Working in Film? Beware These Red Flags

Yikes... That's a lot. This video should definitely not be taken as a "Don't ever apply for this job" it's more of a tread carefully. That is except for things like businesses wanting you to work for free... which is very clear you shouldn't take. Leave your suggestions below! :D
Hope you got something from this video and if you have any ideas of things that you want to see in a video, leave a comment below and let me know!
LINK OF THE WEEK: Apologies for not mentioning this one in the video, it completely slipped my mind and I didn't realise until late into editing.
I wanted to direct you to Message Stick Walk. Alwyn Doolan is a proud Gooreng Gooreng/Wakka Wakka man. He WALKED over 8000km from Northern Queensland to Canberra (via Victoria and Tasmania... so the long way around!) to visit communities and to deliver three Message Sticks to the Australian Federal Government. I am going to link to an article co-written by Alwyn which describes what a Message Stick is but the Message Sticks are an acknowledgement of the need to start discussion around reconciliation and healing. Please check out his story and look into what he's done. He deserves all the support in the world. Australia is the only Commonwealth country WITHOUT a signed treaty. To this day there is no treaty, no meaningful steps to reconciliation. I urge you to read up on everything discussed here, it's very important.
What is a Message Stick: bit.ly/whatare...
Message Stick Walk: / mswalkk
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[@flickcine]

LINK OF THE WEEK: Apologies for not mentioning this one in the video, it completely slipped my mind and I didn't realise until late into editing. I wanted to direct you to Message Stick Walk. Alwyn Doolan is a proud Gooreng Gooreng/Wakka Wakka man. He WALKED over 8000km from Northern Queensland to Canberra (via Victoria and Tasmania... so the long way around!) to visit communities and to deliver three Message Sticks to the Australian Federal Government. I am going to link to an article co-written by Alwyn which describes what a Message Stick is but the Message Sticks are an acknowledgement of the need to start discussion around reconciliation and healing. Please check out his story and look into what he's done. He deserves all the support in the world. Australia is the only Commonwealth country WITHOUT a signed treaty. To this day there is no treaty, no meaningful steps to reconciliation. I urge you to read up on everything discussed here, it's very important. What is a Message Stick: bit.ly/whataremessagesticks Message Stick Walk: facebook.com/mswalkk

[@ChrisSpeddings]

Always get a contract, whatever the job, even if they are a friend or family member. I learned this the hard way, I was meant to shoot a band as an additional camera operator so I traveled 4 hours the day before the shoot and the band cancelled that night. I manged to cover the cost of travel however, it taught me that you should always have a cancellation clause in a contract to cover freelance jobs. It also is a way to cover your back as a freelancer with issues regarding what you are doing for the job. It means the client cannot exploit you to get more than what you agreed to do. Having everything in writing is vital, and if a client refuses to sign or even discuss a reasonable and balanced contract its probably a sign that maybe they are not the best person to work with.

[@NatesFilmTutorials]

Admiral Ackbar has joined the chat

[@TheOzTurkish]

"Tight schedules/deadlines" unplanned and unorganised, will throw you extra crap at short notice or want 1000001 changes at the last minute/make complex changes on the fly

[@ricklord7144]

Oh My Stars!!! That was great! I have been hit with absolutely everyone of those gimmick hiring teases. I have over 100K in gear and 35 plus years experience. All of my gear either sits on the truck or tucked away in the shop. Without proper and fair compensation, that's where it sits! I have lost many a friend for my unwillingness to work on their so-called PASSION PROJECTS! Screw that! Best message ever! Thumbs up, Felicia!

[@VFXforfilm]

And those reasons are why I went into VFX. Now I get paid good money to do VFX/Comp work on Netflix/HBO shows. Filmmakers are bitter and competitive militant not to mention inherently narcissistic. If I wanted to join the Army... I would have joined the Army. Millions of privates wanting to be commander in chief. Great video!

[@geoffreybassett6741]

"Millions of privates wanting to be commander in chief." Exactly!

[@joelmulder]

Started a job as a video editor and camera operator 2 weeks ago. For the last 2 weeks I’ve made about half a dozen animations and motion graphics, and barely edited a single video... I’m so tired of these companies wanting their employees to ‘wear multiple hats’. Edit 2 months in: I’ve managed to make clear I’m not a motion graphics designer and really only want to do basic edits to existing stuff. I think they got the point after a few weeks. Now I mostly do editing, although there’s a lot of downtime. Barely gotten to do any camera work yet, since they like hiring studios with dedicated camera operators. Been trying very hard to convince them to buy some decent cameras and start shooting more themselves.

[@eyeballbilly]

Never just lend out gear to anyone. If they want your gear they have to hire you with it. If you’re doing a freebie it’s your prerogative if you bring your gear with you or not. Also if you shoot footage for someone with your camera on your recording media make sure the producer gives you a hard drive to download the footage onto. Explain to them that you do not keep a spare recording of the shoot and that the cards in camera are yours and that the second the files have been downloaded and checked all responsibility for the footage rests on the producers shoulders and that they should make a duplicate recording ASAP.

[@IMDABROWN]

Also the flirtations inappropriate dialog during negotiations

[@christ08e]

Support !! from a Hong Kong camera op

[@danielkeegan7238]

Big fan of your video's! I'm a second AC from Ireland :) Keep making these tip videos

[@flickcine]

Thanks for watching, Daniel!

[@TheOzTurkish]

There's a company here in Adelaide looking for a producer/videographer/editor to make tv and radio commercials, must be proficient in DSLR's, lighting, recording audio, sourcing talent, directing talent, developing scripts and concepts, editing video, editing audio, colour grading, Photoshop for print media, after effects for graphics. All has to be Australia broadcast standard as well so minimum 2 years experience in broadcast advertising... Oh and experience with a drone, so a casa license.....

[@flickcine]

😲😤 the sad thing is... They'll get someone to work for them. So infuriating seeing those job ads. 🤦‍♀️

[@TheOzTurkish]

@@flickcine I mean it's not like we don't have 30 odd production companies here they could contract to do it all for them and crate more work.... It's infuriating for sure, there's more money in music videos here then advertising at the moment

[@TheOzTurkish]

@PRIVATE dont get me wrong, I'd be more then happy to do it, if they pay me for the 6 different roles. Hut they're not, and they wont...

[@jazz0478]

As someone that is just starting I think I’ve already seen at least half of these already, This was a really useful video thanks!

[@darkknightwithanidea1845]

All these great points - think Alec Baldwin & his producers on RUST! Want cheap crew, use and abuse & suddenly BOOM. Dead & injured crew … like be the armourer & also have another role. Sorry What? Multi tasking.. BS.

[@robertharker]

Sucker, I mean volunteer... Great video Flick! I know you discourage working for free but this for most people how they get started. When working for free focus on what you personally will get out of volunteering. A new skill, more experience with the basics of your craft, experience on a set, working on something you believe in, something for your reel, etc. When working for free it is important to put limits on what you are willing to do. "I am willing to work two 10 hour days." "I am willing to provide X number of hours editing your project." You can always agree to work longer towards the end of the day. But you have the option to leave. The same if the edit takes longer than expected. But if the director keeps wanting more and more edits, effects, color corrections you can say this is the last edit and stop. A common abuse of free labor is to use people longer, harder than they are willing go give for free. The director, producer, cinematographer is focused on their project. They want to get every thing done with no consideration about the crew. "Please guys/gals, just one more shot" for the 5th time. Give yourself an out by putting limits on how much time you are willing to give for free before you start. If the other person does not like it, they can find someone else😁,

[@vicious12394]

Lol you mean like how people want a cameraman, editor, graphics designer, illustrator, web designer and social media campaigns manager all for £150. Oh and they are expecting you to turn up with a Red.

[@eyeballbilly]

Even if you’re doing a freebie for a friend if u have to travel a fair way make sure they give you some sort of petrol money. Also if you’re doing a freebie for a mate give the AD a set time you’re definitely leaving by.

[@hiyorisarugaki1830]

No wonder there was so much abuse in Hollywood. The type of people film attracts seem to be highly selfish narcissistic weirdos I did my first micro film last month. most of my friends (who have no intrest in film) Moved all my gear for me, helped me setup each scene and acted in it for free, then asked when i want to shoot another one.

[@eyeballbilly]

@@hiyorisarugaki1830 it’s more the fact that you’ll should set limits around your freebie work. Not everyone does it because they are being super nice and altruistic, that’s naive, everyone does something for a reason, like maybe they just want a new experience or to have some fun or to network or as something to put on their CV. Nothing wrong with that but if you do free work at least be fed properly and be allowed to return home at a reasonable time and not feel like you’re being taken advantage of. By the way there are plenty of nice people In Hollywood I’m sure.

[@Holtenstein]

Oh, man. You should check out the film job listings here in LA. Racist and sexist it's amazing!

[@godboy159]

I consider you young compared to me. Given this fact you are most likely more experienced and better at this work than I making your point not work in this scenario. Wanting someone on the team that is young and energetic or what ever to me means I would want talented and driven people that haven't already killed themselves in the industry causing them to be jaded and not really passionate. Just doing a job. I see nothing wrong with this regardless if it's agist or not. I might not want to work with someone that's 60, or I may not want to work with someone that is 18. . So one can either just go through the job application process and weed the people out they want. OR save time and just put it in the add so you don't have to waste hours and hours of yours and the person going out for the jobs time. People are waaaaaaaay too sensitive. Most of the rest just sounds like common knowledge to me. I can take responsibility if I get myself into a situation I don't like. I mean, I've known a lot of people that go out for a job, they are then informed of the fine print and they still take the job because they want the job even though there were some things that they totally disagreed with. Personally I feel like that person isn't taking responsibility for their own actions and instead try to force organizations through guilt how they should run their business because they are timid or weak.

[@robertharker]

Great advice. All real pitfalls that will mean less money for you. Great video!

[@jonathanjones4566]

When you're told that being 30 minutes early is "on time" ask to be paid for that time and see what answer you get.

[@oleschreiterdopac696]

I think EVERYONE has done this mistakes. Very good video

[@najadadavis]

I can see how you can easily go on a rant for with these 🤣 love this because all of the good ones are on one video. I have encountered a lot of these and would send it to anyone getting into this field. Giving them some foresight. :) 🙏🏾🙏🏾🥰🔥🔥

[@hiyorisarugaki1830]

What if you want a camera man? lol Rename this video, how to remain unemployed.

[@themattmasson]

Hey Felicia. Really appreciate all your videos. Thank you for sharing so openly.

[@muctarr1847]

You Nailed everything

[@jamesandcamera]

This "can" be why working for a company as staff is a good idea. Get paid WAY less per day but at least there is laws companies have to abide by if you are staff (minimum wage, overtime, regular hours, usually they provide the kit).

[@sebp400]

that's what unions are for in film.

[@basildon5263]

Sage advice. The one thing I still hear after many years is "We'll give you a credit". This includes from established broadcasters. My reactions can be "Are you working for a credit?" and " Can I eat credit?"

[@MadDogGiraffe]

Thanks Felicia, too much of that rings a bell. Great advise.

[@davidspiers6638]

Love how "Flexible Hours" is only deemed flexible by the employer/ client. They don't ever allow you any flexibility.

[@donjreyoung]

Can you PLEASE post the rant takes??!!!

[@patronise]

Super thorough job.

[@ry2456]

This all applies to most jobs. Great video. I only do photography as a hobby, but these concepts apply everywhere.

[@matrixxhunter]

Admiral Ackbar would be proud! Unless we are talking EDM then trap sucks stay far away from trap!

[@AlanaTomcat]

Love it! Thanks for making this... I'll definitely be sharing with any newbies!

[@WolfFusionTrailers]

That's very helpful! Thanks! Look forward to the next!! 😃

[@NatesFilmTutorials]

Great video Felicia!

[@stevenkralovec]

Thanks for this! So good!

[@SAfanasyev]

Thanks for sharing!

[@MaddyJayde]

this gives me serious starnow flashbacks lmao the amount of times people would write "a cameraman who blah blah, he will be the person who blah" is just immediately like ... welp this job aint for me.

[@hiyorisarugaki1830]

FFS get a grip. im sure they are not targeting only men, its just general speech. You know exactly what they mean, yet your childish morally correct self had to be a knobhead. I bet you cry when you hear "Mankind."

[@Ranger7Studios]

Great advice!

[@meirchaimo6960]

Appreciate the tips!!

[@Kiwiphotog01]

Client wants stock footage for various uses, but no shot list, no guidance, = avoid.