Posting a Craigslist Ad Properly

Doc Bernard

Doc Bernard

Indie Arms Member
Okay, I have been down the road about how people on CL abuse the talents of others. I cannot stress how much I am against that abuse. But I find myself in a position of needing a crew, and don't want to abuse others yet I am lacking in the funds I would love to pay people for this.

Indie-Arms is in desperate need of a really good demo reel. I have some really nice footage coming to me and I want to intersplice some "live action" stuff of scenes I have scripted. On top of it, I am open to ideas and would allow someone to direct those scenes. I will be supplying the actors and all props.

Unfortunately, I sold my camera, and subsequently the associated gear, so I cannot shoot it myself, as was the plan. And finances are not where I want them to be.

So, I want this to be advantageous for all involved, especially those that work on this project. Any advice? Deferred payments? Trade for services?
 
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If it were me, I would be interested in the trade for services. Any good indie producer knows the added production value of what someone like you has to offer. That would be my angle.
 
As long as you're offering something concrete and tangible, like trade for services. It's the "do this for free, and you get credit and maybe possibly (but probably not) future work and references" that torque me off. You have a valuable service, and it could be very much worth someone's while to barter some sort of trade for it.
 
I really don't get this CraigsList abuse thing, people talk about. Everyone that's responding to these calls for help is an adult, and make their own decisions if they want to give their time/resources for something. Now if they're treated poorly on set, or have wasted their time & have nothing of value to show for it, then that's one thing ...

For me, I simply announce on CL what I'm doing, and what positions I have yet to fill, whether cast or crew. Basically, its an announcement of what I'm doing, and letting folks know that if they want to come out & play on that particular weekend, then to respond. I let them know in advance they'll be fed incredibly well, have a great time on set with zero drama, and will be part of a quality work they can be proud of.

Those who feel THOSE things are worthwhile for them (whether they want to do it for their reel, resume, networking, or simply want out of the house), will reply. Those who don't feel it's worthwhile for them, don't ... or, will flag the post because they're pissed I'm "asking" folks to work for free, or will go a step further & flame me in an email for being an unprofessional prick.

Bottom line, it's a short film, with little to no chance of commercial/financial success. It's a calling card, to hopefully get real funds for a feature, or a chance to try a new genre/style with not much money on the line, etc. If it's a feature film, to try & make profit, then that's different .... and people need to be compensated one way or another.

So if you really need a specific person & their gear, then offer trade for services if you have something of value they want. Otherwise, you'd be surprised who may want something for their reel as well, want to network, or whatever the case is. Sales 101: If you don't ask, the answer is already no. So post the ad & see what responses you get! :)
 
I am looking to collaborate with a production company/team to work on a reel for my company. I have several clips from works we have done before, and are looking to shoot a few scripted scenes as well. This will be a shoot and transfer job. No editing on your end needed. Just hand the clips over in .Mov format. We will have basic contracts that lay out the terms of the deal, so each of us are protected, if desired.

First off, this will be a trade for services. I am not offering an esoteric service, but a definite film-related service. Feel free to go to my site ( http://indie-arms.com ) to see what services I can offer you in trade. If I had the money, I would gladly pay, but times are tight, as we all know. So I will pay you with the use of my services and rentals on your upcoming film. I was forced to sell my HVX200 and other production gear, or I might have considered shooting it myself.

What I am looking for is a reel that can be edited several ways, 30 sec. 45 sec. and 90 sec. spots. The music has been chosen and rights acquired. I am not against collaborating on the direction of the scenes I am envisioning, and am very open-minded to new ideas and vision, provided they are not defamatory or present the wrong ideas.

Right now we are getting things together, so there is plenty of time to plan this out properly and get to know one another. During this prep time we should sit down and discuss each other’s goals. Locations are being secured and cast is on board.

So, the nuts and bolts:
-A crew that is dedicated (Cam-op, Director, DP, Sound)(Sound may not be needed – possible MOS shoot). An experienced crew that has worked together before is preferable.
-Decent quality high-end prosumer equipment (HVX, EX1, etc. No HandyCam type equipment, worklights) I want this to look pro.
-The crew must know that we will be using the props in our inventory on set, so they must be comfortable with that.
-Weekend work ( I dont see it taking more than a couple of non-consecutive weekends to get the shots we need.)

In trade, I will offer you for your next project:
The services of my company

If you are interested, please feel free to contact me.

Doc
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How's that look? I am not listing what those services I offer directly on CL, because if they actually go to the website, it acts as a small qualifier. And CL is famous for flagging any thing that says "guns".
 
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I think it looks GREAT! Heck, if I was local, I'd want to be helping you in a heartbeat, just so I could have all that inventory at my disposal & make an action flick!!! :)
 
Doc Bernard said:
LOL, it has been flagged, reposted and reflagged! CL is starting to bug me.
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I see so many ads saying do this, that, and the other thing for us for free, and later on down the road you might get credit and maybe possibly future business. You're offering a valuable service now in exchange for a valuable service, and you get flagged. I would repost it again, and make the point that you are offering payment in the form of your services off the top... maybe that will help keep it from getting flagged.

Good luck.
 
Yep, just keep reposting it. Even if the ad is legit, there are just some spiteful people out there that seem to ENJOY flagging ... sometimes I think it's another filmmaker that's jealous, or thinks you shouldn't be doing it unless you're paying someone, fully budgeted, and running union all the way.

And even the ones that DO state there's no pay, just copy/credit ... again, people can make their own choice ... not sure why folks feel the need to police that stuff.
 
Norm Sanders said:
Yep, just keep reposting it. Even if the ad is legit, there are just some spiteful people out there that seem to ENJOY flagging ... sometimes I think it's another filmmaker that's jealous, or thinks you shouldn't be doing it unless you're paying someone, fully budgeted, and running union all the way.
.
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What they don't seem to understand is those people tend not to post on CL....
 
We've all seen this, but I think this is why people get so bent out of shape at people asking for freebies "for credit" on Craigslist, because most of the ads I see are like this (specifically the hairstylist one)...

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I AGREE
 
I posted this last night, and literally am having a tough time keeping up with all the responses now ... so I guess it's all in how you word it. Posted a similar one in the TALENT section for cast, and am getting equal success. And SURPRISINGLY, no one has flagged me yet (what are the odds?). :)


Comedy Short Film - Crew Openings (Portland)

Date: 2009-12-22, 10:40PM PST
Reply to: [Errors when replying to ads?]

Comedy short film will be shooting on the RED camera over the weekends of February 21st and 28th, primarily those Sundays, with one Saturday involved in there as well.

Keep in mind that while I'm not ASKING anyone to work for free, I'm simply making an announcement of what I'm doing, what I've done in the past, and what I can offer you with this particular project. Everyone here is an adult, so if someone decides there's something of motivation in here for them, then let them decide. That said, I won't be surprised if this gets flagged. :) Oh, and if anyone says "You can afford to shoot RED, so you can afford to pay", etc. It's the DP's camera, who's traveling down from Seattle both weekends to shoot this, 'nough said.

This film is called "Meat Market", and will be shot primarily inside a trendy new bar in the Pearl District (location secured).

The current positions are available for those who are interested in coming out to play & be a part of this project:
Sound Mixer
Boom Operator
Key Grip
Grip
Swing (assists with lights/electrical & grip)
MUA/HairStylists (2) - Kit fee will be provided to offset hardcosts.
PA(s)
Extras Coordinator (primarily will only be needed one Sunday)
Script Supervisor
Behind The Scenes Photographer (will need your own DSLR)
Behind The Scenes Videographer (preferably comes with own prosumer level SD or HD Cam)

A prior project can be viewed here (I strive for every project to surpass the prior in production value, etc.), to give you an idea if you feel this will be a high enough caliber project for you to want to be involved with: www.berlin-themovie.com

While this will be my first comedy as a Director/Producer, the script has rec'd all positive comments, so I'm feeling good thus far. I'm a community style director, so I try hard to ensure that everyone feels a sense of ownership of the production, and I value input from others. This will be a project that you'll have fun on, should get some solid networking out of, and at the end of the day will have another credit to put on your IMDB, and a project you can be extremely proud to have been a part of. Oh, and of course you'll be fed very, VERY well, while on set. :)

For those responding, please include your position of interest, a resume if available, and what's motivating you to be a part of this. I'll reply to those I feel would be best suited, once I've had a chance to go through responses in the next few days.

Thanks in advance for your interest,
Norm Sanders

www.myspace.com/normsanders




  • Location: Portland
  • it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
  • Compensation: Reimbursement of hard expenses during production, food, copy, credit, etc.
 
After being flagged 4 times, I am posting this:

"Want Reel Material? So Do I!

Anyone interested in working together for reel stuff? I have all the props for Action-Based reel scenes. You can see what I have available at http://Indie-arms.com If interested, lets talk."
 
Craigslist isn't the only place that gets these insulting "job" offers. I was browsing LinkedIn today and saw one via Mandy.com ... the job appeared to be full time and the pay was "none/spec/deferred". I felt like writing them and reading the Riot Act to them.
Grrrr.. I'm just in a bad mood. Just got ripped for $106 to replace a thermostat on my wife's truck because I don't have a garage out of the weather to do the work myself. No money coming in from videography, but lots of money going out for electric, taxes and car service. Arrgghh!
 
I have had about 20 responses now, some with resumes. I spoke with a writer, a director, and several DP's (one with an HVX, one with a 5D, and one who says he has access to a Red). Hopefully I can find a SFX person.

I explained on the phone, in detail, about what I am wanting to do and everyone, so far, shares my goals and excitement about the project.

LOL, I guess the problem was in the wording! I was giving too much detail up front.
 
Doc Bernard said:
I have had about 20 responses now, some with resumes. I spoke with a writer, a director, and several DP's (one with an HVX, one with a 5D, and one who says he has access to a Red). Hopefully I can find a SFX person.

I explained on the phone, in detail, about what I am wanting to do and everyone, so far, shares my goals and excitement about the project.

LOL, I guess the problem was in the wording! I was giving too much detail up front.
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Too funny.
 
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