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Question of Ownership
replied 16 years, 1 month ago 12 Members · 19 Replies
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[Aaron Cadieux] “….I am a video production specialist. I do video production for my bosses. I am not a graphic designer, nor do I pretend to be a graphic designer. I just think it’s unfair that my animation is now going to be used as a logo for the print-end…..”
No
Know your place young one.
When you work for someone else, this is how it works.
Don’t sell yourself short. If you, as a video production specialist, created a graphic that a client loves, guess what – you are now a graphic designer!
Mike
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No you don’t own it, you’re not owed anything extra. You created the logo as part of your job.
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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Hence the phrase “other duties as assigned” when you are hired. You do what you are asked/told to do.
And reiterating the others: the person who pays you owns it. My Dad created many things and processes for the company he worked for which in turn were granted patents. He got his paycheck and the occasional atta boy or a bonus.
Steve
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Just remember; I retain all the film rights. 🙂
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When I was the salaried Director of Multimedia for a high end wedding and conference center, the only thing in my job description was AV work. I had to be at every event that involved my department. Sometimes I would have to sit there for hours babysitting one podium mic. Usually on those times I would go and see if the banquet or kitchen staff needed some help. I did everything from prep work to running food to the buffet line to carving steamship round. None of it was even close to my job description but I did it willingly because we all had pride in what we did, we were “simply the best” as the song says. I did however get pretty burned out after 3 years of 50-80 weeks with no raise.
When I quit they decided not to replace me and instead paired down services in my department and the GM took over most of my duties. After he got canned I got a call from the owner who wanted me back on contract with my new company since the GM and I are the only two who know how to run the system. I’m here right now banking some serious coin while I type this. I left on good terms, maintained the relationship, gave them free tech advice after I left, and am now being amply rewarded for it.
I hire freelancers on a regular basis, I ask them to do all sorts of things that wouldn’t fit in their job description. The guys I keep hiring are the ones who say “anything you need dude”!! Try it sometime.
Mick Haensler
Higher Ground Media -
Not to belabor the point, but when you are a salaried employee, pretty much whatever it takes to get the job done is in your job description.
What sort of things have I done over the years?
Loading and unloading pallets from trucks.
An all night editing session with trips to and from Chicago at either end.
While one of our employees was on an extended vacation with his family I did his entire job as well as my own for 4 weeks.
Rented, installed and operated an HD projector and sound board in a rented 1000 seat theater in NY.Just yesterday I made this attractive display stand for use at our exhibit booth. Not for praise – not for monetary gain, but because it is good for business.
Yep, Aaron and anyone else who questions their work assignments – you do what you have to do to get the job done, service the client, make profit for your employer.
Mike Cohen
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I was just about to wrap up my work for the day when I ran across this thread. I think any of us who have worked our way up through the ranks did so because we were always willing to grab a broom if asked – or volunteer for other tasks anytime we can do that and still get our primary duties done.
I will offer one counterpoint that hasn’t been mentioned. There is a time not to do things that your boss asks you to do. Put simply, it’s when what they are asking you to do is unethical or illegal. (Notice I didn’t say “and” illegal, I said “or”.)
By the way, if I’m hired to edit and someone wants me to wash dishes when I’m there, I’ll do it. But, I’m a much better value as an Editor than as a dishwasher – especially since I still charge the same rate for either task. 😉
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My job description originally said “Video Editor.” Quite honestly, that’s only a tiny fraction of what I do, and if I really only edited on an Avid like I learned in college, I’d be nearly useless.
I’ve taught myself After Effects, repaired and built computers, developed graphics skills with everything from iPhone apps to websites to billboards, hung projectors, directed cameras, repaired, bought, and sold equipment, and just about anything else you can think of; all while on the job as an “editor.”
Whenever I do something outside of my area of expertise, I consider it a challenge to be conquered. And, I think most employers appreciate that. Learn to love it.
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Hey Aaron,
If you are to feel sorry for someone, do think about the designer who reputedly designed a logo for $20 for a company called Nike.
As the days of residuals and payments for outstanding brilliance are coming to an end, keep in mind that if this new product is the new “Nike”, that one thing no one can take from you, is that you designed their logo – and on your CV for a pay-rise or even a new job, this little gem will be invaluable.
Personally, I would not be afraid of asking for a quote from the end client for my portfolio about my contribution. In my firm, I always forward them to my employees when a client says something nice about their (actually ours) work – it is a good motivator all round, and encourages continued creative excellence 🙂
All the Best
Mads
London, UKLatest video to watch here:
Mac Million Ltd. – HD Production & Editing
Blog: https://macmillionltd.blogspot.com
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