagged.... its because the cheap asses don't want you to smarten up. :)

Location: LA

Compensation: IT IS WHAT YOU SET FOR YOUR SELF WORTH

New Flagger here

Date: 2012-06-08, 12:50PM PDT

WHEN YOU DON'T PAY YOUR WORKERS THEY CAN'T PAY RENT, WHEN THEY CAN'T PAY RENT THEY BECOME ANGRY, WHEN YOUR WORKERS BECOME ANGRY, THEY START WHOOPIN ASS, WHEN YOUR WORKERS START WHOOPIN ASS, ALL PRODUCTION CREWS SUFFER LOL START PAYING YOU SIMPLE BASTARDS. I DIDN

T PAY 40,000 FOR FILM SCHOOL TO BE ASK TO WORK FOR FREE. OH I GET IT COPY, MEAL CREDIT, WORK WITH PROFESSIONALS, AMAZING SCRIPT, KNOWN ACTORS, DP FROM BATMAN WHO GIVES A SHIT. PAY MY RENT U SILLY FUCKS.. POST ANYTHING FREE HERE I'M FLAGGING YOUR SORRY ASS

FILM STUDENTS THIS MEANS U TOO ASK YOUR CLASSMATES OR FAMILY MEMBERS TO WORK ON YOUR POINTLESS PROJECTS... NO FREE WORK.. NO FREE WORK... NO FREE WORK CHANT IT WITH ME.

Location: world wide

Compensation: SOME PAY JUST NOT FOR YOUR SORRY ASS

You will automatically be flagged (IF YOU DO NOT PAY)

Date: 2012-06-08, 10:54AM PDT

There are too many so called "DIRECTORS" or "PRODUCERS" placing ads and their so called "INDEPENDENT FILM COMPANY" PRETENDING that they are upcoming or have names attached. To help identify the phonies from the industry experienced film makers they would KNOW that in order to make ANY film, short, indie, trailer, feature,etc. THEY WOULD NEED $$$$ at the very least to do so. There are NO excuses to NOT PAY CREW at a REASONABLE DAILY RATE.

LET'S CLARIFY:

$50 DOLLARS PER DAY IS AT A GOING RATE FOR : STUDENT SHORT FILM OR AMATEUR LEVEL.

PROFESSIONAL RATES ARE ABOVE $100 PER DAY, COMPETITIVE RATES ARE ABOVE $500 PER DAY.

ANYTHING UNDER $50 PER DAY IS AN INSULT. $25 dollars is not going to even fill half a tank of gas. FOOD and CREDIT/IMDB are a given, not suppose to be used as an award. DO NOT ASK FOR FREE LABOR OR YOU WILL BE FLAGGED AUTOMATICALLY.

Thank you.

Location: IF YOU DO NOT PAY

Compensation: no pay

!!Director/DP/Helicopter Pilot!!

Date: 2012-06-08, 11:15AM EDT

Upstart Video Company seeks talented, award-winning Director/DP/Editor/Audio Specialist/Animator/Helicopter Pilot for a fantastic, low-budget, indie, award-probably, feature-length feature for festival submission and world fame. Promising script with real potential.

Applicants must have:

-Driver's License (USA)

-At least 3 Directing Credits on IMDB (no, 2 is not enough)

-Ability to work a french-press

-A Car

-A Truck

-Ability to fly a helicopter (small)

-Own Equipment (4k Camera, 10 Mics, and all the lights - will provide 1 32gig SD card)

-Film Degree (Masters a +, PhD preferred)

Applicants must have knowledge of:

-COMMANDING knowledge of After Effects/Motion Graphics

-DSLR

-SLR

-SLR-D

-FCP

-FTP

-OCD

-Adobe Everything CSall

-Avid

-Pro Tools

-Macs

-PCs

-International Flight Path legality

Compensation:

This project is on a deferred basis - with a $100 dollar up front stipend. After the 6 weeks of preliminary photography, 12 weeks of editing, you will be payed more after the film wins at least 3 awards (no, 2 is not enough).

Great project for anyone looking to build their reel. Please include links to your work, resume, 10 references, and a cover letter explaining why you're the right man/woman for the job.

Also, must be a man.

Really can't stress enough how important the helicopter thing is.

Location: Manhatten

Compensation: $100

"FUTURE WORK"

Date: 2012-06-08, 12:56AM PDT

To any newbies, film students with gear or grads, or basically anyone that is doing professional work because they have gear and experience but maybe haven't hit a solid pinnacle with various mediums.....Don't believe in PAID FUTURE WORK.

People that want you to work for free on the promise that there will be "Paid work in the future" are complete morons.

Some know it and just say that, but most are ignorant to the fact that they think there next big project will be a Sundance winner garnering them a lucrartive dist. deal and three picture deal at Warner Bros. I'm all for having the 'dream' and working hard to attain that but promising people future work that will be paid is an UTTER MYTH.

Hell, I have done numerous projects where I have been PAID and the work is great and hear "we got a lot projects lined up, definitely want you on-board" - I say, "Great, hit me up!" 80 perecent of the time I never hear from them again. So what is the likelihood a production with NO money is every gonna call you after you work for free!?!?

If they can get you to do it once, they'll jump right back on CL and find another idiot to do it for them.

This also can be parlayed into the whole 'deferred' pay idea. Sounds nice, but people that have been in this business long enough know the hard truth of the matter is, nobody will make a dime off the project. Your odds of making money are much better in Vegas.

Location: Anywhere - esp. LA

Compensation: Future work and deferred pay is an UTTER MYTH

Grips/electrics

Date: 2012-06-05, 7:50PM PDT

To all the people posting ads requesting free/very low pay grip/electric services:

I feel I can speak for most of my fellow grips/electrics here, and in response to all those who have said that copy/credit/free meal is adequate payment, let me explain a few things. Plain an simple: That is not adequate compensation. That is expected and comes with the job.  Some of us have families to feed and all of us have bills to pay . This is our career, not a hobby. You wonder why some of us are so upset? I'll tell you why: Most of the people requesting free services from us ask for our resume, portfolio and in some cases references, plus wanting free equipment . Uh, sorry.... If you aren't paying me, I'm not allowing you access to my resume, portfolio, or equipment. 

Grip/Electrics are reasonable people; however, when you go out of your way to be rude and indignant when we ask for payment, it upsets us. You people know who you are.... it's the entitled attitude you give us and the "how dare you ask for money for services attitude," that really sours us. Why in the world would we work for 8-10 plus hours on a project that we are not fiscally and/or professionally compensated for? Why should we spend our time, talent and product only to be shafted? Product costs us money people, and we shouldn't have to go into our pockets for the sole benefit of your project. 

WE ARE TIRED OF THE UNGRATEFUL, ENTITLED ATTITUDE. You want an experienced Grips/Electrics? Hire one. Stop using and abusing our time and talents. 

Location: Los Angeles

Compensation: Yes You Can!

RE: DP / VIDEOGRAPHER / CAMERAMAN

Date: 2012-06-05, 12:34AM PDT

Yes. I have Canon 7D.

No- I do not work for free or deferred pay.

WTF?

Santa didn't give me my 7D, I PAID FOR IT. Why should you use it for free, huh?

My car do not run without gasoline, so with your DEFERRED PAY i can't be on your "set", sorry!!

Get real!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WE ARE EDUCATED, PROFESSIONAL AND HAVE BILLS TO PAY.

Maybe someone pay bills for you. Cool. Same person should cover your film expenses too, like hm...HIRING people, instead of USING them.

If your "PROJECT" is your hobby ask family or your friends for money, or USE them to make your dream movie or video!!

Location: ASSHOLE VILLE

Compensation: no pay

IMDB credit is not payment

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Date: 2012-05-28, 11:14AM PDT

To all those pinheads who offer IMDB credit as if it was some sort of payment, get a clue!

Credits are not compensation -- they are expected. Payment comes in the form of MONEY! Offering food as compensation is only acceptable if you hire someone standing by the freeway off-ramp with a "Will work for food" sign.

Credits, food, copies of the film, the "opportunity" to work with cool people, your eternal gratitude, and other such things are not payment. Don't pretend they are.

Get out your checkbook if you want to compensate someone. Otherwise, you are a beggar! And if you're going to beg, at least have the decency to show a little humility and don't demand experience or "amazing" skills. You get what you pay for.

If you pay peanuts, you'll only attract monkeys.

Compensation: pay a fair wage for professional work

Videographer/editor with own gear

Date: 2012-05-25, 4:46PM PDT

There seem to be a lot of people searching CL with wrong impressions about Videographers/editors with their own gear.

A videographer operates a camera. He does not have to own one. If he does, he should not be expected to bring it to your project for free.

The same goes for an editor - He edits - And is not required to have his own setup. If he does, don't expect it for free.

Whatever the case. To operate is one thing, to be an owner/operator means you pay for the skill and the gear. Neither one is free.

Just because I own it, it does not mean you get it for nothing.

Either way, you are producing something that requires both skill and gear and as such you will be expected to pay for both.

Location: Los Angeles

Compensation: For operator and his gear

A SERIOUS CALL TO VIDEOGRAPHERS, CAMERAMEN AND AMATEUR DPs.

Date: 2012-05-21, 4:14PM PDT

DO NOT WORK FOR FREE.

SERIOUSLY, DON'T DO IT.

YOU ARE ONLY AFFECTING YOURSELF.

IF THEY CAN'T PAY FOR YOUR SERVICES, THEN THAT IS THEIR PROBLEM.

HAVE DIGNITY AND PRIDE FOR CHRIS SAKE!

THEY TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOU BECAUSE THEY KNOW THAT YOU WANT THE SO-CALLED "DREAM".

A SURGEON, AN ACCOUNTANT, EVEN A DISHWASHER HAVE DREAMS TOO; BUT, WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU FOUND A SURGEON, AN ACCOUNTANT, OR EVEN A DISHWASHER WORKING FOR FREE?

YOU NEED TO BE REALISTIC ABOUT IT.

THIS IS A MARKET ECONOMY. DEMAND AND SUPPLY RULE.

(THEY TAUGHT YOU THAT IN HIGH SCHOOL, REMEMBER?) 

SO WHY ARE YOU GOING AGAINST IT?

THINK.

THAT'S IT.

NO MORE FREE WORK.

BE A MAN AND CHARGE A MIN OF X PER DAY.

THEY SAY THEY WILL NOT HIRE YOU? FINE.

SOMEBODY ELSE WILL BECAUSE THEY NOTICE YOU HAVE VALUE.

DEMAND AND SUPPLY. 

ADAM SMITH KNEW BETTER THAN THE CHEAP PEOPLE.

DON'T SCREW IT.

• Location: CALIFORNIA
• Compensation: OF COURSE

Re: May 23 - Documentary Crew Needed

Date: 2012-05-18, 9:44PM

If he or she is such an experienced producer then its common knowledge that you don't pay your crew with screen credit, food and gas money. Try paying a real fee. A day's pay for a day's work. When is Craigslist going to set up a separate classification for no pay work and "intern", so ripoffs and posers don't waste our time.

• Compensation: credit, copy, meal, and a major pile of BS

---------------------------------------

May 23 - Documentary Crew Needed 

Shooting a "day in the life" type documentary on Wednesday May 23rd. Looking for help on small crew. Using the Panasonic HPX370 P2HD, wireless Sennheiser boom, wireless lavs, etc.

Looking for additional help with camera, sound, general production assistance.

You will be working with an experienced producer who treats crews with respect and makes the job fun. To be paid with screen credit, food, gas money. More info to qualified candidates. 

Location: El Segundo

Compensation: no pay 

RE: To those who insist that they get paid...

Date: 2012-05-17, 9:42PM

Firstly no-one denies that this is a difficult business to get started in, and most of us begun doing no and low paying gigs. What really upsets us professionals is the unrealistic postings that keep showing up here- The expectation of so much for so little- You guys want $80,000 camera rigs $60,000 sound packages, 3-10 ton G and E trucks, and all types of 'Experienced crew' for free or almost nothing. When we've made that kind of investment in time and money then you should expect to pay for it- If you want free go to a rental house for your gear and advertise for folks who are looking for experience- you'll learn much more from your mistakes as you learn together than you will by treating professionals like they are your slaves. 

STOP ASKING For FREE GEAR and Ridiculous Rates

Date: 2012-05-17, 5:47PM

I encourage all real crew to AGREE to these retarded beggar ads

then not show up-- claim a car problem

stiff them over and over they will stop

so SAY YES and then cut their blls off

happy happy happy 

• Location: YourButt
• Compensation: market rates not insults

Gaffer/Key grip with equipment

Date: 2012-05-17, 12:09AM PDT

I dont get how people can ask for a Gaffer or Key grip with a truck for 100 or 150 dollars a day. Even seeing 250 a day is a joke, for that you should expect a small arri kit with a handfull of flags and a few stingers. 250 a day should be a BASE day rate for this position. You want to rent my truck that iv spent 10s of thousands of dollars filling then plan on paying another 300-500 a day. Please people, if you can not afford to make a film, dont do it. These promises of future jobs are a joke. If your film is that good, and ur that talented then go out and get the funding for your project then come ask for a proper crew. If not then go to film school and get access to there equipment. Stop wasting our time. 

• Location: LaLa Land
• Compensation: Hopes and Dreams

Is "exposure" a good thing?

Date: 2012-05-11, 6:48PM PDT

It's amusing how many ads -- which are too cheap to offer actual money -- offer you "exposure." Let's not forget that the word "exposure" has more than one meaning, and they are not all beneficial.

Here are a few of my favorites:

1. The condition of being exposed, especially to severe weather or other forces of nature: "he died from exposure."

2. To deprive of shelter or protection; lay open to danger or harm: "troops that were exposed to gunfire."

3. Susceptible to attack or criticism; vulnerable.

4. Something (as a condition, situation, or action) that creates a risk of financial loss, esp. for which one may be insured: "the company's exposure could be in the millions."

5. The extent to which one is at risk.

The next time someone offers you "exposure" think about what that could mean.

In God we trust, all others pay cash. 

• Compensation: Pay a fair wage for professional work

the daily reach-around

Date: 2012-05-10, 9:58AM PDT

the daily reminder to the cheapskates-

get some goddamn money!!!! 

• Location: bendoverville

Re: Director of Photography for Short

Date: 2012-05-09, 10:21PM PDT

Please, give me some of the Kush you guys are smoking. You want a Red/Scarlet/Alexa package and me for

50 a day, to beef up my reel? WTF! Why would I be interested in donating my tens of thousands of dollars

of gear and years of experience for your shitty little film. Get REAL. Get a job, make some money

and pay people what they're worth for their skills and gear. Say no to these people that think films

are "just made" with smiles and 50 a day. Say no to these f'ng idiot blood suckers.

Location: La La Land

Compensation: Yes, bend over and grab your ankles for a 50 pay check

------------------------------

Director of Photography for Short

Seeking a Director of Photography with a RED/Alexa/equivalent package for short, slightly silly, slightly sad, video.

It's a very small production, just a 6 person crew for a three day shoot the first week of June, with one day of prep. Compensation is $50/day, plus of course meals and mileage. I wish I could offer more, but as mentioned, it's a very small production. Probably ideal for someone who needs to beef up their reel, and make a little bit of money doing so.

We're looking for someone with a nice camera setup, who can operate, and work with a grip to move the camera along tracks. The more gear you can bring the better, and there's the possibility of a kit rental depending on what you can provide.

More than that, we'd like someone with a strong sense of style, and love of film, especially 70s American New Wave, Czech puppet films, and Howard Hawks comedies.

If all that sounds good, email with a little about yourself, your gear, and a reel or some sort of representation of your visual style.

IMDB credit is not payment

Date: 2012-05-09, 10:08AM PDT

To all those pinheads who offer IMDB credit as if it was some sort of payment, get a clue!

Credits are not compensation -- they are expected. Payment comes in the form of MONEY! Offering food as compensation is only acceptable if you hire someone standing by the freeway off-ramp with a "Will work for food" sign.

Credits, food, copies of the film, the "opportunity" to work with cool people, your eternal gratitude, and other such things are not payment. Don't pretend they are.

Get out your checkbook if you want to compensate someone. Otherwise, you are a beggar! And if you're going to beg, at least have the decency to show a little humility and don't demand experience or "amazing" skills. You get what you pay for.

If you pay peanuts, you'll only attract monkeys. 

• Compensation: pay a fair wage for professional work

no pay?

Date: 2012-05-08, 3:35PM PDT

no pay.. ok

lets make a deal then.. i will work for you for free. then you sign a release allowing me to beat the shit out of you for 5-8 hours?

sound good.

great 

• Location: anus land
• Compensation: no pay

Free work for free reach-arounds.

Date: 2012-05-08, 12:14PM PDT

ill tell ya what, every single person who asks for free work on here, I am going to spam all of you ..

with propositions for a free reach around.. 

you want to metaphorically fuck the creative world in the ass, then i will do the same to you.. 

and I'm not the only one..

• Location: in your anus
• Compensation: anal beads

Catch - 22

Date: 2012-05-04, 10:02PM PDT

Is anyone else getting sick of these catch 22 ads??? Sure they happen every day and have been going on since Craigslists inception but this is getting down right ridiculous.

We have on the one hand real "productions' that only look for STUDENTS to work for free and we have a bunch of Students looking for professional film crews to work for free??

None of us are in the upper echelon of the Hollywood system, hence why we get on CL for paid gigs. We have experience. We have reels but unfortunately just haven't hit that big break.

BUT it's time to stop this bullshit where students need us for free and the so-called 'real' productions just want students ...for free. This never ending cycle gets us nowhere and hurts the industry as a whole.

The graduating classes of USC, UCLA and the like have learned nothing in this industry aside from hopping on CL to find free crew members - NOT to budget a project. yea, great job film schools!

I know, it's tough getting money and investors because most movies coming of CL will never make a penny but you gotta try people!!!! It's a recession and free labor doesn't WORK!

My two cents. 

• Location: ALL LA
• Compensation: Hoping one day CL is 80% percent paid and 20% seeking free labor

---------------------------------

re: catch 22

Date: 2012-05-04, 10:33PM PDT

AGREED! 

Talented, experienced, reliable, easy to work with - I come here for the paid gigs, leave frusterated. 

CL should make a new "talent bartering" section or something. 

IndieGoGo Campaign for "PILOT"

RE: Camera Man/DP NEEDED!!

Date: 2012-04-30, 11:33AM PDT

Times are hard and we all wish the economy would fix itself. But how can that happen when we are all asking people 

to work for FREE! Not only that, but you want to use our gear as well.

Credits and copy don't pay bills. We have made A CASH investment in our gear. 

Buddy, goto a pawnshop, buy a cheap camcorder and shoot whatever you like for nothin'

Quit bugging DP's and camera ops on CL. Goto to the Barter section. They can help you there.

No CASHOLA, No MOVIOLA!

Location: Unscrupulopolis

Compensation: CHEAPOLOPOLIS

-----------------------------------------

Camera Man/DP NEEDED!! 

Hello :-D

We are a group of actors, writers, and directors looking for a DP with his or her own equipment for a series of sketches. Each sketch should take no more than 2 days to shoot, and almost all sketches will be done in the valley area. Looking for exciting and enthusiastic people to come on board and help make this possible. Although we cannot offer pay right now, you will get a copy and credit of every sketch as well as meals on shoot days.

Looking to get this position filled ASAP!!

Please do not hesitate to contact.

Have a great day!!!