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An Interesting Freelance offer, need advice!

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JAHrig
Posts: 738 - Karma: 2,649
So I was just offered a job filming campaign ads for a certain political party member. It definitely pays well, and I am in need of the money for school and ski season coming up. But basically this person seems to be a pretty extreme member of the said political party, and I am really quite opposite in my views. I feel like I will take the job for the money, but then a part of me feels weird doing so just because the views expressed are ones that I really dont support. Not sure If I should feel this as an issue, but I was just curious about how all of you would feel about that?

Also on another note, I have just recently broken into the game of actually being paid for my work, and he is asking me for an estimate on my work. For any of you other freelancers out there, what is a normal hourly rate, or packaged rate you use when working with clients. I have an idea what to ask for, but I figured I would check around as well. Thanks for any help in advance!
Jul 27 2012 11:58PM
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TWoods
Posts: 10014 - Karma: 8,385
It's really up to you man, if you feel like you can't do it, then say no. If you really need the money and it's not THAT much an issue, say yes. It's totally about how you feel about it and your conscience.

Personally, there's a long list of reasons I wouldn't work for someone, be it political reasons or be it that they are just a douchebag. I refuse to work for people with a crappy product to begin with, and I'll tell them why I don't want to work for them if that's the case.

As for daily rate, I can't really speak for video, but I won't turn on my computer for less than 30 dollars an hour, basically. When you're starting out, you need to build good work to get more work, but try and make it worth your while. Hopefully someone who knows video can be more specific price wise.
Jul 28 2012 12:45AM
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Thom.Yorke
Posts: 19 - Karma: 10
For video, I would just do a flat rate if it's your first time.

I wouldn't judge them on solely on their political views. Meet with them in person so that you can get a good sense of character, if they are respectful, honest, friendly, etc.

If they are good people (despite the things they are promoting), then I would do business with them no problem. I have always wanted to try and be a propagandist, at least a couple times. It should be a very interesting experience for you.

Judging by the fact that you haven't specified in their political beliefs, I'm assuming they are severe.
Jul 28 2012 1:28AM
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WillStart
Posts: 3955 - Karma: 3,192
If you feel it will affect the product, don't do it.


For example, and this is a somewhat extreme example but it will get my point across, if somebody asked me to make a similar video and they openly took racist and/or homophobic stances, I would have a hard time putting together a product that would be satisfactory to them and in alignment with their own opinions. Part of being a professional is being able to take on a project that you might not be 100% stoked on and give it your all regardless, but at a certain point that just isn't possible, especially when it comes to things such as political views, personal opinions, etc.
Jul 28 2012 1:44AM
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JAHrig
Posts: 738 - Karma: 2,649
Yes I think me not saying anything specific may have came off as extreme, I just dont really want to specify in detail, because in the end the specifics dont matter. They are definitely good people who mean well im sure. Just definitely on the opposite side of the political spectrum. Thats all that really matters. If it were something that I found completely morally wrong I would definitely not do it, I would just feel weird If my work helped someone I didnt exactly support be elected or something Is the main thing I am thinking! Just wanted to hear what others had to say if they were in a similar conflict of interest.
Jul 28 2012 1:50AM
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JAHrig
Posts: 738 - Karma: 2,649
Yeah for sure, I agree with you if it turns out to be anything very extreme like your examples I would be out. I still have yet to meet officially with this person, I just know for sure that he is a member of the party that I do not support. I will have to make that call whether I can give it 100 percent when I know the specific content of what I will be making, but I would like to try to make it work if possible.
Jul 28 2012 1:52AM
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Jeff_Lo
Posts: 5809 - Karma: 263
Personally for work I'd shoot anything if I don't have paying work to shoot during that time of the year, except for porn.

I think its important on most jobs to separate yourself personally from it to keep it more professional. For example, I love skiing but getting to work on other professional projects has shown me that I can enjoy shooting all around most of the time. Even if you have a different political view set I don't think it should stop you from taking a job if its going to pay. What other jobs are knocking on the door? It gives you room to grow as a person professionally(work speaking) and personally (as taking a chance to step back and take a job and learn something and learn how to work with people with differing views and opinions).

There are jobs I turn down for not enough money but it really depends on what your camera is too. You need to find the market rate for a rental on your camera gear, and really figure out what workload you can handle and how fast you can finish the job. What post work you will be doing. It's hard to get rates from people because it really can vary from job to job. I have rates for skiing and rates for other gigs. I love skiing and know the budget is lower so a take a bit of a cut to do it. But I also try to take plenty of other jobs such as concerts.

Depending on your skill I'd charge a 3 day/week rental rate. Probably slightly less than a rental unless you have killer gear. Then charge a day rate depending on your experience. For post production I do a day rate rather than a flat rate because of the numbers of days you can take. Say you give them a flat rate and they're not happy with the first draft, then you gotta put in an extra 4 days of work...your hosed and won't get paid for those days.

Just my 2 cents...
Jul 28 2012 1:28PM
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