Why Contracts Are Always Necessary for Video Work
But I just had an incident that swiftly spiralled out of control because I didn't have a contract in place. Here's a story you need to hear if you work with clients as a videographer or filmmaker:
Be Wary of Free Video Work Offers
I'm a journalist for a neighbourhood paper on the Westside of Los Angeles. My primary source of revenue has always been freelance writing, but occasionally I dabble in film work to add value for interview subjects and businesses who could benefit from the marketing. My editor at the newspaper put me on an assignment for a nearby franchise restaurant that was reopening following a protracted period of inactivity due to COVID-19 after we spoke.
I called the contact, scheduled an interview, and met them a few days later at the location. The interview wasn't really interesting; we discussed the restaurant's closure, the improvements they did to comply with COVID-19 regulations, and new menu additions.
The Leader I was speaking to asked me when the piece would be published as soon as the interview was completed. When I informed him that it typically takes a week, he immediately looked over at his assistant and inquired about additional marketing initiatives they might do to promote their relaunch. She shrugged and shook her head.
When they were preparing to reopen, they were seeking for something entertaining and engaging to draw in more customers rather than other strategies and the new piece. Being the independent contractor that I am, I immediately recognised this as a chance to land a new customer.
They were a significant franchise, after all, with additional locations around the nation. If I can make them a cool advertisement for nothing, maybe they'll be more likely to hire me for subsequent ads, I reasoned to myself. In my mind, it was a win-win situation in which I would establish my value up front and gain their trust in exchange for future work while they received a free internet video advertisement.
After some contemplation, I chimed in and offered my assistance. They would tag my business on social media in return for me shooting a free 30-second ad for them, which would help me get more visibility. The plan was well received by the CEO and his assistant, and we all agreed. Sadly, what transpired next perfectly illustrates why you should avoid offering free work, especially if you don't have anything confirmed in writing.
They will take a mile if you give them an inch.
The original plan was for me to visit the mock dinner service of the restaurant, record a fast video commercial of that evening, edit the film at home, and then give it to them so they could share it the morning of their actual debut date. But once they had me in their possession, they began to treat me like a slave.
The assistant called me the next day and asked if I would come to another location of theirs across town to film food in order to make the pretend dinner service less chaotic. I recognised right away that this was outside the parameters of what we had previously agreed upon, but because I'm a patient guy, I went along with it.
After that, I spent the next five hours racing about the kitchen and taking a tonne of pictures of food being served to some employees who volunteered to act as extras. After we were done, I informed them that I had more than enough material to create an attractive advertisement for them, but they demanded that I attend the mock service to capture people in motion and guests arriving.
Even though I was hesitant, I agreed to go. They also kept giving me complimentary meals, which is another indication that you're being propositioned. I went home, edited the video, and handed them a top-notch advertisement, which they proceeded to use on their Instagram account the same day, despite the pit I had in my stomach (which might have been caused by the meal).
Funny enough, when they posted it, they forgot to tag us, so I had to message the account to remind them to do that. It took a lot of work, but I made an effort to remain optimistic.
How Fast People Forget Their Location
The CEO is getting ready for the night at the front of the home when I show up for the mock service two days later. At first, he's kind, but then he starts telling my business partner and I to tour the area and take pictures.
We sort of chuckle and exchange glances, but we make an effort not to take it too seriously. After all, we were there to assist them have a strong opening since people get worried up. But all of a sudden, the guy's demeanour deteriorated. He directed us once more to shoot a certain photograph of the dining room alone.
Employees kept entering the frame and interfering as we set up our equipment to snap his picture. About ten minutes into this, the CEO hurried back into the dining room and ordered at us to snap the picture right away. Again, we smiled and pondered how this client could forget his role in our arrangement so easily.
He was acting as if he had hired us even though we had come to serve them for free. Once more, if a proper contract had been in place, this type of behaviour could have been dealt with ease, but the hazy boundaries made it simple for people to step over into negative behaviour.
The Boss was yelling at us to complete jobs that we hadn't been hired or promised to complete, and eventually the night came to a head when we were instructed to film a celebrity who attended the event.
Without a contract in place, people will try to strongarm you
A well-known celebrity visited the restaurant at the end of the evening, so the CEO of course wanted us to take pictures of them.
Fortunately, the celebrity agreed and we were able to capture some really fantastic footage of them promoting the restaurant. When we were done, we made an effort to keep the client happy and simply fulfil our commitment. Overall, they were pleased with the outcome and believed that the following advertisement I produced for them will be outstanding based on the first day's shoot. We then started editing once we got home.
We sent them some excellent advertising after a short while, which they loved and displayed on their website. Though they forgot to tag us once more, and I had to remind them, overall, we delivered and they were content—or so we thought.
A few days later, the assistant sent me an email requesting for the celebrity's raw video so they could utilise it for other commercials. Naturally, we were pleased to comply, but since this request went beyond the scope of our original agreement, I requested that she pay us a charge for the extra film.
According to industry norms, many videographers won't give clients access to raw material, but if she was prepared to pay for it, I didn't mind giving it to her. She instantly responded to my request by writing me the following message:
"We have the exclusive rights to the footage because it was recorded on our property, so you must provide it to us. You have no right to compensation. Tell us how to receive the footage from you as soon as possible, if possible."
I was perplexed. Any Google search will inform you that, without a contract, the videographer has full rights to any material taken. The assistant was obviously in the wrong, but more significantly, by not having something in writing beforehand, I had put myself in a lot of avoidable trouble.
When she responded, we agreed via email to give her all the raw material in exchange for a few hundred dollars. I promptly emailed her back and explained why I couldn't provide the footage to her. In the end, I had no purpose for the film and it was very obvious that I wouldn't want to work with this client again.
I met with them at their corporate office the following day and gave them the cards. To ensure that there was no misunderstanding regarding the footage moving forward, I also typed up an agreement detailing the purchase and made sure we both signed it. learnt lesson
You Don't Have to Stress About Contracts With Fiverr
Despite the fact that the entire situation went horribly wrong, I came away from it having a better understanding of what contracts can do for both parties.
You must have procedures in place to safeguard yourself at all times if you work as a freelancer. The most important thing is that your clients understand the value you offer to them and that you aren't put in a position where you're being taken advantage of. Fortunately, Fiverr's site includes contracts that are always designed with your best interests in mind.
For instance, clients are already aware of what to anticipate from you as a creative when you secure film job through Fiverr. Additionally, Fiverr has a mechanism in place to make sure you are paid on time and that clients aren't expecting more from you than what was first agreed. The agreement lays out everything, so you may concentrate on accomplishing important work.
When it comes to video work, try to reserve your good actions for family and friends. I know it seems lovely to try and do good things for people. Always have a contract in place with clients to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Tags
fiverr website,
fiverr work,
freelance marketplace,
find freelancers,
fiverr create account,
fiverr login,
fiverr jobs,
fiverr logo design,
web freelancer,
freelance designer,
fiverr freelance,
fiverr app,
logo freelancer,
fiverr business,