The Art of Saying NO as a Videographer

[@KwonFiveNine]

Man I feel like God was speaking to me thru this video! I have a bad habit of doing work too cheap and regretting it once I start editing. Great video.

[@Semesem_]

It happens to the best of us, glad this video can help!

[@SethFox94]

@@KwonFiveNine Every time 🙃

[@shaunmaddox]

I did a gig with that same type of contract for 1200. They made it seem like it would be a cake walk. It was 200 miles away, multi-cam set up, I had no assistance, all day event, quick turnaround, and full ownership. After it was done, I realized it wasn’t worth it. This is an excellent video bro. It’s a blessing to do what you love but don’t get hustled. Know your worth and stand by it

[@Semesem_]

@@shaunmaddox yeah it was a really interesting situation because i had to make a quick decision and have everything prepped before bed but that was hard enough because i was going to Bible study . But im Glad you had something similar to learn from

[@shaunmaddox]

@@Semesem_ Yeah bro, it’s not worth it. I later found out they profited 40k from the event. If you would have done the gig, they would expected it all the time. Short notice, fast turnaround, and ultra low budget. Just hearing the story gave me flashbacks

[@Semesem_]

@ man hearing makes my skin crawl truly.

[@shaunmaddox]

😅

[@HussainAl--Khalil]

Man it gets tiring being in these kind of situations and seeing so many others in them as well. Salute to you protecting your piece and avoiding a headache.

[@Semesem_]

It's a shame that this happens so often, but it's good to know that you're not alone in this.

[@mattgray9297]

I’m two decade veteran of this game and I’m thoroughly impressed with how professional you were in your exchanges. You’re spot on in this scenario. With that kind of pressure, deliverables, and short time frame, they should have backed up a truck for you so that they could secure quality professional work in such short notice.

[@Semesem_]

Glad you found the video helpful. That was a tough situation. But hopefully It provides guidance with up and comers

[@flaneurfilms1940]

People want to haggle like I’m not using $11,000 worth of MacBook/lens/camera, storage to create your project.

[@Semesem_]

Expertise alone is expensive

[@ideaplusagency]

Last minute gigs ALWAYS have variables that pop up that we didn't think about or didn't plan for.

[@Semesem_]

Man they really do. And when you feel rushed to make a decision sometimes you don’t think clearly on what you should’ve asked

[@boahandarrowsproductions4326]

Your responses are just great man. I'm learning.

[@Semesem_]

I'm glad you're learning! It took me time to get these responses right

[@gusy6129]

@@Semesem_ The time put in shows.

[@tycjanjakubczyk]

I’m glad your video showed up in my YT feed. I work on a different continent, but many things work similarly here. You respond to potential clients in such a professional and thoughtful way. It’s great that you have a financial cushion. There were times when I didn’t have that and ended up agreeing to almost anything, which often wasn’t worth it in the end. I could have spent that time working on smaller or personal projects, or even just resting. The worst situation is feeling like you have no options and must accept whatever comes your way. In such cases, clients often expect you to do the work of three people for the salary of one. It’s much better to slow down, set boundaries, and make time for yourself. Have a great day, brother!

[@Semesem_]

You said it perfectly. In ways people will treat their businesses like any 9-5 job and are told what they’re worth, so I’m grateful for the position to educate and respectfully decline anything by that would make me feel like I’m an employee all over again

[@JLJ2]

The value that you provide about the business side of things is unmatched, especially for us solo creators, and I follow some great channels. The difference between your content and others similar to yours, is that you share detailed information. Very helpful. 🙌🏾

[@Semesem_]

I appreciate that! I’ll Continue to do so

[@canadalawexperts_]

Wow! Spot on and very informative! We learned the hard way as a law firm to be completely transparent with our potential clients who have hight expectations and limited budget! We said.

[@Semesem_]

You guys learned the hard way too huh?

[@canadalawexperts_]

@ Yup! Now we do our due diligence before committing to any new client.

[@seekthingsabovetv]

This video is gold, Brother! You are bringing to mind past experiences for me and clarifying the value of self worth.

[@Semesem_]

Glad to hear it!

[@MicahSimpson]

"you shouldnt be so quick on something just because your broke." thats real!

[@Semesem_]

@@MicahSimpson some of my worst business negotiations came from my poverty

[@MicahSimpson]

@ lessons not soon forgotten!

[@vitalvisualz]

This yr was the yr I said "NO" more times then "YES" and it feels great knowing your value and what you stand for but most of all knowing what value you bring to clients. I'm going into my 6th yr as a full-time videographer and this 5th yr is the most money I've made consistently because I didn't back down nor bow down and feel pressured to take on all the work that wasn't worth the budget. KNOW YOUR VALUE!!!

[@Semesem_]

That's awesome to hear! It's great to see people learning their worth.

[@Thejoeymireles]

RESPECT. The amount of respect you have for your potential client and yourself is incredible. Both are equally important!

[@Semesem_]

You hit the nail on the head with this comment

[@quasiguy]

Well done. You were a pro from start to finish and you’re wise to respect all the red flags that came up. That job was a TON of work with a short fuse and a puny budget. AND you can bet they would have micromanaged the heck out of the project-and you! Way to show respect for your talent and your process.

[@Semesem_]

I’m glad you caught all the red flags too! Micro managing is one of the things I can hate most about taking bad deals

[@MrFarki]

its like this video made for me and To be honest, I received an offer from Contract Company for a one-year contract with a salary monthly 2950 dollar . I did not ask them anything, and this was the first job offer I received with this salary. I agreed without thinking, then I changed my mind during the first meeting with the company with a somewhat superficial thinking. I do not know, but they were in a hurry to hire me. Then I did not come on the second day. Then they told me that if you did not want to work here, you can send an email that you reject the offer. I thought a lot under psychological pressure and sent an email that I reject the offer because I felt that the work would be routine and obligatory with a specific schedule, which is from 7:00 Am until 4:00 afternoon, and this is not flexible work for me. But I am still thinking about the offer and the confusion that I put myself in, to the point that I am thinking about talking to them again to accept the offer. The job was as a photographer inside the hospital. Whether you have work or not, you have to commit to the eight-hour every day I have been working as a freelance photographer for 17 years. Can you tell me something about this case based on your experience? Thank you.

[@Semesem_]

Personally if someone wants me to work exclusively with them then they will have to pay me a minimum of $16k a month as that is about my average and not being able to work with anyone else damages my network and possible income elsewhere

[@MrFarki]

@Semesem_ thanks ..and I wish you all the best

[@frankanthony3072]

Businesses have no problem ripping you off and have to be handled accordingly. You did right. Tell them to kick rocks.

[@Semesem_]

Hopefully next time we negotiate it’s a little different

[@jntechreview]

This helped a lot. I'm currently overbooked with projects until next February, and I realize that I'll be missing out on bigger opportunities because of the smaller contracts filling up my schedule. I will definitely set some guidelines after this season is over. Thanks for sharing your experience

[@Semesem_]

Glad to help, you'll be happy you did!

[@MattyInProcess]

This is a really helpful video! Over the course of the last year or 2 I've found the quality of the videos that I create have gotten better and better to the point where I'm now getting offers to do paid gigs and I have been willing to take them on regardless of the budget just so I could have stuff for my own reel. After watching this, I think it's time to start re-evaluating what my value is as a videographer/cinematographer and not be so eager to take a job because it puts a little money in the bank. Also, I didn't see the hat in the beginning of the video because I had it playing in the background, but as soon as you mentioned the bible study and being filled with the Spirit, I hit the brakes, opened the tab and watched the video from there on out. Love the content and I just liked and subbed!

[@Semesem_]

That’s awesome you’re getting paid gigs. There are so many videographers struggling in that so kudos to you. And hes because I’ve seen client Contracts like this before , my past self would’ve took the job and later find out this isn’t my ideal client. I’m glad you’re encourage by me not shying away from my faith as well. It’s dope to see so many believers in this field.

[@bailey_mac]

All your videos are extremely helpful and I admire the fact that your unashamed of your Christianity.

[@Semesem_]

@@bailey_mac Thank you. The goal is to flood you guys with useful info and real world situations

[@magicmediaworks212]

This video made my day. I share all these sentiments exactly. i was just offered a job for 500 bucks all day at a school, using the kids as a persuasive tool. Sad, i couldn't do it. Most people have no idea what it takes to provide quality work. I've shared this with my partner. Great vid!!

[@Semesem_]

They really don’t understand, but we just gotta keep a cool head and give them a professional response

[@NostalgicNick79]

Could you do a follow-up on what types of projects and deliverables would have fit the budget, or, how using the crew you imagined bringing along would have been a value add?

[@Semesem_]

I think I can do that

[@DJFilmsProductions]

glad you shared this information helped me alot as a videographer.

[@Semesem_]

Glad it was helpful! I wish this was the type of content I had available when starting my business

[@dnycexdesign]

This is great, thank you for your transparency. I highly suggest that you break out your day rate as a cam op from editing day rate. Remember to put a gear rental fee, travel stipend and an insurance surcharge. This will help you quantify your reason for the budget revision. When you work with agencies / production companies that do business properly they have to break it down into line items for their client facing production budget.

[@Semesem_]

Great insight thanks for sharing

[@ExpressMale91]

Preach brother 🙏🏾 you earned a new sub. I’m a videographer as well and have regretted taking certain jobs because I needed the money. Never again

[@Semesem_]

Glad to have you as a subscriber.

[@MikeAndMakaira]

This goes with anything. I appreciate the time you put into this video. It’s a real issue and you give advice I had to learn from experience.

[@Semesem_]

Thanks for watching

[@soultechmedia8355]

I needed to see this video. I’m constantly lowering my rates to get jobs knowing the client lowballed me. Thank you.

[@Semesem_]

It's time to start valuing your time and skills!

[@mrtyc74]

Thanks for sharing this information. It’s definitely helpful for me as I’m just getting started with doing videography work.

[@Semesem_]

I’m glad you found it helpful, best of luck building your business 🙏🏾

[@theotherdai1556]

Excellent video! 04:49 "The budget is not making sense." Put that on a t-shirt! lol! I say this to myself after talking with the majority of potential clients over the years.

[@Semesem_]

Boom! I really might lol

[@thekp503]

Great video. Money should not be the motivating factor in every job. Doing a great job should be. They wouldn't even offer the $3500 you quoted. Sounds like a bunch of shysters to me. Screw them and their $3000. You're a professional and you should be treated like one. As the realtor chick Helen told you you're not charging enough. Good on you for turning them down.

[@Semesem_]

It's a tough decision sometimes, but putting your foot down is important!

[@thekp503]

@@Semesem_ You're gonna be fine. They solicited you not the other way around. That means you're the man.

[@lensflare336]

Great video!!! You handled that situation very well. I learned when I use to take the cheapest budgets them clients usually are the biggest headache. They want numerous re-edits & deliverables. It dont be worth it. Way to stand on business & help the community as well ✊.

[@Semesem_]

So true! That’s exactly what I’ve dealt with too. Better to just let it go

[@sontavian]

Bro, this video right here is what I needed to watch. Thank you.

[@Semesem_]

Glad to hear it

[@derekamoah.a]

This has been me even before i found this video but hearing you enforce the same mindset is everything man. Glad this found me. Subbin right away.

[@Semesem_]

I’m glad it was valuable to watch. Thanks for the sub!

[@CharlesLucky]

Excellent video brother. Loved your responses and thank you for making this video. Looking forward to many more 💯

[@Semesem_]

Thanks for watching! More on the way!

[@BelowZero]

I walked on many proposed contracts during my career. The last two involved something similar you came across. The clients asked for a full and complete control over the media, including processed images and videos. The answer was simply no. We could have made a good profit out of those two gigs but on the other hand, when red line is crossed the negotiation is simply not a viable option.

[@Semesem_]

Right?! Full control is just a recipe for disaster

[@tdslaps]

I learned this early in filmmaking . I will gladly tell a client no and not feel bad if the job is too much

[@Semesem_]

Your business will Definitely grow just watch

[@tangoleadaz]

Another amazing video! You giving us the important stuff bro. Cant thank you enough keep up the good work! This time next year you gonna be past 100k followers im callin it!

[@Semesem_]

Thanks for the support! It's always good to know that people are finding value in the content. Hopefully, I can reach 100k by this time next year!

[@Razabladefilms]

I really love and respect the transparency in this video and as a brother in the faith since of recent this also teaches me to be patient and trust God

[@Semesem_]

I appreciate your comment and thanks for watching

[@DubsciencePhotographyFilm]

I’m actually in the consultation phase of a similar contract. Over the last few days, I’ve asked the client so many questions and variables. Lol! They haven’t even bothered to comeback with a budget amount and I’m ok with that. Respectfully, I’d rather be creating content for my other clients that value what I produce. Note: I also liked the bit you shared about the NDA and intellectual property rights. I’ve had work published by the Smithsonian and had them remove those terms from the contract because the money didn’t match up. Keep striving brother! Much respect 👍🏾

[@Semesem_]

Good thing you know when something will Workout for you or not. Many creators haven’t found that sweet spot yet

[@LighthouseandArchitecture]

Thank you for sharing. This is great for those starting out in the business...The problem is the clients find someone to do it for less and probably for less experience. That being said, the most important thing you said (and there was a great deal of good stuff) is that you are studying the word of God. Everything else will fall into place

[@Semesem_]

You gotta do what’s right for you, even if it means losing some clients.

[@zackarydeancreative]

Good for you bro! I love the explanation of your process. Very fair!

[@Semesem_]

Thanks for watching

[@Kellyvisionproduction]

Dope video! Very insightful and very much needed. I sent to various people. Thanks for sharing.🎥

[@Semesem_]

I’m glad my experiences can bring clarity to others

[@SamOaCreative]

I totally agree with you on all levels. Why would they deny you the right to own your stuff. People pay a fortune for that. Thanks for sharing and thanks for sharing your faith and believes. Learning a lot.

[@Semesem_]

I know, right? But I’m glad you’re being encouraged

[@neilfullframe]

Awesome insight and very valuable information! New fan here, keep it coming!

[@Semesem_]

Glad you enjoyed it, hope you stick around!

[@Puppiesforpeace]

I applaud your honesty ! Keep on the path you walk...karma is on your side. This is hard work, we give a lot, people don't realize it.

[@Semesem_]

I appreciate the comment and thanks for watching

[@sebasfilmedit]

Bro amazing! Thanking God right now for this video. I feel like God spoke to me through this. Instantly subbed to you and can’t wait for more. I pray God continues to use you!

[@Semesem_]

I'm glad it resonated with you! Thank for watching

[@GreateztProductions]

I don't know how I stumble upon this video but as a filmmaker, I resonated with this so much. subscribe. Looking forward to more content.

[@Semesem_]

Thanks for subscribing! Lots more on the way.

[@jaredcollins-photo]

Love this, man! It can DEFINITELY be tempting to say yes when you're only looking at the shortterm, but it's important to not rush to judgements on these things. Also, love the hat!

[@Semesem_]

It's a tough decision when you're looking at the short-term vs. the long-term. And thanks. I added the brand on my IG

[@tonygarcia1986]

This is the kind of reply and exchange I like to give other professionals in this business. I think the scripts felt like :60 scripts with cutdowns which can be straight forward. 2K to shoot would have been fair. It’s the edit where they get you! Always a challenge. That’s why I don’t shoot and edit. Thanks for the insight. Lastly, the bigger the brand and talent, the less rights you’re going to have with material. That’s a hard truth. Always ask. They will allow use for reel/promo purposes after it’s posted/shown but it has to be in writing.

[@Semesem_]

It's a tough balance when it comes to rights but that's a good point

[@Gigahousemedia]

thank you this is the first year I started making money off this craft, I used to throw out a flat rate price to quick before asking detailed questions and was over working myself for low bread, I'm not doing that now but this video taught me a few new things that will help in future. Keep going ! we all on it for 2025 !! 100%

[@Semesem_]

You got it! 2025 is gonna be our year! 🔥

[@philcupper]

Great video. Thanks for being so open. I 100% feel you comment about "thinking about the money and not the work." Thats such an important topic.

[@Semesem_]

I've been there so many times!

[@cnsounds]

Thank you for this, I recently experienced a similar situation. Saying 'No' is key!

[@Semesem_]

It’s a skill that takes practice. Glad you learned something!

[@DirectedXDW]

Definitely dodged a missle. I’ve been in these situations many times I remember talking with a construction company about creating recruitment videos. Talking they make millions a year around 8 interviews, broll, traveling to each location and needed to be delivered in a tight window of a month Atleast 7-10k worth of work Their budget was $2k no wiggle room So I definitely know that limbo of dang I need the money but I’m not stretching myself thin. But I held my ground and declined and didn’t feel bad

[@Semesem_]

That’s a great story on your part, thanks for sharing. It can definitely be tough when you hear numbers that sound big, but when you put into perspective the amount of work it starts to feel like minimum wage . Thanks for sharing

[@ScottfromCalifornia]

This was awesome. Thank you for giving us this insight!

[@Semesem_]

I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@iamalexchua]

I am a videographer here in the UK and after freelancing full time for a year, I can certainly say that I will say no to jobs that are below my rate. I did a lot of weddings as a second and third videographer filming from 9AM until like 12 midnight for as little as £300. Imagine standing, running around with a camera on a gimbal with a lens for like 12-15 hours with breaks as short as 15-20 minutes for £300 is in my opinion just downright wrong. These companies will never treat us well to be honest. Its up to us to take care of ourselves. I have no hate against the people that do this to videographers because at the end of the day, we are adults and we have our own brains to make sound decisions. What I do want is I hope that people start treating other people well or at least fairly but I know that is just another pipe dream.

[@Semesem_]

I think it’s like what you said . It’s up To us to educate and make them treat us fairly

[@iamalexchua]

@ sadly, if we educate and ask for fair treatment, they will just drop us because there is always someone who will take that low paying job no matter how unfair it will be. I was that guy. I learned my lesson and I promise to treat myself fairly and not become part of the problem.

[@marshallandroxy]

Appreciate the video, the candor/transparency is nice. I've had situations like this before too - thinking about the money instead of the work - definitely can be a trap.

[@Semesem_]

It really is, you gotta stay true to your value

[@Justmarkeith]

This was amazing. I think you should make a video on what parameters to consider whenever you’re getting a job.

[@Semesem_]

That's a great idea!

[@HasanAmin]

you came to me just in time! I’ve been thinking of a job offer that will bury me under editing and re-editing for months and the budget is _ as you amazingly accurate expression_ doesn’t make sense. So I’ll borrow some of your wisdom and say No. thanks, Man, liked an subscribed, peace and keep going

[@Semesem_]

I'm glad this video resonated with you, sometimes those situations are a test of willpower!

[@martydenson_mfm]

Bro, it took me a long time before I learned how to professionally say no.

[@Semesem_]

It takes time to build those boundaries, you got this!

[@ayopoetikvisuals8474]

You have a new subscriber! A worshipper and creative! 💪🏿💪🏿

[@Semesem_]

Thanks for the support, glad to have you!

[@NostalgicNick79]

Great topic, and love the end to end breakdown.

[@Semesem_]

Thanks! It's always good to break down the steps in detail.

[@evanthecameraman]

Hey! You're long-winded like me in my videos haha. Love this type of content that goes into all the details, with receipts and a good message for the video community. Subscribed.

[@Semesem_]

I’m glad my experiences can bring clarity to others.

[@Died1209]

Thanks for this video, great insights

[@Semesem_]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MarioVisions]

great stuff man! enjoyed your video!

[@Semesem_]

@@MarioVisions I appreciate that fam. Thanks for watching

[@Chystyle]

You made the right decision, bro....!

[@Semesem_]

I believe so as well

[@KongThaoSound]

Great video sir and great information for the new folks out there. I too have done similar. Your emailing skills is very professional.

[@Semesem_]

Appreciate you! The email is crucial. Hopefully they’ll reach back out in the future with a budget that fits the scope of work

[@EshiawitdabangTV]

I feel like you did the right thing and it made perfect sense 💪🏾💪🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾💯💯

[@Semesem_]

I’m glad I passed it up too

[@robertolanga]

Loved this video ❤

[@Semesem_]

Thank you I appreciate it

[@labandlegacy]

Add "Videography" to the title and this one is gonna go off bro! Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@ideaplusagency]

@@labandlegacy I agree! Should say "...to a Videography Job"

[@Semesem_]

You’re absolutely right, I’ll adjust that. Thanks for watching!

[@microminstrel]

Been there. You def made the best choice. Great video.

[@Semesem_]

It's important to protect your peace and your time.

[@samanshp]

Dude I wish you had posted this two weeks ago lol I’m in a similar situation now. I was hired for an event photography and videography gig (2 vertical and 2 horizontal videos) for two hours. All of that for 1k. I only took the job because November was kinda slow for me 🥲 moral of the story is that don’t take all the jobs that come your way!

[@Semesem_]

@@samanshp man this is truly a headache when you feel you had to take a job but it burns on the post production side.

[@GNOBNX]

Kudos on the way you handled that. Based on the detailed shoot list, it sounds like another photographer sought you out in a micromanagement attempt to subcontract a job with a budget large enough to pinch from its overall budget. The job was probably $10K - $12K as it sounds familiar with what folks attempted to do to me when I ran a recording studio. 🤷🏽‍♂️ 🫵🏽 BEWARE as this just might become a recurring scenario.

[@Semesem_]

It's definitely a sign of a bad deal when they want to micromanage. Please tell us more about what happened to you tho. I never heard of that

[@AntonKeith]

havent clicked like on video so fast in a while. Great video.

[@Semesem_]

Appreciate that, fam! Hope you got something out of it.

[@demojoys]

100% facts and relatable! Thanks for sharing.

[@Semesem_]

Thanks for watching!

[@mike_k.]

well the timming of this video is splendit. Slow month and I just got an oppurtunity for continuous job. Informations were pretty thin and today I have got an email with google drive folder where was footage Im suppose to work with. The job is 10+ reels a month for 1/3 of a price that I was considering it. I thought to myself that it might be good for couple of months. Speeding up postproduction on actually usable reels didnt sound half bad. Then I checked the footage. Everything is hand held iphone mostly on horizontal on auto settings so shatter is off, iso is jumping and the guys with camera thought that zooming in and out is a good "effect". Also the follow up email contained their budget and theme of testing reel is basicaly the name of the country they were recording. So no real idea what they are looking for. It already feels like a solid headake and I just scrubbed first folder out of 19 (1,5h of materials). And trust me its nowhere near the budget you have got offered. Deadline is on monday so it seems like I will be doing some rethinking. Thanks for reminding me why did I choose this job at the first place.

[@Semesem_]

Thanks for sharing your situation. It’ll allow more people to see and understand what we go through and possibly stand united on making sure we are paid according to the work load we are given

[@MikesMoneyMission]

Great video and advice 💯

[@Semesem_]

Thanks for watching!

[@corshawnbrayboy]

This is really good.

[@Semesem_]

Thank you

[@visualsbymada]

I find that sometimes when I am the questions I need for the job, the client is put off because they just want a yes man. Also have you ever found that when they ask you to quote and it’s over their budget they disappear, even though you asked already for their budget which they don’t give.

[@Semesem_]

I insist on them giving me a budget when projects are this big. More times then not they will give it to me and if they don’t then I won’t proceed.

[@visualsbymada]

@ how do you combat reaching out to the right people. Sometimes I get stock and lost as to who to contact. I do emails, LinkedIn and try find agencies but then hit a wall

[@bruceebe]

I think there’s an alternate scenario where maybe the stress would’ve been worth it if a relationship was established for future work. All in all I still think you made the right choice just subbed to your channel. Love your hat.

[@Semesem_]

You are absolutely right, there’s always the chance a strong relationship could develop. But, in my experience, this type of project isn’t the best way to start building trust. But I also believe that’s just because I’ve been doing this awhile, more times than not for someone just starting out, testing the waters and saying yes to something like this could be a good launching pad for future jobs. Thanks for the input

[@juliustubbsDP]

Great video. It definitely be like that sometimes.

[@Semesem_]

Thankfully it’s not all the time

[@juliustubbsDP]

It amazes me how it can be like that with big name people. It’s like the bigger the name the cheaper they are lol

[@1man1vision]

We all usually get the long paragraph proposals from clients but it always misses one important thing… the budget lmao

[@Semesem_]

The one thing I’ll never forget lol

[@GoldLynxMedia]

This is exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you for sharing that and being a consummate professional bro 🫡

[@Semesem_]

I’m trying! It’s all about boundaries and setting the right tone.

[@Framesbyfrisby]

Shhheeeshhh facts!!! I put myself in some horrible situations!

[@Semesem_]

I never knew it was a terrible deal until I started the post production. Then I wanted to pull my hair out. Picky on every shot, complain about everything, multiple revisions. I can see it coming now

[@stelzalol]

Would have been a hell no from me as well.

[@Semesem_]

😂😂

[@arroyo_visuals]

Yessssss!!! I have learned to say no. I have learned to look at 🚩 even before I come to terms.

[@Semesem_]

I always wait for terms because I want to make them feel heard. They might not be ideal now but they can always be different the next time around

[@MrJamesle1988]

HAAIIILLLLL NO! Come on Neutrogena. The next day? Sometimes the audacity is still shocking. That's an iPhone budget. like iPhone 10, 1080p

[@Semesem_]

That's an iPhone budget alright, and some of these guys need to learn that.

[@Qthabarber543]

I just dealt with a very difficult client. Wish I had never done the job. This client didn’t want me to edit without them being present. Never in my life have I ever edited a video with the client there.

[@Semesem_]

It can definitely be a frustrating experience when a client doesn't trust your expertise.

[@jake2eproductions]

Great video

[@Semesem_]

@@jake2eproductions I appreciate that thank you

[@manilamartin1001]

Thanks for the video. Unfortunately, we have all been in that situation.

[@Semesem_]

I know it's rough!

[@EddieWoodsRemnantOutreach]

Yeah that is definitely frustrating. The project itself with all those deliverables and bringing a crew is closer to 10K. But then doing a NDA that you can't say anything ever and giving them ownership, that is definitely in the 5 figure range of budget.

[@EddieWoodsRemnantOutreach]

And that short turnaround is and additional fee. You did the right thing turning this down man. Everything is not good.

[@Semesem_]

Yeah those two parameters changed the price by a lot

[@Cross_Vision_Media]

Great video!

[@Semesem_]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@corvidentertainment]

real talk 💥

[@Semesem_]

🙏🏾

[@AlessandroKarijowiredjo]

I have been saying NO to a lot of projects lately

[@Semesem_]

Brings you closer to your yes

[@robmcd]

With that kind of budget and scope you probably were never going to see that second payment.

[@Semesem_]

😂😂😂😂

[@JesusPursuit]

👍👍.. also where did you get your hat??

[@Semesem_]

@@JesusPursuit @manOfGodBrand on Instagram

[@Balnaldybad]

Yes agree 👍 that’s crazy Bigger names got low money for others except themselves…

[@Semesem_]

It’s really bizarre how you’d expect certain brands or names to carry bigger budgets but they don’t. Some will feel they are helping you out just from the collaboration . But when there’s an NDA all that goes out the window

[@BEYONDIMAGES-AI]

I agree with you 100%

[@Semesem_]

🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@Believermike]

“Money will find you if you’re out there building your brand”

[@Semesem_]

The brand is the blood of the business for real

[@candyartstv]

It seems like whoever you’re dealing with is acting as a middleman or agent. The real budget is probably closer to 10, 15, or even 20k. The stipulations about handing over all the raw footage and not promoting yourself are likely in place to prevent the actual client from discovering that you’re the one who did all the work.

[@Semesem_]

That’s a good point.

[@emmanuelpetithomme5586]

Bro honestly I wouldn’t do that for less than 10k.

[@Semesem_]

It definitely depends on the scope of the project, but 10k sounds fair for some gigs!

[@emmanuelpetithomme5586]

With clients like that you charge a headache fee for sure my guy. We have been doing this for so long that you could smell trouble. So 10k is actually my starting point for clients like that honestly. My mentor taught charge double for what you think will hurt you or you really don’t want to do lol if they say no you win if they say yes you win. Plus all right ? 2k never