Web Content is all the rage. And with so many opportunities for on camera work comes even more opportunities to be put in awkward situations. When should you get paid? How much? What level of professionalism should you expect when you do work for free? It’s scary out there.
Here are some tips on when you should work for free, and what is ok to demand from the small but mighty productions. Even union jobs can be non paying, so here are some things to consider when taking a non paid gig.
- Will this advance me professionally?
Will their project lead somewhere? Will you meet people in the area of your career goals? Sometimes the biggest pay off is who you know. When you do a good job on a small gig, that makes people consider you for the big stuff that comes their way. You know, the paid stuff.
- What kind of exposure will this give me?
Is this group an internet sensation? It’s a number game, and stats count. So if this project will bring you the stats you dream of. Why not? People buy stats, maybe working for them isn’t so bad.
- The role I was born to play.
It takes just one role to blast you to the top. Could that role be unpaid? Maybe. If the role screams to you, why not take a chance, great roles don’t come around everyday.
- More work.
Is this a teaser for investors? Well, you got a chance to prove to them you are born for this role and that you are right where you need to be when sponsors start rolling in.
- Team work.
Favors. It’s awesome just to build your tribe. Now I’m not going to lie. You will get burned once or many times working for “friendships” in Los Angeles. Then one day, the sky will clear, and rays of sunshine will rain down on you, because you finally found your people. That my dears, is priceless.
The most important thing to remember is that you must value yourself. Be selfish. Look out for your interests. Don’t get lost in someone else’s career goals. Know yours, know what your about and find the things that head in that direction. Sometimes that may mean taking a pay cut to be active in the scene, but being there is the important part. You will be remembered for the work you do, not how much it cost.