Greg Ball
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Forum Replies Created
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Rich, I would agree with Richard. We get a deposit 100% of the time. No deposit, no booking.
Greg Ball, President
Ball Media Innovations, Inc.
https://www.ballmediainnovations.com -
While I appreciate Mark’s different approach, I usually find it difficult to get a client to sign ONE contract appropriately, let alone two.
What I suggest is that you make sure that all of your shooting expenses are covered with the initial deposit. Sometimes that can be 50%, 60% or more of the total project cost. Editing is usually within your control, and of course the client does not receive the finished video until you’ve received payment in full.
Greg Ball, President
Ball Media Innovations, Inc.
https://www.ballmediainnovations.com -
Mark, what about 10.10.5 is not compatible when you said that 10.3 would work? I’ve been using FCP X 10.2.4 all along but I can’t seem to update to to 10.3.4.
Greg Ball, President
Ball Media Innovations, Inc.
https://www.ballmediainnovations.com -
Thanks Mark I’m running 10.10.5 Yosemite. I’m thinking about updating to Sierra.
If I go to the APPs, and find FCP 10.3.4 and click update it doesn’t do anything.
Greg Ball, President
Ball Media Innovations, Inc.
https://www.ballmediainnovations.com -
Jordan, IMHO I suggest that you create a contract that covers your shooting time and also a minimum of the 4 videos that you’ll be editing. You need to determine the length of the 4 videos and include the assumed lengths into your agreement.
Make sure you include everything that will be provided and also state that if more video shooting or editing is required, you’ll provide change orders along the way.
Make sure that your agreement calls for a deposit to be paid, and that the the balance due must be paid before the client receives the final videos.
Greg Ball, President
Ball Media Innovations, Inc.
https://www.ballmediainnovations.com -
Mark has given you outstanding advice. The only thing I might add s to always discuss the specifics ahead of time( which includes the goals of the project and the uses of the video. Then create an agreement that details every item. This is just as critical to do with friends and family as it is with clients.
At the end of the day, your friend has every right to do what he wishes with the video. He also has every right to charge what he feels he can get. You have the same right to charge what you feel is adequate.
If you want to make an agreement that includes a percentage of profit for each video sold, both of you can discuss this and reach some sort of agreement.
But really, you have no control over what your friend does with the video. As Mark so eloquently said, you are part of a work for hire project. Your friend has every right to refuse any type of percentage payoff.
I have a client who manufactures and sells devices for $5,000. I charge him less than that for a video. I never ask for more than the cost f the video project.
Maybe you’re not charging enough for your service. Maybe you’re friend is a great salesperson! Either way, since you’re friends, it can’t hurt to ask. Then decide if you still want the work or not.
Greg Ball, President
Ball Media Innovations, Inc.
https://www.ballmediainnovations.com -
Kevin,
Your rates should be based on what you feel you need to charge given your level of experience, expertise, and what you need to earn to make a living. It has no bearing on the size of the company or their net worth.
You should consider the fact that if you price your work competitively, and don’t over price it, and you do outstanding work when hired, you may have a long term client in the making.
Greg Ball, President
Ball Media Innovations, Inc.
https://www.ballmediainnovations.com -
Hi Roy,
I’m not a lawyer, but my understanding is any contracts or releases must be written and agreed upon prior to your shoot.Greg Ball, President
Ball Media Innovations, Inc.
https://www.ballmediainnovations.com -
We’ve actually produced this exact video for a mining company client. What we did was shoot the CEO portion here at their HQ, and then hired crews on location to shoot everything else. As Nick suggested, we also supplemented the footage with some client photos.
This involves some heavy planning to hire the right crew on location and generate a shot list that can be approved by the client. If you plan this right, each location shoot cost will be the same as what you’re shooting locally, minus the director fees for the shoots in the field. You can also suggest that you travel to the locations to direct the crews, so you end up with a consistent look at each location.
Greg Ball, President
Ball Media Innovations, Inc.
https://www.ballmediainnovations.com -
To Nicks point, we’ll need to agree to disagree. I prefer to at the very least make certain that all of my out-of-pocket costs are covered, since I’m responsible for paying those costs. I always make sure that my freelancers and subcontractors can be paid from the deposit. Also any travel costs are paid for up front. This way, if the client disappears, which has happened to me after we started the project, I can pay my expenses.
It’s a matter of what works best for your business model. I do like Nick’s budget probing approach. I’ll have to try that.
Greg Ball, President
Ball Media Innovations, Inc.
https://www.ballmediainnovations.com