[Tim Frechette]

Thank you Walter.

Another follow up question for everyone. If my equipment is stolen in transit by the airlines who pays? Do you have the written in your contract?

Thanks
Tim

[Tim Frechette]

What I did was put my cell number on everything but show it as my main number. When I am in my home studio I have a second answering machine set up with call forwarding. If someone calls it is automatically forwarded to my landline and I can either pick up or let the machine get it. When I go to the other studio or location I just take call forwarding off. This way the client has only one number to keep it simple.

[Tim Frechette]

Every good business person must value their time.

Just before Christmas I had a fairly good client call and want a RUSH job done. I told him I could do it but would have to reschedule my other jobs and this would cost him extra. He was very adamant and agreed. I had to actually put in time on Christmas eve day as well as Christmas. He paid for this but not the full boat.

When he received my bill after he was very very happy with the product, I gave him a discount for being a good customer. Not a loyal one since he has his crap commercials done my the local news crew.

We spoke about the bill and I explained all the details, time, etc, and he understood. I am not the cheapest but I am one of the best in my area because I care about quality. This is why he hires me for the specialty jobs.

Your time is worth something. Ask yourself if the situation were reversed would your client send out a repair man on the weekend under the weekday rate? Would he give you an extra special deal, probably not.

You are not in business to break even but to show a profit for YOURSELF.

[Tim Frechette]

Follow up to the situation.

I contacted another individual in the organization and spoke to him in a professional manner and expressed my distaste over the situation.

He concured. A day later I met with 2 other head honchos after I received a very apologetic phone call from the original offender. He asked me to come back and present a proposal. The head honchos gave me the whole scoop.

Bottom line is that the other guy was brought in but my name was
raised more than once by more than one member at his meeting.

I was asked to present last night so I did. It went very well. I gave them my background, then shared some possible results and solutions without giving them the “How To”.
Not only did they vote in favor of me immediately after my dog and pony show but they are going to pay me more than twice as much as the other guys quote. But they are going to get 50 times more for their money.

Thank you everyone for taking the time to share your professional opinions. It was greatly appreciated.

Thanks again.
Tim

[Tim Frechette]

ROFL Steve, that just made my day.

Thanks

[Tim Frechette]

From what I have been told if he has his commercial certificate he can do it. But the quality sucks, I have seen it. Just last month a heli pilot died trying to shoot stills and fly at the same time. These chuckle heads think they can do it all.

[Tim Frechette]

Thanks for all of the insight everyone.

The band plays some of their own 70’s type music but mostly play cover songs. The dvd was to showcase their talent for gigs, not looking for a record deal.

I asked if they had any licensing rights at all to play and they said no. Obviously they have no intent of pay for such in the future.

From what I have gathered from this forum and your responses I don’t think I am at all interested in doing the job. To much risk knowing what the pay is estimated to be.

Always a pleasure to receive professional feedback, thanks again everyone.

Tim

[Tim Frechette]

Thanks Guys.

As I bring up the quality of my business these issues have become very important to me. I am happy to say that I do not have any problems with my past projects but with all of the legalities nowadays the entire complexity of music can bring on some serious nightmares.

But I am still amazed at the other “Pros” in my area that are still blantely breaking the law regarding music. It seems like they get the cream of the crop jobs while breaking the law, and they seem to get away with it. In fact one of the owners of a production house used to shoot for MTV’s the real world. The place shot a long form documentary with grants, etc. They have about 10 current recording artists songs throughout the entire DVD with NO music rights granted. They are sitting on major distribution because of this. They are out in public trying to raise money so they can buy usage rights, etc, just to show the video.

I think I will tell these guys that I will pass on this one.

Especially since they are sending it out to someone in LA.

Thanks

[Tim Frechette]

My apologies David, I also appreciate your input but failed to thank you in the other post.

Thanks
Tim

[Tim Frechette]

Thanks for taking the time Walter.

I didn’t want to leave money on the table if these stock clips are going all over the world. I would rather not take on any type of partnership but do as you stated, day rate. But I may increase my day rate a bit since this is such a very limited shoot.

Thanks Again
Tim