Enjoyed the Archiving and Formatting Stories
Really appreciated the article [March 2009 issue] on Video Media Archiving by Robert Nulph. This kind of detail on practical matters is why I subscribe to Videomaker. Nice article in the same issue on Format Terminology by Kyle Cassidy, too. Always like to see good articles on format technology to help keep straight on the range of options (old to new to future).
Jim, Videomaker Reader
Grid Before my Eyes!
I read the article in March 09 issue on the rule of thirds. I thought I was getting a little daffy when I realized that I was looking at situations around me and was thinking about placement and content, the rule of thirds. The author, Kyle Cassidy, stated in the article that this is what will happen as you get into the craft. I especially like to watch Fringe and Lie To Me (Fox TV) for their style and production. I learn a lot from dissecting the shows.
I am drafting this for my latest training video… “How to use the Hytorc hydraulic actuated torque tool when assembling the missile shield tie rods”.
William Hinton
FPLE Seabrook station, Seabrook, NH
Contract Advice
We often get Letters to the Editor about a very hot topic: video-for-hire and contracts. How are you paid, when you’re stuck with a deadbeat client? Where can you turn? We’ve been monitoring a recent thread in our forums on this subject and thought we’d share it with our readers. Our forums are supported by a large video producing community. Below follows some good advice from those producers.
-The Editors
Get it in Writing
I’ve been asked by a local business to produce a television commercial. This is actually going to be my second commercial. The first I did by gentleman’s agreement’ which, fortunately worked out. But going forward, I want to do things in a more professional manner. Is there somewhere I can view an agreement online to get an idea of what to include in mine? Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Grinner
Videomaker Forums Member
Get a contract, get what you will do, get what their compensation is for the advertising, in WRITING. Get them to sign it. Two copies, one for you, one for them. Then it is legally binding. My first couple of advertising commercials I did I just Googled advertising contract, copied it and doctored it up to my specs in word and had them sign something. If they don’t pay, you have something in writing.
Johnboy
Videomaker Forums Member
Gentleman’s agreements are for honest people. That’s a trust factor that doesn’t apply to making money. Get a contract. Pay strict attention to details, including theirs.
composite1
Videomaker Forums Member
Contract! Contract! Contract! Always get it in writing! Only a person who is begging for trouble will work without one. At the barest minimum, submit a proposal outlining the proposed cost of creating the work and a rough time-frame of how long it will take to do it. Proposals are looser than contracts, but just as binding when accepted. Actually, submitting a written proposal and after acceptance bind the deal with a contract nailing down all the approved specifics is better. However, you’re going to run into clients that will prefer to roll with a proposal or contract or both! Really crazy but don’t overlook that information submitted via an email can be considered a proposal/contract! So, be very careful and clear about what you put in your correspondence with potential clients.
Videomaker Forums Member
We encourage all Videomaker readers to check the forums when they have questions. Although we try, the Videomaker editors themselves can’t always reply to the many questions on technical or technique issues within the pages of our magazine. However, our forums have close to 12,000 members, all willing to offer advice in their field.
-The Editors
Correction:
Our eagle-eyed reader, Tom Terrific’ caught a numerical error in the March 2009 issue that might cause a bit of confusion to some readers. On page 33 of the Tutorial “Using Loops to Create Original Music”, by Jeff Sengstack, we posted a Web Link for readers to Jeff’s video demonstration. We added an extra 1′ in front of the record search number, 14205. If readers tried to find that video, they were directed to a blank page on our website. If you try to open that misdirected number now, you will find Jeff’s tutorial. Tom adds that he enjoyed the tutorial, we hope you do, too.
-The Editors
Side Bar
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