There's no doubt exploitation is getting worse. And there's no doubt freelancers get abused more than in-house teams. I'm so used to being abused by production companies I've forgotten what normal is. Shoot, fly, repeat is the mantra in the world I inhabit. Take the rough with the smooth... Don't complain... Crack on... And most people think I'm on a jaunt... What absolute bollocks.
Yes its not a 9-5 type job.. and a camera person in demand with gear can make pretty good money working half the year.. and go to the occasional exotic place.. so all our mates think we live the life.. and yes for sure there are some long hours.. or times when we dont have lunch.. Im all fine with that..if we then have a half day the next day at full rate.. there is alot of give and take .. no problem with that.. but to go 20 hrs without sleep Ive never done or go without a break for 10 hrs.. there is never any reason for that..its only TV we are not surgeons saving lives.. there should be another team.. its all about money.. and people are literally dying because of it.. I dont have any answer and for sure its going to get worse..