Lisa Serman
Forum Replies Created
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Congrats! I am so happy it worked out for you.
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Good to know… Thank you!
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Okay, I like what you’re saying. I was just trying to be “fair” to her. But I suppose I need to think about my ability to earn. Business is business.
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Okay, so 40-$45 p/h is reasonable. Is that for straight up editing or do editors usually include use of Photoshop, AE and Motion to create graphics? I have an advance knowledge of Photoshop, but only a basic knowledge of motion and AE. I can create 3D titling that move and spins, but beyond that, I need to use templates for most other things. Do most editors charge extra for the creation of customized motion graphics?
Thanks
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Thanks, It’s worth a discussion. And debate I think. I hate the business side of it.. I just want to edit and be creative.
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Okay,
wait…. lolEasy way of looking at it perhaps. My producer produces commercials for our local Ford car dealership.She calls them her client (as they are) PBS is not only a network, but a production company as well. They are in a different category than local mom and pop businesses who have nothing to do with television production. I don’t believe even my producer can classify PBS as her “client”. It’s not the same.
Example: We both share the same camera guy. I introduced my cam guy to my producer. I can’t say to my camera guy… “hey look, you got to sign a contract stating that you wont work with any other production company other than me” It wouldn’t even be right to ask him for a 10-15% commission on all the gigs he gets with her. I cannot dictate what production company he works for just as this woman cannot make me sign a contract stating that I cannot work for PBS without consent. Doesn’t make sense.
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I definitely see your point. And yes, this was my very first long-form of anything to do with broadcast. My producer gave me an opportunity to work for her…. NOT PBS. I was hired via my producer through her company. And yes, I was on a learning curve and it probably took me longer than seasoned television editors. (but no more than a 40 hour learning curve)
With all that being said. I have to tell you that I’m 40 years old with a family to feed. I’m no student and although you say many people would have done this gig for free, you may be referring to students just out of college. My producer wanted to work with me because she knows I’ll stay up 24 hours straight to finish something, If I don’t know how to composite something in Motion or After Effects, I’ll do whatever it takes to figure it out. I’m diligent, responsible and she knew this about me. This is why she asked if I would work on the project.
I also believe she asked me to work on the project because she knew she’d get the most bang for her buck. And yes, I feel sore and I feel taken advantage of, but that’s my fault not hers. It doesn’t really matter what I feel, it is what it is. I have to “suck it up” as they say.
I do not feel like I owe her anything beyond what I’ve already given her. The project is completed, PBS is happy. They contacted me for this little 5 minute piece. I probably should have called my producer (not to ask permission, but just out of courtesy) I realize this now. This is where the feelings got in the way and at the time, I felt like she didn’t own me. I am a freelancer. I had already agreed to give her a finders/agent fee, and I told her I’d sign an agreement stating that I would not actively seek past clients up to a certain time period (from what I’ve been seeing online, some contracts state a period of 6 months up to 2 years).
I have a problem signing an agreement that I cannot accept a job from a past client even if they contact me. The ten years I’ve known her, I have only edited one or two projects a year. Most of them being 30-second commercials and one – 12 minute promotional video. It’s not like I earned a set salary from her and worked for her full-time. I work for several people.
She’s a producer and director. I am an editor. She has very little technical skill and does no editing herself on ANYTHING. I don’t see where the competition thing comes into play in this situation.
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Thanks for your insight. Makes sense. I should have probably called her. Let me ask you one other question. What in your area is a fare wage to pay freelance editors? Do you pay per project or per hour? Thanks!
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Sorry, Didn’t mean to start a big argument. Well, Where is my knight in shining armor to whisk me away to the Caribbean. Need that now.
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True!!! And I really don’t mind the differing of opinions… stings a little, (especially when I feel so right …lol) but I love the discussion.