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I wish I’d written this…
Everyone, especially those just starting out (and those who are so experienced they’ve become complacent), should check out the great list of fifteen great job tips for post pros that author Michael Kammes wrote in his article at the link below. He says he wrote it tongue in cheek, but its actually pretty important stuff, and I sure wish I’d written it first right here, hence the reason I’m posting it.
BTW, the piece was originally written for a magazine that competes in Cow space, so I pray that’s not going to be a big issue. If so, I apologize in advance and hope Bessie doesn’t have me summarily executed for posting the link, which is actually from the author’s blog, not from that other entity.
https://michaelkammes.com/commentary/post-magazine-what-everyone-starting-out-should-know/
David Roth Weiss
Director/Editor/Colorist
David Weiss Productions, Inc.
Los AngelesPOST-PRODUCTION WITHOUT THE USUAL INSANITY ™
EPK Colorist – UP IN THE AIR – nominated for six academy awards
A forum host of Creative COW’s Apple Final Cut Pro, Business & Marketing, Indie Film & Documentary, and Film History & Appreciations forums.
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17 Replies
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Not bad. Repeats a lot of what I put into the three part series on Starting and Running Your Own Business right here on the Cow back in 2007 / 2008.
But I especially like the part about turning off the cell phone. I have to yell at freelancers sometimes to turn those damn things off during the edit.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Editor, Colorist, Director, Writer, Consultant, Author, Chef.
HD Post and Production
Biscardi Creative Media“Foul Water, Fiery Serpent” featuring Sigourney Weaver coming soon.
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I’ve only had one freelancer with a bad enough cell phone problem to send him packin’. What an odd thing. Ya tend to your cell phone so ya don’t miss a gig then rid yourself of gigs due to the phone. WTF?
This list has kind of been paqssed around a lot. Some speak as if it’s a template. Like the dress to impress thing. Hopefully my El Duderino t-shirt and sandals are impressive enough. 😉
The bottom line is if do a better job than anyone else in town, you’ll be busy.
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[grinner hester] “This list has kind of been paqssed around a lot. Some speak as if it’s a template. Like the dress to impress thing.”
Yeah. Jeans, shorts and t-shirts are pretty much the rule here. As long as your clothes are clean, no tears and no offensive language, you’re good to go.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Editor, Colorist, Director, Writer, Consultant, Author, Chef.
HD Post and Production
Biscardi Creative Media“Foul Water, Fiery Serpent” featuring Sigourney Weaver coming soon.
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Me? My uniform is invariably a Hawaiian shirt, cargo shorts, sandals, and the ever-present required-by-law-for-directors Yankees baseball cap.
Maybe in winter I’ll switch to jeans and motorcycle boots if it’s cold enough.
Fortunately my junior business partner (who is the GM and more often a client’s first contact with us) dresses better… and passes me off as one of those “creative types.”
It’s funny though, at the very rare occasional industry functions (such as an awards show) where I do break out a rarely-worn suit… I’ve had long-time clients not even recognize me, they’re way too used to the Kramer shirt and ball cap.
All I have to do to go incognito… is dress up 🙂
T2
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Todd Terry
Creative Director
Fantastic Plastic Entertainment, Inc.
fantasticplastic.com
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same here.
Last time my shirt had a collar I was gettin’ married.
I think the attore thing should not be overlooked. And I mean, if you dress too pretty in what is suppose to be a creative environment, man you may do more harm than good. I’m not saying a client would tour and pass because an employee was a yuppie but if folks are walking around in ties, potential clients may just split cuz they think they are in the wrong building. lol
I can tell you on the hiring end, I like those comfy and confident to come as they are to an interview, not hide in a uniform they have no intention of wearing later. I base that off how I use to interview… in my favorite tie-dyed shirt. I even use to print my resumes on tie-dyed paper. The last thing I wanted to do was put up a front then have to stick to it for the next two years.
On the other hand, I have a buddy who doesn’t shave but can’t grow a beard. Wears a rednack ball cap that’s all greezy. Slouches and plops his backpack in the corner with a sigh when he walks into a suite. Not many folks are tickled to see him as there editor that day.
Bottom line… be comfy but give a crap. -
[Todd Terry] “My uniform is invariably a Hawaiian shirt, cargo shorts, sandals, and the ever-present required-by-law-for-directors Yankees baseball cap.”
Todd,
In case you haven’t figured this out yet dude, you’re the boss, you’re entitled to work in your skivvies if you so desire. Freelancers and new hires are (should be at least) a different matter.
I assure you, here in L.A., especially now, when tens of thousands of extremely talented and experienced people are starved for work, flip-flops and shorts don’t cut it. Unlike the smaller markets, here there are literally thousands of extremely qualified people lined-up and just waiting to step in to fill the shoes of any complacent guys and gals who don’t understand the fifteen tips Michael Kammes writes about.
David Roth Weiss
Director/Editor/Colorist
David Weiss Productions, Inc.
Los AngelesPOST-PRODUCTION WITHOUT THE USUAL INSANITY ™
EPK Colorist – UP IN THE AIR – nominated for six academy awards
A forum host of Creative COW’s Apple Final Cut Pro, Business & Marketing, Indie Film & Documentary, and Film History & Appreciations forums.
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[grinner hester] “Last time my shirt had a collar I was gettin’ married.”
I got married in shorts! 🙂
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Editor, Colorist, Director, Writer, Consultant, Author, Chef.
HD Post and Production
Biscardi Creative Media“Foul Water, Fiery Serpent” featuring Sigourney Weaver coming soon.
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[David Roth Weiss] “In case you haven’t figured this out yet dude, you’re the boss, you’re entitled to work in your skivvies if you so desire. Freelancers and new hires are (should be at least) a different matter.”
Actually I don’t agree with this at all. As the owner / boss, you set the tone for the entire office. If you feel you’re privileged to dress differently than everyone else, then there’s a problem. Nobody is above anybody else when you’re part of a team. That includes dress code in my book.
As for “smaller markets,” the entire country is a “smaller market” if you want to compare it to LA. Doesn’t matter WHAT market you’re in, film is film, television is television. Heck Georgia is slamming as the top film and television production area right now, we have new sound studios going up and it’s hard to hire folks because everyone is so busy. So if we’re a smaller market, we’ll take it!
Fortunately the entire production community does not revolve around LA, or even the U.S. for that matter.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Editor, Colorist, Director, Writer, Consultant, Author, Chef.
HD Post and Production
Biscardi Creative Media“Foul Water, Fiery Serpent” featuring Sigourney Weaver coming soon.
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David –
I have to agree with Walter (and others), there’s very little in this piece that hasn’t been discussed here extensively and exhaustively. Not saying that there’s anything wrong with a reminder now and then, especially for the newbies who haven’t been keeping up with the threads in this pasture, but not much new.And frankly, David, I’ve read LOTS of things of yours which are much better written.
And, Todd, I too work in a Hawaiian shirt and shorts, just not when clients visit. That’s when it’s more important to be one of them in long sleeves and pants rather than the “creative” who may easily be regarded as NOT one of them.
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How in the heck did this thread turn into a discussion on the latest fashion trends in the edit suite??? I’ll bite, the other day it was freakin 98 in the shade with an air quality code red. My poor AC had a hard time keeping the studio below 82. I put on a pair of tattered shorts when I got up and that’s as far as it got. Now, I had no appointments and the only person seeing me was my wife but dang that was fun!!
Mick Haensler
Higher Ground Media
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