[Mark A. stuart]

just to follow up, turns out it was the headphones, not the camera!

http://www.mediaartsolutions.net

There’s an old, most likely apocryphal story about Clint Eastwood directing one of his Dirty Harry movies. After a first take in one of the scenes, Eastwood hollered, “Cut. Good. Print it.” A supporting actor ventured the opinion that maybe the director would like a second take.

“We ain’t making Gone With the Wind here,” Eastwood growled.

[Mark A. stuart]

isn’t it 7.5 IRE black for broadcast?

http://www.mediaartsolutions.net

[Mark A. stuart]

geez, doesn’t seem all that long ago 1″ machines were state of the art… I am getting old!

The fine television broadcast facility where I work during the day is in the process of disassembling lots of old equipment little by little (kind of like the “I took it one piece at a time” song played backwards!)and recycling. Evidently, copper is pretty valuable at the moment and they have a tub of wire/windings of thin copper… looks cool. Pretty weird to see stuff we took such meticulous care of being taken apart like an autopsy.

Personally, I think it would be wise to keep one of each of the older formats around in your shop as you never know when you’d have an opportunity to make some transfer cash.

http://www.mediaartsolutions.net

[Mark A. stuart]

Bruce,

May I ask, what was that video made in? How long did it take?

To the original poster: I wouldn’t even hit the record button for $300! Good luck…

http://www.mediaartsolutions.net

[Mark A. stuart]

ah… got it! Yes I know all about client supplied elements and the quality, or lack thereof, from my television station gig. I can’t count how many clients were going to supply a logo that turned out to be a black and white comic sans in Publisher! Or, “yes, we can supply some stills” and they are about 300 X 200 pixels… I’ve since learned to always say the minimum size is 720 X 540 and if they look at me puzzled, I suggest, “maybe you have a professional photograph we could scan?”, etc. And, I have also ran into plenty of times when a client thought their SLP recorded VHS would be just fine for broadcast!

I was just earlier today sorting out how to prevent such delays, and I can see now how the unforeseen circumstances could cover it, at least be a start.

Great advice, thanks!

http://www.mediaartsolutions.net

[Mark A. stuart]

Hi Walter,

Thanks for your tips about writing an estimate. I have a question for you. Where you say

“Client shall be billed for any additional work required due to changes in the scope of this project, changes by the client or any other unforeseen circumstances”

would you give me some examples of the unforeseen circumstances? I’m not sure what that would be other than “changes by the client”.

Also, I checked out your website and have to say I really enjoyed the photos of your cool editing suites!

Thanks for all your help!

Mark

http://www.mediaartsolutions.net

[Mark A. stuart]

Walter,

Thanks much for your helpful advice!

mas

http://www.mediaartsolutions.net

[Mark A. stuart]

Interestingly enough, someone else on another message board just told me the same thing! I agree totally, and it’s the same situation in any video production, even in the TV commercials I produce. The client only wants to sell their product/service from the commercial.

As long as I’m here and on the subject, I could also use some tips about dealing with revisions. My plan so far is to estimate how long a project will take (how much is will cost), and for revisions negotiate further. Basically, I would just want to charge hourly for these.

What I could use some guidance with this is how do I go about adding revisions. Is it necessary to get that in writing as well? Do I send another estimate for the revisions and have the client sign another agreement for them? I know it likely will vary with different clients.

Although I’ve been in video production a long time, I recently have started my own part time company, and am learning as I go, especially the business side of it. I really appreciate all the advice I’m getting, including here at Creative Cow!

Thanks,

mas

http://www.mediaartsolutions.net

[Mark A. stuart]

great! thanks for the help, guys. Today I had the opportunity to see a few proposals from a variety of services, and they certainly vary enough. I like your tips on not getting too detailed or wordy. Basically, I just don’t want to get ripped off, like we all do 😉

http://www.mediaartsolutions.net

[Mark A. stuart]

You got that right, Greg! My feelings exactly about preventing clients from stiffing the producer! That is why I’m seeking advice here, and thanks for your most helpful tips.

I, too, would much rather not work with a client who quibbles over price. These are also the types that will complain about everything else, too.

Great idea about a “timecode version” DVD. At the station I work for, we now watermark “not for air” in our DVDs so any unpaid productions cannot be broadcast elsewhere.

thanks again,

Mark

http://www.mediaartsolutions.net