From free > paid work question

[Blade Borge]

So I've come to the conclusion I need to do some pro bono work if I want to crack into the business of videography/corporate videos/local commercials. Here's my question, do you find it tricky transitioning to paid work, what I mean is, do you find that the only reason other people want to use you is because they know on your last project you did it for free?

Are you up front with people saying, "I'm only doing this first one free, the next ones are going to cost ya!" I believe in free when starting out, I just don't want to become a door mat.

How do you make this transistion?


***oh and also, how do you maximize the effectiveness of doing free work, I mean let's say I shoot some church promo, should I be like, "hey remember to say my name 3 times before and after you show it," that kind of stuff? Do you just let the work speak for itself or are you crafty with letting people know just who exactly shot it?

 

[zeroblank]

I recommend creating your own work to do for free. Find a friend or relative that has a business and shoot a commercial. Make up your own commercial. And put your heart into each project. Do this until you have enough to build a portfolio and build a pricing guide. Then go out and shop for clients and you will be able to show them the work you have done and how "great" it is.

At this stage it's hard to put your all into something your not getting paid for which is why I suggest this method. You'll have more say if it's for someone you know and giving to them and they'll be eager to help you get it done quickly and turn it around for your portfolio. Plus if you just run around shooting for a month it gives you good practice just coming up with ideas for different situations. And helps you pitch your potential clients a little better!

 

[Capt Quirk]

I sort of agree with zeroblank, do your own stuff for free, and help family. Everybody else gets charged, and here's why. Say you do Project X for Joe Blow, whether it is a music shoot, a commercial, etc. Since it isn't costing him anything, he will certainly feel free to try and get more, and believe me, the "Could you just..." really can add up. If you are going to be used as slave labor, you might as well go for an internship. Not only that, but what happens when Joe tells his buddy what you did for free? Now Buddy wants the same deal.

Now, there is an exception to this. If you find a decent film project, then you can pick up actual experience, help a fellow film maker out, and maybe (But don't hold your breath) make some money after the film gets picked up. Since that isn't really likely, go into it with that in mind, and make what you can from the experience.

As far as paid work, hit Craigslist daily. Look for whatever kind of gig that pays. Literally. Somebody wants to do a club shoot, AND is paying $40 for the night? Do it! That will pay for your tape, gas, and cigs, and put some change in your pocket. Somebody needs a second cam for a wedding, AND will pay $100 for the 6 hour ordeal? I tend to pass on weddings, because I don't like doing them, but cash is cash, and experience is like interest, it builds up. Not everybody is down with Porn, but every now and then in the Adult Gigs section, you can find somebody looking for a camera guy .There is also usually really good cash, and most will behave more professionally than what you will find doing "legit" jobs. The downside here is, there aren't many videographer jobs here, since video cams are so easy, any Joe Blow can shoot well enough.

 

[Blade Borge]

I think I see what y'all are saying, don't become the guy with a big 'free' sign on his chest, but instead be decisive and passionate about doing my own approved projects. Thanks for the input!

 

[milksac]

do you find it tricky transitioning to paid work

Like the old saying goes, "Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?"
It's nearly impossible to convert a client that was getting free work to a paying client. The other problem with doing free work is you've set the value of your time & services at $0. How do you convince someone to pay you when you don't value yourself?

On the other hand if you don't have a show reel then doing a few projects (for free if necessary) will help to build a reel.

Whatever you decide to do, NEVER NEVER NEVER do a free gig for producer that says, "Hey I don't have any money for this one, but if you pull this off I can guarantee some paying gigs down the road". Politely tell them, "thanks but no thanks" and "call again if you can put a budget together". This industry is full of liars and thieves who will do anything to get ahead. If that means stepping on you to make a buck, they'll do it and not think twice about it.

I'm not entirely opposed to Pro Bono work. I will do pro bono jobs if I believe in the cause, usually charitable organizations that do work for the greater good of the community. That's a good reason to do work for free. Doing work for free expecting paid work in the future is an empty promise.

 

[chris f]

Do free work in exchange for complete creative control, do the best you possibly can, get as much exposure from the project as you possibly can, rinse, recycle, and repeat until people start coming to you wanting to hire you for pay. Also, try to establish good relationships with everyone along the way (those in involved in the project, those who see the project, etc.), because you're going to get your paying gigs from people who meet you, like you, and trust that you'll do a good job on their project.