Malcolm Matusky
Forum Replies Created
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I tried to edit native, had to go with Neoscene, huge improvement in system functionality. Vegas Pro 9, NLE.
Malcolm
http://www.malcolmproductions.com -
A clueless client? How unusual!
An opportunity to up-sell, no more, no less. Tell them that for the scope of the project, the budget is unrealistic for you to do. Stress that you have “standards” and though they can get “anyone” to take their money, will they receive a project that they can use, or will meet their needs? Doubtful.
I have found that people always want more than they can afford, you have to make a profit and protect your reputation. If you can do that by getting the client to increase the budget, or decrease the scope of work you can cut a deal. If not, there is no deal to be made and they have to shop elsewhere or not do the project.
I have found out (later) that I was in competition with either an employee who “had his own video camera and software” and could do it cheaper…” because he was already drawing a salary from the company! or someone’s kid in high school, who was living for free and could undercut any job, presuming he was not grounded and could actually deliver. These are not competitors, they are a waste of your time. If the client is looking for this level of production, let it pass and find better clients who actually value your services and professionalism.
Business can be grossly unfair, but it is for you to determine if the job is viable or complete BS! I have had a few clients over the years that, in retrospect, would have been much better off if I passed on the job and never had any dealings with them. Financial desperation can ruin better judgement, no one is immune from that!
Good luck.
Malcolm
http://www.malcolmproductions.com -
Yes, B&H sells a variety of devices for photographers to offload data from cards. Search under “stand alone data storage” you will find a variety of products. Price your cards before buying, unless you get a “large” HD model, it may be cheaper to buy cards instead.
Malcolm
http://www.malcolmproductions.com -
10 hous= day rate; 11&12 hours = 1.5x hourly rate; 13&14 hours = 2xhourly rate. Over 14 hours 3x hourly rate. Simple, put it into the contract and not you don’t have to “figure” anything out.
M
Malcolm
http://www.malcolmproductions.com -
It happens, but now you can post a video on youtube about how the British museum treated you can perhaps others will want cash in advance next time. Bad PR travels 10x faster than positive!
Did you have a written contract? Don’t’ bother with court without it.
Good luck getting paid, I’ve been stiffed for quite a bit more, and once by a large insurance company in NYC for the same amount of money. Funny story, I told what happened to a gaffer friend of mine, who knew a tv reporter that did the local “shame on you” segment at one of the local stations and after he called the company I had a check fed-x’d to me within a few days. Pays to have friends in low places!
Malcolm
http://www.malcolmproductions.com -
So many competitors, they could not keep up so they went out of business, how is that different than video services?
Staying in business is tough, especially now, cost pressures are enormous to do everything cheaper! Unfortunately my costs don’t go down just because a client wants a cheaper price. At some point they become a “liability” not a client, I am very happy to tell people to “do it themselves” I cannot compete with an idiot who does not care about my abilities, if they are just buying on price, they have to shop elsewhere.
Malcolm
http://www.malcolmproductions.com -
Education and training are two different concepts; education lasts a lifetime and training becomes obsolete quickly.
You need both to be “employable” Though, training may get you a job, education will make you promotable over time.
Malcolm
http://www.malcolmproductions.com -
https://www.thinkoutsidetheboxoffice.com/ buy this book, read it, then you will have enough information to do it yourself or keep looking for an “honest” distributor, good luck.
Malcolm
http://www.malcolmproductions.com -
I found some good music on pond5.com they also have video, still, sound efx and graphics.
M
Malcolm
http://www.malcolmproductions.com -
I have the Canon 17~55 f2.8 IS, Great lens, also have the Tokina 11~16 f2.8 and Canon 70~200 f4.0 IS. I use the 17~55 most of the time, it lives on the 7D and my next used lens is the 70~200 though I will be adding an extension tube to be able to focus closer, the Tokina I rarely use, but for car interiors or other super tight spaces it works.
Malcolm
http://www.malcolmproductions.com