[Bob Cole]

I have no idea, Jack, what studio rates in Europe run. I don’t even know whether the 9-hour day is common in Europe.

But here are some thoughts:

1. I’m sure you’ve thought of this, but I’m sure studio rates are available online. This research would also help you with some qualitative issues, below.
2. You mention two make-up rooms; I’d prefer one room and one internet-friendly conference room/office space. Clients and interviewees who are waiting their turn love to have a place in which to keep working.
3. I only rent a studio when I need a much larger space. 20′ length seems a little bit small for a studio, especially with chroma key.

Good luck!

Bob C

[Bob Cole]

And Shane was correct – I never got any indication from Linked In whether you had declined or ignored the invitation.

Your former friend,
Bob

[Bob Cole]

[Shane Ross] “They aren’t notified if you decline. Only if you accept.”

Good to know. But I wouldn’t assume that this remains the case forever. They could always change the way they operate.

Todd, I would be happy to send you my first ever LI invitation, but only if you promise to decline.

Bob C

[Bob Cole]

Hey Ned,

Good to see you back here, providing a bit of a reality check. I hope that you find a renewed pleasure and enthusiasm for the craft, through working on personal and pro bono projects.

You are not wrong about the market. The standards have never been higher… or lower.

Enjoy your new career, but keep visiting. We drones need your perspective.

Bob C

[Bob Cole]

I’m with Todd on this. White limbo is not as easy as it looks, and green screen (done properly) makes it easy to fine tune it in post. A white limbo background is just an extremely difficult thing to judge properly “live.” Your concern about eyeglasses is understandable, but you will find that the “clear” part of the eyeglass will key beautifully, while the glasses’ temples might actually present more of an issue.

Bob C

[Bob Cole]

Just curious: did you ever get an answer to your question? I have the Video Assist, and I have not had this problem… yet.

Bob C

[Bob Cole]

[Shane Ross] “requires a blackmagic (and ONLY Blackmagic) device “

Exactly which Blackmagic devices do you recommend, for a MBP with Thunderbolt and HDMI outputs, and monitors with SDI and component inputs?

Bob C

[Bob Cole]

A savvy businessman, who LOVED making deals and starting new enterprises, told me once that the best deal he ever made was “ALL the ones I passed up.”

[Bob Cole]

This is a very interesting post. The replies are correct about the gravity of the situation. We’ve probably all encountered free-lancers who failed to show up for a shoot (once, because they never get a second call). OTOH, there could be circumstances beyond your control which would make it impossible for you to do the job (e.g. appendectomy).

So I would read the contract very carefully, to make sure that a serious illness (or other circumstance beyond your control, e.g. blizzard, civil unrest, car accident, flight cancellation, close family tragedy) will not also result in a financially crippling lawsuit.

Does anyone know of a contract which protects both parties in this situation?

I am not in the wedding market, but for absolutely mission-critical work, I like to be on-site, with all gear accounted for, one day ahead of schedule. For a location wedding, before I signed a contract like yours, I would definitely build that into the bid.

Good luck and please let us know how you resolve this one.

Bob C

[Bob Cole]

Dave, would you mind sharing which Picture Profile/Hypergamma settings you use when you are using both your EX1R and your FS5?

Bob C