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I agree with you Mark, the industry is now overflowing with people who actually believe Producers or Production Houses when they're told how poor they are, and there's simply not enough ££ to pay adequately, the daily rate or something of that description.
But i should mention here that it is not not just make up people who are being shafted, this BS is endemic in production and location depts too. As a LM (which is an HOD position, as is head of m-up..) i am being asked to work god knows how many hours above the legal limit, for the now typical figure of around £500 a week. Often with little run up time and expected to source locations and then Loc manage a shoot on my own. This will (and always does) involve a 7 day week, 14 hours a day etc etc...leaving me earning less than the NMW by the time i finally get my invoice paid.
I don't know who arrived at such a price for my thankless field of the business, but i will say this, do not work for free, expenses or the dreaded deferred nonsense. Stick to your guns and principles and to all skilled people in this industry, have some self respect and learn to say no. Eventually you will be employed by someone who has had enough of inexperienced people who need to do a few freebies to get off the mark before being invited on 'paid shoots'..Its only fair and it's illegal to employ anyone on less than the NMW, so why any different in this industry.
Write and complain to Tessa Jowell's office, they are responsible for regulating this industry, and report non payers to Bectu or other media regulators.
Not untill everyone in this business says no to no pay, will all of us collectively see a change in fees and attitudes and the damn law. Too many are opting for the no paying shoots in bump up their CV's in the hope of 'the next job'...it's BS and you won't make a living by adopting that stategy.
why should the 1st / gaffer / sparks / grips / camera crews get paid the daily rate and you and i get shafted for half their fees? Because you and i are considered 'extra expense, and can be sourced cheaper than the above. i can give you examples, but you don't need them..With locations theres nowhere to film, without m-up, costume etc etc the actors look ****...It takes a group of people to make a film and we should all be paid equally for our respective skills.
Say no, and don't listen to this **** anymore, or we are all consigned to reality TV forever..
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