It's always an interesting decision as to whether to take on a "low/no budget" job, especially for those coming new to the film and TV industry. I think the most important thing to remember - whether you are 'working' for old friends or new ones - is to remember your worth.
When being asked to work for free - (which let's be blunt - is in fact illegal, as every job has to pay the national minimum wage) - it's worthwhile remembering that you're not just working for "no money", but you are in fact supporting the production by providing them with your skills and experience. So you are funding the production.
When starting out, this equation may seem to be simple enough, as you may feel that a lack of experience means that you can offer a production very little; but this is rarely the case - once again, value your worth - what are you bringing to that production: Yourself? Your (rather expensive) education? Your car (as you've probably only been offered petrol expenses) ? Your Mobile phone? Your kit ? (And are they going to insure it?)
But what is on the other side of that equation: what are you going to get from the production? It is this answer that essentially tells you whether to take the job or not. Even when being paid, there may be certain things that attract you to / or away from a job (the script, the crew, the technical requirements, the proximity of the shoot etc) meaning that you'll work for less / more money. And, (in my opinion at least), the same thinking can apply to a low budget production - try and quantify what you are going to get from it: working with a new piece of kit / working with an HOD who is already established in the industry / wanting to try a new technical set up (new radio microphones / new hard disk recorder / new firmware upgrade) / testing out a new crew relationship.
But - and it's a fairly big but - be very aware that experience that you may build up on low budget productions will be (prepare for a sweeping statement here) "low budget" experience; and not necessarily be transferrable to fully paid work. It's very much dependent upon the productions involved, but, for example, with a "no-wages" production there is no financial penalty of working over-time; so it's often taken for granted that crew will work beyond their agreed hours. Which is the ultimate irony / insult, as now you're giving your time at an overtime rate for free.
I can remember when being asked to work for nothing on a short film many years ago, I politely replied I would happily work for free if the director would come and do an equivalent hours manual labouring for me (building the house). After a stunned silence, the conversation quickly ended with me not doing the short. With hindsight, I wished the conversation had continued something like this: "But I don't know how to put up plaster board", "Good point", I would reply " I know how to do sound, so perhaps you should come and do more than the equivalent number of hours, to offset the skills difference."
Getting into the industry can be quite hard - the classic unbreakable cycle of unable to get a job without experience, but how do you get the experience without a job. There are apprenticeships out there, and trainee and entry level runner jobs, that do allow ways into the industry whilst earning a living. Working on a low budget productions may offer a way out of this cycle, but remember though, this is a job (albeit a very enjoyable one), and jobs are there to make us a living.
June 2013
G
INTERNATIONAL CONCEPT OF WORK FROM HOME
ReplyDeleteWork from home theory is fast gaining popularity because of the freedom and flexibility that comes with it. Since one is not bound by fixed working hours, they can schedule their work at the time when they feel most productive and convenient to them. Women & Men benefit a lot from this concept of work since they can balance their home and work perfectly. People mostly find that in this situation, their productivity is higher and stress levels lower. Those who like isolation and a tranquil work environment also tend to prefer this way of working. Today, with the kind of communication networks available, millions of people worldwide are considering this option.
Women & Men who want to be independent but cannot afford to leave their responsibilities at home aside will benefit a lot from this concept of work. It makes it easier to maintain a healthy balance between home and work. The family doesn't get neglected and you can get your work done too. You can thus effectively juggle home responsibilities with your career. Working from home is definitely a viable option but it also needs a lot of hard work and discipline. You have to make a time schedule for yourself and stick to it. There will be a time frame of course for any job you take up and you have to fulfill that project within that time frame.
There are many things that can be done working from home. A few of them is listed below that will give you a general idea about the benefits of this concept.
Baby-sitting
This is the most common and highly preferred job that Women & Men like doing. Since in today's competitive world both the parents have to work they need a secure place to leave behind their children who will take care of them and parents can also relax without being worried all the time. In this job you don't require any degree or qualifications. You only have to know how to take care of children. Parents are happy to pay handsome salary and you can also earn a lot without putting too much of an effort.
Nursery
For those who have a garden or an open space at your disposal and are also interested in gardening can go for this method of earning money. If given proper time and efforts nursery business can flourish very well and you will earn handsomely. But just as all jobs establishing it will be a bit difficult but the end results are outstanding.
Freelance
Freelance can be in different wings. Either you can be a freelance reporter or a freelance photographer. You can also do designing or be in the advertising field doing project on your own. Being independent and working independently will depend on your field of work and the availability of its worth in the market. If you like doing jewellery designing you can do that at home totally independently. You can also work on freelancing as a marketing executive working from home. Wanna know more, email us on workfromhome.otr214426@gmail.com and we will send you information on how you can actually work as a marketing freelancer.
Internet related work
This is a very vast field and here sky is the limit. All you need is a computer and Internet facility. Whatever field you are into work at home is perfect match in the software field. You can match your time according to your convenience and complete whatever projects you get. To learn more about how to work from home, contact us today on workfromhome.otr214426@gmail.comand our team will get you started on some excellent work from home projects.
Diet food
Since now a days Women & Men are more conscious of the food that they eat hence they prefer to have homemade low cal food and if you can start supplying low cal food to various offices then it will be a very good source of income and not too much of efforts. You can hire a few ladies who will help you out and this can be a good business.
Thus think over this concept and go ahead.