Am I being greedy?

filmismymedium

filmismymedium

Well-known member
Ok so I am currently working for a television show in the LA/Long Beach area. I have mostly just done assistant-type work for them in the studio (ie. DVD authoring/duplication/second camera etc.) But now I have the opportunity to become lead camera in the next couple of weeks. I had been working as a PA for like 8 bucks and hour. My boss says that once im out shooting primary camera (my own DVX btw) that he'll pay me 100-200 a day for full days of shooting. Now most of you will say that is way too cheap for camera work but honsetly I am a total pushover when it comes to this stuff. We do get airplay on many local channels in LA and San Diego so its not like its a micro-budget thing. Should I tell him that I would need more for the work that I am doing? Thing is I'm 19 yrs old so I think he finds it easy to give me peanuts. My worry is that if I tell him i want 300+ bucks a day hes just gunna toss me.

URG.. what should i say?
 
Experience is more valuable than money. Work as his camera operator for whatever he'll pay you for 1-2 months...then, renegotiate your salary.

If you demand more money now these are the possible outcomes:

1.) He gives you the bump in salary, but isn't happy about it, which can cause him to subconsciously sabotage your relationship.
2.) He gives you the bump in salary, is perfectly happy to do so and everyone wins.
3.) He refuses to give you the bump in salary and you agree to work camera at the original price...but now, he feels your greedy (even if it isn't justified.)
4.) He refuses to give you the bump in salary and you agree but you think he's cheap (even if it isn't justified.)
5.) He refuses to give you the bump in salary and you don't work as a camera operator (either because you quit or he chooses someone else.)

5 major possible outcomes...only 1 is desirable.

If you take the job at the given payrate and wait to discuss a salary increase, here are your possible outcomes:

1.) You now have experience as a camera operator, ask for more money and he says yes...and he's happy to say so.
2.) You now have experience as a camera operator, ask for more money and he says yes but is unhappy about the salary increase and it harms your relationship.
3.) You now have experience as a camera operator, ask for more money and he says no and fires you...but since you have experience you can get a job as a camera operator!
4.) You now have experience as a camera operator, ask for more money and he says no and you quit...but since you have experience you can get a job as a camaerra operator!
5.) You now have experience as a camera operator, ask for more money, he says no and you decide to quietly look for a better job while still working for him...then you give proper notice, he's happy enough to be a great reference for you and now you have more experience, more money and your previous employer still thinks highly of you.

By waiting you now have 5 major possible outcomes all of which have positive aspects, 2 of which are nearly perfect.

Everything in life is a chess game. Think through the possible outcomes. Understand Game Theory, be willing to make small compromises that don't really matter (like working cheaply for a few months in a better job) so that you can get to where you really want to be.
 
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