[Greg Ball]

You could try Cinematize. It works great for us. Haven’t done any HD though. Here’s the link:

https://www.miraizon.com/products/products.html

Greg

[Greg Ball]

Patrick…do you have a sample of that non-compete contract? I’d love to see one. Thanks

[Greg Ball]

I’m looking to subcontract freelance directors to help with overflow, and to expand my business. It’s the ethics thing I constantly fear. Let’s say I send a freelance director out to do a shoot. What’s to stop him from chatting with the client and stealing that client from me? Obviously I’m marking him up, so he can offer a lower rate to the client and I’m out of luck. How do you folks handle this?

[Greg Ball]

Another thing to consider is where the interviewee’s eyes are supposed to be focused. Is he/she speaking to an off-camera interviewer or looking directly into the camera. One approach I’ve used is to have one camera framed with the nice shot/background possible. The second camera Is used to do some moves. such as tilt up from hands to face, extreme close-up of face. Some slight pans, rack focus, etc..

[Greg Ball]

Copyright is copyright…if you do not have the rights to music you legally can’t use it. Not to mention that you’re handing out these DVd’s to 300 people. I’m no lawyer, but it really doesn’t matter the end use with a corporation. Some folks justify using copyrighted music in various ways. “It’s only internal”…”Not for sale”, “Nobody will find out”

Ask the design company if you can send out their best designs to the general public for them to use any way they want. How would they feel? I wouldn’t risk my business over this.

Greg

[Greg Ball]

Try this…https://www.alfanet.it/squared5/default.html

It seems to work great with mpeg files.

Greg

[Greg Ball]

You need to break down the project.

How long will it take to shoot this?
How many people on your crew?
What are their day rates?
What’s your day rate?
What’s your day rate for all of the equipment?
What’s your mark-up going to be?
How long will the editing take?
What’s you edit rate per hour or day? The same for authoring, graphics, etc.
What’s your client’s budget?
What do want to walk away with at the end? Profit?
hat are production rates in your area, based on someone with your level of experience

The problem we often have is exactly this. A client contacts us with how much does it cost to produce a 2 hour DVD ? It all depends on what goes into the project, and what your rates and profit margin are.

[Greg Ball]

It depends on how much you want the work. Going through training shows good faith and a “can do” attitude. If you’re likeable and show a positive attitude, you’ll be on their short list for years to come.

I gave 4 days of time to being trained in a new in-house corporate facility. I did it for free, and now I’m their “go to” guy when ever they need anything. Had I hemmed and hawed about 4 days with no pay, they probably would never have called me.

Just my two cents.

Greg

[Greg Ball]

Hey Bob,

This was a first time client from out of state. I had to hire two beta sp crews for 4 days including overtime. No way I do work with any first time client without full payment upon delivery of their tapes. I’m also considering revising how I work with one client I do a few jobs a year for. I create Broll packages for them…usually rush jobs. They seem to pay in about 90 days. I find that unacceptable. Now I’m going to insist on payment before they receive their tapes. Why should I finance their company? I bet they pay their rent and utilities on time…why not pay me?

Other clients that I know or work with I’ll just bill with no deposit up front.

[Greg Ball]

Thanks Bob,

I purchased Bellien Batteries from China. I saw another shooter use these and they worked great! So I bought 3 and a charger. Great price as well! Thanks again for your help.