[Jeff Cadge]

I just did a test with FCP7 and it imported the MP4 file, once on the sequence it did require an audio render.

Thanks,

Jeff

[Jeff Cadge]

Hello all,

Thanks for your answers, I’m going to stick with our g-safes for now and see if any new solutions come out
in the next year.

Best

Jeff Cadge

[Jeff Cadge]

Have your client check with HR many companies have polices in place that allow them to use employees in printed and video pieces. This is something that should be worked our before the shoot. The problem arises when employees leave the company, when enough do they likely update the video (more work for you) but again discuss this upfront with your client so it doesn’t come back as your fault.
Being it’s an in-house video and not a promotional piece there really wouldn’t be a lawsuit but maybe just a call from an employee asking to be removed from the video.

[Jeff Cadge]

Prices for stock images have a huge range. Royalty Free stock like Revo which is manufactured and mass marketed solely for stock is priced cheaply. It’s amazing what RF stock companies like Revo can sell their stock for BUT remember to point out to your client that this kind of stock can appear in their competitor’s work or any other production which can have an effect on the originality of their presentation.

With RM stock or rights managed stock one is able to track the existing usage, see if there is a conflict within a certain industry or find out who else is using this stock shot. Clients have also purchased exclusive rights to a stock shot for a high price, where your not giving them a buyout of your work you’re giving them exclusive rights to your image for a period of time.

This all depends on how original or unique your shot is and how much it fits into your client’s marketing plan. If your image is unique and the client really wants it start high you can always negotiate down. If your shot isn’t that original and they can easily find another stock shot or go and hire a shooter you’ll have less bargaining power.

Another important factor when determining a price is what is their usage and for what distribution. For some of our stock shots for corporate or editorial I usually quote $300.00 to $500.00 for limited usage, not unlimited usage. Point out to them this is not a RF image but don’t quote exclusivity for that low.

Also keep in mind the need for talent releases and property releases if you’re claiming to own the rights to the shot.

Good Luck,

Jeff Cadge

[Jeff Cadge]

I agree with Scott.

When filming a event such as a wedding, business presentation or a ballet you are a videographer.

But you don’t need a large team of people to be a filmmaker. You can make a documentary on your own
and be a filmmaker, it’s really about constructing a story or making a film verses simply filming
an event and presenting the event as it happened.

Jeff Cadge

[Jeff Cadge]

Thanks Mike!

We’ll look into it.

Jeff Cadge

[Jeff Cadge]

Dominick,

Nice work, good luck in your new business.

We always do 50% up front and I always meet the client before except if it is a travel job.

I have a little advise, and this is my opinion, I think your rates are too low especially for the NY market and I don’t think you should place your rates on your website.

Maybe you can offer an introductory rate which leaves the door open for increasing them on the next project. Running my own small production for the past 25 years I’ve seen many changes in workflow, but one thing that hasn’t changed much is our rates. In spite of the recession my business is doing very good, I was able to buy a nice house, take 4 weeks vacation and put my kids thru school by not charging the low rates you’re charging.

But we’re still charging rates similar to the betacam days of the 90s. If you want to stay in business for the long haul I would consider adjusting your rates, you have to consider such things as a salary, taxes, healthcare, business insurance, rent for office, and new equipment purchases.

Good Luck!

Jeff Cadge
https://www.cadgeproductions.com

[Jeff Cadge]

Chas,

We had a similar problem with our old insurance company and found an organization call Fractured
Atlas which helps artists and video people with insurance needs They’re very quick with insurance certificates which are a need for almost all location shoots. They insure our equipment
as well, not sure how they handle rental insurance.

https://www.fracturedatlas.org/

Good Luck,

Jeff Cadge

https://www.cadgeproductions.com

[Jeff Cadge]

Hey Larry,

Here’s another way to explain it, like Todd said when zooming it has a flat look because the perspective is not changing you’re simply cropping the shot. With photograph the only way to change perspective between the objects your photographing is NOT to change your focal length of the lens but to change the distance you are from the subject, hence by moving the camera.

If you photograph a group of people using 3 different prime lens or a zoom using 3 different focal lengths and not change the distance from the camera to the subjects the prospective will be exactly the same in all 3 shots only the crop will change.

So when the camera dollies in or out the perspective of what you’re filming changes
making a much more interesting shot vs. a zoom which is simply cropping the frame.

Features and commercials have bigger budgets and more time to use dollies, jibs, steadicams etc.

When working in corporate with limited time and budget slower shorter zooms along with a pan/tilt move can work. Also consider a wide lens for hand held dolly shots or using a cart or wheelchair with wide lens for a smooth dolly shot. I have also stood on a sound blanket pulled by 2 Pas and got a smooth tracking shot (we had smooth wood floors).

Jeff Cadge

[Jeff Cadge]

Please keep in mind there may be fees involved when incorporating, it varies state to state.

https://www.startupnation.com/What-state-is-the-Lowest-cost-for-LLC/topic/

In New York there is an extra $325.00 per year to file you return regardless if you had any activity
in the business.

And if you don’t file a return there are fines and I think if you choose to dissolve your company there are additional fees for that.

Best,

Jeff Cadge
Cadge Productions Inc.