John Cummings
Forum Replies Created
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For the record:
Place the auto knee switch to bars. Turn power Off. Hold down auto black balance and turn the cam back on.
J Cummings
DP/Chicago
http://www.cameralogic.tv
HDX-900/HDW-730S/DXC-D50 -
Thanks Jeremy. I had already stumbled onto those files you linked to…seems to be the only thing out there.
It’s unfortunate Panasonic doesn’t support us HDX owners, even though it’s still a popular camera in their lineup.
J Cummings
DP/Chicago
http://www.cameralogic.tv
HDX-900/HDW-730S/DXC-D50 -
Anyone know if these scene files will work with an HDX900?
J Cummings
DP/Chicago
http://www.cameralogic.tv
HDX-900/HDW-730S/DXC-D50 -
No pissing match here, John…I can see your point. But I’m afraid you may be picking on the wrong guy.
Unfortunately, the rate genie is well out of the bottle and every thing’s on the table now. Last summer, I was offered a long-term deal on a cable series at what I thought was a ridiculously low rate…and it also included all kinds of extra gear at a discount. I turned it down on principle, and it was snapped up by another well-known area DP. The attraction, of course, is the steady gig…even if it is a much lower rate. Did the other guy make enough to justify the gouge? Probably…but he worked very hard for it. Do I regret not taking it? A little.
Now for a reality check. “Affordable” HD cams, reduced advertising rates and a glut of freelancers is putting tremendous downward pressure on rates. Now there’s guys with EX-3’s and the like hoping to play in my space. I know I’m going to have to deal with these people sooner or later. The only thing keeping me safe right now is 29 years of pro experience and producers that know the difference and need quality. That’s my market and it’s pretty small…and shrinking. But it’s only going to get worse, and rates will inevitably continue to fall. Just watch the guys taking the deals next year when the economy really tanks.
I’m very happy to be getting my full daily rate on this project. If throwing in a few extras helps make my client happy, then that’s what I’ll do…because it’s the right thing for me. And in my case, it’s not your typical one week and out scenario.
As for the next guy that gets the call…I hate to say it, but he’ll have to make his own deal. That’s the new reality.
Sorry if I got a little off-topic, but it’s a good discussion, anyway.
J Cummings
DP/Chicago
http://www.cameralogic.tv
HDX-900/HDW-730S/DXC-D50 -
Now, you’re talking dangerous precedents. If you do not charge for meetings and prep, overtime, extras that they ask for, you’re not only ruining it for yourself but for others.
Well, I don’t want to be blamed for ruining the business for everyone, but I do bid each job differently. As an independent, that’s my prerogative. I assembled the gear package for this shoot that I want to use…and priced it very attractively.
My current project is huge…a 10X1 hour HD series shot over two years for a nonprofit organization. I think the producers appreciate my flexibility, and if I don’t nick them for every extra piece of gear or extra hour worked, I might actually get more shooting days with them.
“…but to say no overtime…well, just shoot me now, okay? I’ve worked way too many jobs for some big companies in which the only thing keeping some newbie producer from running us into the ground was the specter of overtime.”
On shoot day 1, I had one chance to establish myself as a serious, hard-working professional. By making myself an example, I have set the tone…and the bar…for the whole crew. Now, if something’s not the way it should be, I can speak up, and they will listen. That’s what a good DP does.
I do have a work deal signed by both parties, and it spells out all terms including OT. I can choose to enforce it at any time if I feel I’m being taken advantage of. So far, it hasn’t been a problem. A few extra hours here or there just isn’t a big deal for me.
So to answer the original question again, there are no hard and fast rules. You’re an independent businessman. Crunch the numbers and do what you think is right for you, and your client. If everyone ends up happy and they call you back, you did it right.
J Cummings
DP/Chicago
http://www.cameralogic.tv
HDX-900/HDW-730S/DXC-D50 -
I don’t have a weekly rate, although I think some do.
I’m currently shooting a large, long-term documentary project.
Instead of offering a weekly discount, I don’t charge them for OT, missed meals, extra gear like wide angle lenses, mattebox and filters or expendables. I stay flexible with my schedule, don’t charge for meetings and try to give them extra service. I figure I make it back in bulk, so it all comes out in the wash, and the invoice looks better without all those extra charges.To me, just because rental houses do 3 for 5 or whatever, doesn’t mean owner/operators like me have to. My clients aren’t renting my gear, they’re paying me for my expertise…and I supply the tools.
J Cummings
DP/Chicago
http://www.cameralogic.tv -
You might be interested in this new P2 gear from Panasonic:
https://www.studiodaily.com/main/news/feed.rss/10180.html
HD-SDI or SDI to P2 to FW with conversion options.
J Cummings
DP/Chicago
http://www.cameralogic.tv -
Now, lets talk about the guy with the coffee cup…
He looks like he just woke up.
J Cummings
DP/Chicago
http://www.cameralogic.tv -
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Ray-
Probably a stupid question, but did you check the switch on the front of the VF? Sometimes I get so focused on the menu with this cam, I forget their are actual switches for some functions…
J Cummings
DP/Chicago
http://www.cameralogic.tv