C100: I need a New Look for 2017. What's your fave interview lens besides the 70-200?

[gkantziper]

FS7 camera pkg including 17" monitor, minimal sound I ran myself - boom only, 4 tungsten lights with Chimeras, 1x1 LED for an edge, small grip pkg couple w/C-stands for seamless, teleprompter, computer for transfers - corporate shoot with exec on white bkgd.

 

[Eric Coughlin]

Well gkantziper, you're making more than I can nowadays! 2K in a day is great. What is included? Is that you and cam, audio & lights? Or what.

I got $2450 for a 10 hour shoot last week.

Breakdown went something like...

Me: $500
2x C300 Mark II: $1000
Light grey backdrop w/C-stands: $150
Rhino Motorized Slider w/Arc: $200
L-series Lenses: $250
5 LED Lights & basic grip gear: $350

We had my separate audio guy with his gear at $650.

Now I just need to get shoots like that more commonly where they book both of my C300 Mark IIs. I have been getting more C300 Mark II bookings lately which is good. The camera seems to be gaining popularity since it dropped in price, while the FS7 II raised in price, so now they're just $1500 apart in price point. Sometimes I wonder if I should not offer separate quotes for my C100s, and quote only for the C300 Mark II, but I typically still do quote a C100 rate (in case they can't afford the C300 Mark II rate), as I can make a nice rate with them as well, particularly if they're booking lighting and audio with it.

As to comments about style, I always considered myself a "chameleon shooter" in that I can be hired to match previous styles already established. In other words, I have no style or look of my own except to say I am documentary/cinema verite-ish as my default. That's one of the main reasons I figured out years ago NOT to have samples on my website. It's was shooting oneself in the foot. If I get a nibble I then send password protected samples on Vimeo or Dropbox that were as close to their look as possible. I'd ask for the previous DPs contact info, get settings, watch examples. I think of myself as a Utility Infielder, although I will turn down what I am not good at or enjoy, such as table top, cheese pulls, sheet metal and I no longer like or do narrative. Being a chameleon was especially important with TV shows where I was merely doing the US, Midwest or Chicago segment of a show, or corporate video, so a marketing point for hiring me was I didn't have an ego that would supplant their "look". I want to come across as a team player, I got your back, don't worry I will do it as YOU want it done. Once I became known as their "Chicago Guy" there was such a comfort factor they would be "forced" to hire me the next time. Those days are pretty much gone due to the amount of camera models today since the clients prioritize an owner op over a renter.

I just can't see the logic in not having videos on your site.

I'm always hesitant to hire people when I haven't seen their work. There are tons of people out there who talk the talk, have the equipment, a great resume with tons of experience...they really seem like they know their stuff, but then you see their work, and it's terrible. I imagine many producers, including myself, who when looking for a cameraman, go to the person's website, and if they don't see any videos (portfolio), they quickly move on to the next website. Say there are 30 cameramen that show up in a search, 15 have videos on their sites and the other 15 don't. Now, I can either waste hours of my time e-mailing the 15 who don't have work on their site, and ask them to send me samples, or I can quickly browse the 15 who do have samples on their site, and choose who I think is best from there. Producers don't like to waste time. Why would you want to waste their time by having them need to inquire for samples when the samples could already be on your site?

Let's take interviews, for example. If you have an interview demo reel which flashes say 30-100 samples of different lighting, framing, focal length, etc., showing that you are capable of doing all kinds of styles ("chameleon shooter"), isn't that better to post on your site than having a producer need to ask for a sample of what they're looking for, for you to then reply back showing say a couple samples you've done before which match that style? A producer can watch a two minute demo reel in two minutes, and can skim it in 30 seconds or less. It takes a lot longer to write and exchange e-mails which a demo reel on the website would have eliminated the need for, plus they have to wait for you to reply with samples, and you may be busy on a shoot at the time.

Back in the day there was no Internet, Youtube, etc., to post videos. We did have DVDs and VHS, but I gather people were more often hired based on their experience, references, and equipment, and less so based on the quality of their work since it was more difficult to see that work. But I'd say that times have changed, such that people today are heavily hired based on the quality of their work, since it's so easy to show via the Internet.

 

[Run&Gun]

Just bought a used Canon 85mm USM 1.8 for $260 from a guy in a Starbucks I found on CraigsList. I hadn't predicted that pointing the rig at people would cause a stir! Every morning I look at CL and figured it will be awhile before a Sigma 50-100 shows up, but it seems everyone here has the 85, I used to own one with my AF100 kit, so I jumped at it. I was hoping he was a meth addict who would accept less, but it was "The Enemy". A hobbyist who does his company's videos "for free". Another staff software engineer who knows how to shoot.

I don't think I've ever used it on my 300, but the 85/1.8 is a great still lens. Small, light, fast and focuses much closer than the magical 1.2L. Great bang for the buck lens even buying it new.

 

[The Fog]

I agree with that assessment. I love it so much that I do use it as an interview lens sometimes, even though I'm uncomfortably close to the talent. I've decide to shoot my interviews in 4k, shoot a little wider and push in in post.

 

[The Fog]

This still remind me of another consideration: using color temperature to add depth and variety to talking heads.

 

[The Fog]

I find shooting with prime lens to be limiting in the variety of my framing. What I have done is put the camera on a slider. Not for movement but just to change the framing without moving the sticks. It works well on reframing form left to right, but if I can get the camera higher off the slider for dollying in and out, I'll be in business!

 

[nedcam]

Gentlemen, and all the rest...

I can put the title of this thread to rest now, although in the near future, in the business forum, I'll discuss why I find it so powerful a marketing tool to get the visitor to contact me about seeing some examples of my work, rather than trying to keep up with updating samples on my site, which I'd have to farm out and pay for. I send them previously made custom compilations of the genre they're looking for, little sizzle reels, or send them links to my clients' sites, or my Vimeo links with passwords. But I can not keep up with maintaining a samples page anymore, plus I don't want my local competitors to poach my accounts. After all, I have done that a lot! I am often tasked with having to find and book out-of-town DPs for my clients, and as one who has to suffer through looking at shooters "reels" or samples page, I end up 90% of the time asking them to send me examples (and references!) of a certain type of genre / style / situation, etc., so I find samples pages totally useless. However, if you are specializing in one or two genres, like weddings, car spots, etc., then yes, you'd better have examples. I'm too eclectic. Besides, my best clients seem to come from referrals, like yesterday's, and most of the website visitors are tire kickers, cheapskates or just shopping around. I will also start a thread sometime soon on the biz forum about how the web is hurting me: Last week I was offered two gigs, all was set, they agreed to everything and booked me, then got back and said they found a cheaper shooter and "would I meet their rate?" Both came in from searching, coincidentally both were based in the UK so maybe that's normal there? But I was offended. I don't mind coming down, after all, everyone likes a bargain, but to say they found someone cheaper? Of course you can always find someone cheaper. But to me, that epitomizes the types that come in from a search, rather than a referral. So if someone just keeps clicking around to find a DP, they will collect enough shooters to start pitting them against each other price wise. That's what they are doing to me more and more over the years and that's also a reason for me to not drop $2500 for a new site. Why bother? If they don't have the business chops to contact me and ask the hard questions and to see samples, and then negotiate, then I don't want them.

Anyways...yesterday I did the shoot with the woman on 4 backgrounds. Before she arrived, I had my female client sit in her place in a sunroom, smaller than I thought it would be but fortunately it was overcast. I tried my 85mm Canon 1.8 and I started to get cold feet. It looked too sharp compared to what I am used to, my Canon 70-200 2.8. I then I remembered why I have been using the zoom since I sold my primes with the AF100 over two years ago: I keep adjusting the shot, meaning their distance of the chair to the bg and my distance to them and wow, what a PITA it is to do without a zoom! So, I am back to keeping an eye out for the Sigma 50-100 used, after I ascertain that I like examples of it. The reviews are great. But I tend keep tweaking the shot, so it's a hassle with a prime. I do like The Fog (what's your real name?) idea of a slider straight in and out. That way I could change without having to physically pick up and move the whole thing, with all the cables bugging me.

Later,

Ned

P.S. That's my real name. Why don't you guys use a real name? Im going to migrate away from people who won't use their name, site and location. Seem like trolls. If you're in business, why do you hide? This isn't a forum on STDs.

I had a SEO consultant do an analysis on me, I have very high SEO after the wedding guys and full service prod cos. He explained to me that every time someone clicks on my hot link under my name to my website from a professional site like DVXuser, Creative Cow, etc., Google ranks me higher! So that’s another secret I just gave away. All you anonymous DPs here with avatars are leaving business on the table by not having a hot link here and your REAL name.

P.S.S. Gkantziper: I see you're in NC. My good buddy from Hollywood just moved to Cary, he has FS7 & C300, why don't you two collaborate, trade, etc.? Dave Werk at http://www.videowerkseast.com/#home Tell him Ned sent you. We've swapped work over the years. See guys? If you're not really here, you're not here. Ghost poster to me.

 

[Josh Bass]

this is my real name. I have hot links to my site anywhere I can put them.

 

[nedcam]

Hey Josh. I have always found it strange that most DPs suck at marketing, including the ones that work with marketing clients and agencies. I'm no genius, I just "borrowed" my marketing techniques from older, successful cameramen and working with marketing peeps. DPs should know more about marketing just from being in the biz, right? So to all the shooters who have stumbled on this thread:

ADD THE HOT LINK TO YOUR WEBSITE ON YOUR POSTS HERE (and other video sites you're active on), USE YOUR REAL NAME AND CITY, AND GOOGLE WILL "LIKE" YOU IN TERMS OF SEARCH RESULTS.

Geeeze...how can they not know that already? Google will think you're a video expert. And do the same with your post signature on Creative Cow and any other site that Google considers consisting of "video experts". Traffic counts for an awful lot fellas...

But I'm wondering, why am I communicating with ghosts here? Why are they hiding behind avatars? Am I missing something?

 

[Josh Bass]

People are super weird about privacy/the internet. They will post unbelievable amounts of data and personal details on Facebook but on a site like this they have to be anonymous. Like we're some donkey porn fetish site.

 

[Networker]

Ned

P.S. That's my real name. Why don't you guys use a real name? Im going to migrate away from people who won't use their name, site and location. Seem like trolls. If you're in business, why do you hide? This isn't a forum on STDs.

Hi Ned,
I'm just posting to tell you that I've enjoyed this tread very much. It has been both enlightening and entertaining.

But my real name is not Networker. I'm in the business of being retired - and believe me when I say it is a full-time job - so I'm not competing with anybody, nor do I care if anybody finds me. I have some nice gear, my sound stuff is pretty much pro-level and since B&H tricked me into getting a C100 with their Black Friday deal, I guess my camera is pretty much pro-level too. But this is a hobby, I'm not looking to make any money off of this gear.

Then earlier to day I was talking to a woman I know from the Courthouse who asked me if they could call me if they (a court reporter company) needed a videographer for their depositions? "How do you want the video delivered?" I asked. "On DVD." she said. Guess I need to dust off my DVX and check if the batteries are still good. (I did tell her to call me only if they cannot find anybody else, I don't need the money and I don't want to take work from anybody that needs it.)

 

[nedcam]

Hey Networker,

OK, I'll break my new rule and communicate with someone I don't know! What is "cameraman retirement" really like? I have enough assets, in theory, to do the leap now, but am worried I'd be bored. I love shooting, doesn't matter what. My identity is that of a DP. I'm on the tipping point now, in order to stay in the game I'd have to buy a FS7 or C300 II, with a servo zoom, so that's what, $16-$18K? I can't stand shooting fast with still lenses. Also, at 63, I feel time is running out to do all the other things I have been postponing while life, and making a living, got in the way. Lastly, very pissed off as to what happened to the profession, especially downward rates and clients considering us interchangeable commodities.

So, do you just stop answering calls and emails asking about your availability and rate? How does one retire? Just take down your site and change your cell phone number? How do you retire from the video production scene? I was thinking of doing it in phases. My first one would be to just service my previous clients. New prospects I would pass onto others for a 10% commission. I get lots of bites. In retirement I would produce free fund raising docs for very small charities. I call that "Working On My Obituary".

Also, I just went through an intensive process to get certified as a Certified Legal Video Specialist by the NCRA to do depositions in "retirement", in case I'm bored or need some more money, like my wife says let's go to Paris (she retires in June). Although the videotaping of deps is incredibly easy, the legal aspects are extremely specific in order for it to be used as a legal record. They probably wouldn't pay if you screw it up, right? I can't imagine attorneys calling just any old video guy. I haven't been done my first one yet, I'm still scared, and I passed their tests!

Best,

Ned

 

[indiawilds]

Gentlemen, and all the rest...
Ned

P.S. That's my real name. Why don't you guys use a real name? Im going to migrate away from people who won't use their name, site and location. Seem like trolls. If you're in business, why do you hide? This isn't a forum on STDs.

I had a SEO consultant do an analysis on me, I have very high SEO after the wedding guys and full service prod cos. He explained to me that every time someone clicks on my hot link under my name to my website from a professional site like DVXuser, Creative Cow, etc., Google ranks me higher! So that’s another secret I just gave away. All you anonymous DPs here with avatars are leaving business on the table by not having a hot link here and your REAL name.
If you're not really here, you're not here. Ghost poster to me.

When I joined DVXuser a few years ago, I found that people are using alias. So I used my website name and I have got a trademark registered on it as well. My real name is Sabyasachi Patra. I do have my profile and youtube channel links in my signature.

I think Ned's point about having real name as user name here is valid

 

[Publimix]

I agree,

I don't like aliases too.
I call them AA or AAA, angry anonymus posters. There even is one here who used 'artist' in his signature, I suppose that makes him at least triple A.

I use my business name, but it isn't easy to change names on this forum.

 

[heguy]

Gentlemen, and all the rest...

I can put the title of this thread to rest now, although in the near future, in the business forum, I'll discuss why I find it so powerful a marketing tool to get the visitor to contact me about seeing some examples of my work, rather than trying to keep up with updating samples on my site, which I'd have to farm out and pay for. I send them previously made custom compilations of the genre they're looking for, little sizzle reels, or send them links to my clients' sites, or my Vimeo links with passwords. But I can not keep up with maintaining a samples page anymore, plus I don't want my local competitors to poach my accounts. After all, I have done that a lot! I am often tasked with having to find and book out-of-town DPs for my clients, and as one who has to suffer through looking at shooters "reels" or samples page, I end up 90% of the time asking them to send me examples (and references!) of a certain type of genre / style / situation, etc., so I find samples pages totally useless. However, if you are specializing in one or two genres, like weddings, car spots, etc., then yes, you'd better have examples. I'm too eclectic. Besides, my best clients seem to come from referrals, like yesterday's, and most of the website visitors are tire kickers, cheapskates or just shopping around. I will also start a thread sometime soon on the biz forum about how the web is hurting me: Last week I was offered two gigs, all was set, they agreed to everything and booked me, then got back and said they found a cheaper shooter and "would I meet their rate?" Both came in from searching, coincidentally both were based in the UK so maybe that's normal there? But I was offended. I don't mind coming down, after all, everyone likes a bargain, but to say they found someone cheaper? Of course you can always find someone cheaper. But to me, that epitomizes the types that come in from a search, rather than a referral. So if someone just keeps clicking around to find a DP, they will collect enough shooters to start pitting them against each other price wise. That's what they are doing to me more and more over the years and that's also a reason for me to not drop $2500 for a new site. Why bother? If they don't have the business chops to contact me and ask the hard questions and to see samples, and then negotiate, then I don't want them.

Anyways...yesterday I did the shoot with the woman on 4 backgrounds. Before she arrived, I had my female client sit in her place in a sunroom, smaller than I thought it would be but fortunately it was overcast. I tried my 85mm Canon 1.8 and I started to get cold feet. It looked too sharp compared to what I am used to, my Canon 70-200 2.8. I then I remembered why I have been using the zoom since I sold my primes with the AF100 over two years ago: I keep adjusting the shot, meaning their distance of the chair to the bg and my distance to them and wow, what a PITA it is to do without a zoom! So, I am back to keeping an eye out for the Sigma 50-100 used, after I ascertain that I like examples of it. The reviews are great. But I tend keep tweaking the shot, so it's a hassle with a prime. I do like The Fog (what's your real name?) idea of a slider straight in and out. That way I could change without having to physically pick up and move the whole thing, with all the cables bugging me.

Later,

Ned

P.S. That's my real name. Why don't you guys use a real name? Im going to migrate away from people who won't use their name, site and location. Seem like trolls. If you're in business, why do you hide? This isn't a forum on STDs.

I had a SEO consultant do an analysis on me, I have very high SEO after the wedding guys and full service prod cos. He explained to me that every time someone clicks on my hot link under my name to my website from a professional site like DVXuser, Creative Cow, etc., Google ranks me higher! So that’s another secret I just gave away. All you anonymous DPs here with avatars are leaving business on the table by not having a hot link here and your REAL name.

P.S.S. Gkantziper: I see you're in NC. My good buddy from Hollywood just moved to Cary, he has FS7 & C300, why don't you two collaborate, trade, etc.? Dave Werk at http://www.videowerkseast.com/#home Tell him Ned sent you. We've swapped work over the years. See guys? If you're not really here, you're not here. Ghost poster to me.

Hey Ned,

I remember exchanging a few emails with you a couple years back . You were to match my lighting for a Canadian bank job as you were shooting the Chicago interview . Glad to see that you are trying to give some wisdom on the younger fellows .

You are right with rates being down the drain, with shooters offering everything for nothing . Here in Toronto there's so many guys out of school with RED packages paid by daddy while living in mamas basement, it's not even funny . I hear some at less the 600$/day camera included ! I try to tell producers with some humor that those guys stay in the biz 3yrs max until mama kicks them out !!

Cheers,

Jean

 

[Jim Feeley]

I agree,

I don't like aliases too.
I call them AA or AAA, angry anonymus posters. There even is one here who used 'artist' in his signature, I suppose that makes him at least triple A.

I use my business name, but it isn't easy to change names on this forum.

You could just add your real name to your signature.

Go to Settings (in upper right corner of screen), then along the left-side menu select "Edit Signature."

 

[Networker]

Hi Ned,

Hey Networker,
OK, I'll break my new rule and communicate with someone I don't know!

I should have fixed this last time around. It's not like my name is a secret, but when I signed up here back in -08 they asked for a nickname and I thought it was a requirement. I'll see if I can fix it. For now I'll put my name at the bottom.

What is "cameraman retirement" really like?

Beats me I never was a cameraman. I was a marketing dweeb, and airline pilot, and finally an IT guy.

I have enough assets, in theory, to do the leap now, but am worried I'd be bored.

Boredom in retirement is entirely optional. I have a woodworking shop in my garage. Usually I make some mighty expensive kindling out there, but as of late I've managed to make some useful things too. I used to be a hobby beekeeper and I intend to take that up again. And I have plans - real printed ones - to build a small (16' or so) flat bottomed tug boat.(http://www.berkeley-engineering.com/CanduE-Z.html) And then there is this video stuff. I'm working on an outline for a doc about a deaf biker and his interpreter. I got a relative of my wife who is a Viet-Nam vet and I need to capture his story before he's gone, and I'd like to do something with the Daytona BikeWeek. My goal is to get one or more of those on the community access channel on the local cable. Then we have two go-kart race tracks nearby. I'm thinking about them too. You know; kids, racing, crazy parents etc.

And if all else fails I've found something amazing: People write books about all the things I don't know. Big, thick ones. I've always waned to learn how to program; C#, JavaScript, and Node.js. Now I may finally have the time. So yeah, I'm sure it's possible to be bored as a retired person, but you sure as heck don't have to.

I love shooting, doesn't matter what. My identity is that of a DP.

And there is your antidote to boredom. Or one of them. You got the gear, you got the skills, now think about how much fun you'll have shooting just exactly what YOU want. That trip to Paris could be one mother of a travelogue. Or as you say, make docs for non-profits. Whatever you want.

Also, at 63, I feel time is running out to do all the other things I have been postponing while life, and making a living, got in the way. Lastly, very pissed off as to what happened to the profession, especially downward rates and clients considering us interchangeable commodities.

First, I can certainly confirm that the most precious commodity you got is not money, it is time. I'm a year older than you and if I could I would have retired a year or two earlier than I did. I've been retired since June last year. (So I'm really no expert on this.)

As for the sinking prices and all that... My first year as a professional airline pilot I made $14k. Flying real airplanes with real passengers onboard. At one time I had Ron Howard and his whole family in my airplane. I also had George Burns onboard a couple of times. And I got $14k thanks to all the young pilots willing to fly for free so they could build hours. And we had a bunch of retired air force pilots that really didn't need a job, but wanted to fly for fun. So they got hired at the same rate and they didn't care, they had their government retirement to live on. So yeah, I hear you.

So, do you just stop answering calls and emails asking about your availability and rate? How does one retire?

Well, I got a T-shirt that said "NO! I will NOT fix your computer!" and left my work email with an auto-reply that said:"I have left to join a different circus." I later heard my former boss was not really happy with that and asked the the department remove it asap. That wasn't all that easy to do, but that is a different story for another time.

I like your idea of doing it in phases. Just scale back, take the jobs you feel like doing and pass on the rest. If you can get a small referral fee on those, so much the better.

Also, I just went through an intensive process to get certified as a Certified Legal Video Specialist by the NCRA to do depositions in "retirement"

That's news to me. I'll have to talk to my court reporter friend again, but if a certification is required I'll pack my DVX back down again.

Let us know what you decide to do.

All the best

Otto Hoel
Ocala, Florida

 

[gkantziper]

Hi Ned. Yes, I'm in NC, specifically what is know as the Triad. That is Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point. Anyway, I have a lot of colleagues in the Triangle where your friend Dave is now living. I refer most everything I can't do to guys there as the folks in my market are terrible at the referral "game". They don't get it. There loss. I've always tried to service the client first and when I'm not available that means finding a crew for them. Sure, in the over 25 years I've been doing business that way I've probably "lost" a client or two, but I think I've more than made up for that by the goodwill I've created by doing so. I digress. I will add Dave to my list. Thanks.

 

[Josh Bass]

Ned for what it's worth I had a friend who used to work at a court reporting firm full time (which included shooting depos) and he was never certified, thought the whole process (and paying for the privelege) was BS. Yes of course you have to LEARN how to do all the legal stuff but for a guy like you it should be beyond simple. Most of it's probably teaching peope how to use camera,audio and lighting gear and framing/exposing/lighting/etc. a shot! The legal stuff involves the cam being able to output a certain kind of time stamp onto the video itself and certain things you have to do/say when recording ("going on record at 10:46 am on Wednesday November 10th this is the deposition of Miss Chesty Funbags"), that kinda stuff, as far as I know (never did a depo myself).

NOW, all that said, if further research tells you that folks are more likely to hire you if you're certified, then by all means go for it.

 

[nedcam]

In a thick German accent: I HAVE MADE A MOMENTOUS DECISION!

My wife cringes when she hears me bellow that phrase because she knows it was Hitler's favorite expression, meaning that he was about to make the wrong decision, and that's why I use it! Partially as a goof, but at least I finally made up my mind, even if it is the wrong decision, then I can go on to making other, possibly wrong, decisions. That said, I'll get the Sigma 50-100 (for interviews) and the Canon 17-55 (for handheld doc), then I'm done! No More equipment, I swear. I will start attending meetings of Equipaholics Anonymous. For my client base, they are tickled pink with the C100, so I see no upside to buying more, newer 4K-ish gear. I will lose gigs requesting the FS7 or C300 but will pass them on for a bump. I no longer want to pass on leads to DPs and expect a return favor, those never come, ever notice that? As to 4K, although Monday's shoot of the woman was looking into the camera, that could have benefited of 4K punching in, but she being 58 years old, do I want a CU of her? No! The way I lit her looked like a ring light: Flat.

Edited all day yesterday and day before, so I kept my promise to myself and didn't visit any of these favorite bookmarks' rabbit holes of attention span stealing. BTW, I'm finishing a great new book that all here would find very interesting, in terms of attention: The Attention Merchants by Tim Wu. Much of what we do as video makers is guilty of this: Stealing the public's attention long enough to sell them something, even if it's not a product or service, such as a political viewpoint, we are all guilty of dealing in the Black Art of Attention Stealing. Even when I shoot a TV show, the main idea is to get them to stay to the next round of commercials, that's what we're paid for: To Steal Attention and Manipulate Viewpoints. Forget entertainment or enlightenment (unless it's PBS?). Monday's shoot was 20 short videos to speckle over social media to drive sales of her new book. So when we "retire" it will be like taking a long shower. Tired of using my video super powers to sell cheese and jet liners. I have spent a career lifetime marketing myself, finally in retirement I can be myself.

Thanks guys for adding your name in your post so you become a flesh and blood humanoid rather than a cutesy avatar. And if you want to promote your SEO results remember to add your website hot link. I have to edit some more today, I actually hate it, sitting in front of a computer, life is too short, but with budgets these days, I edit the simple ones.

Jean Heguy: Wow! Was that you? Small world. Much of my biz is servicing out-of-staters and matching previously shot footage, hence the moniker Chameleon, especially for Canadien clients. I used to market heavily to Toronto producers and prod cos because it is well known that their DPs and gear often can't get through US Customs at O'Hare, so they don't try anymore and that is good for my business. I was told I had to match their DP's look and you told me about keying the Diva light through Wescott 42", 6 in 1, Illuminator Reflector so I bought one and I have been doing that look ever since! It allows me to minutely change the distance between my source and the diffuser which changes the wrap around on the face and softens the nose shadow. Much better than putting diffusion on the light itself or using a soft light like a Chimera. Thanks! As for rich kids entering the biz, boy do I know all about that. I have probably had 10-14 fathers call me over the last few years asking for free advice as to what would be a nice "graduation gift" to set their son up in the biz. I also knew some salespeople at Abel and was told about the daddy buying the camera stories. Some of these young shooters are very talented, it's just unfair that they get to jump to the head of the line, offer prices no one could match so they gain clients thus ruining it for everybody. What do they care? They grew up feeling entitled, right? They also don't need to worry about being slow.

But I see the rates going down from simple Supply & Demand, we all learned that in Econ 101: Too many video suppliers now. As Otto said about the airline pilots. When someone needs a video and they search on Google, they now have so many choices what are the odds they find and want us specifically? You can go broke buying Google Ads. And then in my case, lately they find and want me, start negotiating, but use their search results of cheaper competitors to try to get me to come down in rate. I could be busier but I'd be working for less pay. That got me thinking about retirement sooner rather than later. And that's why I started the other thread about throwing in gear for free. Only someone subsidized could not charge for all their gear and survive. Someone doing it on their own would go under. Many of my DP peers married well, I know this because we share the same soundmen and grips. But when the prospects want me to match rates of cheaper shooters, how do I know if they are comparing me to a 24 year old with a DSLR? In short, now in 2017, one's experience doesn't count for much. The prospect can't differentiate quality, they aren't pixel peepers, so if it's cut well, good music, to them most pros seem alike so they go by price or are forced to because their budgets have been slashed. Certain genres, like weddings, are different, but in my niches I find the prospects so much more cost conscious now. There are exceptions but lately I have been fielding the cheepos coming in through searches and crowd sourcing sites, which is why I prefer referrals. I have lived through three recessions since graduating college in 1975 and every time, the clients have gotten cheaper and cheaper. I alluded to the story of buying my first house from a Kill Fee, that's because in the mid-80's marketing departments had to spend all their budget in their FY or they would not get the same budget their next FY, so the client told me to "keep the money". Plus, the lighter weight technology has allowed the clients to insist on one-man-bands when we all know if we had a crew member or two, the quality would go up and it will be safer for us and our gear. So after every recession there's a New Normal and I have adapted, after all, I'm a Chameleon, about 50% of my work is solo, or what I call being a Migrant Video Worker. Oh well...

Otto AKA Networker: Oh! I thought you were a retired DP, sorry. I have found many an IT guy doing shooting, especially now that I am exploring depositions as a senior citizen way of making some money, lots of retired IT guys have gone into deps, an IT person's brain is perfectly suited for figuring out a video camera. In fact, as I have been doing my marketing during the slow winter here, I have been running up against a wall of companies doing DIY in-house: The inside tech people have been doing their own company's videos. I suspect they are doing it for fun, as a relief from tech chores and to impress the boss as to their added value? Fortunately, most can't light or do audio and that helps me when the CEO needs to be filmed.

I will start my "retirement" in phases, the first one starts in July when my wife begins receiving her teacher's pension, I get SS and we start drawing from the proverbial nest egg. In theory, if the market doesn't crash, I will have as much revenue as I make in video prod. You're right: It's all about time. Although being broke during one's last decade or so would be a bummer! Lastly, (and Josh too) I believe only California requires the dep shooter to be certified, I got it as a marketing tool. What has me reticent is the back and forth of going on and off the record, especially when the attorneys argue, media managing because no portion can exceed 120 minutes, picture-in-picture, speaker phone situations, translators in the frame, exhibits being displayed on an Elmo, etc. So I am taking my time and can't figure out which camera to get. Since I will be collecting SS two years before my full retirement age, I am only allowed to make $17K without a penalty. You guys know about that I.R.S rule? So deps would be perfect for $17K max, yet keep the biz open for the other tax write offs. In this way, being a DP is a good way to "retire" but it would have been mo bettah if we had something to sell at the end.

Gkantzioer: My wife and I were considering Asheville, after visiting, working with a realtor, we realized we are 7 or 8 years too late for a good deal, the locals have become flippers. This is true of many nice areas that we Chicagoans considered "cheaper retirement destinations" such as Austin, Portland, Bend, etc. and then we came across a cute little town called Hendersonville,NC and decided on that. But after much research we ruled that out too, especially after the fires of this summer. Also, we realized that although we're not big city people (we live where the suburbs meet the country) we aren't small town folks either. We like being driving distance to a big city for the amenities and when one becomes an old coot, first class hospitals. Within two months we figure we'd have eaten at every nice restaurant! So still searching or may stay here in the frozen tundra.

So back to the edit. Weather sucks so I will get something done today.

Everyone have a nice profitable day!

Ned

P.S. And to all you young, single DPs who don't come from a wealthy family. The advice I usually give is to do a Google search of the nearest medical school and law college, then do a Yelp search of the nearest bars to them. THAT'S where you want to hang out! Marry a future doctor or lawyer, refusing to sign a prenup, and you'll be set as a DP. Really! I have seen it many, many times work like a charm...