Re: voiceover industry - questions
by Bill Davis on Nov 20, 2009 at 4:00:32 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Having about 2000 paid VOs under my belt I guess I can weigh in on this.
The piece of gear that Mark was referring to is a Telos Zephyr. For many years, that and an ISDN line were the keys to...
Re: voiceover industry - questions
by Todd Terry on Nov 20, 2009 at 3:58:28 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Good for you... I love working with great voice guys, and just listening for voices.
I've been privileged to work with some of the great ones through the years, from the guys you've never heard of (but know their...
Re: Divorce those clients!
by Fernando Mol on Nov 18, 2009 at 5:20:36 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
When a client ask me for for a discount I'm not willing to give I say: "If you think this project worths the investment, I'll be happy to work on it."
I try to never say no, even when I say...
Re: Release form dilemma
by Mark Suszko on Nov 15, 2009 at 2:18:48 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
1 Yes, they would.
2 You are over a barrel on this. I'm sure you will not repeat this mistake, so lets let that issue drop.
As to deciding on a figure, there are many ways to go. The assumption...
Pushing the limits of cheap software
by Todd Terry on Nov 6, 2009 at 10:16:32 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Hey gang...
As business people, seems we are often having to pour money on problems to find solutions, or to do something bigger or better or greater.
I wanted to take a sec though to brag on some some ultra-low-end software... the...
Re: How do you bill for iTunes downloads?
by Brendan Coots on Nov 6, 2009 at 8:49:17 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Ignore this at your peril. Seriously, you CAN NOT just download songs from iTunes and use them in a commercial production of any kind, internal OR external. The owner of the copyright can (and will) sue you and the production...
Re: How do you bill for iTunes downloads?
by Ron Lindeboom on Nov 6, 2009 at 8:49:12 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
[Milton Hockman] "im working freelance for a production company and i had to download an iTunes song for the project. they told me to add it to my bill. how do you all charge for that? should i...
Re: They're just not that into you....
by Ron Lindeboom on Nov 6, 2009 at 5:39:30 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
John,
Looks like some people disagree with you and that was probably to be expected, huh? ;o)
But I agree with you, in principle, and I also think the key to what you were saying was in the words "If...
Re: Studying for the business - looking for helpful advice
by Mark Suszko on Nov 5, 2009 at 10:27:27 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Internships are perfect for this, because you're getting academic credit and seeing how real-world practical experience fits into your "book larnin'". Many (but not all) internships can lead to full time work after graduation, so when you...
Re: Never Gets Old: Value for the Price
by Mike Cohen on Nov 3, 2009 at 7:36:09 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
I'm late to this party, but here is my answer:
Pay yourself first. Don't make your hourly rate the hourly rate you pay yourself. You have to figure your prices based upon your business staying profitable, not just you paying the...
Re: Should I change careers to 3D animation?
by Mike Cohen on Oct 26, 2009 at 11:32:55 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
What I am wondering is what professors in 3D animation courses are telling their students about job prospects.
3D Animation is very broad. Find a niche, be it medical, industrial, biological or commercial. It is easier to approach potential clients with...
Re: Should I change careers to 3D animation?
by Steve Wargo on Oct 26, 2009 at 4:15:19 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Hi Trea,
Some pretty big effects houses with the very best 3-D artists have collapsed due to no work. Schools are turning out 3-D artists every day that are willing to work for practically nothing just to get started. They are...
Re: Hammered
by Tim Wilson on Oct 24, 2009 at 5:24:41 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
I'm going to make some specific observations to speak to the general observation: the demographics are changing faster than you're watching. There's no hand biting here. Money talks.
It's not just greed talking, either. Audiences grow when they get what...
Re: Reducation, and keeping up
by Chris Blair on Oct 17, 2009 at 4:37:53 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Bob Zelin: I...just can't get over how much gear these guys own, and know, and are able to deal with countless types of workflow and delivery requirements. Hearing their conversations about RED workflow, handling color grading, visual effects, and even...
Re: Refinancing:BEWARE!!
by Nick Griffin on Oct 17, 2009 at 4:24:44 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
We had a 15 plus year relationship with one of the nation's largest banks (let's just call them Skank of Amerika) because they had bought the bank who had bought the local bank where we originally opened our accounts. Knowing...
Re: Should I still charge a kill fee in this instance?
by Tim Wilson on Oct 13, 2009 at 7:46:38 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
I'll offer some alternative perspectives. None of this is intended as scolding, or any suggestion that you're doing the wrong thing. You're doing the best possible thing by asking.
I just don't know that I'm the one to give you an...
Re: Is this Avid worth selling?
by Mark Suszko on Oct 7, 2009 at 1:20:07 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
I came across a used gear broker's site in LA, and he had copious notes and opinions on Avids. "Uncle Geno" I think he was called. Seems like a nice guy.
His bottom line was that selling used Avids is a...
Re: It's not professional...
by Mike Cohen on Oct 7, 2009 at 10:33:42 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
I just innovated a stabilizing rig for my Blackberry. Especially useful for use in the kitchen. Someone call Alton Brown.
You can get sweeping crane shots if you use a potholder - it dampens the vibrations.
Mike...
Re: Shooting a pilot: need advice
by Ron Lindeboom on Oct 7, 2009 at 10:32:57 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
[Mandy Mastromanico] "The clients are in the Far East, and I am their only connection to the US therefore they are coming to me. I have no prior experience in this field."
Not to be cruel, but this...
Re: Career Advice
by Bob Zelin on Oct 7, 2009 at 4:37:48 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
This is my stupid advice to you. I don't know how old you are, but I am going to assume that you are young (under 30). Where would you like to work ? A local TV station...
Re: Shooting a pilot: need advice
by Chris Blair on Oct 6, 2009 at 7:22:09 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
That's a tough question to pin down to more than a just a broad range without more specific and detailed information.
A half-hour network quality program can be produced for anywhere from $35,000 (extremely low) to $250,000 (or higher) per episode...
Re: Career Advice
by Tim Wilson on Oct 5, 2009 at 5:04:17 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Best career advice EVER for 2010: keep your job. Don't sweat the rest.
[David Roth Weiss] "there are only like two "Hollywood" directors who have control over the production process"
I remember hearing Robert Altman say that he...
Re: Professional Video Editor
by Mark Suszko on Sep 30, 2009 at 11:08:11 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
James, Amazon.com is your friend; browse their used books and videos. I would suggest if you never got any formal Tv training, pick up a used copy of a college TV textbook, any edition of Zettl is good, I...
Re: Gathering opinions: deciding between LLC and Not-for-Profit
by Chris Blair on Sep 29, 2009 at 3:10:51 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Diana DiGiano: That's a charity. Not all not-for-profits are charities. For goodness sakes, think about it - most theater companies are not-for-profit. They're arts organizations
This is straight from the IRS website about obtaining non-profit status:
The Internal Revenue...
Re: New Legal Question
by Mark Suszko on Sep 25, 2009 at 9:44:51 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Cohen has it right: you can waste thousands on executing a bad (lazy) idea, or you can fix it with a 10-cent pencil and 1-cent sheet of paper. People don't spend enough time on the creation of a good, well-thoguht-out...
Re: Advice on rate for corporate video
by Brendan Coots on Sep 22, 2009 at 10:19:33 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
I think you're probably in the right neighborhood price-wise IF you can deliver. Since you are subbing out the work, you just better hope your shooter knows what he is doing.
As for margins/markups, I think most people here would be...
Starting in the mail room
by Tim Wilson on Sep 17, 2009 at 10:13:30 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Y'know, I don't actually have a problem with this at all. It's one of the many ways how this industry and many others have been built. You want to become an agent? Start in the mailroom. Want to become a...
Now THIS is insurance coverage
by Tim Wilson on Sep 6, 2009 at 10:51:59 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Got this from a highly respected entertainment insurance company. If you've bought a movie in the past 25 years, the odds are good that this company's name is in your house.
In the context of our recent insurance threads, I still...
Re: Where do I find the web designers?
by Matt Smith on Sep 3, 2009 at 8:46:59 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Very interesting thread. I will have to agree with Chris though, he makes some great points on how to hire a great web designer. However, I wanted to offer a more inexpensive alternatives to hiring a full blown web designer...
Re: Somewhat OT: Health Issues
by Mark Suszko on Aug 28, 2009 at 10:50:49 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Simple things:
Skip elevators and always use the stairs where practical. If you eat out for lunch, try to walk to the place as often as you can, instead of driving.
Cut soda and lose a pound a week, as well...
Tips for leaving phone messages
by Richard Herd on Aug 28, 2009 at 10:33:07 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Please leave your name first and phone number second. Then the message. Nothing is more annoying than waiting till the end of a message for the information I need....
Re: Support Contract?
by Bob Zelin on Aug 27, 2009 at 3:51:07 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Richard,
you live in fantasy land. As I write this, I am emailing back and forth with one of Creative Cow's best known people, supporting him FOR FREE on the weekend. He has been a good client in the...
Re: Support Contract?
by Nick Griffin on Aug 27, 2009 at 3:48:28 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
I would bring the subject up with the powers that be, posing it as a problem and asking them to provide a solution. Explain that this has developed into more of a commitment than either of you had anticipated, that...
Re: Tips for an interview
by Mark Raudonis on Aug 25, 2009 at 9:40:43 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Bruno,
I interview alot of prospective employees. Frankly, I really don't care what you wear... only that it be in
a "range" of appropriateness. Meaning: I wouldn't wear a three piece suit... or shorts and flip flops....
The 10-sec. Email & The Principle of Counterproductivity
by Tim Wilson on Aug 25, 2009 at 2:53:43 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
These are general business principles, and apply broadly to your communication with clients, bosses, and colleagues.
Because they are general, you may believe that they don’t apply to YOU. This belief is likely inversely proportional to the truth.
+++
1) Email is not...
Re: The 10 Second Email and the Principle of "Pacing"
by Mark Raudonis on Aug 24, 2009 at 11:50:03 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Ron,
I get your point: There's all kinds of people in the world and there's all kinds of communication, so don't apply your expectations to everyone else.
My point: I work in a deadline driven business where missing an air...
Re: The 10 Second Email and the Principle of "Pacing"
by David See on Aug 24, 2009 at 11:14:06 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
What Ron seems to be ignoring is that I accept that perhaps I didn't explain my gripe correctly and after my attempt to correct it, he labeled that attempt as "back-pedaling". Strange, considering some obviously understood what I was getting...
Re: Frustration with new-age communication being ignored *whinge*
by Bill Davis on Aug 22, 2009 at 10:12:09 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
David,
If you mis-read this you're going to find the tone harsh.
It's NOT supposed to be. I'd like it to be more like a good exercise at a high level customer service seminar you've paid a lot of hard earned...
Some Facts about Small Claims Court
by David Roth Weiss on Aug 7, 2009 at 11:22:58 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
There are clearly many Cows who for one reason or another seem to despise using our legal system to pursue bad debts, but honestly, many of the negative characterizations of Small Claims Court that I'm reading here on this forum...
Re: Music for client--Pulling Hair Out.
by Nick Griffin on Aug 6, 2009 at 1:12:49 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
You mean all those times when I was sent into the next suite to "audition music..." Hey? Wait a minute!...
Fight Back! You are NOT a doormat
by Brendan Coots on Aug 6, 2009 at 12:16:53 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
"I was thinking of sending her a letter - stating that her final disc will be released upon final payment; AND that any use of ANY graphics I created for her is forbidden until final payment is paid. "
That...
Re: client not paying - need advice!
by Bill Davis on Aug 6, 2009 at 12:16:21 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
DeAnna,
This has clearly been a huge learning experience for you.
It's also probably been a huge pain in the butt for you. Particularly since you note that the money you're NOT collecting is important to your family.
So the plentiful advice...
Re: client not paying - need advice!
by Nick Griffin on Aug 5, 2009 at 10:08:02 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
DeAnna-
Sounds like you've already learned a few valuable lessons, although one not mentioned was the importance of getting a deposit. So... let's look at how to move FORWARD.
Stop calling her, or for that matter having any contact at all for...
Re: client not paying - need advice!
by Mike Cohen on Aug 5, 2009 at 11:39:09 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
There has been a ton of talk here about all the wrong things in a contract, or the wrongness of not having a contract. Now might be a good time to talk about what a good contract should look like.
In...
Re: How much should i be Making$$
by Richard Cooper on Aug 5, 2009 at 11:12:17 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Hi Zach,
There is a TON of great advice here from some really great minds in the industry. I thought I would add mine for whatever it is worth..... which is negotiable....
I can't tell you what you should...
Re: client not paying - need advice!
by Mark Suszko on Aug 5, 2009 at 10:26:59 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
You won't have the time to waste on this in small claims, plus the time spending on the collection end if the judge finds for your side.
If the client posts to youtube, you can protest it as not legally belonging...
Re: Station & Cable System TV Spot Issues
by Todd Terry on Aug 5, 2009 at 6:55:34 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
We have struggled with this same problem for years and years... commercial spots leaving our facility looking pristine... yet look like absolute crap on the air.
We've begged. Bargained. Pleaded. Yelled. Met with engineers at television stations...
Re: To Buy or Borrow
by Ron Lindeboom on Jul 20, 2009 at 1:21:55 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
[Lisa Koza] "I want and need my footage to look great for this gig because it's an important one because the middle guy will prob give me more jobs like this in the future. I guess my question...
Re: Ultimate sample typical contract for newbies
by Andrea Staiano on Jul 14, 2009 at 12:57:29 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
The Dummy understands the project is a great occasion and agrees on paying, with his hours spent on the project, for a sure investment that in the "future" will eventually return something.
The Dummy should consider the payment as a favor...
Ultimate sample typical contract for newbies
by Mark Suszko on Jul 13, 2009 at 11:02:58 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Template contract for typical beginners. Modify to your specific needs.
I, (name here) henceforth to be referred to as "the dummy", will contract to work on your ill-defined project for an unspecified amount of hours, with no limitations on how many...
Re: Hiring an editor
by Ron Lindeboom on Jul 10, 2009 at 3:25:12 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
[Todd Terry] "Hope Ron doesn't mind the cross post here..."
Oh no, yet again have I been forced to don my El Hombre Malo costume...
[Scene cuts to camera angle looking over man's shoulder into...
SD is Dead...Long Live SD
by Mike Cohen on Jul 9, 2009 at 3:48:36 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
The Real World
SD is far from dead. In the broadcasting world is one thing. But in the corporate world we have a way to go. Corporations cannot upgrade 2000 computers every two years.
I have had clients, first ask me...
Funeral channel?
by Nick Griffin on Jul 8, 2009 at 9:54:52 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
After Elvis, Lady Di, and now Michael Jackson has anyone else seen the market for a "funeral channel?" I initially thought that it could be a joke, albeit one in questionable taste. Lately it's starting to seem like something that...
Re: Ultimate sample typical contract for newbies
by Brett Howe on Jul 8, 2009 at 8:48:24 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
"Dummy" is bound by clause 83.B
83.B - All finished works to be presented under the " I know what I like when I see it " review process. Dummy is obligated to re-work any project util meeting the...
Re: Training DVD estimates
by Simon Stutts on Jul 7, 2009 at 3:45:09 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Template contracts...
http://tinyurl.com/lwh9hy...
Re: Send out demo reels
by Zane Barker on Jun 24, 2009 at 11:49:26 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
[Rob Grauert] "I am going to start sending out my demo reel in mass quantities. If I I want to send it to a production company, but don't know the name of the manager or any producers or...
Re: Producing a daily TV show
by Nick Griffin on Jun 24, 2009 at 10:07:49 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
I too agree with all that's been said above and just want to interject one thought:
The references made so far to selling spots make it seem that Tim thinks that's an easy thing and a given that it will happen...
Re: Contract Wording
by Arnie Schlissel on Jun 23, 2009 at 8:53:19 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
You should insist on a 50% deposit before the shoot. No deposit, you don't show up. This is common in many industries, not just video and film production.
Anyone who balks at a reasonable deposit is probably...
Re: How to tell your client your rates have gone up.
by Todd Terry on Jun 23, 2009 at 1:22:15 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Well, we've done this a couple of times, and it seemed to work pretty well without much gnashing of teeth...
A couple of years ago we upped the rates in a couple of our suites... quite substantially, in fact.... from $150/hr...
Re: Invoice Issue
by Tim Kolb on Jun 18, 2009 at 10:03:39 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
[Aaron Cadieux] "If nobody ever bothered to blow the whistle on a company for bad business practices, then there would be no such thing as a company with a bad reputation. $650 may not seem like much to...
Re: Freelance Production Insurance
by Trey Gregory on Jun 17, 2009 at 1:53:41 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
I've been working with my insurance agent regarding this very issue.
As I understand it, it works like this (at least in GA):
If an independent contractor doesn't carry their own worker's comp insurance, while they are working they are...
Re: HD Expo Chicago was lame
by Craig Sommerer on Jun 13, 2009 at 6:47:25 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Mark,
I'm sorry to hear of the experience but I'm really not surprised at all. I had the day off, I'd registered and gosh darn it, I'd found far more important things to do in my house, like watching some...
Re: Screwed by a freelancer
by Don Starnes on Jun 11, 2009 at 8:42:13 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Mike,
The following rant isn't directed at you per se (we've never met and I assume that you are a good fellow); I'm directing this to Producers in general. I'm just taking the opportunity here to get this off of my...
Re: Freelance graphics insurance issues
by Nick Griffin on Jun 7, 2009 at 9:36:50 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Richard-
Mark may be correct that to some extent these clauses are designed to "weed out" the weaker candidates, but I believe another scenario, one which I have run into, is more likely.
As you yourself said:
[Richard DuCasse] "a...
Re: Finding Talent
by Bill Davis on Jun 4, 2009 at 1:27:24 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Personally, when I want to add names to my freelanceers list, I drop by and have a chat with the folks at the local RENTAL houses.
They know who's renting what. Who's busy. Who's coasting. They know who has experience with...
Re: Information Overload
by Ron Lindeboom on Jun 4, 2009 at 1:24:49 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
EMAIL PROBLEMS: I tried the "dump it all and the important ones will get through" approach a while back. In my case, it didn't work at all. Everyday I get new mail from people writing with ideas, feedback and...
Re: Music for client--Pulling Hair Out.
by Franklin McMahon on Jun 3, 2009 at 10:21:35 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
There are 4 stages of career levels most creative people go through.
1. Paid Hourly $
You punch a clock and are paid via time
2. Paid for Talent $$
You get paid for your talent and technical skills
3. Paid for Ideas $$$
You get...
Re: Information Overload
by Franklin McMahon on Jun 3, 2009 at 5:08:45 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
A few email tips that spring to mind...
Send Less
E-mails are like tribbles or gremlins, they multiply exponentially. The more you send, the more you receive. Obvious...but think about it. The more you send...the more you receive. Often if you are...
Re: Music for client--Pulling Hair Out.
by Franklin McMahon on Jun 2, 2009 at 12:51:54 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Part of the problem is it seems you are not charging for your search. If that is the case, then you will go another 25 hours, maybe 50. The reason they are saying "keep looking" is because they have no...
Re: Music for client--Pulling Hair Out.
by Mark Suszko on Jun 2, 2009 at 10:41:45 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
My guess about the delays to decide is that the project has too many bosses and none of them can agree, or none of them wants to take the responsibility for the choice if it turns out to be unpopular...
Re: Changing the Standard
by Ron Lindeboom on May 19, 2009 at 3:09:14 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
[Franklin McMahon] said: "The creative people who have this desire become very successful, it does not even depend on skills often, its tenacity and drive."
to which [Chris Blair] replied: "I just don't believe this...
Re: Changing the Standard
by Franklin McMahon on May 18, 2009 at 4:38:50 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
A few things..
I don't like the term "freelancer"..its an excuse to become a doormat. You own a company, even if you are one person. Your website should reflect that. The difference between owning a motion graphics design company and doing...
Re: free work
by Matt Townley on May 8, 2009 at 2:12:10 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Bruce,
I think there is an important distinction that needs to be made between an Internship and "working for free."
An Internship is a scenario where someone works for little/no pay in return for the company investing into that individual with their...
Re: free work
by Bruce Bennett on May 8, 2009 at 2:08:36 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Hi Rob,
When I graduated from college in 1990, I wanted to be an ad campaign designer. I had unsuccessful interviews for about a year trying to get a job as a media account manager/sales rep (I had absolutely no advertising...
Re: Another Ethics Question
by Mick Haensler on Apr 25, 2009 at 9:28:34 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
I was in a similar situation before I started my company last year. There were some key differences though.
1- I wasn't getting paid what I ASKED for. My request for a raise was turned down cold.
2- I wasn't working...
Re: Defining your customers
by Ron Gerber on Apr 24, 2009 at 6:02:24 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
When I meet with clients and they want to target everyone, I try to find out who are the customers that would make the biggest difference to their business and focus the message to them. To the point where...
Re: Another Ethics Question
by Simon Stutts on Apr 24, 2009 at 1:06:19 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Bitterness is a messy thing. It's doubly dangerous because it doesn't come out of nowhere - it starts off with a legitimate reason. I've been dealing with it myself. It can and more than likely will ruin EVERY good thing...
Re: problem is finding the clients.
by Bob Zelin on Apr 15, 2009 at 10:06:34 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
where do you find the clients ? That is the #1 problem of every business in the world. Where does Creative Cow find advertisers. Where does Chrysler and General Motors find people to buy their cars....
Re: Don't Undersell Yourself
by Mike Cohen on Apr 13, 2009 at 12:10:32 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Nice post Hawke. Cool name too.
Don't forget, which you touched upon, to compensate yourself for the work that you do. Cameras, editing systems and rental rates will change over time. Your experience only gets better and that is what you...
Re: problem is finding the clients.
by Timothy J. Allen on Apr 10, 2009 at 7:28:18 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Mahesh,
Do you have a certain area of expertise? I don't meant videography versus editing or graphics or audio expertise, I mean what can you offer to a certain type of customer that puts you above their other potential choices?
For instance,...
Re: Showing work from past employers
by Nick Griffin on Apr 9, 2009 at 10:11:04 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Legally it's likely that they can prevent you from showing their work in any kind of public way, ie. - online, mass mailing, etc. It's also likely that they may be willing to invest more in...
Re: Client conundrum
by John Davidson on Apr 4, 2009 at 12:00:34 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Who is the worst editor you've ever seen in your life? Refer them to him.
John
Magic Feather Inc....
Don't Undersell Yourself
by Hawke Taylore on Apr 3, 2009 at 9:21:57 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
If you own, or are thinking of owning, a video production studio, there are a few things you should keep in mind when presenting rates to your clients. So many people today believe it is easy to have a video...
How to Go Green without Spending All of Yours.
by Hawke Taylore on Apr 3, 2009 at 3:55:55 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Today everyone is either doing the earth-friendly program or is looking to see if you are doing your part. Sometimes, going green can be costly. Here at Taylore Studios we have made some of those changes and we have actually...
Re: An ad without a home
by Mark Suszko on Apr 1, 2009 at 5:16:55 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Do try to pitch it to a bank or credit union though. They don't advertise as often, but car loans thru them might be a good fit for the skeleton of this spot you have here. Making the car...
How to price a beverage company
by Jeremie Sterlin on Mar 30, 2009 at 3:00:24 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Hi,
I'm going to import alcohol into the US and sell it wholesale. I'm trying to figure out how to price my company. Do I need a beverage broker? How do I come up with a pricing structure for my company?
Thank...
Re: Do I have to blur Canon Logo in Video?
by Mark Suszko on Mar 25, 2009 at 10:56:16 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
http://www.law.duke.edu/cspd/comics/pdf/cspdcomicscreen.pdf...
Re: Sticking to rates when you're poor and desperagte
by Steve Wargo on Mar 19, 2009 at 9:31:51 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Normally, when I'm having a meeting with someone and they ask me what they can get for $200, my immediate reply is to look at my watch for two seconds (while I think) and then I look them in the...
Re: how to start a news channel - Brentwood
by Mark Suszko on Mar 18, 2009 at 2:38:20 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Well even the *real* 24-hour news channels don't fill all 24 hours with actual news . They mostly "wheel" the same handful of stories a couple times an hour, then "update" them, not by finding new content, but by...
Re: Sticking to rates when you're poor and desperagte
by Mark Suszko on Mar 17, 2009 at 7:56:06 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Stick to your guns, Alison. Once you get a rep for low-balling prices, it is very hard to change that perception, and it becomes self-fulfilling; people won't consider you for bigger and better things, and the lowball stuff is all...
Re: Closing the deal?
by Mike Smith on Mar 13, 2009 at 8:37:52 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Lots of clients will like working with young creatives. You'd want to make sure you present and position this as a positive - perhaps a direct connection to the zeitgeist, part of the soc networking generation, whatever.
If you don't...
Re: door to door
by Bob Bonniol on Mar 11, 2009 at 10:16:06 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
ABSOLUTELY know what your targets do, who the principals are, and what your service is going to bring. I get 5 to 10 cold calls a month from folks who want to work for us. I'll bet if...
Re: Your employees: Rock stars or sheep?
by Mark Suszko on Mar 9, 2009 at 12:52:29 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Based on empirical evidence in my life I think the 80-20 rule applies to any "voluntary" group endeavor: 20 percent of the people in the organization get 80 percent of the work done, 80 percent of the donations contributed,...
Public Relations and Marketing - Creative COW Business Strategies Podcast
by Creative COW on Mar 4, 2009 at 8:32:41 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
--- Episode #004 - March 03, 2009 Public Relations and Marketing for Creative Professionals with Carol Warren and Susan van Barneveid from Antarra Communications.
Carol and Susan discuss with Franklin McMahon how to target...
Re: Where can I buy a camera, microphone, and lights without breaking the bank?
by Chris Blair on Mar 1, 2009 at 9:48:00 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
No offense intended here...but if you're starting a production company and don't have a detailed list of equipment specs and know where to look for equipment, you might want to find someone locally to help you.
Unless of course you plan...
Re: Question of ethics
by Mark Raudonis on Feb 26, 2009 at 8:19:37 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Ok. I went back and read your original post.
You are an idiot for having posted it! That's not personal... it's business!
Any employer reading this thread has now been warned about what kind of employee you'd be.
Good luck...
Re: The value of time
by Franklin McMahon on Feb 26, 2009 at 8:17:23 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Yes rush jobs should incur an extra fee. Is always best to provide a choice, such as, I can get it done on Monday for XXX or I can have it done Saturday by 5 for XXXX. That way the...
Re: The value of time
by Mark Suszko on Feb 25, 2009 at 8:53:05 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Absolutely, there is an extra charge for rush/emergency orders or orders outside of normal business hours. How much is up to you. I think your only real trouble is, these terms really need to be explained to the client...
Re: Proving my capabilities to colleges?
by Richard Herd on Feb 25, 2009 at 1:10:00 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Best film school in the country: http://www.afi.com/education/conservatory/admissions.aspx
Really tough to get in and very expensive.
As an undergrad, consider studying drama.
But that's way ahead of the game: your junior year and senior year in high school, consider getting involved with...
Re: Question of ethics
by Chris Blair on Feb 25, 2009 at 9:28:30 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
We do work for a monastery near us. The monks there have a saying:
"We seek the extraordinary through the ordinary work of our everyday lives."
What they're saying is that the guy assigned to scrub the toilets takes as much pride...
Re: Ideas Pricing
by grinner hester on Feb 21, 2009 at 7:55:59 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
I suppose the reason we cannot copyright ideas is because ideas are worth nothing. Brain-storming great content is the easy part. We all know what would be really cool and the question is who among us can make it happen.
Take...
Re: Work during this crisis
by Bruce Bennett on Feb 19, 2009 at 2:57:16 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Hi Karim,
I am a Producer/Director who owns an LLC without any other employees. I sub out all shooting and editing. Business is good, but like many of us, unpredictable for 2009-10. This year, I...
Re: Work during this crisis
by Bob Zelin on Feb 19, 2009 at 2:54:37 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Rich,
you write -
"I grow weary of Walter's constant posts about how busy he is. It's not constructive to the poster in any way. Hey Walter, how about a few thoughts on WHY you are so busy, instead of...
Re: Basic Agreement
by Mark Suszko on Feb 10, 2009 at 5:46:58 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
My 2 drachmas:
Define in your agreement who has the power to sign the bill and authorize payments, and make that person also the one that authorizes any changes once the project is under way. This will prevent a lot...
Stop it
by Steve Wargo on Jan 28, 2009 at 10:22:38 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
STOP charging by the finished minute. This was an idiotic practice from many years ago and it makes no sense. Charge by the project using any formula but that one. I guess this means that you charge $400 for a...
Re: Social Media
by Timothy J. Allen on Jan 21, 2009 at 9:31:51 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace, Twitter... there's one major mistake that I think most people have when they plan to use these sites for "marketing".
The sites are intrinsically designed to make it easy for you to tell people about yourself ......
Re: Paying Gigs
by Bob Zelin on Jan 20, 2009 at 5:24:41 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Make up a high number - one that you would be more than happy with. When they say "gee, we weren't thinking about spending that much", you can say "well, what do you think would be fair" - this will...
Re: Social Media
by Bob Zelin on Jan 19, 2009 at 8:13:02 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
I find it funny that someone is trying to compare Creative Cow to MySpace or Facebook - or even LinkedIn. Creative Cow is a specific forum for professionals in our lovely industry. I dont' think anyone has ever...
Re: Social Media
by Mike Cohen on Jan 17, 2009 at 2:13:14 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Social Networking = a buzz word. Buzz words such as "green", "energy independence" and "change" are fairly vague and only time will tell if their is some use.
I agree with Ron that focused networking sites like this one are useful....
Well, what do you know...
by Steve Wargo on Jan 12, 2009 at 7:34:50 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
http://www.zoomlicense.com/
never mind. I got it. Steve Wargo
Tempe, Arizona
It's a dry heat!
Sony HDCAM F-900 & HDW-2000/1 deck
5 Final Cut (not quite PRO) systems
Sony HVR-M25 HDV deck
2-Sony EX-1 HD ....
Re: Just Setting Up
by Bob Zelin on Dec 21, 2008 at 3:35:41 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Jody -
my response is very different from everyone else on this list. There is no "best" camera for under $2000. From your description, you have never done this before, and are completely new - yet you are...
Re: Hopping mad: cable co's putting PEG in ghetto spots
by Mark Suszko on Dec 18, 2008 at 12:38:25 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
I'll tell you why I am irked. I'll refer to some politics, but really that's not my main thrust here, not only is this not the place, but I don't think this is a left or right issue.
You know...
Re: Finding a buyer for a concept
by Bob Zelin on Dec 17, 2008 at 2:53:27 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Believe me, I am not trying to discourage your ambition, or your creativity. But I am seeing more and more people on this forum stating and asking "I am a creative genius - I am the best film maker,...
Re: Marketing & Promotion for Beginning Video Artist
by Mark Suszko on Dec 12, 2008 at 8:12:59 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
I liked your one art gallery commercial for Chasens, and it gave me the following thought.
If you are looking for some kind of overall direction, my initial impression is skip music videos and law commercials: you could do more youtube...
Re: Waiver for technology shortcomings?
by Todd Terry on Dec 10, 2008 at 11:25:54 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
I think we are beating a dead horse here.
Looks like most all of the world here (me included) is in agreement that delivering the product is what we are being paid for... glitches, gremlins, or technical problems aside, it's our...
Re: Waiver for technology shortcomings?
by Bob Zelin on Dec 10, 2008 at 12:51:36 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Sebastian writes -
"Let's say that you had really bad luck one day at an event and technology failed you."
REPLY -
Sebastian, is this a joke, or WHAT ? I was hired in May 2008 by Nickelodeon Television to...
Re: OT: Need advice on budget for tax write off
by Nick Griffin on Dec 9, 2008 at 8:00:54 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Sorry to be a wet blanket, and... I'm not an accountant, nor a tax attorney, BUT... I don't think you can write off your own labor when donated. You can write off things like mileage, tape costs, etc....
Re: Buying RC Squibs
by Gav Bott on Dec 9, 2008 at 6:19:55 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Just a word of warning - if you don't know a good supplier then you probably haven't used these effects before.
Squibs can be surprisingly destructive to your talent. Pro...
Re: OT: Need advice on budget for tax write off
by Steve Boultbee on Dec 9, 2008 at 10:50:32 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
"In-kind" simply means "non-cash" which can be goods or services. However, that doesn't change the fact that services are not deductible as a charitable contribution, as has been mentioned several times. One previous poster linked to an IRS...
Re: Awards
by Mark Suszko on Dec 1, 2008 at 12:47:52 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
That's a brutal over-generalization, IMO. You're tarring all the awards with the same dirty brush. I've entered some before, paid my money and NOT won, so it is NOT automatically "buying" an award every time, in my experience. OTOH, you...
Re: Astonished so many of us miss the REAL point...
by Bob Zelin on Nov 29, 2008 at 5:41:13 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Mark Alexander writes -
"The other day I had a very successful business person tell me that video was all "fluff" and not necessary in the corporate world".
REPLY (and this goes to the few of you that agree with...
Harassing Your Client 101
by Tim Wilson on Nov 26, 2008 at 3:33:57 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
I was thinking about the problem of a client trying to stiff you. I agree that there comes a time to stop trying to give yourself a heart attack. There's a reason why they invented the phrase "cut your losses."...
Re: Undercutting as a business model
by Bill Davis on Nov 21, 2008 at 12:59:33 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
If you guys all want to feel a LOT better - run out and buy yourself a copy of Malcolm Gladwell's new book "Outliers".
He's the guy who wrote Tipping Point and Blink - and is a leading business writer and...
Re: Is Stock Footage a Viable Way For an Independent Artist to Earn Money?
by Mark Suszko on Nov 13, 2008 at 8:22:37 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
I think you have two kinds of stock sellers; one set that has some nice footage that rents out at a reasonable rate and thus brings a small but steady trickle, and a few that really specialize in unique stuff...
Re: Do I have a beef?
by Todd Terry on Oct 6, 2008 at 8:14:04 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Sounds to me that there is an extreme and fundamental difference of opinion as to what you expect out of an employer, and what an employer expects out of you the employee. I'm beginning to think that this divide...
Re: Things I learned from a film student
by Mark Suszko on Sep 4, 2008 at 7:09:23 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
This is how it really went down...
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5058529870025933880...
Things I learned from a film student
by jon agnew on Sep 4, 2008 at 7:08:32 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
First of all, I know this doesn't quite fit this forum, but I thought you all might enjoy it.
I had a conversation with a Film Student today who clued me in to a few things about cinema of which I...
Re: How to make $114,000 producing 4 web videos with no experience
by Matt Smith on Aug 21, 2008 at 11:06:33 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
You know I may be new here but to be honest with you it is all about who you know and the connections you make. I wouldn't be half surprised if someone at the company were related to McCain or...
Re: Poll: Teleprompter tricks?
by Todd Terry on Jul 30, 2008 at 1:52:21 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Hi Bruce...
I've been surprised at how well the average Joe off the street can be at prompter reading... not always , but pretty darn often.
I've never had any problem with shifty eyes... and I think size is the key....
Re: Graphics and effects companies that contract out for commercial production
by Nick Griffin on Jul 27, 2008 at 6:26:30 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Umm... can we regard this as a rather "fat" pitch, right over the plate?
"Hi, I'm a 25 year old, great-looking girl, wondering if any of you guys here in the bar would like to buy me a drink."...
Re: Cool viral marketing campaign
by Ron Lindeboom on Jul 25, 2008 at 7:28:41 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
I am thinking of making a video of how the new 3G iPhone not only pops corn but also butters it and creates the bowl. If you get the 16gig model, it even cleans up after you.
Imagine!
But wait, there's more!...
Marketing the stop sign
by Timothy J. Allen on Jul 24, 2008 at 8:41:12 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
This may have belonged in the Cowmedy forum, but if you work in marketing, you need to see this...
Marketing the Stop Sign......
Re: how to write a show proposal / treatemnt / pitch
by David Roth Weiss on Jun 6, 2008 at 6:40:12 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Good Luck!!!
You know where to find me when you're ready to get production and post underway...
David
"No job is worth doing more than once..."
David Roth Weiss
Director/Editor/Post-production Supervisor
David Weiss Productions, Inc.
Los Angeles...
Re: how to write a show proposal / treatemnt / pitch
by David Roth Weiss on Jun 6, 2008 at 6:26:17 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Phil,
Submitting a full-blown proposal will immediately ID you as a beginner and it will usually be filed in the rubbish bin.
First, write what is known as a "two-pager." The two-pager is the standard until you make it up the development...
What does Infomercial Time Really Cost?
by Bill SerGio on May 25, 2008 at 5:15:05 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
What does Infomercial Time Really Cost?
Let me state that I am NOT selling TV time or anything. I buy half hour TV time and use it to air my own television shows that I produce. I don't sell the...
Re: What is the value
by Bob Zelin on May 8, 2008 at 2:56:13 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Brett -
your spot is excellent. If you wind up charging a total of $2000 for this spot (creation, production including stage and lighting, post, graphics, music, color correction, web encoding), I unfortuntely have to fly to your location and...
Re: Questions to ask before a video shut.
by Mark Suszko on Apr 9, 2008 at 11:37:51 am
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Well there are two separate sets of questions to be asked, after the number one question: "how much money we talkin' 'bout?"
Set one has questions all about the needs analysis: what the customer wants and needs to convey,...
Clients Can Be Dangerous
by tvproducersm on Feb 27, 2008 at 12:31:24 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
On Friday August 18th I learned a valuable lesson: Clients, Can Be Dangerous Too.
I have no idea of the statistics. Have no idea how often it happens. But I became a staticis all too fast and...
A compelling reason to get out of the business
by Ross Hansberger on Feb 27, 2008 at 12:31:24 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
I recently stumbled across this post on craig's list (atlanta).
I'm still shaking my head.
"I am looking for 2, very professional (important), highly qualified videographers to film for 8 hours next Friday and Saturday, Aug 31st-Sept 1st. Qualified applicants...
Re: Retaining Publicity Rights
by beenyweenies on Feb 27, 2008 at 12:31:24 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
First of all, you really should have your own contract rather than using your client's contract. There is just no way under the sun they will be including the language you absolutely MUST have to protect yourself against a wide...
Re: Clients Can Be Dangerous
by Mark Suszko on Feb 27, 2008 at 12:31:24 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
One of the perks of the sheer variety of work I do is I get to peek in on many other people's specialties. I have worked on video programs about domestic violence and abuse before, and listened to the experts...
Your Own Business, Part 3 uploaded
by walter biscardi on Feb 27, 2008 at 12:31:24 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Hi all,
Part 3 of my 4 part trilogy on "Your Own Business" has been uploaded to my blog. In this installment I offer my thoughts on "Running and Building Your Business." Enjoy!
http://blogs.creativecow.net/node/300 Walter...
Re: taking a deposit
by Steve Wargo on Feb 27, 2008 at 12:31:24 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
You should have taken a deposit of 50% and gotten a credit card number for the balance. If you don't take cards, plan on losing other business as well.
On the other hand, never trust anyone for money, unless it's...
Re: Avid says No to NAB 2008
by Tim Wilson on Feb 27, 2008 at 12:31:24 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
[Proper Modulation] "Avid is taking YET ANOTHER step to remove themselves from the future and dig themselves deeper into the ESTABLISHED market that thinks Avid can do know wrong and would never fathom FCP as an alternate."
That's...
Re: don't give up
by Timothy J. Allen on Feb 27, 2008 at 12:31:24 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
JJ,
Mark S. is probably right on target... they don't want to spend the kind of money that you are worth.
Having said that, there may be another issue. They may simply think that your personality doesn't fit with the rest...
Re: NAB Urban Legend?
by GrahamS on Feb 27, 2008 at 12:31:24 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Hey guys,
great discussion - and btw, we deserve it.
Just let me say one thing - we do care about our user base and we are starting to listen ( I agree we didn't used to do either).
I find the concept...
Re: help for pricing on live concert 4 hours 2 cameras
by Mick Haensler on Feb 27, 2008 at 12:31:24 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Great. And thanks for not getting offended.
- It looks like you're going for that shaky handheld look which is fine. But the constant zooming in and out is a bit much. There is just way to much cam movement for...
Re: Contemplative Cows
by Randall Raymond on Feb 27, 2008 at 12:31:24 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
...
Re: COW Articles: NAB Apple Bows Out of NAB 2008
by Tim Wilson on Feb 27, 2008 at 12:31:24 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
I'll add that millions of buying decisions by pros in our industry have been made without going to tradeshows. They're made in the much closer contact provided by road shows, and in the MUCH closer contact provided by VARs, many...
ATTN Advertisers...Ron is on the money, save yourself a pile of $$$
by bill Campbell on Feb 27, 2008 at 12:31:24 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Great opinion by Ron.... I was on the fence about NAB and Apple's departure made the decision easy...I'm going to take the money I was to spend on my team at NAB and buy some new equipment....that I shop for...
Re: Dance Recital Question
by Mark Suszko on Feb 27, 2008 at 12:31:24 pm
in the Business & Marketing Forum
Look, by no means do I claim the title of professional ethicist or legal counsel.
But a major rule of thumb to look at that has always worked for me is: "did any money change hands at any point?"
If it...
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